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Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge: Our most recommended tours and activities

Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

1. Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Witness the incredible spectacle of millions of Mexican Free-tailed bats emerging from beneath Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Get the best view from a kayak on the river below to watch one of the city's most celebrated natural attractions. Meet your guide for an introductory paddling lesson, and learn all about how the local bat colony came to make the bridge their home. As you paddle the waterways towards the bridge, you'll get to see Austin's gorgeous downtown skyline and bridges along Lady Bird Lake, locally known as Town Lake. Get a chance to snap social media-worthy photos as the bats form enormous surreal dancing clouds, and ascend into the night sky. Once the tour is over you'll make your way back to the starting point.

Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

2. Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

Experience the beauty of Austin at twilight on a sunset cruise, with a guide and hotel transfer included. See the city's top sites like the Willie Nelson Statue, Paramount Theatre, and the Texas Capitol lit up at night. Join a bat-watching tour during March-October. Be greeted by your guide at your downtown Austin accommodation and begin your evening tour in the comfort of a Mercedes Metris van. At dusk, cruise on Austin's Lady Bird Lake and watch the changing skyline. Learn about the city’s culture and friendly locals. Take this tour between March and October, witness Austin's famous Congress Bridge bats. Join your guide on a bat-watching excursion to see fabled Mexican (or Brazilian) free-tailed bats take flight from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Witness the bats under the bridge where a colony of 1.5 million bats reside, one of the biggest colonies of urban bats in the world. Be awestruck at the sight of these bats flying across the colorful evening sky, with speeds of 60 miles per hour. Hop back into the van to enjoy a narrated drive with stops at several iconic landmarks including Pfluger Bridge, Texas State Capitol, the Willie Nelson statue, and Paramount Theatre illuminated at night. Get local insights into the surrounding area from your guide before being taken back to your downtown Austin hotel.

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

3. Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

Explore the capital of Texas on a relaxing single or double kayak adventure. Take your time as you explore the city in either a single or double kayak and check out the views as you float along the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake. Discover multiple man-made outlets that can take you all the way from Congress Avenue Bridge to Barton Springs all while exploring on your own. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the towering sights of Downtown Austin while on the relaxing waters of Lady Bird Lake. A driver's license per kayak will be required when checking in on site. A waiver will also be required and can be filled out at the dock.

Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide

4. Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide

Experience all that Austin has to offer on this 2-hour city overview. This 'bucket list' tour will take you to see major landmarks, lesser-known gems that only a local would know about, real neighborhoods, and of course, the food trucks! Ride in-style in an air-conditioned Mercedes Van, with many stops where you can get out, stretch your legs, and explore. Your local Austin guide will share with you stories about art, music, culture, food, history, parks, famous people, and much more. Discover secret spots, hear funny stories, and decipher local legends. Make new memories and laugh a ton as you learn why Austin is known for its motto, 'Keep Austin Weird'. Along with seeing all the top sites, get an opportunity to tour the State Capitol. Learn a little about Texas history and see the beautiful architecture throughout the Capitol. After your guided Capitol tour, enjoy a sweet treat on us!

Austin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

5. Austin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Embark on a 2-hour bike tour of Austin and pedal down to some of the famous spots around downtown and the river front. A local guide will lead you along a route that also takes back streets and hiking trails beloved by locals. Along the way, see why they like to "Keep Austin Weird" in this cultural hub.  The tour begins by going along the famous Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Barton Springs Pool area, and Zilker Park. Then, take a stop at the South Congress Avenue Bridge and learn about the largest urban colonization of bats in North America. From there, head towards the new boardwalk for amazing views of the Austin skyline. See Austin's hottest entertainment district, Rainey Street, and learn how it came to be.  Finish your tour by heading up north to the Texas State Capitol, where you'll be able to go inside and admire the famous rotunda. Take time to snap some photos before cruising back towards the shop along the newly renovated Shoal Creek Trail. The tour ends at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

Austin: Kayaking Tour through Downtown to Barton Springs

6. Austin: Kayaking Tour through Downtown to Barton Springs

Follow your guide on a fun-filled kayaking journey to Barton Springs. Admire stunning views of the downtown Austin skyline. Enjoy a trip that is suitable for beginners, as it includes paddling instruction. Meet your guide and get set up with your kayak, paddle, and life vest. Learn how to paddle before setting off on your kayaking adventure. Capture pictures of Austin from the water. View the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to Mexican free-tailed bats. Explore the waters of Lady Bird Lake where you can view the Austin's skyline from afar. Kayak into the crystal clear waters of Barton Springs and search for local wildlife like the Barton Springs salamander. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour.

Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

7. Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Explore the capital of Texas while leisurely paddling Lady Bird Lake and nearby waterways. Perfect for family, friends, or a combination of both, see sights like the towering Congress Avenue Bridge, Barton Springs, Zilker Park, the Statesman Bat Observation Center, and plenty of wildlife. Begin your adventure in downtown Austin to collect your paddleboard. Learn how to mount and maneuver your board and understand the rights of way for river and lake traffic. Then it's time to get into the water, pausing to take a photo of the sweeping city skyline dotted with skyscrapers. Feel the sun on your face as you paddle through the calm lake water of Lady Bird Lake. Stay here to watch for local wildlife along the banks or cruise towards the Colorado River to the Statesman Bat Observation Center and Congress Avenue Bridge to catch a glimpse of the city's large bat colonies. Continue to nearby Barton Springs, a set of four natural water springs located in Zilker Park. Take a break to swim in the crisp water or watch for wildlife like fish, otters, turtles, and birds. Then it's time to head back to return the paddleboards and take one last photo of your adventure.

Austin: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

8. Austin: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 19+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Austin in 3-4 hours. Once downloaded, your tour begins at Mount Bonnell, which offers panoramic views of the city. Next, you’ll cruise around the outskirts of the city, seeing plenty of parks, nature preserves, and botanical gardens and learning more about the founding of this weird and wild capital city along the way. At Barton Springs, you’ll have a chance to take a dip in this beautiful natural pool or rent a kayak to row down Austin’s gorgeous river. Then you’ll cross Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in America. Hear why bats roost here and how to see them take flight as you cross into Austin’s urban core. Learn the story behind the iconic slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” then park by the Texas State Capitol building and stroll along its historic grounds. Next, you’ll walk down Congress Avenue, flush with preserved historic architecture, quirky shops, and amazing restaurants. Finally, you’ll reach Austin’s famous 6th Street, the buzzing nightlife center of the city. Your tour concludes here.

Austin: Small Group Taco Tasting Foodie Walking Tour

9. Austin: Small Group Taco Tasting Foodie Walking Tour

Welcome to the Austin Taco Food Walking Tour, a perfect way to experience the best of Austin in a single afternoon. This tour combines the must-see city attractions with the deliciousness of Austin's taco scene.   As you stroll through the city, you'll discover the hidden gems of Austin, including the iconic Willie Nelson statue, the historic Driskill Hotel, and the Austin Public Library, which is an architectural masterpiece. You'll also get to see the Congress Street Bridge, a truly "eye batting" experience that only Austin can offer.   Next is the taco prowl. Austin is renowned for its amazing taco scene, and this tour is the perfect way to sample some of the best. You'll visit three different taco stops, each offering a variety of mouth-watering options, including grilled steak, shrimp macha, pork, grilled chicken, vegetarian, and many more. And for dessert, you'll get to indulge in a delicious doughnut from a local bakery.   This tour is not just about the food and the city attractions, but also about the walking experience itself. As you stroll through the city streets, you'll feel the vibrant energy of Austin, with its live music, colorful street art, and friendly locals. This tour truly captures the essence of Austin, and is the perfect way to experience the city like a local.   So if you're looking for a fun and delicious way to explore Austin, join us on the Austin Taco Food Walking Tour, and let us take you on a journey through the heart of this amazing city.

Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin

10. Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin

Experience Austin's culinary diversity and support local, family-owned eateries that define Austin as a haven for food enthusiasts. Our 2 hour guided food walking tour offers a tantalizing array of local favorites, a culinary journey through Texas flavors. Explore scenic stops along the tour, such as the historic Congress Avenue. Marvel at the grandeur of the Texas Capitol Building and discover the rich history of this iconic street. Experience the tranquility of Town Lake, a serene oasis amidst the bustling city life. Take a stroll down Congress Avenue Bridge, and learn about Austin's famous bat colony and the best spots to witness these fascinating creatures at dusk. Food you'll experience on the Austin Tour: Savor Authentic Texas BBQ: Indulge in mouth-watering brisket, savory sausage, and the classic sides mac & cheese and potato salad. Taste Traditional Mexican Flavors: Enjoy delicious barbacoa tacos and cowboy-style beans that reflect Austin's rich Mexican heritage. Refresh with Austin Smoothies: Conclude your tour with a healthy, fruit-filled smoothie, showcasing Austin's commitment to fresh and organic ingredients. Featured Food Destinations: Lamberts Downtown Barbecue (meeting location) Kickstart your culinary adventure at Lamberts, a celebrated Texas BBQ joint, housed in a historic 1870 building. Relish their Texas All Beef Hotlink and learn about the history of Texas barbecue. Veracruz All Natural Nestled near Congress Bridge, Veracruz All Natural offers a taste of Mexico in Austin. Founded by Mexican sisters, it's a tribute to their heritage and culinary expertise. Don't miss their famed barbacoa tacos. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que A must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts, Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is renowned for its “Big Chop” and open pit. Enjoy a scenic view of the Capitol building as you savor their brisket and sides. Juiceland End your tour at Juiceland, a testament to Austin's commitment to sustainability and health. Enjoy a refreshing, organic smoothie in an artistic setting, celebrating local talent and eco-conscious values. Join us on this Downtown Austin Food Tour today and indulge in the flavors that make Austin a culinary hotspot!

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What people are saying about Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

Overall rating

4.6
(73 reviews)

The guide was nice and knowledgeable. He moved at a pace that was comfortable for the group. You could probably just rent bikes for the day for less money but you wouldn't get some of the history. We stopped at several locations so it was a lot of fun and interesting fact.

The guided tour was awesome. Highly recommend. Our guide Ace was very friendly and gave a good overview along with history and a touch of local lingo.

We had a great time. Our guide Henry was very nice and knowledgeable about the area. I highly recommend this tour.

A great tour in a great town with our great guide Rob! Thank you

Very good orientation to Austin. Ike is a great guide.