Austin may be known to most for its music, but the city is becoming just as famous for its artwork as well. Whether you’re visiting the city of Austin or a homegrown, local weirdo, you’re sure to have seen some pretty interesting street art while driving around town as the city streets are lined with plenty of murals that are just as bold, bright and unique as the city itself. And what better way to impress your date with a tour of some of Austin’s most iconic artistic landmarks?
One of the best ways to get out and see the artwork is by bike. By doing so, you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking and can take as much time as you need snapping that perfect Instagram-worthy photo together before riding on to the next spot. There are hundreds of murals and street art all over town, some permanent and some constantly changing. (So keep in mind that some of the art mentioned here might be different by the time you visit!)
We’ve put together a list of our favorite spots to snap some Instagram worthy photos for you to take your Valentine’s date to on your bike ride.
Greetings From Austin
1720 S. 1st St.
Originally commissioned in 1998, this now iconic mural was brought to life in hopes of bringing some brightness and fun into a rather gloomy neighborhood. You’d never know it now as the mural sits alongside dozens of food trucks and popular local shops in a now thriving neighborhood.
Before I Die
206 E. Elizabeth St.
Okay, this one might sound a little morbid but it’s really cool and a great way for you and your date to bond and learn more about each other. You and your date can pick up a piece of chalk and share something you want to do before you die.
This amazing piece of art was created by New Orleans–based artist Candy Chang.
You’re My Butter Half
2000 E MLK Blvd
Located on the property of United Way of Greater Austin, this mural is perfect for a fun BFF photo shoot or a cute couple’s session. Not only is it a super adorable wall, but it is also out of the way of traffic so you are more able to take your time to capture the perfect pic.
i love you so much
1300 S Congress
Thomas Hawk
Another one of Austin’s most iconic murals for couples and friends alike, the “i love you so much” painting on the side of Jo’s Coffee started out as a sweet, simple sentiment before it went almost instantly famous. Even if you aren’t at that “I love you” stage in your relationship, it’s still a cute spot to see and snap.
In 2010, Amy Cook took a can of red spray paint and decided to leave a message for her partner, Liz Lambert, who was a majority owner of the coffee shop. What started out as a love note between the two, spread quickly and now has grown to one of the most famous murals in all of Austin.
Jeremiah The Innocent
Guadalupe & 21st St
Known to many as the “Hi, How Are You?” wall, this simple frog comes from a 1983 album cover from Daniel Johnston’s “Hi, How Are You: The Unfinished Album.” A decade later, the now closed record store The Sound Exchanged asked Johnston to paint a mural of Jeremiah on the side of the building, where he has lived in infamy ever since.
Love from Austin
1920 S Congress Ave.
I mean, it’s Valentine’s Day. Why not share the love from the most awesome city in Texas?! This mural is located on the side of Prima Dora and can often be found on T-shirts all over the city.