Austin Bat Watch - Congress Avenue Bridge

Select a Date:

Sunset Time

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🦇 Estimated Bat Emergence

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Season Status

Weather Tip: Hot, dry weather = earlier emergence (before sunset). Cool, damp weather = up to 40 minutes after sunset.

🅿️ Parking Recommendations

Plan ahead! Parking near Congress Avenue Bridge fills up quickly during peak bat season. Here are your best options:

One Congress Plaza Garage

💵 ~$3/hour, ~$21 daily max

📍 0.3 miles (5 min walk)

111 Congress Ave. Secure covered parking with easy access. Accepts credit cards.

Street Parking (South Congress)

💵 $1–10/hour (Park ATX app)

📍 0.1-0.4 miles

Metered parking along South Congress, paid via the Park ATX app. Enforced Mon–Sat until midnight, Sun 1 PM–midnight. Limited spots — arrive early during peak season!

Auditorium Shores Parking Lot

📍 0.4 miles (8 min walk)

920 W Riverside Dr. Free parking with the best bat viewing from the south side of the bridge. 2-hour limit, open until 10 PM. Very popular — arrive 45+ minutes early!

Long Center Garage

💵 ~$12 evening

📍 0.5 miles (10 min walk)

701 W Riverside Dr. Good availability, reasonable rates. Nice walk along the river to the bridge.

Pro Tips: • Arrive 30-45 minutes before estimated emergence time for best parking and viewing spots
• July-August (peak season): Arrive even earlier - parking fills up an hour before sunset
• Best viewing is from the south side of the bridge (Auditorium Shores) or on the bridge sidewalk
• Street parking on S Congress requires the Park ATX app — download it before you go
• Consider rideshare/scooters if visiting during peak times - drop-off at Congress & Cesar Chavez
• Prices change — verify rates on arrival