What is the Second Street District?

The Second Street District is a vibrant, six-block mixed-use neighborhood and redevelopment project located in the heart of downtown Austin, just north of Lady Bird Lake. It serves as a walkable, pedestrian-oriented destination featuring a mix of residences, hotels, retail shops, and dining options.

What is there to do and see in the Second Street District?

The district is known for its shopping and dining, hosting a high concentration of locally owned boutiques, national retailers, and award-winning global restaurants. It is also home to the Moody Theater, which serves as the centerpiece of the district and hosts the famous "Austin City Limits" television program.

Where exactly is the district located?

The district is situated along West 2nd Street in downtown Austin, running from San Antonio Street on the west end to Colorado Street on the east end.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Second Street District in Austin

What to know

Developed between 2000 and 2012 through public-private partnerships, the Second Street District is a six-block redevelopment project located on the south edge of downtown Austin, just north of Town Lake. Mostly owned by the City, the district stretches along West 2nd Street from San Antonio Street to Colorado Street. It was intentionally planned as a dense, pedestrian-oriented spine designed to connect City Hall with the Convention Center Complex, while strengthening downtown Austin as a civic and cultural destination. Initially envisioned with a goal of 168,000 square feet of destination retail, the district has grown into a thriving mixed-use neighborhood. By 2017, it hosted over 175,000 square feet of retail space, 3,000 jobs, 250 hotel rooms, and more than 600 residences. Today, the area features upscale condos, apartments, and luxury hotels, making it a true downtown neighborhood where people live, work, shop, and dine rather than just a commercial shopping strip. The district boasts more locally owned and nationally acclaimed boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues than any other area in downtown Austin. A strict city requirement mandates that at least 30% of the retail space must be occupied by locally owned businesses, a threshold the district consistently exceeds. Visitors can explore legacy tenants, local boutiques, and award-winning restaurants serving global cuisine. For example, dining options like Local Foods at 454 West 2nd Street offer fresh meals, a weekday morning walk-up window, and weekend brunch. Beyond shopping and dining, the Second Street District serves as a major cultural hub that embodies Austin's identity as the live music capital of the world. The centerpiece of the district is the famed Moody Theater, which serves as the home for "Austin City Limits," television's longest-running music program. Celebrating over 20 years of history, the district continues to host vibrant community events, making it a magnetic locale for both tourists and locals.

Visitor tips

Stop by Local Foods at 454 W 2nd St for weekend brunch served from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Grab a quick morning coffee or breakfast at the Local Foods walk-up window, open Monday through Friday from 8:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Catch a live music performance or show at the Moody Theater, the centerpiece of the district.
Look out for unique local shops, as the district consistently exceeds its 30% locally owned business requirement.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the Second Street District is situated just steps north of Lady Bird Lake and the Capitol. Its central location makes it an easy walk to other major Austin landmarks, including the Congress Avenue Bridge, famous for its seasonal bat colony, and offers a great starting point before heading west toward scenic spots like the Pennybacker Bridge.