The shops on South Congress have something for everyone. Browse locally owned-turned household name shops like Kendra Scott, offering custom jewelry and a pretty counter-service cafe. Find your next (or first!) pair of boots at Tecovas, where they'll hand you a drink while you browse. 

Stop in some South Congress shops that have been around for decades. Monkey See, Monkey Do! is a colorful store filled with novelty gifts, quirky toys and specialty board games. Indulge your sweet tooth at Big Top Candy Shop, packed with old-school candies and chocolate. All the tees, art and home decor at Paper Work are the work of Texas-based artists and artisans. Wander the huge selection of cowboy boots and western wear at Allens Boots, and get a pic with the Texas-sized boot out front.

Allen's Boot Shopping. Credit Carolina de Mauro.

 At Prima Dora, you’ll find fun Austin-themed magnets, mugs and clothing designed by local artists. Down the street, shop handcrafted paper goods, artwork and gifts from Letterpress PLAY. Design a custom-shaped topper at Maufrais Hats and grab a brisket kolache on your way out from the connected coffee bar. 

Vintage shops like Feather's Boutique Vintage and Prototype Vintage can outfit you in stylish digs like old band tees, vintage leather and more. At the strip's north end, visit Music Lane's chic shops for jewelry, apparel and home goods.

Do as the locals do and spend an afternoon sipping craft cocktails on one of South Congress' lively patios. Gather with friends on the large, oak-shaded patio at Perla's seafood and oyster bar for coastal cuisine and champagne. Charming Aba draws influences from Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Turkey into its Mediterranean cuisine. Their rooftop patio is perfect for sunset drinks. 

Perla's. Credit Bethany Ochs.

At Habana SoCo, claim a private outdoor cabana for Cuban specialties and mojitos. Joann’s Fine Foods, next to the Austin Motel, blends genres with its upscale diner feel and Mexican/American menu and their Retro Margarita is delicious served frozen or on the rocks. Unique cafe The Meteor combines coffee, cocktails and approachable food with cycling culture. 

From historic blues clubs to record shops stacked with obscure vinyl, the rhythm of this road is gonna get you.  Historic venue The Continental Club hosts live music on their main stage and in the second-floor Continental Gallery. For live soul and R&B, visit C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. Upstairs, The Jade Room is inspired by the 1950s GI bars of Japan.

C-Boys Heart & Soul. Brand USA/Beautiful Destinations. Credit Visit Austin.

Take the stage at Ego’s, a cozy dive tucked under a parking garage featuring nightly karaoke. On Wednesdays and weekends, head to the Oak Garden at Guero's Taco Bar for live Americana and blues. At Hotel Magdalena, Equipment Room is a Japanese-inspired vinyl listening room and cocktail bar. Don’t miss First Thursdays, a free monthly block party with live local music and DJs, held at the South Congress Hotel.

From casual bites to upscale eats, South Congress can give you a taste of it all. Get coffee and a breakfast taco to go at Jo's Coffee, home of the famous "i love you so much" mural. Try brunch at Café No Sé or dig into a steak dinner at Maie Day, both located in the South Congress Hotel. 12-seat restaurant Otoko shows off serious skill and flavor during their omakase sushi service. 

Home Slice. Credit Giant Noise/Julia Keim.

The handmade burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar range from beef to chicken and ahi tuna to vegan. Neighborhood joint Home Slice Pizza serves oversized New York-style pies with foldable slices. And a little secret, they also serve some of the best sub sandwiches in town. Before you leave SoCo, sample classic and inventive flavors from Amy's Ice Creams.

There are several places to stay on South Congress just steps away from the excitement. Everyone fits in at the quirky and iconic Austin Motel and Hotel Saint Cecilia is for those who want a quaint retreat just off the main drag. Not just for chic slumbering, locals frequent the modern minimalist South Congress Hotel to partake in on-site features Revival Cycles and six spots to eat and drink. 

Hotel Magdalena. Credit Nick Simonite.

Spend a tranquil night or just take a break with a Frosé on the patio at Hotel San Jose. Or book your stay at the newest boutique hotel on the South Congress scene, Hotel Magdalena, with a 1970s vibe just steps away from shops and eateries.

Looking for lodging in the South Congress neighborhood of Austin? Learn more about nearby hotels here.