Parking is always the first thing any mobile tourist thinks of when choosing likely spots to stop and take in the view – and when that view is a million and a half bats all trying to take off at once – the parking spots become even harder to find. Don’t worry! Here at Austin Batours we already thought ahead and have you covered!
Below you will find a list of the best free parking spots where you can drop off the car and stroll towards the hot bat locations scattered throughout the city. Remember: the earlier you get there the more likely you are to find a free parking space, but bear in mind that the bats won’t come out until the sun sets and don’t leave yourself too long of a wait.
Best Bat Friendly Free Parking (if you can get there quickly enough!)
The Vic Mathias Shores have a free parking lot for the early birds. You will find them at 900 Riverside Drive… or by following this link!
Alternatively, South Congress Avenue also offers free parking. The address is 834 S Congress Avenue and it is relatively close to the bridge where the bats proliferate.
Located a block north of the bridge you will find Cesar Chavez street, where parking is free between the hours of 6pm and 12am. A word of caution though because parts of this street are metered, so always double check when you choose your space.
Best Bat Friendly Paid Parking Lots
The Austin American- Stateman’s Bat Watching Observatory WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PARKING COMPANY! Parking rates at that lot vary, but can often cost $28 – $35 for 4 hrs on a weekend evening, with the additional $91 if you stay even a few minutes over your time paid.
Colorado Street, TX 78701 is located just south of the famous Congress Street Bridge and offers metered parking all through the day and night.
Located just north of the bridge, the Line Austin Hotel offers parking at a rate of $18 per full day. You can find it at 111 E Ceser Chavez Street, TX 78701.
Congress Avenue itself is just north of the bridge and sports metered parking that you may be able to find a spot in. Bear in mind that the closer you park to the bridge the higher the chance of bat droppings on your car… so if you do park here at least make sure it’s a rental!
The Trio Restaurant is a Four Seasons branch and will let you leave your car there for $20 as long as you dine with them. Turn it into a night out for an alternative twist to dinner and a movie. You can find it at 98 San Jacinto Boulevard, TX 78701
The One Eleven Parking Garage can be found at 111 Congress Avenue and parking costs $3 per hour up to a maximum of seven hours. It’s probably the least likely place to get guano on your car.
At 100 W Ceser Chavez Street you will be able to engage in public parking for $10 per day underneath Ashton.
The JW Marriott Hotel in Austin offers parking for $30 per day or the option of Valet Parking for $43 per day. A higher class choice for those willing to pay for it. You can find the Marriott at 110 E 2nd Street, TX 78701.
Finally, 505 Barton Springs will let you park for $20 as long as you dine with them. You will find them at 505 Barton Springs Road, with a wonderful view of the lake to boot.
