South Congress Avenue Tours

South Congress featuring signage
South Congress Avenue featuring a city, a sunset and landscape views
South Congress Avenue which includes street scenes as well as a couple
South Congress Avenue which includes signage
South Congress Avenue


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 Roy Butler 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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore South Congress Avenue

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Classes & workshops

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Cruises & boat tours

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Reviews of South Congress Avenue

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
845
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
720
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
119
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
17
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

ROAD DETOURS FROM CONSTRUCTION.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Angelica

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

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

Good Company and Esby are great stores but not inexpensive

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near South Congress Avenue

Aiden Austin City Hotel

Aiden Austin City Hotel

4 out of 5
2200 S I H 35, Austin, TX
Aiden Austin City Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
Colton House Hotel

Colton House Hotel

4 out of 5
2510 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Colton House Hotel
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
The LINE Austin

The LINE Austin

4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
The LINE Austin
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
Hotel Van Zandt
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave, Austin, TX
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
South Congress Hotel

South Congress Hotel

4 out of 5
1603 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX
South Congress Hotel
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.

Things to do near South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, is a vibrant hub filled with live music, dancing, and entertainment. Visitors can explore unique shops offering eclectic merchandise and local art while enjoying the lively atmosphere. From trendy boutiques to food trucks, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to shop or soak up the energetic vibe, South Congress Avenue promises an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

South Congress Avenue offers a vibrant shopping experience with unique boutiques and local shops. Nearby, you can explore Barton Creek Square Mall and Southwood Center, both within a few miles, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, don't miss West Gate Central for more options.

Recreation

Experience the serene beauty of Zilker Park, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics amidst nature. Dive into the refreshing Barton Springs Pool for a family-friendly swim, or enjoy live music at Austin City Limits for an entertaining evening that celebrates local talent.

Adventure

Explore Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, a scenic hiking trail 8.0km from South Congress Avenue, offering beautiful outdoor views. For more action, the South Austin Tennis Center, 1.4km away, and Texas Tennis Center, 4.8km away, provide exciting tennis experiences amid a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

South Congress Avenue buzzes with vibrant nightlife, featuring the Moody Theater and Paramount Theatre for romantic shows and cultural events. For a fun family adventure, Blazer Tag offers exciting arcade games and activities, making it a perfect spot for all ages to enjoy the evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore iconic shopping spots, enjoy events at the nearby Austin Convention Center, and relax by the scenic lakes. This bustling area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of Austin's most beloved districts.

  • Sixth Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sixth Street, known for its bustling bars, live music venues, and eclectic atmosphere. This historic street is a hub for entertainment and social gatherings, making it a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
  • Austin Convention Center: A key venue for conferences and events, the Austin Convention Center features modern facilities and hosts a variety of expos and gatherings. It’s a great place to network and experience the professional side of Austin’s dynamic community.
  • Lady Bird Lake: Enjoy the serene beauty of Lady Bird Lake, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking. This scenic spot offers stunning views, walking trails, and a romantic ambiance, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and couples alike.

Best time to go to South Congress Avenue

The best time to visit South Congress Avenue can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Congress Avenue falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around South Congress Avenue falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Congress Avenue

To save money during your visit to South Congress Avenue, consider traveling in August or December to January when hotel prices drop. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Utilize Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodations and package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. For local transport, take advantage of Austin's affordable public transit system. Additionally, look out for Hilton Honors experiences and other hotel deals to maximize your budget while enjoying all that South Congress has to offer.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Congress Avenue are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Congress Avenue is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around South Congress Avenue is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on South Congress Avenue with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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