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South Congress Avenue

S Congress Ave · Austin, TX

Why you should go…

South Congress Avenue, known locally as SoCo, is a strip of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and food trailers just south of Lady Bird Lake. It is also home to the Hi, How Are You frog mural and postcard views of the Capitol looking north up Congress Avenue. The area is walkable and busiest on weekend afternoons.

  • #shopping
  • #boutiques
  • #murals
  • #food trailers
  • #walkable

Good to know

General shopping guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Vendor hours are their own thing

    Market stalls and independent sellers keep shorter hours than the building around them, and quiet days end early.

  • Bring a tote and a little cash

    Smaller sellers do not all take cards, and bags are rarely free.

  • Weekdays browse, weekends buzz

    Pick the weekday for a proper look at the shelves and the weekend for the atmosphere.

  • Ask about shipping

    If something will not survive the suitcase, plenty of sellers will send it home for you.

What's around here?

The closest stops to South Congress Avenue, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

    Free

    A 10-mile loop around the water where half of Austin seems to run, walk, or paddleboard.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

    Free

    Up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out from under this bridge every summer evening.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Lone Star Riverboat Bat Cruise

    Under $25

    Watch the Congress Avenue bat colony take flight from the water on an evening riverboat cruise.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    ACL Live at the Moody Theater

    $25–$50

    The downtown venue where Austin City Limits is taped, and a working concert hall most other nights.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Nightlife
    Iconic

    Sixth Street Entertainment District

    Free

    Blocks of bars and live music clubs that turn into Austin's busiest nightlife strip after dark.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Tanger Outlets San Marcos

    Free

    A 400,000 plus square foot outlet shopping center off I 35 with more than 100 brand name and designer stores.

    27 mi awayMore like this