‘Dazed and Confused’ are not typically goals when traveling, except in Austin

By David G. Allan, CNN
7 minute read
Updated 12:00 PM EDT, Sat May 27, 2023
"Dazed and Confused" is Richard Linklater's 1993 high school coming-of-age cult film set and shot around Austin. From left the right, Rory Cochrane plays Slater, Jason London plays Randall and Sasha Jenson plays Don.
"Dazed and Confused" is Richard Linklater's 1993 high school coming-of-age cult film set and shot around Austin. From left the right, Rory Cochrane plays Slater, Jason London plays Randall and Sasha Jenson plays Don.
United Archives GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo
Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park may not have a moontower but you can bring beer and hang out after dark.
Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park may not have a moontower but you can bring beer and hang out after dark.
David G. Allan/CNN
The only park in Austin with a moontower is Zilker Park, although the movie wasn't filmed there.
The only park in Austin with a moontower is Zilker Park, although the movie wasn't filmed there.
David G. Allan/CNN
You can still drive up and order a burger and fries to eat in your car at Top Notch, featured in the film.
You can still drive up and order a burger and fries to eat in your car at Top Notch, featured in the film.
David G. Allan/CNN
Ben Affleck's O'Bannion tries to paddle freshman Carl outside his house in "Dazed and Confused."
Ben Affleck's O'Bannion tries to paddle freshman Carl outside his house in "Dazed and Confused."
Universal/Gramercy/Kobal/Shutterstock
A plaque on the Violet Crown Shopping Center certifies it as the location cinematically known as the Emporium in "Dazed and Confused."
A plaque on the Violet Crown Shopping Center certifies it as the location cinematically known as the Emporium in "Dazed and Confused."
David G. Allan/CNN
Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew now resides in the strip mall that was the set for the movie's Emporium.
Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew now resides in the strip mall that was the set for the movie's Emporium.
David G. Allan/CNN
Matthew McConaughey shooting pool inside the Emporium of "Dazed and Confused."
Matthew McConaughey shooting pool inside the Emporium of "Dazed and Confused."
Universal/Gramercy/Kobal/Shutter/Shutterstock
This garage belongs to Crash Champions across the street from Violet Crown Shopping Center. Fans will recognize it as the spot where O'Bannion gets his comeuppance.
This garage belongs to Crash Champions across the street from Violet Crown Shopping Center. Fans will recognize it as the spot where O'Bannion gets his comeuppance.
David G. Allan/CNN
The Americana movie theater, where the female seniors humiliate the freshmen in the film, is now a public library branch.
The Americana movie theater, where the female seniors humiliate the freshmen in the film, is now a public library branch.
David G. Allan/CNN
From left: Deena Martin (Shavonne), Christine Harnos (Kaye), and Michelle Burke (Jodi) at the Americana.
From left: Deena Martin (Shavonne), Christine Harnos (Kaye), and Michelle Burke (Jodi) at the Americana.
Gramercy Pictures/Everett Collection
A convenience store belonging to a Shell station on Medical Parkway is where an angry resident pulls a gun on the high school kids responsible for destroying his mailbox.
A convenience store belonging to a Shell station on Medical Parkway is where an angry resident pulls a gun on the high school kids responsible for destroying his mailbox.
David G. Allan/CNN