Austin · EVENING EXPERIENCES
19 reviewed
These are the 15 best evening experiences in Austin right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and who it suits best. Start at the top; it is number one for a reason.
BYOB sunset boat ride on Lake Travis with clear water views, Austin skyline photos, and stops by Starnes Island and Spy Kids filming sites.
“Such a fun night on the lake! The sunset, the music, the company was all amazing! Jared was an incredible guide too!”
Paddle Austin’s skyline at dusk from a kayak, then watch Mexican free-tailed bats pour out from Congress Avenue Bridge.
“The whole experience was unreal, amazing, it was way more than expected, Sam was an excellent guide, entertaining us with plenty of interesting info, about austin and the bats, highly recommended!!”
Small-group Lake Austin sunset cruise with BYOB. See mansions, Mount Bonnell, Bull Creek, and the 360 Bridge in about 1 hour.
“We were fortunate to have clear skies and a great view of the sunset! Our captain Will was very knowledgeable and gave us a side trip to the 'venice' of Austin!”
Kayak Austin’s Congress Avenue at sunset and at night to see 1.5 million bats and the downtown skyline. $59, about 2.5 hours.
“It was a beautiful evening, educational, and a fun family experience. The guides were friendly and made you feel comfortable.”
Lady Bird Lake sunset cruise with Congress Bridge bat watching, plus a small-group narrated Austin drive with downtown pickup.
“Owen picked us up from our hotel and gave us a wonderful tour of the city. Owen was very knowledgable and informative and gave us a very entertaining history of Austin. He was very receptive to our questions. We loved the quirky lesser know sites of the city that he pointed out to us. The bat tour was less than impressive but that was due to the time of season that the bats aren't flying as full as the summer months. Thanks Owen for the excellent tour.”
Clear kayak glow lights on the San Marcos River. Guided sunset paddle with wildlife spotting, dry bag, and gear included for $65.
“We almost sunk the kayak….it was funny afterward! We had Trey as our guide and he was helpful and did not judge us when almost sinking the kayak!”
Austin sunset bat kayak on Lady Bird Lake with a small group of 12, kayak and paddle included, watching Mexican free-tailed bats.
“Guide was great very informative about surroundings and the bats. The bats were just amazing kayaks were safe paddling not difficult stayed dry”
Small-group Austin night tour in an A/C Mercedes, plus a Lady Bird Lake sunset boat cruise to see Mexican free-tailed bats.
“Mike was so informative and tried his hardest to make our experience memorable. We saw the best of the bats! 🦇 A must to do!!”
Small-group BYOB sunset cruise on Lake Austin. Cruise landmarks like Mt. Bonnell and Little Venice with a friendly captain.
“Our sunset cruise was a truly memorable experience. Our driver and guide, Cam, was super friendly and chill, and pointed out some great photo ops along the way. We had the boat to ourselves (a couple traveling with another couple) which made the experience all the more Read more”
Downtown Austin giant paddleboard sunset tour to watch 1.5 million bats fly from Congress Avenue Bridge, then paddle back by night.
“We did not know what to expect but knew we wanted an outdoor family activity. We had to work together to move our boat down the river and felt so accomplished when we really got it moving. The communication it required from my three teenagers filled my heart! The guides were really knowledgeable about the bats and made the experience so worth it. My son is yapping about taking a date next time! Thank you boats and bats for a great new memory!”
Kayak Lady Bird at dusk to see Congress Ave Bridge bats and Austin skyline glow. Gear and water included on a 3-hour trip.
“Beautiful evening on Lady Bird. It was our first time kayaking but John was a great guide. John knew so much about Austin and especially the bats. Seeing millions of bats fly out from the bridge from under them was amazing. This is a must do.”
BYOB 2-hour Lake Austin sunset cruise with Bimini shade, life jackets, and photo stops at Hula Hut, Pennybacker Bridge, and more.
“This was a relaxing and fun boat tour. I would highly recommend and go again with the rest of the family. Our Captain Shane was awesome!”
Paddle a kayak or SUP on Lady Bird Lake to watch Austin bats fly near the South Congress Bridge at dusk.
“Our guides were awesome and helped us navigate the river the entire time. They told us facts about Austin and Lady Bird river. They led us to a great spot to view the bats. It was an overall great experience.”
Glow clear-kayak night paddle on Lady Bird Lake with LED lights, skyline views, and wildlife spotting. Guided, $75, about 1 hour.
“It was a fun experience, the guides are great any questions or concerns are addressed before hitting the water. Bring a towel”
Kayak Austin at sunset on a clear-bottom boat, spot bats near Congress Bridge, and glide Lady Bird Lake with a small-group guide.
“I had SO much fun on the sunset bat tour with Nora as the guide. She made the experience so smooth and easy, and was so informative on everything Austin. It was such a great time, and I’m so happy I went!!! I will definitely be back. Thank you Nora you’re the best.”
