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
-
It was not what I was expecting, but it was really cool to read about the bats and why they come to this specific bridge.
It was not what I was expecting, but it was really cool to read about the bats and why they come to this specific bridge. more »
-
A must see if un Austin during peak bat season! I decided to go all in with a ticket on a boat viewing and it was incredible. Sunset and bats from the water!
A must see if un Austin during peak bat season! I decided to go all in with a ticket on a boat viewing and it was incredible. Sunset and bats from the water! more »
-
I always wanted to see the bats in Austin but was never there at the right time of the year. We had an event in town and decided to walk to a restaurant to enjoy the city and suddenly realized that when we approached the congress bridge people were gathering and the bats were starting to fly out from under the bridge. Such a great surprise and experience. I think I still want to check it out how it looks from a boat next time, but very cool!
-
There is nothing extraordinary about the bridge itself. Its just that. A bridge with no special architecture significance. The view from on top of it pleasant. Below it, you see the Colorado river and people paddle boarding, and kayaking. To the north, you see the capitol at the end with modern high raise buildings both sides making up the Austin city skyline. To the west, you can see the sunset in the evening. In the evening, most people stand on east side of the bridge sidewalk or wait under the bridge in boats or sit by the Statesman bat observation center... as you guessed, to observe over a million bats flying out everyday to their job as minions of Batman.
Plan your trip to Austin
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Austin
Side trips from Austin
Hidden gems in Austin
Parks in Austin
Shopping in Austin
Trips in Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching by other users
1 day in Austin
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Austin
7 days in San Antonio
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Waterloo Records
LBJ Presidential Library
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
8 days in Fort Scott, Corpus Christi & San Antonio
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Fort Scott
Corpus Christi
San Antonio
3 days in San Antonio
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Scooter Power Tours
The San Antonio River Walk
The Alamo
5 days in Austin
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Texas State Capitol
Waterloo Records
Barton Springs Pool
3 days in Austin
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Elisabet Ney Museum
LBJ Presidential Library