Austin: Morning Walk Downtown, Driskill Hotel & Jo’s Coffee

Summary

Austin morning walk tour with coffee stop and driskill stories

You’ll start your Austin morning walk with coffee and a smile—enjoy breakfast savings at Jo’s Coffee before strolling downtown with a local storyteller guide. Hear quirky history by Willie Nelson’s statue, step inside the Driskill Hotel, and pause for music legends and old photos along Congress Avenue. You’ll leave feeling part of Austin’s rhythm—even if you still can’t pronounce “queso” right.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake before 9am, but something about meeting outside Jo’s Coffee in the 2nd Street District made it easy. The smell of fresh espresso drifted out every time someone opened the door—kind of impossible to resist. I flashed my phone for the morning walk discount (20% off breakfast is no joke when you’re hungry) and sat on the curb with a warm cup while our guide, Ben, waved us over. He wore a Willie Nelson shirt and grinned like he’d already had three coffees himself.

We started slow, just wandering past those indie shops and early risers on their bikes. Ben kept tossing out little facts about Austin—like how this whole area used to be railroad tracks—and pointed out where to find real tacos later. I tried to say “breakfast taco” in Spanish and totally butchered it; Ben just laughed and said most locals would forgive me if I ordered two. The city felt different in the morning—quieter, but also kind of buzzing under the surface.

Stopping at Willie Nelson’s statue was weirdly moving. There was this moment where Ben played a clip from Austin City Limits on his phone (the sound was tinny but somehow perfect), and suddenly all these stories about music here made sense. We ducked into the Driskill Hotel lobby next—it smells like old leather and polished wood, honestly—and Ben showed us faded photos from when Congress Avenue looked nothing like today. I caught myself running my hand along the banister just because it felt solid and cool.

There were lots of little pauses as we walked up Congress Avenue—sometimes Ben would stop mid-sentence to point out a mural or share some random story about the Speakeasy Tavern’s old telephone company days. It wasn’t rushed at all; more like hanging out with someone who loves their city enough to want you to love it too. By the end I felt like I could wander downtown solo and not feel lost—or maybe just come back for another coffee tomorrow. Still thinking about that first sip outside Jo’s.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning walk and Austin highlights

• Meet at Jo's Coffee for breakfast
• See Willie Nelson statue at Moody Theater
• Explore 2nd Street District
• Stroll up Congress Avenue with photo stops
• Pass by Speakeasy Tavern and learn history
• Tour Driskill Hotel lobby and lounge
• Discover popular live music spots
• Find new downtown Austin places to explore

Top questions

How long is the Austin morning walk tour?

The tour lasts between 75-90 minutes at an easy pace.

Where does the morning walk start?

The tour begins at Jo’s Coffee on 242 W. 2nd Street in downtown Austin.

Is breakfast included in the tour price?

No, but you get 20% off your breakfast order at Jo’s Coffee by showing proof of your tour purchase that day.

What are some highlights of this Austin walking tour?

You’ll visit 2nd Street District, see Willie Nelson’s statue, enter the Driskill Hotel lobby, and stroll Congress Avenue with a guide sharing local stories.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, children ages 10 and under have a reduced rate; infants can join in strollers or prams.

Do I need to be very fit for this walking tour?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended since it involves about 75-90 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace.

Are there public transport options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point on 2nd Street.

Does this Austin tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Jo’s Coffee downtown.

What’s included

Your morning includes a guided small group walk through downtown Austin led by a professional storyteller guide, entry into the historic Driskill Hotel lobby, plus an exclusive 20% discount on your breakfast order at Jo's Coffee when you show proof of your Morning Walk booking that day.