HOLA! DayTrippin': Explore the Best of South Congress in Austin, Texas

Located approximately 240 miles from Laredo, Austin is an easy road trip, with a drive of about 3½ to 4½ hours via I-35 North. Known for its vibrant culture, live music, and unique local businesses, Austin offers something for everyone. One of the best places to experience the city's personality is South Congress Avenue, better known as SoCo. In this edition of HOLA! DayTrippin', we explored some of Austin's most iconic stops, from famous murals and trendy coffee shops to local shopping and breathtaking rooftop views.

Our adventure began at the legendary "I Love You So Much" mural, located at 1300 South Congress Avenue on the side of Jo's Coffee. Originally painted in 2010 by Austin musician Amy Cook as a heartfelt message, the mural has grown into one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Today, it welcomes thousands of visitors each year and has become one of Austin's most photographed attractions. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, it's the perfect place to start your South Congress adventure.

From there, we continued walking along South Congress, one of Austin's most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. The street is lined with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, and unique shops that capture the city's creative spirit.

Our next stop was La La Land Kind Café, located at 1400 South Congress Avenue. Known for its bright interiors and handcrafted specialty drinks, the café is almost always buzzing with visitors. Beyond its trendy atmosphere, La La Land is built around a meaningful mission of providing employment opportunities and mentorship for young adults transitioning out of foster care. It's a place where every cup of coffee supports a greater purpose.

No visit to South Congress is complete without exploring its local markets and vintage shops. From handcrafted jewelry and vintage fashion to one-of-a-kind Texas souvenirs, there are endless treasures waiting to be discovered.

Of course, no Texas adventure would be complete without embracing a little Western style. We stopped by Tecovas at 1500 South Congress Avenue, an Austin-founded brand celebrated for its handcrafted cowboy boots, premium leather goods, and timeless cowboy hats. My brother joined me for this stop and found the perfect Texas cowboy hat, making it a memorable way to take home an authentic piece of the Lone Star State.

As the evening arrived, we made our way to the Congress Avenue Bridge, where the downtown skyline came alive as the city lights illuminated Austin after sunset. The peaceful walk and incredible views made for the perfect way to end the day.

For an even more spectacular perspective of the city, we headed to Azul Rooftop, located atop The Westin Austin Downtown. With panoramic views of the Austin skyline, handcrafted cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere, it's one of the city's best rooftop destinations to relax and enjoy the beauty of downtown.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for your next Texas road trip, South Congress offers the perfect mix of local culture, delicious coffee, shopping, and unforgettable views.

Join us on HOLA! DayTrippin' as we continue discovering the best destinations, hidden gems, and experiences across Texas and beyond, one adventure at a time.