Travelers headed to Austin, the Live Music Capital of Texas, will want to make a quick jaunt across Lady Bird Lake to South Congress Avenue, or SoCo. This pedestrian-friendly strip is home to some of Austin’s most iconic experiences, like its murals and many places to eat and shop. You might be in town for one of the music festivals, like October’s Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park. The SXSW Festival is another big draw in March. Or maybe you want to check out Austin’s vibe for a possible move. Whatever the reason, Austin is friendly, sunny and welcoming of all. There are the best things to do on South Congress Austin.
15 Best Things to Do on South Congress Austin
Walk along South Congress Ave.
See the Bats
Grab a Pic of the Neon The Austin Motel sign
I Love You So Much Mural
The Willie for President Mural
Stop by the Big Top Candy Shop
Smell the Leather at Allen’s Boots
Go Window Shopping at Kendra Scott
Grab a Cone at Amy’s Ice Cream
Snag a Table at Guero’s Taco Bar
Devour the Buttermilk Pancakes at Magnolia Cafe
Brunch at Café no Sé
Grab a Roll at Lucky Robot
Hit the Continental Club
Check out the C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
The Best 4 Day Itinerary for Austin by a Local
Walk along South Congress Ave.
Austin loves its arts and music scene; South Congress Ave. offers both. This area definitely earns its Keep Austin Weird vibe, the self-described motto of Austin.
For music lovers, the Continental Club is one of Austin’s iconic music venues, so check out its line-up before arriving (tickets might be required).
Public art reigns across downtown Austin, though some of the best murals are located along S. Congress Ave. From the I Love You So Much mural to Austin’s Willie Nelson, travelers will have ample opportunity to wander and snap some pics.
Austin is like your Grandma, so no one will leave hungry. From tacos to food trucks to brunch, SoCo offers a lot of eateries.
See the Bats
Bats! Central Texas is home to millions of Mexican free-tail bats. From caves to highway underpasses to bridges, visitors celebrate the swirling nighttime exodus of the bats.
In downtown, the best place to see one of Austin’s bat colonies is near the Congress Avenue Bridge. Visitors can see the bats on the bridge, along the shores of Lady Bird Lake and even on kayaks and SUP on the water.
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Grab a Pic of the Neon The Austin Motel
Back in 1938, South Congress Ave was way out (so I’ve been told). The Austin Motel was a typical roadside motel of the era.
Austin’s hospitality and design icon, Liz Lambert, bought the retro property in 2016 and polished it into a poppy boutique hotel. The MCM architecture elements are still there, like the kidney-shaped pool, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby and the iconic neon sign out front.
New plants fill the original brick planters, and the pool-side furniture has been replaced with Mid-century reproductions. The interiors pop with a fiery color palette of cadmium red and orange with accents in Barium Chromate Yellow (all colors from an artist’s palette).
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I Love You So Much Mural
Obviously, you are here for the selfie op. It’s OK; even Austinites take pics in front of the green wall emblazoned with I Love You So Much.
Painted in 2010 by Amy Cook, the local musician was in a break with then-girlfriend Liz Lambert, a local real estate developer. Do the right thing and buy a cup of coffee from Jo’s Coffee. It’s a locally owned coffee shop.
Located at 1300 S. Congress Ave. The mural is on the side of the building, and there is often a line for pics.
The Willie for President Mural
Check out the Willie for President Mural, Willie Nelson, that is. He’s Austin’s favorite musician and guardian angel.
There are loads of murals up and down S. Congress Ave. So play mural hide-and-seek with the kids.
Located at the intersection of Elizabeth and S. Congress Ave.
Where to Go Shopping on SoCo
Shopping along S. Congress Ave is epic. From cowboy boots to Austin’s own Kendra Scott to small boutiques, window shopping and people-watching is prime along S. Congress Ave.
Stop by the Big Top Candy Shop
This fanciful mainstay along SoCo sports a circus theme and is a big hit with the kids. Big Top Candy Shop opened in 2007 and today offers over 400 bulk candies and 3000 wrapped candies, from nostalgic favorites to new creations from across the globe.
Visitors will also find chocolate and fudge. Its soda fountain blends up drinks like Italian Cream Sodas. Big Top Candy Shop also serves ice cream.
Located at 1706 S. Congress Ave. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Smell the Leather at Allen’s Boots
For Texans, cowboy boots are an iconic investment piece for both men and women. From weddings to rodeos to boardrooms, cowboy boots are welcome. Austinites are friendly, though; show up with cheap boots, and people will notice.
If you yearn for a pair, head to Allen’s Boots for one of the largest selections. There, you will find everything from pointed toes to exotic leathers.
Located at 1522 South Congress Ave. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Go Window Shopping at Kendra Scott
From its statement necklaces to fine jewelry, Kendra Scott started her jewelry empire in Austin. Now, with locations across the U.S., Kendra Scott and her team are still creating its signature pieces in Austin.
Located at 1701 S. Congress Ave. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to Eat on South Congress
Grab a Cone at Amy’s Ice Cream
Obviously, you are in line for ice cream. That was the easy decision.
Amy’s Ice Cream features 350 flavors in rotation. Deciding might be the hard part. This Austin legend opened in 1984, and murals cover the SoCO location.
Located at 1301 S. Congress Ave. Amy’s Ice Cream has locations across Austin. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).
Snag a Table at Guero’s Taco Bar
Mexican food reigns at Guero’s Taco Bar. Head to the bar for a Jalapeño Margarita if you’re game or any of its dozen of signature margs.
Start with some Chile Con Queso or Guacamole. All the Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites are on the menu, from Tacos al Pastor to Tamales to Enchiladas with a rainbow array of sauces. If you have room, finish off the experience with Flan or Tres Leches Cake.
Located at 1412 S. Congress Ave. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
Devour the Buttermilk Pancakes at Magnolia Cafe
A top South Congress Cafe for all-day breakfast is the Magnolia Cafe. Its buttermilk pancakes are legendary.
If you’d like to sample aTex-Mex classics, order the Migas. The breakfast tacos are definitely high on the list of musts in South Congress.
Located at 1920 S Congress Ave., Austin. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Brunch at Café no Sé
Café no Sé features a minimalist interior, which is a beacon for the crunching crowd. It serves French pastry shoppe-inspired baked goods and brunch favorites with international flavors.
If you miss brunch, it boasts an extensive wine list and a sophisticated dinner menu. The patio offers an ideal location for people-watching.
Located at 1603 S. Congress Ave. Make a reservation for top times and days. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
Grab a Roll at Lucky Robot
Inside the colorful spot with cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, Lucky Robot is the first sustainable sushi restaurant in Austin. I recommend starting with the Brussels Sprouts or the Spicy Edamame to liven up the taste buds. Then follow that with screaming fresh Sashimi and inventive dumplings or try the tasting menu for a host of new flavors.
Located at 1303 S. Congress Ave., Austin. Open for dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, followed by dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
See a Show on SoCo
After polishing off your Tex-Mex combo plates, it’s time to find the live music-focused nightlife. The Continental Club is a must-do in South Congress.
Hit the Continental Club
As the Live Capital Music of the World, visitors and locals are out and about checking out bands. The Continental Club opened in 1955, and top bands have graced its stage since.
With live music seven days a week, The Continental Club aims to please with an eclectic line-up. Before heading to ATX, check out The Continental Club schedule. Some shows require tickets. And remember to tip your bartender.
Located at 1315 S Congress Ave., Austin. Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday, 4 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Check out the C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
Described as the swankiest club on South Congress, C-Boy’s Heart & Soul is a juke joint with soul and R&B live on stage seven days a week. It also has a large patio with games.
It’s a good idea to check out its calendar; it’s eclectic. Check out its Jade Room upstairs, inspired by Japanese GI Bars.
Located at 2008 S Congress Ave., Austin. Open Monday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
How to Get to S. Congress Ave.
From downtown hotels, there are several ways to get to SoCo. The most fun might be to snag a scooter from any street corner. Companies like Lime and Bird operate over 10,000 e-scooters around Austin. With a $1 to start and a downloaded app, it seems everyone in Austin uses scooters.
Ride-share is available in Austin and is another popular option, especially late since some streets are narrow and dark for scootering and walking. Remember, Texans love their vehicles.
It is also possible to walk to S. Congress Ave. since it’s less than half a mile from downtown Austin.
If you have a car for your trip, S. Congress Ave. offers free street parking and paid garages.
