About Austin, TX
Austin, Texas is the state capital and a vibrant cultural center known around the world as a tech hub, government seat, and music mecca. The city is home to major universities (like the University of Texas at Austin), high-tech companies (so much so it’s nicknamed “Silicon Hills”), and a thriving arts scene. It boasts iconic landmarks such as the pink-granite Texas Capitol (built in 1888) – the largest state capitol building in the U.S. (aroundaustin.com ) – as well as the historic Driskill Hotel and numerous live-music clubs. In the mid-1980s, Austin’s Chamber of Commerce dubbed the city the “Live Music Capital of the World” after counting more than 70 venues hosting live bands on a single night (www.going.com ). That spirit continues today, from the long-running Austin City Limits PBS studio (ACL Live at the Moody Theater) to countless floating festivals and summer concert series.
The local culture is playfully summed up by the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” – a celebration of its quirky, independent spirit. That ethos is literally embodied in a 12-foot “Keep Austin Weird” sign being installed downtown near Sixth and Congress (www.axios.com ). Beyond music, Austin’s significance comes from its role in politics (the Texas Capitol district dominates the skyline) and its fast-growing population and economy. The Austin-Round Rock metro area has surged about 11% since 2020 to roughly 2.6 million residents (www.axios.com ), making Austin one of the fastest-growing large U.S. cities. This influx has fueled a booming hospitality industry, vibrant neighborhoods, and a rich blend of Texas history and modern culture (you’ll see everything from cowboy heritage to cutting-edge architecture). In short, Austin is notable for its unique mix of liberal creativity, southern charm, and high-tech energy – and all that makes it a must-visit destination.
Events and Programming
Austin plays host to almost every kind of event imaginable, especially music and culture festivals. Each spring brings SXSW (South by Southwest) , a 10-day festival of music, film and tech conferences that draws thousands of attendees and celebrity speakers (www.axios.com ) (www.axios.com ). Major film premieres, tech panels, and big-name concerts take over city venues. Notably, star-studded events are common – past SXSW lineups have included world premieres like Apple TV’s Seth Rogen comedy "The Studio," and speakers like Michelle Obama and Ben Stiller (www.axios.com ) (www.axios.com ). Importantly, you don’t need an expensive badge for every event; the city really buzzes with free and “unofficial” SXSW happenings. Every neighborhood from Rainey Street to South Congress hosts free concerts, screenings, art walks and brand activations. For example, local indie venues like the Galaxy Room host free showcases (Cosmic Saltillo has been known to offer than free concerts and rooftop yoga during SXSW) (www.axios.com ). So even without a SXSW pass, you can catch live music and panels on the outskirts of the main festival venues.
In the fall, Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is a blockbuster event held over two weekends in early October at Zilker Park. ACL typically attracts tens of thousands per weekend with headliners ranging from pop (Dua Lipa, Doja Cat) to country (Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert) to hip-hop (Tyler, the Creator, Travis Scott). It’s as much a local foodie fair as a music fest: dozens of Austin eateries and food trucks set up shop in the park, offering barbecue, tacos, ice cream and craft cocktails. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water or a small charger (www.axios.com ), as stages are spread across the park. Driving to ACL is discouraged due to limited parking, so many riders use shuttles or rideshares. (Pro tip: you can often buy single-day or weekend passes in advance; tickets start in the low hundreds and can rise with demand.) In recent years, ACL has had an enormous economic impact – studies show ACL 2022 alone generated roughly $369 million for the local economy (www.axios.com ), thanks to multi-day attendance and big spending on food, lodging and merch.
Besides these headliners, Austin’s calendar is packed with recurring events and smaller festivals. Each summer brings “Blues on the Green” – a free outdoor concert series in Zilker Park featuring local bands – and “Hot Summer Nights” in the Red River Cultural District (www.axios.com ), a multi-venue showcase of over 150 local acts. Sports fans have plenty to watch too: Austin FC soccer games at Q2 Stadium (with ~20,000 fans), Texas Longhorn football and basketball at UT’s stadiums, and even a Formula One Grand Prix every October at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack. Many of Austin’s theaters and clubs host weekly live music, comedy shows, film series and dance nights, from the historic Paramount Theatre downtown to intimate venues like C-Boy’s Heart & Soul on South Congress. No matter when you visit, there’s usually a concert or festival just about every week.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for most Austin events can be bought online or at venue box offices. The University of Texas athletic events sell tickets through the UT Ticket Office (on campus or via the UT athletics website). Major concerts (UT’s Moody Center, the Paramount, ACL Live at Moody Theater, etc.) typically go on sale months in advance through official sellers. Smaller club shows may have day-of cash/ticket sales. Because Austin is known for high demand, tickets can be pricey – in fact a recent study found Austin’s average concert ticket price is the highest in the country (about $279) (www.yahoo.com ). For blockbuster festivals like SXSW or ACL, early-bird and multi-day passes often sell out quickly, so plan ahead. On the other hand, some events have last-minute releases or economy sites, and day-of “rush” tickets (especially for film screenings or minor league games). Check the specific event’s official site or the venue’s box office for presale passwords or newsletter sign-ups. Many venues also do a limited number of tickets at the door, but these can sell out fast. Longhorn sports games often allow single-game ticket purchases on the day if seats remain.
Prices vary widely by event: small local shows may be under $30, medium concerts in theater seating $50–$100, big arena acts easily $100–$300+, and festivals (SXSW badges or ACL passes) several hundred dollars. Keep Austin Weird by comparison shopping and buying only from authorized outlets (avoid unofficial scalpers). Plan to buy early for the best seats: venues like Moody Center (15,000 capacity) and the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium (over 100,000 for UT football) use numbered seating where the best views fill quickly. Check venue presale & on-sale dates via fan clubs or credit card promotions; follow local event websites for announcements. Finally, some performance venues (especially theaters and UT venues) often have a physical box office open during business hours or on show days – it’s worth walking up to see if seats are still available or if there are student discounts at the door.
City Layout and Neighborhoods
Austin’s downtown is centered along Congress Avenue (running roughly north-south) and the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake). The Texas Capitol sits on a bluff at Congress and 11th, offering panoramic views. South Congress (“SoCo”) district (just south of the river) is famous for its eclectic shops, food trucks and live music spots like Continental Club. Sixth Street (parallel to SoCo a few blocks north of the river) is a historic entertainment row, now mostly venues and bars (the evening crowd can get college-rowdy, especially from Thursday–Saturday). The nearby Rainey Street Historic District (a few blocks east of I-35) is another walkable nightlife strip with bungalow bars and breweries. East Sixth Street has trendy clubs and galleries. The Creative and Red River Cultural Districts (east of downtown) cluster music clubs and performance halls (Stubb’s BBQ, Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlie’s, Empire Control Room). West of Congress Avenue, the Convention Center and new hotels line waterfront, and the Seaholm Redevelopment area offers shops and food.
Beyond downtown, the University of Texas campus lies just north of the river (called “the Drag” along Guadalupe Street, filled with shops and restaurants). Just south of downtown is vibrant South Austin – Barton Springs and Zilker Park (great outdoor recreation), plus South Lamar/South 1st Ave with barbecue and live Stingray. Farther out, neighborhoods like Hyde Park (historic homes), Mueller (redeveloped airport, community parks), and the Domain (large shopping and entertainment complex in north Austin) have their own clusters of hotels, eateries and nightlife. In practice, many visitors treat downtown as the “venue”: most major concerts, theaters, and big restaurants are within a couple miles of the Capitol. Once you arrive downtown (by car or bus), you can often walk or take short rides between venues and nearby neighborhoods.
Getting There and Parking
Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is about 7–8 miles southeast of downtown (roughly a 15-20 minute drive). The lower curb level (near baggage claim) has a bright neon guitar sign marking the Capital Metro bus stop. CapMetro’s Bus Route 20 Manor/Riverside starts right at AUS and runs every 15–30 minutes, seven days a week, directly into downtown and by the University of Texas campus (www.capmetro.org ) (www.capmetro.org ). Route 20 will get you to the State Capitol and UT (for example) without needing a car. Late-night or early-morning flights can use CapMetro’s 483 Owl service for overnight connections (though rideshare or taxi is more common at odd hours). Austin’s free “Austin-Bergstrom ART” shuttle no longer runs, but Uber and Lyft both service the airport and have designated pickup areas on the ground level. As of late 2024, AUS offers three main parking options: the Blue Garage ($5/hour, $23 daily max), the Red Garage ($5/hour, $32 daily max) which is closest to the terminal, and an Economy lot ($5/hour, $12 daily max) with shuttle service (www.austintexas.gov ) (www.austintexas.gov ).
Driving: Austin is served by two main highways. Interstate 35 runs north-south through downtown Austin and becomes IH-35 as it continues through the city. Additional freeways include MoPac (Loop 1) on the west side and SH-71/Hwy 360 further south. Downtown parking is a mix of on-street metered spaces and public garages (metered rates escalate up to $5/hour after a few hours (www.austintexas.gov )). Austin Transportation’s website notes that city meters are enforced most weekdays and weekends by 11 p.m. (with rates of about $2–$5 per hour) (www.austintexas.gov ). There are also several city-run lots downtown: for example, the I-35 lot (just east of the Convention Center) is $2/hour with flat nightly rates ($7–$8) (www.austintexas.gov ), and the Emma Barrientos Cultural Center lot at South First/Riverside offers $2/hour ($5 flat rate at night) (www.austintexas.gov ). If you drive downtown, be prepared to find a remote garage and walk a few blocks, or use apps like ParkATX for garages – many visitors prefer to drop off at their hotel or an event drop-off (Austin Central Library on 4th St has rideshare drop-off, for example) and then walk or ride-share to attractions.
Public Transportation: Austin’s public transit is run by Capital Metro (CapMetro). In addition to the Airport bus, there are numerous local buses across the city and two commuter rail lines. The MetroRail Red Line runs from downtown to Leander in the north, with stops at the Texas Capitol, UT, and East Austin. (Broadly, expect to transfer downtown for most subways). CapMetro’s Route 801 (Rapid) runs along North Lamar/Guadalupe, and Route 3 (Manchaca/William Cannon) through South Austin, among other frequent lines. For visitors, the key is that Bus #20 and #801 connect the airport and central core easily. CapMetro’s One-Day fare is $3 horizontally. If you’ll be exploring a lot, consider buying a CapMetro day pass (via their app). The city also has ride-hailing via Uber/Lyft everywhere, and a network of electric scooter rentals (e.g. Bird, Lime) – do look on the sidewalk if you rent one and lock it in docks when done. For short trips downtown, you can even rent an e-bike through CapMetro Bikeshare (a newly revamped electric bike-share system – formerly MetroBike – with dozens of stations in central Austin) (www.capmetro.org ).
What to Expect
Walking around Austin, you’ll notice the city is very casual and friendly. Among locals and tourists alike, attire tends to be relaxed – jeans, shorts, t-shirts or dresses and comfortable shoes are the norm (as the ACL festival guides note, comfortable footwear is essential (www.axios.com )). Even at evening shows or clubs, you’ll fit in whether you’re wearing flip-flops or a cowboy hat. The general vibe is liberal and lively: people often chat in line at food trucks, afternoon bartenders might be wearing bathing suits, and it’s common to hear multiple live bands playing on a weekday night. Entry procedures at venues are standard – most concerts and clubs will have security screening, ID checks (for alcohol), and bag policies. Large backpacks or outside food/drink are often not allowed (especially at festivals or sports events); check event rules but expect a typical clear-bag policy at big venues. Smaller items like purses or camera bags are usually fine, and point-and-shoot cameras or cellphones are generally allowed (Axois advised bringing a camera to ACL (www.axios.com )). Weapons are prohibited everywhere (open carry is not allowed in venues), and Texas has strict no-drugs laws, so stick to the rules.
Inside the city, you’ll find that Austin’s public facilities are welcoming. For example, even the outdoor attractions have accessibility features: the Texas State Capitol offers wheelchair ramps and even braille guides, and both the Paramount Theatre and Moody Center have accessible seating and assistive listening devices (www.austintexas.org ) (www.austintexas.org ). Outdoor spaces like Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake trails are mostly paved or ramped for easy access (www.austintexas.org ). Expect roaming food trucks (BBQ, tacos, kettle corn, etc.) near many entertainment zones on nights and weekends, complementing restaurants and food halls. Many bars and venues have full drink menus; keep in mind the liquor laws (last call is usually 2 a.m., and you must be 21 with ID to buy alcohol). In restaurants and bars, tap water is free and safe to drink, and credit cards are universally accepted (some sidewalk food stalls might be cash-only, so it’s handy to keep a bit of cash too). Wifi is plentiful in cafes and hotels; if you need it outdoors, the city provides some free “Link” wifi hotspots downtown and at major parks.
Nearby Amenities
If you’re staying downtown or in a nearby neighborhood, you’re spoiled for options. Top-notch restaurants abound: don’t miss the legendary barbecue (think Franklin Barbecue or La Barbecue – be prepared for lines!) and authentic Tex-Mex (taco stands like Taco Deli, Torchy’s Tacos or Güero’s Taco Bar are local favorites). The burgeoning wine scene has also gained acclaim – for example, Birdie’s gastro bar won a James Beard Award in 2025 for its outstanding beverage program (www.axios.com ). For nightlife, Rainey Street and Sixth Street offer a row of bars and brewpubs; also check out the upscale rooftop bars (like The Contemporary Austin’s museum lounge), dive bars, and live music clubs (The Continental Club for soul, or Stubb’s beer garden for outdoor rock). Coffee shops are everywhere – from Austin-born chains (Epoch, Summer Moon) to local indie spots (Houndstooth, Cuvee) – often open early, which is handy for pre-show fuel. Late-night eats include 24-hour spots like Voodoo Doughnut or H-E-B grocery store (Texas-based chain) deli section. Nearby hotels range from boutique (Hotel San José on South Congress) to big brands: JW Marriott, Fairmont, or Austin Proper are just south of downtown, and there’s a new Westin/Allen Center on Cesar Chavez. If you prefer staying in a quieter area, consider lodging near the Domain (north of town) or in East Austin (converted warehouses turned into cozy inns). Most venues advise arriving at least 30 minutes early to find your way around: traffic can build up on event nights, so allow extra time for parking or shuttle drop-offs. Post-show transport is plentiful – rideshares queue up everywhere, and if you’re in the mood, the people of Austin are generally friendly enough to point you to the nearest cab stand or bus stop, so you won’t be stuck.
What Makes This City Special
Austin’s “it” factor comes from a unique blend of history, culture and creativity. It’s the only state capital with a major live-music scene, the only tech hub with cowboy boots. Folks tend to point to historic moments or symbols that capture the magic: Willie Nelson and the Armadillo World Headquarters (a 1970s music hall) famously united country and counterculture here, cementing Austin’s musical roots (www.going.com ). Today, Austin still feels “weird” in the best way – from the bat colony that emerges every summer night under Congress Avenue Bridge (up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, the largest urban colony on earth (www.texaseagle.com )) to the fact that the city lives by the unofficial motto “Keep Austin Weird” to protect its indie character. Architecturally, Austin mixes 1800s limestone cottages and sleek glass condos, and designer projects keep popping up (even a new award-winning high-school campus in East Austin was noted for its cutting-edge design (www.axios.com )).
Beyond the goodies, Austin leaves a mark economically and culturally. It’s home to the Texas Legislature and major university, but it also draws creatives and entrepreneurs. Festivals like ACL not only entertain but pump hundreds of millions into local businesses each year – one study reported ACL’s economic impact at $369 million and $2.6 billion since it began (www.axios.com ). The city even plans to expand its convention center into the largest in the region to capture more of that business tourism (www.axios.com ). In short, Texas patriots and tech titans mingle with novelists and ninjas (yes, there are comedy ninja shows), all appreciating the same friendly vibe. Famous Austinites like Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, and Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie’s brother) are proud locals, but ordinary people from everywhere fall in love with Austin’s charm. Artists love the historic Texas Theatre on Guadalupe, anglers love the spring-fed cool of Barton Springs, and everyone loves the nightly skyline views from the Butler Hike-and-Bike bridge. Put simply, Austin matters because it has shown the world you can be a booming, progressive capital without losing your soul – a place where every concert hall, taco stand, and legislature building has its own Texas-sized personality.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Austin is generally very accessible. Downtown sidewalks are flat wide, and new developments all have ADA ramps and automatic doors. Most major attractions offer accommodations: the Texas Capitol even provides braille transcripts and sign-language tours (www.austintexas.org ), and event venues like Moody Center and the Paramount Theatre have wheelchair seating and assistive listening devices (www.austintexas.org ). Public buses and trains are wheelchair-accessible as well. Service animals are welcome almost everywhere in Austin (by law), and all public restrooms downtown include an ADA stall. The airport (AUS) brands itself as “AUS For All” with braille signage and wheelchair lifts on shuttles (www.austintexas.org ).
Bringing Essentials: If you’re attending any festival, concert or outdoor activity, come prepared for the weather. Austin summers are hot (midday temps often 90–100°F/32–38°C) and sunny – sunscreen, a hat and refillable water bottle will keep you comfortable. In cooler months (November–March) nights can get chilly, so bring a jacket, especially if you’re going to an outdoor show. For walking tours or bar-hopping, comfortable shoes are a must (dressing up is less important than being able to stroll around). You’re welcome to bring basic cameras and phones, but most venues ban professional gear unless accredited. Many events have clear-bag policies or limit container sizes – for example, ACL and UT games allow only small bags (check each venue’s rules). Outside food/drinks (other than water) are usually not allowed at concerts or games; common sense rules like “no cans or weapons” apply. It’s always smart to carry personal ID (Texas law requires ID checks for alcohol or 21+ entrances). Have a plan for staying hydrated and don’t underestimate the Texas sun or occasional summer storms – lightning can cancel outdoor events quickly.
Common Compliance: Austinites are friendly but also law-abiding. Open containers of alcohol are generally illegal on streets (except on a “wristband” during city festivals). Littering or smoking in prohibited areas (including most restaurants and public parks) is fined. If you rent a scooter or bike, obey traffic rules and don’t block sidewalks. Tip generously (15–20%) at restaurants and bars – it’s customary. Tap water is safe, and many coffee shops will gladly refill your water glass if you ask. Taxis and app-based rides accept credit cards; public buses require exact fare ($2.50 cash or use the transit app). For festivals, follow any posted guidelines – for instance, ACL publishes a list of prohibited items (often no outside coolers, no unapproved banners, etc.) and provides free water stations in the park. If in doubt, ask a festival volunteer or staff member – they’re usually very helpful.
Insider Advice: Locals love when visitors show a bit of effort: try ordering Texan favorites like a brisket sandwich (preferably from a central Austin BBQ trailer) or a breakfast taco (Miguel’s or Taco Deli, for example). Get around on CapMetro buses or even on a rented scooter/bike if weather allows – Austinites bike to work and homes parks often leave scooters northeast. When walking around at night, stick to well-lit areas like Congress Avenue, 2nd Street District, or Rainey Street and one street off of Sixth Street to avoid crowds. Always check event start times carefully – a UT football game often kicks off mid-afternoon, and many shows ask you to arrive an hour early to avoid lines. Finally, take time to enjoy the little things: watch the Congress Bridge bats emerge around sunset (roughly March–November) by positioning yourself on or under the bridge (www.texaseagle.com ), and enjoy the fact that in Austin you can hear live music on almost any given night, even for free. Remember, in Austin the goal is to soak up that live-music, bbq-sauce-in-your-beard spirit – have fun, be respectful, and you’ll leave with a smile and memories of a city unlike any other.
How much do tickets cost for concerts and festivals in Austin?
Ticket prices in Austin vary widely. Small local gigs may be under $30, while big acts or festivals can run $100 and up. In fact, a study found Austin’s average concert ticket price is around $279 – the highest in the nation (www.yahoo.com ). Festival passes (like ACL or SXSW) start in the low hundreds and can rise for VIP access. Always buy from official sources early, since popular shows often sell out.
How can I get from the airport to downtown Austin without a car?
Capital Metro Bus Route 20 provides a direct link from Austin-Bergstrom Airport to downtown and the UT campus, running roughly every 15 minutes weekdays (www.capmetro.org ). The bus stop is on the baggage claim level (look for the neon guitar sign). Trips take about 30–40 minutes. Late night, Capitil can use rideshare or taxi. CapMetro’s Route 20 also connects to other bus lines if you need to transfer to other parts of the city (www.capmetro.org ).
What are the parking options and costs in downtown Austin?
Downtown, there are metered street spots and several city garages. Meters cost roughly $2–$5 per hour, maxing out at around $5/hr after a few hours (www.austintexas.gov ) (pay via cash or the ParkATX app). The city operates a few public lots: for example, the I-35 lot (east of downtown) is $2/hr or $7–$8 nightly (www.austintexas.gov ), and the Emma Barrientos Cultural Center lot charges $2/hr (flat $5 rate at night) (www.austintexas.gov ). Many private garages and validated spaces also exist. Since availability is tight, many visitors prefer using rideshare to avoid parking entirely.
Is it easy to get around Austin without a car?
Yes. Aside from buses and MetroRail, Austin has rideshare (Uber/Lyft) everywhere. Downtown and central neighborhoods are fairly walkable. CapMetro’s redesigned Bikeshare (e-bikes) serves many central districts (www.capmetro.org ). For short hops downtown, e-scooters and bikes can be convenient (just be careful on the roads). If you stay near the core, you can see many sites by foot or bike. That said, if you plan to explore more distant attractions (the Hill Country, or far-north tech campuses), a car or rental can be useful. But within 5 miles of the Capitol, walking and transit work well.
What should I bring when attending outdoor events or festivals?
Always be prepared for the weather. In summer, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle (hydration is key in the Texas heat). Comfortable walking shoes are a must (www.axios.com ). Also carry any necessary medications and perhaps earplugs if you are sensitive to loud music. Check the event’s prohibited items list – most venues forbid outside alcohol, large coolers, or glass containers. Have ID with you at night (21+ if you plan to drink). A small portable phone charger can be useful too; for example, ACL attendees are advised to bring one (www.axios.com ). Finally, carry a bit of cash – though cards are accepted almost everywhere, a food truck or street vendor might be cash-only.
Are there challenges or safety concerns I should know about?
Austin is generally safe for tourists, but exercise normal city smarts. Stay aware of your belongings in crowded places like 6th Street or festivals. Downtown is busy and well-patrolled, but petty theft can happen. After dark, stick to well-lit main streets and rideshare transportation, especially if you’ve been drinking. Traffic around I-35 can be heavy during rush or event times – plan extra travel time. Weather can be torrential in flash floods (especially in late spring), so check forecasts. Other than that, Austinans are friendly and welcoming; just follow local rules (no open alcohol on sidewalks, no public smoking) and you should have a trouble-free visit.
Can visitors of all abilities enjoy Austin’s venues and attractions?
Absolutely. Austin is very accessible. Most major attractions and event venues have wheelchair ramps, elevators and ADA seating. For example, the Texas Capitol provides ramps and even braille exhibits (www.austintexas.org ), and theaters like the Paramount and Moody Center offer accessible seating and assistive listening (www.austintexas.org ). Buses and trains are wheelchair-accessible, and amenities like Barton Springs Pool have special lifts for swimmers (www.austintexas.org ). CapMetro’s airport shuttle and rental services accommodate riders with disabilities. If you have specific needs (like ASL interpretation at shows), the city encourages contacting venues in advance; many tours and events make special accommodations (sign-language interpreters or captioning) on request. Overall, Austin prides itself on being welcoming to visitors of all abilities.
What is the “Keep Austin Weird” sign I’ve heard about?
“Keep Austin Weird” is a long-standing local slogan celebrating Austin’s independent culture. It even has a literal landmark now: a 12-foot art installation of the phrase is being placed at Sixth and Congress Avenue (www.axios.com ). Essentially, it means that Austinites value local businesses, quirky art, and the creative spirit. So when you hear “Weird,” think of a city that encourages uniqueness – like a place with SpongeBob SquarePants murals, food trucks in every corner, and a huge bat colony under a downtown bridge. It’s just part of what makes Austin special.
Where is the best place to see the Congress Avenue bridge bats?
Each evening from March through October, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge just after sunset (www.texaseagle.com ). To watch, go to the pedestrian viewing area on Congress Bridge or the adjoining Lamar Bridge. The best time is around dusk – you’ll see bats streaming out in a cloudy spiral. It’s free and family-friendly. Tip: binoculars or a camera can help you glimpse them against the sky, and arrive a bit early for parking or a spot on the riverbank below.
