You have 1 trip in progress.   See all
Trip Planner:   USA  /  Texas  /  Austin  /  Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching, Austin

4.0
#7 of 341 in Things to do in Austin
Landmark · Tourist Spot
Create an itinerary including Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
Home to the world's largest urban bat colony, Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching attracts visitors to the bats' haunt. During the daylight hours, you can see bats hanging under the arches of the bridge that spans the Colorado River. Find a spot along the viewing decks on either side of the river or on top of the bridge. The Mexican free-tailed bats emerge every night at dusk in a swarm that moves across Lady Bird Lake. Because the bats have attracted millions of tourists, some local businesses are using the bat as a symbol of the city. For example, the Austin Ice Bats, a minor league hockey team, was named for these flying residents. Put Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching into our Austin trip itinerary planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Austin.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
4,154 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • When my wife and I first heard about the bats at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, we thought they were joking. Bats living under a bridge? In the state capital of Texas? A....  more
    When my wife and I first heard about the bats at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, we thought they were joking. Bats living under a bridge? In the state capital of Texas? A....  more »
  • We went with Capital city Tours. They were very nice. We enjoyed a little sightseeing and then saw the bats. Our navigator did a great job. GPS put us in Hyatt parking lot but we found it. 
    We went with Capital city Tours. They were very nice. We enjoyed a little sightseeing and then saw the bats. Our navigator did a great job. GPS put us in Hyatt parking lot but we found it.  more »
Google
  • I've been to Austin several times before and have always wanted to see the famous bats so this time we finally made it and it really was a one of a kind experience. We got to a viewing spot southeast of the bridge about 90 minutes before sunset and found a comfortable spot on the hill to sit and wait. It wasn't overly crowded (it was a Thursday) but still I'd guess there were about 100 people there in addition to the boats and kayaks on the river. The bats made their first appearance around 830pm (about 10 minutes after sunset) and after spending 30 minutes or so flying right around the bridge they started streaming out into the night sky on their hunt. From what we heard from other watchers the time in relation to sunset varies from night to night and the way the bats exit varies too. The bats are tiny so in the dark it's hard to see individuals but once they start flying as a group you can see them better. This is something everyone should see!
  • I visited this bridge on my Austin trip since it was listed on multiple websites as one of the must-do items in Austin. It’s one of those touristy places which is easily walkable from downtown Austin and provides magnificent views of downtown Austin. I was there on an evening in mid-December, and it was quite cold with the drizzle. The downtown buildings were lit up and that made for some great nighttime photos. You can walk along the length of the bridge and can also see the bats that call this bridge their home along your walk. There are stairs going down from one end of the bridge and people use the trail below for running or walking as well. If it’s drizzling or raining hard, then you can take shelter under the bridge. In the evenings, I gleaned it can get chilly, so a jacket would be helpful. Oh, and you can also see the Capitol Building from the bridge. This is an essential thing to do while you’re in Austin.

Plan your trip to Austin

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.