Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck - Austin (TX)

5 /5 Emily Goodin: Considering the current south shore plant/tree overgrowth (April 2024) I think THIS is the best place to stand when waiting for the bats to come out from under the bridge. Yes the bats begin to emerge on the south side first, but you dont need to see the *first* bats to see an impressive display. As it turns out, we didnt see a large group of bats this evening (it rained and was generally too cool), but we did see (and hear) some bats, and the trip to the bridge was worthwhile. We waited from 30 minutes before until about 50 minutes after sunset, then left. Austin has a lovely skyline! We walked here from our hotel near the convention center, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. It was a very pleasant walk with lots of tree cover.

5 /5 Roberto S. Fierros: This was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! home to the largest urban bat colony in the world. I got there just in time for the show! It was 5:45pm and it was perfect. Stand on the bridge facing the south for a better view

5 /5 Anika Bajpai: The bat watching was crazy cool! Am jealous of those in Austin who get to watch. Nice bridge to watch the sunset.

5 /5 Mimi Snook: Nice meeting spot, and iconic location of the largest Mexican free tail bat colony in North America. See them fly at dusk at the southeast end of the bridge, below looking up when nightly guides of kayak and boat tours shine their red lights to see the flying bats. Check out "Austin bat refuge" online for nightly bat forecast.

5 /5 Adam Riemer: The Ann Richard bridge, also known as the bat bridge in Austin Texas, is a great place to people and bar watch. When you walk under during the day you can hear them chirping, and then they take off in the evening. Cool painting by the observation deck.