Austin Mural Scavenger Hunt

There’s one thing I don’t like about Austin. Hint: it’s orange and has two horns. But everything else – EVERYTHING else – about this place is just lovely. Austin is hip and quirky, small-town and big-town, fun and peaceful and there is never a shortage of things to do.

Several months ago, I went down the Pinterest rabbit hole and found a photo challenge to visit many of Austin’s murals. Seeing as how the contest ended in March, you can see how on the ball I am. Not that I would’ve entered, but the idea sure sounded like a fun family outing. When our vacation became a “let’s stay in Austin this summer and have brain surgery” we opted for this scavenger hunt. We did it over a two-day period and had an absolute blast.

Oh y’all. If you live here or visit here, you must stop by a mural or two the next time you have a few moments. Grab a camera, some silly faces and perhaps the promise of a lunch stop at Homeslice with a side of candy store Big Top, and you’ve got yourself a fun day. Let’s get to it.

Greetings from Austin
NW corner of S. 1st and Annie
safe parking across the street

This is probably the city’s most famous mural. You can see why! It pretty much screams POSTCARD.

Welcome to Historic Sixth
6th St. and I-35 Frontage Road
parking is non-existent, we hopped out and took a picture while the other parent stayed in the van

Even though this was a super busy intersection, it was in the shade (holla!) and the lighting was awesome. What’s not to love about one that sports our infamous, Don’t Mess with Texas slogan?

 Cadillacs and Cattle
San Jacinto, between 6th & 7th St.
Parking is along the street, we ended up scoring a spot just down from the mural

It’s not near the greatest part of 6th Street so you may want to cover little ears. This one is massive. An entire city block! Aside from that pesky breed of cattle on the left, this one was just amazing.

Hi, How Are You
NW corner of Guadalupe & 21st
Street parking is about a block behind the mural

If you’re familiar with the location of St. Austin Catholic Church, then this is just down the alley! Fortunately for us, we needed a bathroom stop and the church was a short walk away. In A/C, to boot!

I Love You So Much
South Congress and James Street
street parking is nearby, unless you score a spot on SoCo

This picture is deceiving, because nobody was loving a thing about it. You should’ve heard the bribes we made to get them to stand there all civil-like. We should’ve known. They were super hungry = super cranky. But, after we threatened no Homeslice, they perked right up. Bribery, we’re not above it.

South Austin Music
1402 S. Lamar
There’s a huge, safe, free parking lot facing the mural

We took these photos the following day after lunch. Notice the non-forced smiles? And, it helped they got to strike their favorite pose holding their imaginary instrument of choice. Scott and I need backup singers. You should’ve heard the groaning when we did our pose. Oh well, just practicing for the teenage years.

You’re My Butter Half
2000 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.
street parking just adjacent to the mural

Saving the best for last. This awesome mural is painted right on the side of the Greater Austin United Way building. {brilliant marketing} Even though the sun was beating down everywhere else, the awning of the building kept us in the shade for this shot. This one may just make the Christmas card.