Congress Avenue Bridge (South Congress Bridge)

Overview

The Congress Avenue Bridge, also known as the South Congress Bridge, is a historic bridge in Austin, Texas, famous for its bat colony and scenic views. It spans Lady Bird Lake and is a popular spot for photography and relaxation.

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America and a iconic symbol of Austin.

Bridge Landmark Viewpoint

Location

Address

South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas

Neighborhood: South Congress

Coordinates

30.266600, -97.746900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours

tuesday Open 24 hours

wednesday Open 24 hours

thursday Open 24 hours

friday Open 24 hours

saturday Open 24 hours

sunday Open 24 hours

Admission

Adults

$0 (free to visit the bridge)

Children

$0 (free to visit the bridge)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Evening

Bat colony emergence, sunset views

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

Half day (with nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Wildflowers
• Bat sightings

summer

Hot and humid

• Bat colony emergence
• Outdoor concerts

autumn

Mild to cool

• Fall colors
• Cooler weather

winter

Cool to cold

• Holiday lights
• Fewer crowds

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check bat emergence schedule
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring water

What to Bring

essential

Water Sunscreen Camera

seasonal

Umbrella (for rain) Jacket (for cooler months) Hat (for sun protection)

not allowed

Drones (without permit) Alcohol (in public areas)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Heat exhaustion in summer
• Uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: Nearby hospitals and clinics

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

parking $2-$10 (street or lots)

food $10-$30 (street vendors, restaurants)

souvenirs $5-$20 (local shops)

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes, layers for evenings, Walking shoes, sandals, No specific dress code restrictions

Booking Tips

• Not typically required, but check for special events
• Official event websites
• Varies by event
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Austin Explorer

Size: 50 MB

Features: Maps, Event listings, Bat emergence schedule

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Nearby cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Limited availability in nearby shops

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Distance: 10 miles

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

Taxi

$30-$40 20-30 min

Rideshare

$20-$30 20-30 min

Public_transport

$1.75 45-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 1-2 miles

Walking

$0 20-30 min

Biking

$0 (if you have a bike) 10-15 min

Bus

$1.75 15-20 min

Rideshare

$5-$10 5-10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique landmark, bat colony, vibrant atmosphere

Historical Significance: One of the first reinforced concrete arch bridges in Texas, home to the largest urban bat colony in North America

Insider Tips

Best views of the bats from the bridge or nearby park
Free live music at nearby venues
Great food trucks and cafes along South Congress

Local Recommendations

• Try local food trucks on South Congress
• Visit nearby Rainey Street for historic bungalow bars
• Check out the Texas State Capitol

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Howdy

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where's

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Bridge overlook

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide shots of the bridge and lake

Result: Stunning skyline views

#Austin #CongressAveBridge #BatBridge

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

Best Time: Evening (bat emergence)

Tips: Capture the bats against the sky

Result: Unique bat photos

#BatBridge #AustinBats #CongressAve

South Congress Avenue

Best Time: Daytime

Tips: Street scenes, shops, and murals

Result: Vibrant local culture

#SouthCongress #AustinLife #SOCO

Photography Rules

allowed areas Bridge, surrounding areas, streets

prohibited areas Private property, restricted event areas

flash photography Generally allowed, but avoid disturbing others

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Permit required, check local regulations

tripod policy Allowed in public areas, restricted during events

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Texas State Capitol

Distance: 0.5 miles

Walking: 10 min

Type: Historical Site

Zilker Park

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 min

Type: Park

The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center

Distance: 0.3 miles

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Rainey Street

Distance: 1.5 miles

Walking: 30 min

Type: Historic District

Reviews

4.6

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit at sunset for the best views"
"Check the bat emergence schedule"
"Explore South Congress Avenue for great food and shopping"

Contact Information

+1 512-974-6700 (City of Austin Parks and Recreation)

not applicable

www.austintexas.gov/batfest (for bat-related information)

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (7)