South Congress Avenue Tours

South Congress Avenue featuring a city, a sunset and landscape views
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Nicknamed SoCo, this trendy Austin neighborhood has attracted the attention of famous musicians and presidents, and is home to a huge urban bat colony.

Experience the up-and-coming cultural scene of South Congress. This neighborhood used to be considered one of the seedier parts of Austin. In recent years, it has transformed into “SoCo,” one of the trendiest parts in the state capital. Enjoy great shopping, live music and more.

Wander along the streets and pause to appreciate the view of Downtown Austin from the crest of South Congress Avenue. Among modern high-rises, look for the classic form of the pink granite State Capitol building on the horizon.

Take a scenic trip on the Ann and RoyButler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Follow the 10-mile (16-kilometer) path along Lady Bird Lake. Enjoy the serenity of nature within the city.

Say hello to Austin’s most notorious residents at Congress Avenue Bridge. By day, the bridge is an unassuming crossing across Lady Bird Lake. By night, it comes to life as one of the world’s largest urban bat colonies emerges. Stop by at dusk to witness the spectacle.

Shop your way through South Congress. Browse through vintage stores, boutiques and galleries. Neighborhood stalwart, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and Electric Ladyland, is supposedly where Bob Dylan shopped for his signature outfits.

South Congress is a diner’s paradise. Sample barbecue and Tex-Mex from food trucks, tiny bistros and stylish restaurants. Try the El Presidente plate, which includes one chicken taco, one beef taco and one tamale and guacamole taco, at Güero’s Taco Bar. The dish was named in honor of repeat patron President Bill Clinton.

Visit the Continental Club for an evening of pure Texas entertainment. This legendary music venue hosts headline country, rock, jazz and blues acts from around the country.

Every day in South Congress is special, but First Thursdays is extra special. Shops stay open late and live music performances provide entertainment. Come here on the first Thursday of each month and soak up the convivial atmosphere.

South Congress is bordered by Lady Bird Lake to the north and Oltorf to the south. Find other historic South Austin districts, such as Bouldin Creek to the west and Travis Heights, nearby.

Plan a trip to see South Congress Avenue

The Carpenter Hotel
Fairmont Austin Gold Experience
Hotel Van Zandt
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of South Congress Avenue

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 42.20398593200469%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.97538100820633%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.9964830011723329%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.29308323563892147%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 8, 2020

Went to the Continental bar but before we did, we ate at Perla's. What a nice find, a little pricy but the food is excellent and service was too. Very welcoming staff.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 21, 2019

ROAD DETOURS FROM CONSTRUCTION.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 3, 2019

CBoys, Continental Club and Library are excellent places for good music.

5/5 - Excellent

Angelica
Aug 26, 2019

I love to walking with my friends on the South Congress. There are many things to see around and delicious restaurants. Sometime there are tents that selling lots of things. That's cool.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 22, 2019

Great area for unique local restaurants (a tad on the higher end for prices and services, but not upscale) and shopping, with a few good bars mixed in also a couple food trucks for funky Austin eats. Just go for a stroll and people watch if nothing else!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 25, 2019

Good Company and Esby are great stores but not inexpensive

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Best Lodging Options Near South Congress Avenue

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Aiden by Best Western Austin City Hotel
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Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
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Colton House Hotel
Colton House Hotel
4 out of 5
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Colton House Hotel
Hotel Van Zandt
Hotel Van Zandt
4 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency Austin
Hyatt Regency Austin
4 out of 5
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.