Bats Under the Congress Avenue Bridge

Head to the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch up to 100,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk—it's one of Austin's wildest natural spectacles and totally free. The best show happens during spring migration (mid-March to mid-April) or late summer when pups are learning to fly, and you'll want to check the weather forecast since hot, dry conditions trigger the most dramatic emergences. Just remember to keep it quiet and avoid shining lights on the bats so you don't stress them out.