Whenever you pick your next travel destination you probably would like to explore the many unique attractions around the area. Many locations can be boring destinations that offer little to no excitement. You won’t find that here in Austin! It is known that Austin provides a unique aspect here in the state of Texas. The city is filled with plenty of exciting activities to enjoy all year long. Austin also features many unique attractions that are found nowhere else. One of the most popular attractions to visit during a stay in Austin is South Congress Bridge and its bat occupants. It is like a rite of passage during your first visit to Austin to see these incredible creatures take flight. Take a look at what you need to know about seeing the bats living under Congress Bridge in Austin:
What is the Attraction?
The bats living under Congress Bridge have become an icon for the city of Austin and are a must-see attraction during your visit. Congress Bridge spans all the way across Lady Bird Lake putting it right in the heart of Austin. You have probably walked or driven over the bridge without realizing that there are millions of bats currently sleeping on the underside of the bridge. Specifically, there are approximately 1.5 million Mexican free tail bats that call the underside of the bridge home throughout the year. These bats migrate to Austin during the months of mid-March through early November allowing you to see them during most parts of the year. Seeing them take flight is a truly unique and spectacular experience that everyone should experience in Austin!
When to Visit the Congress Bridge in Austin
As mentioned, the bats will typically be in Austin during the months of March through November during the year. Typically, the bats will leave Austin whenever the first cold weather of winter hits. Climate change is slowly bringing in warmer months during the year. This has led to some years receiving the bats in February instead of March as they find the weather more tolerable. The best way to know if the bats are in town is to check out available tours in the city. This will help you find out if the bats have already arrived!
How to View the Bats
Now that you know a little bit about the bats, you are probably interested in getting the opportunity to see them up close. Seeing the bats has become an important part of any Austin evening with thousands of locals and visitors lining up across the bridge to see them take flight. The bats below Congress Bridge typically take flight around 30-60 minutes before sunset hits.
Since the bats call the bridge home for most of the year, the time the sun sets can vary depending on when you visit. Typically, the sun will set later during the summer season usually just after 8:30 p.m. During the fall sunset will take place much earlier with sunset taking place before 7:00 p.m. during the months of October and November.
Make sure to look up the local sunset time during your time in Austin so you can plan ahead. Now that you have the sunset times figured out you can plan on when you want to get to Congress Bridge. It is typically recommended to get to the bridge 90 minutes before sunset so you can find a great viewing area. Seeing the bats take flight is highly popular so if you arrive right at sunset, you will not find any spots on the bridge to look from. Watching the bats from the bridge is always a free experience. With it being free you will find that the bridge will easily get crowded. Shorter individuals may also find it difficult to see over the bridge walls. Visitors will also find bat viewing areas on Congress Bridge that are the best spots to see the bats from.
Book a Capital Cruise Bat Watch Tour
The best way to experience seeing the bats, however, is by booking a cruise with Capital Cruise. They offer their bat-watching tours that will have you on Lady Bird Lake with one of their cruise ships. You will get an incredible view of the bats taking flight from the water. The tours always book up so booking ahead in advance is always highly recommended. Tours are also relatively inexpensive at $13 for adults and cheaper tickets for seniors and children. Grab a spot on the next tour and see this incredible experience from the water!
Book Today for Austin
Seeing the bats take flight is just one of the many unique parts of visiting Austin. Make the most of your trip by reserving one of our Austin vacation rentals to keep you close by.
