The Austin Bats are Austins most popular visitor attraction. The Congress Avenue bridge spans Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin and is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America known as the Congress Bridge Bats. This colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats. Each night from around mid-March to early November, the Austin Bats emerge from under the bridge to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food. This nightly event is considered the most spectacular and unusual tourist attraction in Austin Texas.

Famous for its nightly bat migration, the Congress Avenue Bridge spans the Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake, but also offers great views of downtown Austin and the skyline. Worth a stop if in the area to see the bats and for the view, and is luckily pedestrian-friendly which I like. Cheers.

Fantastic!!! Absolutely amazing and words can’t describe and imagination can’t conceive this. You’ve got to see this for yourself! It’s a must see in Austin! There are millions of bats and it’s an awesome sight. Plus it was a full moon! Perfect!

This is a must see in Austin! I Enjoyed watching the largest urban bat colony in the world on the Congress Avenue Bridge, in Austin Texas. Estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out each night. It was amazing to watch. Tip: go at dusk, and wait for the sun to go down. Don’t go to the grassy area but stay up on the bridge and face East. If you would like to see them from below go to the North Side of the bridge then go down the stairs to the viewing platform and watch form there. There is also public parking right next to the bridge.

The most well known bridge in town, primarily thanks to the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the bridge and fly out at dusk. Its really quite spectacular. Theres a little grassy knoll section on the south side of the lake where people gather with blankets and relax to watch the bats. You have to get there early for a spot. A few other spots to watch the bats are standing on the actual bridge, on a paddleboard or kayaks, and then if youre up for paying to actually take a bat cruise, you can do that too. If you walk under the bridge, you can hear them...and smell them.Another tribute to the fame of this bridge is that its the center of town! Congress Avenue goes straight through downtown to the front of the capital building and heading south on the bridge takes you down South Congress, another of my favorite parts of town.

The bats did not fly due to what I believe was too much light. Bats will not come out if unfiltered white light is shining. Unfortunately, some of the party boats below had several light poles. The sunset is beautiful and made the trip worth it. The walk on the bridge is peaceful, even with several people around. Social distancing was upheld, and Im guessing the bridge is usually much busier. Beautiful view of the city as well!

It was quite serene. I went during mid afternoon so no rush hour traffic or major crowds and the water is clear, the trees and grounds are mostly well maintained... The only thing I havent seen before is the tents lined along the park on the side of the bridge. Just as a precaution- I wouldnt reccomend visiting after dark alone.

One of Austins many beautiful locations! This bridge connects the more business-oriented downtown area with the shops and attractions of South Congress St. It is also usually home to a large colony of bats, and when it is time for them to migrate you will not find a better location to watch them than this bridge.

Great to watch the bats come out in the summer, but please better enforce the electric scooters. They need to be in the bike lane not on the sidewalk.

Watching the bats fly used to be super exciting and a fun thing to do pretty much any day of the week and one family came into town but now it’s like a circus sideshow it’s truly unbelievable the bridge become super packed people literally pushing and shoving to get a closer look. Not to mention the congress street traffic is directly behind you with cars speeding by doing 50+. It’s just not what it used to be but we still venture down every once in a while to check on our old bats. If you’re going to watch the bats I recommend renting a kayak or canoe it’s much better this way you get to avoid the crowds.

Loved seeing the bats leave from under the bridge at night, a must see. For groups setting as well when the sun sets upon the water.

If you want to see the bats from the bridge, stay in the opposite direction of the sun, expect a lot of people, very close to you not wearing masks, so, it would be a great idea for you to wear a mask. You might not see many bats and there is not a specific time when bats will come out but it might happen sometime in the first 30-40 minutes after sunset, just be patient and have you camera ready if you want to take pictures. It would be very convenient if you stayed in one of those hotels by the river so you have a chance to see it in case you missed it one day... another option is getting on one of those small boats, that are in the river all the time until the moment of the natural spectacle you can even kayak during that time and have a better view .Have fun!

A lot of runners along here. Theres a couple seasons when bats live under it and come flying out in swarms once its dark. Has a cool park underneath.

Viewing the bats setting out to feed is a great experience. They left well before dark this past weekend. Paid parking is available nearby; probably the best spot is the Austin-Statesman lot.

Saw all the bats under the bridge wake up at dusk and fly away... Hundreds of them... Awesome sight!

It was neat seeing all the bats at night. Amazing seeing how many there were. My husband and I got there around 730 and still had time to find a seat on the lawn under the bridge. Thre bats started coming out as soon as it began getting dark

Went kayaking underneath the bridge and watched the bats come out from the sidelines. It was beautiful. Nice.

Iconic bridge where the bats fly out from. A true unique part of Austin. Worth exploring the area for sure.

Watching the bats emerge from beneath the bridge is always an awesome experience. There is an unreal number of them, and its amazing that there are even enough insects around to susstain such an incredible number of bats!

Nice place to watch the sunset. A lot of people were there to watch the bats afterwards.

OMGOSH!!! Getting to watch the bats take off at early dusk was AWESOME!It is so mesmerizing to watch so many bats leave the bridge and head into the sky for the beginning of night!Over 1.5 million bats live under the bridge and it does take quite some time for all of them to come out. You definitely get time to see them and be taken in by them simple amazing little creatures

Gorgeous! The bats were incredible, even off season!

Nice walking area across the bridge and room to stand to view the flight of the boats after dark. Unfortunately, we waited until 9:30 & only saw 15 bats.

Gorgeous scenery! An amazing place to go visit during all times of the day and perfect for families and pets!

Where else can you see Texass Capital, Millions of Bats, Ladybird lake, and the Austin skyline all at once? Truly an iconic bridge of the lonestar state!

Excellent place to go for a walk with lots of places to eat and see. If you have dogs great place for them to walk as well. Clean and friendly place.

First time to watch the bats fly in Austin. It was amazing. We had the kids and grandkids with us and they loved it.

Lovely place i the dusk. Everybody expected bats, bu bats was hiding.

This bridge is awesome. We meet nice people from all over the world that want to know about our fabulous city.

We came to see the bats of Austin and we joined the party at the bridge. How many people can stand on and below is a question left to someone more clever than me. It was amazing to see. The bat viewing experience is best if you go to watch the people who watch the bats. From young families to oldsters there are so many stories. The bats on our night did show for some who waited patiently. Only after the crowds thinned did they come out in force in the dark. Without a great camera to capture and slow down their motion it is like watching humming birds in the dark. The experience was great fun.

The view was beautiful! The bat experience was great and very unique! If I had to do this over, I would totally get the paddle board or a kayak and be on the water!

We were visiting from Florida and wanted to go watch the bats fly out at dusk from the Congress Bridge. We were mesmerized by the millions of bats as they took take their flight at dusk on the east side of bridge. We also enjoyed the Beautiful sunset on the west side as well. We were so glad we didnt miss this event!

South congress Bridge is pretty good for watching the bats come out at sunset.

Well I was expecting to see bats flocks from this bridge not exactly what I expected maybe the view from the top would have been better although the trails was nice to walk and found a bunch of interesting facts to read along the way... and a really cool bat painting but you really dont notice unless your really looking.....

I need better instructions on low-light Android action phitography...

It was nice to chat with people. Not enough social distancing or face masks. The bats never came out.

What a great experience! Who knew they were so small and there were so many!

OMG, Im speechless, THE BATS WERE BEYOND #FANTASTIC, A must for every resident and tourists..

Very crowded. Went too late in the season apparently. October is not the time to go and wait for hours because youll end up disapointed

Would be a solid 5 stars if not for the panhandlers. Great 360° views.

People still go out to see the bats while practicing social distancing!

Fun experience. It was a little difficult viewing the bats. The grass was overgrown

Obviously go for the bats but also great photo shot if capital building. Gods for downtown walking

I wouldnt normally even think to rate a bridge but it was a really cool experience to come here at dusk and watch all the bats fly out from ubder the bridge. I didnt really know what to expect but this was definitely something you had to see to believe. Photos dont do it justice, and it is incredible how the bats just swarm out in a band like formation - almost like a school of fish.

Great view of the west side of Austin and the surrounding city. Also this is the location to view the bat colonies from March to October. Great atmosphere.

The bat bridge is one of the popular places in that area. Beautiful park. The bats are usually expected in the month of March through April. They expect about a million bats to visit at this time. We went there late in the February and saw few hundreds. The walk trail will lead to a spot rite near the bridge and we got the perfect view. The sunset, city lights, bats and the river by the side made a wonderful evening.

Watched the bats fly away in the evening. A better place would be under the bridge and not on it.

Its more than a bridge, this is the location where you will find the largest urban bat colony in North America. Between 750,000 and 1.5 million bats fly out near dusk almost every night between April and October. Great place to see some awesome bats do their thing. Had a great time but expect a crowd of you come at night. Also if u have a chair, bring it and set up on the hill below the bridge for the best view!

Great place to see the Bats fly out in evening. Beautiful View of Town Lake and Downtown Austin from Bridge

Take in the views and if youre able to watch the bats venture out in the evening during fall time, its an experience! For no charge! Its fairly easy to find parking if you dont mind parking and the temptation to stop at any Austin hotspots in SoCo (Southern Congress Avenue).

Lovely view of river. Bats about 15 minutes after sunset March - November.

The opposite side seems to be the better spot since the shade is constant, the east side stays hot since the sun beams down in that spot!

I miss when you could easily watch the bats without massive crowds swarming all around you. I’m sure you’ll eventually need to have reservations to watch the bats fly out too. unbelievable, but still a beautiful sight to be seen.

Okay the bats are there, but my expectations where to high. I expected a massive swarm, and I fact there are loads of them, but as they started it was quite dark already so there wasnt too much to see, even in late July. Definitely go to the side with the car park. Under the bridge is the best view but it comes with the risk of a guano rain.

We went to see the bats that come out from the bridge at sunset.

So cool to see all the bats flying out from under the bridge at sunset, plus a fantastic view of the city in the evening. Great way to end our first trip to Austin.

South east on the bridge, above the waterline is the best place to view emerging bats. Best time July /August 730pm to 815pm.After the bats emerge, go to the center of the bridge to watch them feed on fireflies. You can also rent kayaks nearby or go on a boat tour and get right up underneath the bridge.

Very beautiful-worth the walk

This is a beautiful place to watch the sunset and also watch the bats fly out from the water or from the bridge either way it’s a really good place to kill some time on an evening when you’re downtown Austin. This bridge is really starting to attract a lot of people I remember when I used to to be maybe 30 people watching the bats now it’s hundreds every weekend hopefully they don’t ruin it for all of us. In my opinion it’s easier to watch the bats from the water to avoid the crowds but now it seems there are crowds of boats, ahh, it comes the territory right

Beautiful park area. Well maintained paths. We waited for the bats but they came out so sporadically and in few numbers that we didnt see them. But still a beautiful night and worth the trip.

Met there for bat viewing! Loved it! Beautiful walk!

It was great fun seeing the bats fly after sunset. The bats fly East from the bridge. The best place to see is from the south side below the bridge or from the top of the bridge towards the south edge. We waited till like 8:20 to see the bats come out. Its a nice bridge to walk on and see the downtown.

Beautiful late night walk!Great bat watching!

Very interesting but not epic. It is really cool seeing so many bats at once and all the people that come out to watch it.

It was cool to watch the bats fly out. You need to be on the southeast end of the bridge to see the bats better. It was around 830 at night when they flew out.

Such a neat trail but so much trash everywhere. Austin should be ashamed.

Seeing the bats at dusk is an absolute must-see when you are in Austin. Awesome experience!

I love the bats!!! Theres a lot of info on plaques. Saw an opossum!!

This is Austin. And the smell of the bat feces and urine is all part of it,, so dont complain about it...lol we all can smell it too

Came to watch the bats emerge from the bridge,it was quite exciting, the crowds very friendly and enthusiastic.

This little spot has an Awesome view of Congress Ave, and the Capital. Also, around sunset in the summer months hundreds of people gather and watch a million bats fly out from underneath it. There was no charge to walk on the bridge, and easily within walking distance of many hotels.

Just beautiful with all tree changing colors. I missed the bar season which was ended in October. This path along water was very enjoyable.

Every night, there will be a bunch of bats flying out from under the bridge, very interesting.

Its relaxing and pleasant wake a walk here. I saw millions of bats around 20:05 in August .

We want to see the bats but they unfortunately decided to not come out. Beautiful scenery and great view of the city skyline.

While standing on this bridge we noticed a beautiful Park and and the skyline of the city was also beautiful. So many beautiful buildings around this location. We decided to walk down to the park that was right next to it and was told about the bats that come out from under the bridge every evening. You do have to schedule to see the tour but the tour was pretty cheap. We also watched people kayak and canoe and use the little paddle boats from the bridge. If you go down into the park you can set a reservation. I was a little disappointed that we were unable to purchase and utilize it at that moment. Definitely a great spot to view the city and the park.

Even though it was too early for the bats, this is a gorgeous walk. The parks along the banks of the river offer several activities including rowing. Lots of photo opportunities, including this little overhang off the walkway. The area is very clean - cleaner than I thought it would be. I would come back often if I lived there.

ALWAYS LOVE STANDING ON THE BRIDGE AND LOOKING AT THE WATER!!

Very cool to see this random attraction. Bats!

A beautiful city and skyline that is littered with tints and leftover items from Roadside squatters

Be prepared for lots of people ignoring social distancing and not wearing masks. We were expecting thousands of bats, but were disappointed with maybe hundreds? If in Austin and out and about at night and want to see some bats in the dark, go for it. Lots of homeless have taken to camping around the bridge.

We loved the bats, they are fascinating, and its dumbfounding how there are so many! The atmosphere is pretty awesome, with all the people that come together to witness the bats come out for dinner!

This bridge is known as a colony of over a million bats. That’s enough number to bring people everyday evening to watch them when they come out of their houses to hunt insects. The location also has a great sunset view and you can take tons of nice pictures.

The number of bats coming out from under the bridge was in droves. Then when one thought there were none left, a new wave made their exit. Some say that there are close to a million bats. Since it was just after sunset, it was difficult to take pictures or capture individual bat images. Nonetheless the army of bats keep Austin relatively insect free.

Came here to see the Bats. Enjoyed watching other visitors on their kayaks and canoes while waiting. Its a nice view.

Very cool place. We watched bats come out at dusk. Awesome experience. The belt way area is very nice.

This was the first time I saw this big colony of bats. This colony started flying under the bridge and then it was a never ending moment. They kept on coming in hundreds for several minutes. This was altogether a new experience that Ill recommend to anyone going to Austin especially in August.

Came here to watch the bats take off. The “Batman” told us at 7:00PM. It was 6:30 at that point. I waited around until 7 but saw no bats. I assumed it was because it was still lift out. I waited patiently with my GoPro and filmed their flight at 8:05pm. It wasn’t completely dark but it was twilight. Well worth the wait, but if you go be prepared to be around crowds! Lock down a spot and hold your ground! It will be a great show!

Here to watch the bats. Pretty amazing! The bridge alone is great but Im sorry, too many homeless laying around the streets and asking for handouts. Kind of scary for families wanting to walk around without fear.

I love the view its amazing!!! Beautiful site to see.

Anytime I visit Austin this is a must! They have convenient parking right below the bridge and beautiful views of the city! Not to mention the bats!

It was pretty nice but wish the lights weren’t so bright so you could see the bats better. Maybe turn red during certain hours?! Still a great experience!

This was a great family friendly free thing to do.

Nice area with trails and river tours and downtown Austin close by.

Perfect sunset spot enjoy the bats!

Some friends suggested that we stop by the bridge at sunset to see all the bats that come out to eat at night. There were so many bats zipping around everywhere looking for dinner. There were people in the lake on kayaks watching them from the water and there were some on top of the bridge and below the bridge. All of the locations were great to see the bats.

With the Texas heat the lake helps keep the trail cool. There is also plenty of shade from trees.

Loved it! Super AFFORDABLE! Great views, just an all around good time!

Cool bat formation comes out at night. Worth the wait to see them flood out from under the bridge and blot out the sun like the arrows in 300.

U can see the bats from here around 745 to 8 pm right now