It’s about that time of year when hoards of Austinites, visitors, and enthusiasts start to line up along the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset for a chance at viewing our tiny neighbors: 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.
The bats live underneath the bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in the world. It goes to show how important the bats are to Austin’s personality that I can write out these facts without looking them up first (Don’t worry, I fact-checked!).
Here’s what to know about seeing the bats this summer:
⏰ When To Go
You can visit the bridge nightly to see the bats – they fly as long as it’s not raining – between early May and mid-September, according to Austin Bat Refuge. The best times to view the bats, however, are in early May, and between July and mid-September. Bats typically emerge from under the bridge about 30 minutes before sunset, or up to 40 minutes after sunset when temperatures are cooler and conditions are damp.
You’ll definitely want to get to the bridge or its surrounding areas long before sunset – it gets crowded!
🚙 Where To Park
You can park for a fee in the parking lot next to the old Austin American-Statesman parking lot at 305 South Congress Ave.
If that lot is full, try your hand at street parking downtown, or in lots surrounding Lady Bird Lake.
🕶️ Where To View
If you can grab a spot below the bridge where the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike trail intersect with the Statesman parking lot, grab it! A little hill in that area is the perfect place to watch the bats emerge. For an aerial view, hop up to the bridge itself and post up along the rail. More sitting spots exist on the northern end of the trail near The LINE Austin hotel. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, rent a kayak or paddleboard and watch the bats from the lake!
🥤 What To Bring
Bring a towel or blanket to sit on if you plan on arriving early to get a spot on the ground. Wear bug spray and pack a big water bottle – you may be out there a while.
🦇 Happy watching!
