The Iconic South Congress Bridge: A Gateway to Austin's Beauty
Experience stunning views and unique wildlife at South Congress Bridge, a must-visit tourist attraction in the heart of Austin, Texas.
South Congress Bridge, a remarkable tourist attraction in Austin, Texas, offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and the tranquil waters below. This iconic bridge is not just a passageway; it's a vibrant spot where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy the scenic beauty, especially during the evening when the sun sets over the horizon. With its unique architecture and the chance to witness the famous bat colony, South Congress Bridge is an essential stop for anyone visiting Austin.
A brief summary to South Congress Bridge
- Congress Avenue Bridge, S Congress Ave, Austin, Texas, 78704, US
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for the best views of the skyline and the bat emergence.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and the bats in flight.
- Explore the nearby South Congress Avenue for local shops and eateries.
- Check local bat activity schedules for peak viewing times.
Getting There
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Car
From McKinney Falls State Park, exit the park and head northwest on McKinney Falls Parkway. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with US-183. Merge onto US-183 N and follow the signs for I-35 N/Austin. Take exit 234 for I-35 S toward San Antonio. Continue on I-35 S for about 7 miles. Take exit 234C for Riverside Dr. Merge onto Riverside Dr and continue for about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto S Congress Ave, and after about 0.5 miles, you will see South Congress Bridge on your left. There is no parking directly at the bridge, so look for nearby street parking or public parking lots (may incur a fee).
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Public Transportation
From McKinney Falls State Park, you will need to take a taxi or rideshare service (such as Uber or Lyft) to the nearest public transportation stop. Head to the nearest bus stop to catch a Capital Metro bus. You can take Bus Route 20 from the nearest stop to the park. Ride the bus toward the downtown area and get off at the South Congress Ave stop. From there, it’s a short walk to South Congress Bridge, which is about 0.3 miles away. Make sure to check the Capital Metro website for the bus schedule and fare prices.
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