Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge)
South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78704
Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, forming one of the world’s largest urban bat colonies. Summer evenings draw big crowds of spectators, who gather here with cameras to watch the bats fly out from beneath the bridge. The nightly emergence has become a defining Austin experience and a favorite activity for both tourists and locals alike.
The Basics
You can witness Austin’s beloved flying residents from various locations, including the eastern walkway of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, the grassy hillside at the base of the bridge, or from Lady Bird Lake in a rented kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Bat-watching tours take various forms—enjoy a guided cycling tour around the lake before arriving at the bridge in time for bat viewing, paddle to the bridge on a kayak tour, or see the bats as part of a GPS-led scavenger hunt through the Texas capital.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Congress Bridge bats are a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Austin.
The bats’ dramatic appearance usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
A typical bat tour lasts two to three hours, depending on the option chosen.
The public walkway along Congress Avenue Bridge is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Congress Avenue Bridge is located roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Austin. The easiest way to get there is on foot or by road. Parking is available near the Austin American-Statesman office, Auditorium Shores, and along East Riverside Drive.
When to Get There
The Austin bats can be seen between March and November, with their numbers peaking in summer. The mammals begin to emerge about 20 minutes before sundown; due to the spectacle’s popularity, it’s a good idea to show up an hour or so before sunset to stake out a spot on the bridge.
Austin Bat Trivia
The free-tailed bat colony that lives beneath South Congress Bridge was once feared, but today the bats are appreciated for keeping the city’s bug population under control. Each night, the colony consumes 20,000 to 30,000 pounds (9,072 to 13,608 kilograms) of insects. This particular species gets its name from its long tail, which measures about a third of the length of its body. The bats often fly up to two miles (3.2 kilometers) high and are among the fastest mammals in the world.
Ways to explore
There are lots of ways to watch Austin’s beloved flying residents. Some visitors head to the eastern walkway of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, while others gather on the hillside at the base of the bridge. Bat-watching tours take various forms—you can enjoy a guided e-bike tour around Lady Bird Lake before arriving at the bridge in time for bat viewing, paddle to the bridge on a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding tour, or see the bats as part of a GPS-led scavenger hunt. You can also opt for a private walking tour for a more luxurious and personalized experience.
Accessibility
The Austin American-Statesman’s Bat Observation Area, located southeast of Congress Avenue, is wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, insect repellent, reusable water bottle
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, light layers
Not allowed
Drones, disruptive behavior, littering
Amenities
Paid parking on Congress Avenue, restrooms near the trailheads, drinking fountains near Lady Bird Lake
Address
Located in downtown Austin, Congress Bridge is easily to reach from the city center. You can drive, use a rideshare app, or choose a guided bat-watching boat or kayaking tour on Lady Bird Lake.
Driving
It takes around 20 minutes to drive to the Congress Avenue Bridge from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Get on the State Highway 71W from the Spirit of Texas Drive, take exit 233 from I-35/US-290E, then take East Riverside Drive to South Congress Avenue.
Public transportation
Take a bus, such as the #801 or #1, to Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores, then walk around seven minutes to your preferred bat-viewing point.
Best times to visit
Get to the bridge around 30–60 minutes before sunset to give yourself the best chance to see the bats.
Best days to visit
Weeknights are typically less crowded than weekend evenings. It’s also a good idea to avoid nights when there are popular downtown events nearby.
Best months to visit
You’ll typically encounter the most bat activity between March and May, then again between July and September. However, sometimes bats can be seen as late as mid–October.
Special events
The most notable annual event near the bridge is September’s Bat Fest, which celebrates the bats with live music, food, fun, and—of course—bat viewing.
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