Tours and Tickets to Experience Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge)

The Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge) in Austin is famous for being home to one of the world’s largest urban bat colonies. From spring to fall, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk, creating a spectacular sight known as the Austin Bat Colony.

The best time to see the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge is around sunset, however timings can range from anywhere between 7:30pm and 9:45pm. Watching the bats emerge from the bridge can take up to 45 minutes, leaving plenty of time to take photos.

Yes, there are several viewing spots along and near the Congress Avenue Bridge that offer excellent vantage points for watching the bat emergence. Popular locations include the middle and north end of the bridge, or adventurous travelers can rent a kayak and watch the bats from the water.

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours available for viewing the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge. Opting for a tour instead of visiting alone is beneficial to get tips on the best observation spots, plus will provide commentary about the behavior and ecology of the bats to enrich your experience. Tours include group kayak or paddleboard tours, walking tours, and e-bike trips.

Yes, it’s generally safe to stand on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats. However, it's crucial to be mindful of traffic and other pedestrians, particularly during peak bat-watching times when the bridge can become busy with spectators. A less crowded alternative may be a viewing from the water on a boat tour.

Other attractions near the Congress Avenue Bridge include the Texas State Capitol, the seat of the Texas government, the Museum of the Weird, and the Mexic-Arte Museum. For lively nightlife, Sixth Street is the place to go, while South Congress Avenue is great for both shopping and eating.