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Bats.

Nightly Bat Swarm

Field review by the editors.

Valle Vista, California

From late spring into early fall, thousands of bats fly out from beneath a highway bridge every evening just after sunset. The bridge is in the middle of square miles of citrus groves, and the bats feast on the bugs that like to hang out among the oranges and lemons. It's an impressive sight, even more so because, unlike batty public spectacles such as in Austin, Texas, this one is relatively unknown. You won't have to jostle with hundreds of other people; it should mostly be just you and the bats.

Nightly Bat Swarm

Address:
Fairview Ave., Valle Vista, CA
Directions:
South edge of town. From Hwy 74/Florida Ave. turn south at the stoplight (public library on the corner) onto Fairview Ave. Drive one mile. The road crosses a dry flood control channel, and the bats roost under the bridge. This is a seasonal attraction; the bats are gone from mid-Autumn through mid-Spring.
Hours:
Evenings at dusk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

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In the region:
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