10 Must See Austin Murals on South Congress
If you are planning a visit to Austin, Texas, a trip down South Congress Avenue is a must. Whether you’re interested in shopping or dining at one of the many local restaurants, the SoCo district of Austin is one of the top things to do in Austin. Not only that, but South Congress Avenue is home to many of Austin’s murals, street paintings, and outdoor art installations.
With new Austin murals being painted all over the city, South Congress is the perfect combination of walkability and location to create a street art walking tour route (feel free to use ours below!) and find those Instagram-worthy spots. Check out below our 10 must-visit Austin, Texas murals and street art on South Congress in 2021!
I Love You So Much
Location: 1300 S. Congress (Located On The Side of Jo’s Coffee)
About This Mural:
Easily one of the most popular and identifiable murals in all of Austin, the “I Love You” wall mural is located on the side of Jo’s Coffee. In 2010, musician Amy Cook spray painted the infamous words on the side of the building for her girlfriend, after seeing the words spray painted on a building in New York. She views it as a “love letter to the city.” Since then, it’s a popular location for many tourists, couples and Austinites alike to grab a heartfelt photo or the classic Instagram shot.
Mural Artist: Amy Cook
Pro Tip:
Get to the mural early to avoid lines or people in your photo. Get creative! Most photos of this mural are taken straight on so look for different angles or exciting features to make your photo pop.
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Grab a cup of coffee at Jo’s Coffee, or ice cream at Amy’s Ice Cream (just across the street) before walking over to the South Congress Bridge to see the bats on their nightly migration.
If you’re feeling hungry, head over to HopDoddy Burger Bar or Perla’s Seafood for a happy hour treat.
For techniques on capturing creative and unique photos of the murals, check out this blog by Aperture Adventure.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Mr Rogers Portrait
Location: 1421 S. congress Ave (located on the Side of Home Slice Pizza)
About This Mural:
In 2014, a stencil artist named Niz created the colorful mural on the side of Home Slice Pizza. Mr. Rogers looms large over the city, welcoming everyone to the city.
Mural Artist: Niz
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Home Slice Pizza is practically an institution in Austin and can’t be missed. Get there early (the lines can be long) or grab a slice to go next door.
For those looking to experience the shopping in the nearby stores, the upscale men’s store, Stag Provisions is right next door.
Willie for President
Location: 100-130 E Elizabeth St (located on the Side of Stag Provisions)
About This Mural:
Take a turn around the corner from Mr. Rogers, you’ll find the famous Willie for President mural. This famous mural is on posters, coasters, and t-shirts because Willie…well, practically personifies Austin.
Mural Artist: Jacqui Oakley, Erick Montes, & Joe Swec
Pro Tip:
This is a great mural if you’re looking for that Instagram-worthy photo. Take the photo directly in front of the mural and “sit” in the window to make the perfect colorful, square photo!
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
If you’re looking for a chips and queso and a strong margarita, (the answer is always, of course, yes), walk across the street to Guero’s Taco Bar.
Tip: Sit on the patio and enjoy watching the crowds walk up and down the sidewalk. Many times, local artists will also be performing on the corner.
For nearby shopping: Tesoros Trading gift shop offers a variety of folk art and curios from across the globe. Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (another Austin legend) is an enormous shop filled with vintage clothing, rentable costumes, wigs, and props.
Smile, Even If You Don’t Want To!
Location: 1511 S. Congress Ave.
About This Mural:
Directly across the street from the Willie for President Mural, you will see the upbeat, happy Smile! (even if you don’t want to) mural painted on a wall of The Church on Congress Avenue.
Mural Artist: Unknown
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Eats: Located directly next to the Hey Cupcake! trailer, grabbing a cupcake is a must as you walk through the shops of SoCo. Also located on the same corner is Pitalicious, a Mediterranean restaurant serving wraps and bowls.
For a sit-down dining experience, check out nearby South Congress Cafe or Central Standard for restaurant dinner ideas.
Shopping: A trip to Austin Texas would not be complete without a trip into the legendary Allen’s Boots for a pair of boots, cowboy hats, or accessories. For book-lovers, South Congress Books is a must-visit stop for rare and vintage books. Looking for a quirky gift, local shop Triple Z Threadz is a fun store for unique Austin memorabilia.
Before I die Chalkboard
Location: 206 E. Elizabeth Street
About This Mural:
Just a block off of South Congress (and oh-so-close to the Willie for President and Smile! murals), is this interactive chalkboard art mural encouraging visitors to add their dreams and goals to the board. The first “Before I Die” chalkboard appeared in New-Orleans, by artist Candy Chang, who created the mural on an abandoned house in her neighborhood after the passing of a loved one. With so many individuals resonating with the board’s inspiring message, Chang created her website, where she offers tips and resources on how to create walls in all parts of the world.
Mural Artist: Vicki Faust, inspired by Candy Chang
Pro Tip:
Faust washes the wall weekly, but that shouldn’t deter you! Colorful chalk is always plentiful around the mural, so add your own statement to the wall.
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Located in the Travis Heights neighborhood, it’s the best place to go for a quiet walk (or run!) after dinner away from the hustle and bustle of South Congress.
Read More: [4 Best Places To Run In Austin][1]
Little Limbo
Location: 1700 S. Congress Ave.
About This Mural:
Painted on the side of gift shop Little Limbo, this colorful mural proudly proclaims “All Are Loved, All Are Welcome!” with its diversity and inclusive message.
Mural Artist: unknown
Pro Tip:
This colorful and fun wall is another great Instagram shot. Play with angles, colors, and perspectives for an interesting shot!
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Shopping: Stop in Little Limbo for jewelry and thoughtful sourced gifts. The new location of Parts & Labour moved to this corner, perfect for t-shirts and gifts. For vintage clothing, check out Feather’s Boutique, located just behind Little Limbo.
Places to Stay: Located just on the other side of Congress Ave, South Congress Hotel (1603 S. Congress) is a locally owned boutique hotel, featuring a popular rooftop pool and frequent events.
Eats: Looking to satisfy a sweet tooth? Head into the Big Top candy store for a vintage vibe and bulk candy favorites (saltwater taffy)! Many local favorites are also located on this corner, including Vespaio and Enoteca, offering classic Italian dishes and pizza, respectively. Café No Sé, located in the South Congress Hotel, features seasonal classics in an upscale eatery. Another local favorite is June’s, an ideal spot for a happy hour cocktail or dinner on a patio.
Soco Legendary Memories Vintage Letters
Location: 1800 S. Congress Ave.
About This Mural:
Painted on the side of Vinny’s BBQ in 2018, this mural by Rory Skagen is a nod to the history and people of Austin, Texas. This colorful piece of street art shouldn’t be missed!
Mural Artist: Rory Skagen
Fun Fact: Rory Skagen Also Painted the Famous “Greetings from Austin” Postcard (1720 S 1st St)
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Eats: Tacos? Yes, please! Torchy’s Tacos is located one block down.
This is Not A Test
Location: 1920 S. Congress Ave. (On The Side of Bird’s Barbershop)
About This Mural:
Painted on the side of Bird’s Barbershop, we can hear the emergency broadcasting test beep in our ears. This brightly colored wall is another great shot to grab an Instagram pic.
Mural Artist: Christopher Barnett
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Grab a haircut from Bird’s Barbershop (the Ladybird cut was inspired by Ladybird Johnson).
Eats: Is there anything more Austin than a trip to Magnolia Cafe? Open 24 hours, this Austin institution is well-known for its famous, giant pancakes.
Love From Austin
Location: 1912 S. Congress Ave. (On the Side of Prima Dora)
About This Mural:
With its simple black background, this beloved Austin mural is simplicity at its finest! Located on the southern end of the SoCo shopping strip and tucked in between two buildings, this must-visit mural can be easy to miss.
Mural Artist: unknown
Pro Tip: Get there early to avoid any lines.
Restaurants + Things to Do Nearby:
Shopping: French clothing store Sézane is nearby for those looking for high-quality pieces.
Places to Stay: SOCO BnB is located just behind Bird’s Barbershop on block off Congress Ave.
Eats: A few blocks farther south, Southside Flying Pizza offers takeout and dine-in options for those wanting pizza. Lucy’s Fried Chicken is tucked away just one block off Congress Ave on College Ave, serving, you guessed it, crispy fried chicken.
What are you favorite murals in Austin?