Top on the list of things to do in Austin was the bat exodus from Congress Ave Bridge. We parked in the parking lot at the Austin Statemen bldg (after hours). There are kiosks to pay to park but we did not as we couldn’t get it to work. The area near the bridge had been sectioned off into boxes with yellow spray paint in the grass to insure social distancing, but it was wearing off. A busy area as people were jogging, bicycling thru there as well. There were also several tour boats in the water. We went on a week day so the crowd wasn’t too bad, but I imagine on the weekend it could get a bit hairy. It was after dusk before we started to hear the bats getting ready to fly and was after 6pm before the flood of them started out. Although it was hard to capture on a video or photo, it was quite the site to see and well worth a trip! Just a FYI - they all seemed to exit form one area of the bridge near where the water met the shore. We had expected them to come out from all of the areas, but we were still in a good spot to see all of the action. We stayed for about 20 minutes and they were still flying out!

We went in July 8th around 650 pm, paid for parking at the observatory spots just below the bridge. We scanned the QR code and paid our fee. We saw nothing about how long the parking was for nor did we receive anything about limits or purchasing more time after “expiration “. Anyways we were there for about 3 hours as the bats didn’t come out until after 915. Two weeks later I got a letter in the mail saying we stayed passed our time limit and we now have to pay $92. This is absolutely outrageous! And everyone who has had issues like this needs to report up to the city! I plan on filing a report to the Texas attorney generals office for this robbery and making it an official public complaint as I’ve tried working this out with the companies and they are threatening reporting this to the credit bureau.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Small area on hill that’s covered in grass near the Bat Observatory building. Parking via QR code and not that expensive. Went at 7.30 on Labour day, suggest people get: blanket, lots of water, some food from the places nearby if you want to picnic and bug spray and something to entertain themselves if they don’t like to people watch Bats didn’t really come out at all, could be they already migrated early this year? People started leaving early when they realised that was it Nice spot, would recommend coming earlier in the season and earlier in the evening too so you can nab a comfy spot Oh also ice cream truck when we were here!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Imagine thousands of bats emerging from under the bridge around sunset; its one surreal experience. Plus it's free. Get there 30-45 mins before sunset to get the best spots on bridge to see bats emerging at eye level, head down to watch them overhead, or better yet rent a kayak if you want to see them from water with backdrop of beautiful Texas Sunsets. If you prefer to not get in water, there are boats as well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This was such a lovely and unique experience! When visiting Austin, make it a priority to come at sunset and view the emergence of a million bats. In mid June, we arrived at 7:30 but the bats didn't emerge until nearly 9, thanks to the boat tours shining red lights at the bridge. Still, the city views and people watching entertained us until the bats made their nightly flight. If you plan to sit on the lawn, come an hour before sunset and bring a blanket or lawn chair and some bug spray to make your wait more pleasant.

I'm bummed to read several people not being able to experience this! We were lucky to. It was so cool. We rented some scooters to get here from our hotel. You may be tempted to rent a kayak to be under the bridge during the bats flying... Doesn't that sound awesome? Be mindful they are going to peeeeee everywhere! I prefer not to be peed on so we kept our distance from being under the bats!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

As a tourist, it is a fun place to go!! I went there early at around 5pm so I didn't see the famous Mexican Free-Tailed Bats but it is okay as long as I got grip of the place. Austin is a fun city and the visit at the area is a superb experience. We went there through an electric scooter. ( a lot of electric scooters to be rented at 0.5 cents a mile). The observation center is apparently near the Congress Avenue Bridge above Lady Bird lake. If you want a better experience, a kayak or a boat can be rented.

If you're in Austin for only half a day or less like I was, I'd suggest coming here and seeing the bats when they become active at sunset. It was neat to see this spectacle but for me personally, it was a one and done kind of deal. Be prepared to wait though, because they can take awhile to become active, even as much as an hour after sunset. There could also be less bats when it's cooler out, so maybe consider coming in the late spring - early fall if you want to see more.

Be ready for potential disappointment. We arrived at 7:30pm before the crowds. Left an hour after sundown at 9:30 and the bats still hadn't swarmed. Bats had her own plans and that's just life. I will say the parking is convenient. No restrooms anywhere nearby. Luckily a popsicle truck helped us recover from the heat.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Free entry
Yes

Best place to see the Mexican Free-tailed bats leaving their roost underneath the bridge around dusk to feed. Recommend arriving early (about an hour or 45m before sunset) for a parking space, bring a blanket to sit on, bug spray if you wish, and water as there are no facilities on site. This awesome spectacle of nature can be for 15+ minutes and is amazing. And please DO NOT use a flash when taking pictures!

If it's cold don't expect the bats to come out... we being tourists assumed they come out every night but failed to realize cold plus bats equals nope.... got some good views of the sunset. Both the bridge and trail under were good areas to chill though. You can definitely hear the bats in their homes under the bridge.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is a very unique group experience. If you are going please think about how you can make the experience great for everyone else around, people travel Austin just for the Bats. If you are in the mood to have a conversation maybe you can jog on and fill your boots elsewhere!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Bats came out almost exactly at sunset, maybe +/- 5 min. Very unique experience. It's not the most mind-blowing sight to see, but worth it if you're in the area. Very crowded even on a weekday, but there's plenty of space for everyone, whether you're on the grass below or above on the bridge.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

The bats did not come out in the stream as expected, so I was less impressed with the experience. It was so dark, that without the boat with the red spot lights, we wouldn't have seen anything. Maybe a better night or season would be better.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Parking good but costs you and setting good for watching . As it’s everyday thing you will always space to watch bar show but gets crowds on holiday evenings. Also may not be awesome in cloudy days- cannot see properly those bats flying . Follow Dusk and dawn sun timings and it still amazes you the nature phenomenon . Never touch any bat BTW.

Very hard to see, not too big of a crowd. Easier to see them flying away, against the sky than looking directly at the bridge. No cost associated. Access via steps right from bridge. Expect to stand or bring something to sit (blanket for grass). Not too busy during weekday in March. Lovely park/walking paths though!
Visited on
Weekday

It's hard to see when the sun goes down. You can see it better if you go under the bridge. It seems to be better to go a little before sunset. On my second visit, I went when it was bright, but I couldn't see it at all.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Nice part to go watch the bats from either Congress Bridge or adjacent park, but parking is expensive (approximately $18 for 2 hrs) so i recommend using street meter parking (approximately $3-4 for 2 hrs).
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is different place to visit. We have made mistake to stand on bridge, if one wants to see bats flying neatly then be sure that you will be under bridge where observation spot is made. Thousands of bats fly underneath the bridge after sunset. You also watch scenic beauty of place

It’s too dark to actually see the bats. I could barely see them flying out from underneath the bridge and then they disappeared from my vision. If you came here expecting to see a black cloud of bats in the sky as shown in the tourism advertisements, you would be disappointed.

Tourists and locals alike gather at this location every night to watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge before sunset. Here’s a few of my favorite photos from the 15th Annual Bat Fest, kayaking tours, and assorted bat photos. Enjoy!

I went there two times to see the bats but unfortunately they were shy and didn’t really come out till it was really dark. Either way, it was worth it. UPDATE 10/3 so, after going back for a third time they finally came out! Wish I could upload a video!

Awesome place to relax and enjoy downtown! FYI: Bats aren’t guaranteed. I recommend riding a scooter here because parking is limited
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Nice place to see the bats. Went on August 8 they came out at 740 which was 30 mins prior to sunset. I recommend taking a scooter
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Fun times!! We were amazed about how many bats there actually were. They just kept coming out of the bridge! It took awhile for it to get to the exact level of darkness but sure enough, out came the bats! Millions. Of. Bats.

If you get there early enough, you can get your very own stone to sit on. You’d think that for all the people who turn out every night that the city would provide some proper seating. The bats are amazing.

Don’t miss out on this iconic Austin nature show. Parking at the Austin American Statesman lot is pricey, but it’s the only thing that will cost you for this spectacular event.

Beautiful experience, a must when visiting Austin. Beware parking is not free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Unfortunately, the bats were experiencing performance anxiety, and only a small number of them came out. Still cool Visited on a Friday 29th Sep 2023. …

Loved it! I can't believe how many bats come out! Beautiful view!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free