Rainey Street, Austin (must see)

The Rainey Street Historic District is a collection of old houses, mostly built in the bungalow style, located close to Lady Bird Lake and Interstate 35 in the southeast part of Downtown. While there are officially 21 buildings recognized as part of this historic district, the section of Rainey Street between River and Driskill Streets actually has 31 buildings constructed before 1934, which gives the neighborhood a historical vibe compared to other parts of the city.

Back in 1884, the Rainey Street neighborhood was established by Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle owner, and Frank Rainey. They divided up 16 acres of land between the Colorado River and Water Street (now Cesar Chavez Blvd). In the beginning, the neighborhood was mainly inhabited by middle-class white craftsmen. However, as the 1920s rolled around, more working-class families and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds started moving in. Unfortunately, a flood in 1935 wiped out many of the original homes in the area. Furthermore, when Interstate 35 was built, it effectively cut off Rainey Street from the rest of Austin's residential areas. By 1978, a report indicated that over half of the buildings on Rainey Street were in bad shape. To prevent high-density commercial and residential development, the neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Fast forward to the early 2010s, and this once quiet and hidden residential street has transformed into a popular nightlife hub. Most of the old bungalows in the area have been refurbished and turned into bars and restaurants, many of which have spacious porches and outdoor areas for customers.

Why You Should Visit:
Austin's diverse culture is not just contained in a museum but sprinkled throughout the entire city.
This residential-turned-commercial row offers a good chance to appreciate the city's lively scene manifested in the wealth of upscale bars, eateries and food trucks galore.
Staying true to Austin's roots, this strip of bars often features live, local bands.