Paddle through the waters of Lady Bird Lake, scoping out views of downtown Austin's skyline, visiting quiet islands, and cruising past parks that line this sealed section of the Colorado River. Along the way, explore secluded beaches perfect for a refreshing swim and snap photos of native wildlife.

Capitol Tours are available during the following times:

• Monday through Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday - 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tours take visitors to key areas of the Capitol and offer information on the building, Texas history and the Texas legislature.

• Capitol Tours are free.
• All tours leave from inside the South Foyer outside the tour guides office in the Capitol.
• Tours generally depart every 20 to 30 minutes and last for approximately 30 minutes.
• Photography is permitted. Visitors and building occupants may be walking through the area or you may be asked to move if you are blocking access.

This vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a must-stroll for visitors and a popular hangout for locals. South Congress oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin's yesteryear in its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues.

Austin is not only famous for its music, but also its vast population of nocturnal creatures, Austin Bats. The 1.5 million and growing colony of Mexico free-tailed bats which live under the south congress bridge located at 305 South Congress Avenue in downtown Austin.

Millions of tourist from across the globe gather to see the beloved Austin bats take flight every night from late March until late September.

Not only is Austin and the South Congress Bridge home to the beloved bats, but the South Congress Bridge is busy daily with the up pace beat of Keeping Austin Weird year around.

And with all of the hustle and bustle in Austin, both day and night, seeing the bats in Austin can be quite a challenge when it comes to finding parking, both free and paid.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most prominent free and paid parking locations:

Austin American-Statesman’s Bat Observation Center

305 S Congress Ave Free parking after 6pm is at the southeast side of the bridge, and located near Hyatt Hotel and 10 blocks south of State Capitol

Gables Park Plaza or Radisson Parking Garage

115 Sandra Muraida Way
Austin, TX 78703
Its 2$ per hour and located just north South Congress Bridge

Colorado River Park

400 Grove Blvd Parking is free from 5am -10pm, and is located near the South Congress Bridge and Hyatt Hotel

City Hall

301 W 2nd St,
Austin, TX 78701
Parking is $7 per hour and free after 7pm, and located just a few blocks south of the South Congress Bridge

E Cesar Chavez Street

Free parking from 6pm – 12am along the street where possible and also metered parking, and located a block north of South Congress Bridge