My 9 Favorite Places to Photograph Along South Congress in Austin, Texas

Austin is the bee’s knees in basically every possible way. Not only is it a fabulous place to live, work and play, but it also offers a wide variety of top photo op spots. There is no better stop for the most iconic scenes in one place than South Congress Avenue. You can literally park your car and capture a whole bunch of awesome backdrops within a couple of blocks. South Congress is a Texas landmark. Austin wouldn’t be Austin without SoCo and it’s the vein that leads directly to the Texas State Capitol.

Here are my top 9 favorite places to photograph along South Congress (and a little bit about them):

Hotel San Jose

The Hotel San José is a (kickass) bungalow-style hotel.

I Love You So Much Wall

Situated just around the corner from Jo’s Hot Coffee. Originally a love letter written to the owner of the coffee shop by her partner.

Amy’s Ice Cream

They dominate the local ice cream scene with their handcrafted artisan super premium ice creams, dairy-free fruit ices and frozen yogurt! Mmmmmmm.

Willie for President Wall

Where to start? For those of you who live under a rock, this Texas-born country singer and songwriter offers the ultimate challenge to conservatism. He’s versatile, eclectic, rather wanderlust and essentially THE Austin icon. You’ve got my vote, Willie.

Austin Motel

The Austin Motel is a great example of the continued rejuvenation of the historic South Congress Avenue.

TOMS

With TOMS “One for One” model of giving back, they fit right in. They also post cute and clever Austin-y quotes on their great big letterboard out front! Grab a cup of coffee while you’re there.

Big Top Candy Shop

This shop promises to add some vibrancy to your images. The shop is full of circus memorabilia and they’ve even got an old-fashioned soda fountain. Take a trip back in time with the kiddos!

Guero’s Taco Bar

Guero’s is one of the best historical restaurants in Austin and is actually classified as a historical landmark. They also have a popular Oak Garden next door.

Hey Cupcake! Trailer

This business is famous partially from their airstream trailers but mostly from the sheer deliciousness of their cupcakes. Get you some!

The next time you plan to take a stroll along Austin’s iconic South Congress Avenue, bring your camera along and click at my top 9 favorite places to photograph along South Congress:

• Hotel San Jose
• I Love You So Much Wall
• Amy’s Ice Cream
• Willie for President Wall
• Austin Motel
• TOMS
• Big Top Candy Shop
• Guero’s Taco Bar
• Hey Cupcake! Trailer

South Congress Avenue is the perfect backdrop for a family lifestyle photography session. Message me to book!

Melanie Applegate is an Austin-Based Lifestyle Photographer fueling the drive to create by documenting the human connection.