Add a visit to 2nd Street—also known as Willie Nelson Boulevard—to your Austin itinerary, whether you’re zipping through on a Segway tour of the city, or strolling by at your own leisurely pace. Most of the shops and restaurants throughout the 2nd Street District are locally owned and operated, and you'll discover many special buys you can only find here in Austin. Check out ModCloth's flagship store, Toy Joy, and League of Rebels menswear shop.
The 2nd Street District is bordered by Cesar Chavez and 3rd Street as well as Colorado and San Antonio streets. Paid parking is available on the street and in five garages within walking distance of the central shopping area. You can also valet park at Lavaca and Cesar Chavez or 2nd and San Antonio. The city has a bike-sharing service, or you can take a Cap Metro bus.
Avoid peak summer heat if you can—it’s not unusual for temperatures to climb to 100°F (38°C) in July and August. The best time to enjoy a meal alfresco in the 2nd Street District is in the more pleasant spring and fall months, which usually run even into December. If you want to avoid the crowds, keep an eye on the calendar for the big-name events, such as the ACL Festival and SXSW.
The 2nd Street District is also home of the Moody Theater—the setting for live tapings of Austin City Limits—the longest-running live music show on TV. Periodically, the show gives away free tickets for its tapings, but you have to add your name to a lottery. You can also purchase tickets for regularly scheduled ACL Live concerts, and don’t forget to say hi to Willie Nelson—his statue resides just outside the theater.
