12 Amazingly Beautiful Bridges in the USA That Feel Unreal

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I never thought I’d get emotional about bridges until I walked across the Golden Gate at sunrise. The fog was rolling in beneath my feet, the towers were glowing orange against the morning sky, and suddenly I understood why people travel thousands of miles just to see these incredible feats of engineering. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; these structures are straight-up works of art.

From watching the sunset paint Pittsburgh’s yellow bridges golden over the three rivers to discovering the beautiful places in the USA where engineering meets pure magic, like the otherworldly Bixby Creek Bridge on California’s coast, these spans are something else. Here are 12 bridges that prove America’s most stunning landmarks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re also the ones we built ourselves.

Top Must-See Bridges in the USA

Looking for the coolest Bridges in the USA to visit? Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, admire the historic Brooklyn Bridge, take in breathtaking coastal views from Bixby Creek Bridge, and experience the impressive span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Whether you’re interested in engineering marvels, stunning scenery, or famous landmarks, these are the top bridges to visit in the USA.

1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

• 📍 Location: San Francisco, California, spanning the Golden Gate Strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean 
• 🏆 Best For: Urban explorers 🏙️, photographers 📸, cycling enthusiasts 🚴‍♀️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking or cycling across the bridge, capturing sunrise views from Battery Spencer, exploring Fort Point beneath the bridge 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-October for clear skies and less fog, though early morning in summer offers mystical fog views 🌁 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Cavallo Point Lodge – Former military quarters with breakfasts overlooking the bridge through eucalyptus trees

The Golden Gate Bridge doesn’t just connect San Francisco to Marin—it connects fantasy to reality. Its 746-foot towers, drenched in “International Orange,” are most photogenic at sunrise from Battery Spencer—go at blue hour for that fiery glow just before the sun breaks.

Want fewer tourists in your frame? Walk or bike the west side of the bridge (bikes only) in the morning. You’ll dodge crowds and score views straight out to the Pacific. Stop mid-span and look down—yes, that’s Fort Point 250 feet below, waves pounding against its Civil War-era brickwork.

If you’re hiking, take the Battery to Bluffs Trail from the Presidio (1.7 miles round-trip). It leads you to epic viewpoints from sea cliffs and ends right near the bridge. Fog usually clears around 10 a.m. in September or October, which means late morning is best for warm light and crisp photos. Skip midsummer unless you want the iconic fog shots.

• Read Next: Hidden Gems in San Francisco

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

• 📍 Location: New York City, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River 
• 🏆 Best For: Urban adventurers 🏙️, history buffs 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏗️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the elevated pedestrian promenade, photographing the Manhattan skyline, exploring DUMBO neighborhood 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures, or summer evenings for stunning sunset views 🌇 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Eco-luxury rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the illuminated bridge and Manhattan skyline

The Brooklyn Bridge is best crossed on foot, but timing is everything. Go at sunrise—the city is quiet, the light is golden, and you won’t spend the entire walk dodging selfie sticks. Start in DUMBO, grab a coffee from Butler Café, and head up the staircase on Prospect Street.

The pedestrian promenade runs above the traffic and gives you open skyline views almost the entire way. Photographers: the best frame is from Washington Street in DUMBO, where the bridge fits perfectly between brick warehouses with the Empire State Building tucked in the middle.

After crossing into Manhattan, loop back through City Hall Park or keep heading south toward the South Street Seaport for waterfront shots with fewer people. Spring and fall have the best lighting and temps. In summer, walk it just before sunset—the bridge lights turn on right as the skyline ignites.

• Read Next: Hidden Gems in New York

3. Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California

• 📍 Location: Big Sur, California, approximately 13 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 
• 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, coastal explorers 🌊, photographers 📸 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Capturing the perfect shot from the scenic overlook, driving across during sunset, hiking nearby coastal trails 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-October for clearest skies and less tourist traffic, or winter for dramatic storm views (weather permitting) ⛈️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Ventana Big Sur – Luxury rooms with private balconies overlooking the coastline and stargazing decks above the fog line

Bixby Creek Bridge is the shot of Big Sur—and it lives up to the hype. You’ll find it 13 miles south of Carmel along Highway 1. Park at the north turnout just before the bridge for the iconic angle, ideally right after sunrise or golden hour before sunset, when the arch glows against the cliffs.

Want more than a roadside stop? Drive half a mile south, park carefully, and hike the Old Coast Road (start at the Andrew Molera side if possible). It’s a rugged, 10-mile dirt road, but even a short 1–2 mile section gives you a new angle on the bridge—less photographed, far more peaceful.

Fog often rolls in overnight and burns off by mid-morning, especially in late September and early October. Visit then for clear skies, dry roads, and warm light. If you’re into astro shots, come after dark—the lack of light pollution makes this stretch of coastline perfect for Milky Way photography.

4. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida

• 📍 Location: Tampa Bay, Florida, connecting St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia across Lower Tampa Bay 
• 🏆 Best For: Fishing enthusiasts 🎣, sunset chasers 🌅, maritime history buffs ⚓ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Fishing from the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, watching cruise ships pass underneath, catching spectacular sunsets 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April for pleasant temperatures and clear skies, or summer evenings for dramatic thunderstorm views ⛈️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Don CeSar – The “Pink Palace” offers beachfront rooms with balconies overlooking the bay and bridge in the distance

You don’t cross Sunshine Skyway Bridge—you glide across it. This mile-long cable-stayed bridge rises like a crown over Tampa Bay, and the best place to admire it isn’t on the road—it’s from Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, open 24/7.

The park is made up of the old bridge, now repurposed into a fishing pier. Walk out for panoramic views, especially around sunset when the golden cables catch the light. Bring a long lens—you’ll often spot dolphins, diving pelicans, and even manatees near the pilings.

For landscape shots, head to Fort De Soto’s North Beach or the East Beach turnaround. You’ll get sweeping views of the entire span, especially during late fall and early winter when the skies are clear and sunsets last forever. And if you’re storm chasing? June through August brings epic lightning storms with the bridge silhouetted in electric blue.

• Read Next: Hidden Gems in Florida

5. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

• 📍 Location: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, connecting the Lower and Upper Peninsulas across the Straits of Mackinac 
• 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, Great Lakes enthusiasts 🌊, fall foliage seekers 🍂 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving across the 5-mile span, participating in the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, viewing from Mackinac Island 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Labor Day for the special walking event, September-October for fall colors, or January-February for winter ice formations ❄️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island – Historic rooms with views of the straits and bridge from the world’s longest porch

The Mackinac Bridge stretches five miles across the Straits of Mackinac, towering 200 feet above the water where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. Driving it is unforgettable—especially with the grated center lanes showing the water rushing beneath. In fall, the bridge cuts through a blaze of red and gold foliage.

Each Labor Day, it opens to foot traffic for one day only, drawing thousands to walk across the Great Lakes. For panoramic views, head to Mackinac Island and climb Fort Holmes—no car required.

Winter is equally epic. Massive ice floes crash into the bridge supports, turning it into a frozen sculpture. The best spot to watch? Bridge View Park in St. Ignace. I’ve stood there, bundled up, watching ice hammer the towers—pure Great Lakes drama.

6. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

• 📍 Location: Florida Keys, connecting Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys 
• 🏆 Best For: Ocean enthusiasts 🌊, sunset chasers 🌅, marine wildlife spotters 🐬 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the Overseas Highway, walking or cycling the old bridge section, paddleboarding beneath the spans 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-May for dry weather and clear visibility, April for the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run 🏃‍♀️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel – Beachfront cottages with private porches and bridge views through swaying palm trees

The Seven Mile Bridge feels like a road to the horizon. Linking the Middle and Lower Keys, it stretches nearly seven miles over turquoise waters. Driving it is a surreal blend of sea, sky, and history—you’ll spot the crumbling remains of the 1912 railway beside the modern bridge.

Pull over to soak up 360° views, or explore the “Old Seven” path—a 2.2-mile pedestrian section perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. You might see rays, sea turtles, or even dolphins.

For a deeper dive, kayak beneath both spans from Marathon to tiny Pigeon Key, home to preserved cottages from the Flagler era. Visit in April for the Seven Mile Bridge Run, when athletes race across the entire span with the Atlantic on both sides.

• Read Next: Top Places to Visit in the Florida Keys

7. New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

• 📍 Location: Fayetteville, West Virginia, about 1 hour southeast of Charleston in the Appalachian Mountains
• 🏆 Best For: Photography enthusiasts 📸, thrill-seekers 🪂, history buffs 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Views from Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Bridge Walk tour, hiking below the bridge
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October for Bridge Day and fall color 🍂, summer for rafting 🚣
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Adventures on the Gorge – Timber cabins overlooking the gorge with sounds of the river below

Rising 876 feet over a deep Appalachian canyon, the New River Gorge Bridge is one of America’s highest and longest arch bridges. It’s a stunner year-round, but October brings fiery foliage and Bridge Day—when thrill-seekers BASE jump off it while crowds cheer from the deck.

Start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for panoramic shots, then hike the Endless Wall Trail at sunrise for quieter views through the mist. For true adrenaline, book the Bridge Walk—a guided tour under the bridge along a catwalk with a harness.

Down below, the gorge offers hiking, whitewater rafting, and old rail trails winding past waterfalls and rock faces. It’s where bold engineering meets raw Appalachian wilderness.

8. George Washington Bridge, New York and New Jersey

• 📍 Location: Connecting Manhattan, New York to Fort Lee, New Jersey across the Hudson River
• 🏆 Best For: Urban explorers 🏙️, cyclists 🚲, architecture enthusiasts 🏗️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Biking the bridge, skyline views, exploring Fort Lee Historic Park
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for best visibility 🌤️, early mornings for less traffic
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Edge Hotel – Sleek stay in Washington Heights with sweeping views of the bridge

Spanning the Hudson River between Manhattan and Fort Lee, the George Washington Bridge delivers one of the best skyline views in NYC. Whether biking or walking, the pedestrian path gives you nonstop panoramas of the Manhattan skyline, Palisades cliffs, and boats drifting below.

On the NYC side, swing by Fort Washington Park to see the Little Red Lighthouse tucked beneath the bridge. Over in Jersey, Fort Lee Historic Park offers elevated views across the water—especially striking at sunset when the bridge lights reflect on the river.

Beat the crowds by coming early in the day. It’s surprisingly peaceful, especially in spring and fall. The bridge isn’t just a traffic artery—it’s a front-row seat to the city in motion.

• Read Next: Bucket List Places to Visit in New Jersey

9. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia

• 📍 Location: Spanning the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, connecting Virginia Beach to Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
• 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, anglers 🎣, coastal explorers 🌊
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the 17.6-mile bridge-tunnel, stopping at Sea Gull Fishing Pier, exploring the Eastern Shore
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for mild, clear days 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Sunset Beach Resort – Rustic waterfront cottages ideal for sunsets and shorebirds

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel feels like a road trip through the middle of the ocean—and that’s not an exaggeration. This 17.6-mile marvel dips in and out of the Atlantic, with two tunnels, four man-made islands, and endless sea views. Start your drive in Virginia Beach and head north toward Cape Charles for the full effect.

Plan a stop at Sea Gull Fishing Pier (on Island 1) for pier fishing or pelican-spotting—sunrise is best for soft light and fewer crowds. On the Eastern Shore, hit up Cape Charles Beach for a quiet walk or snag crab cakes at The Shanty. Late spring through early fall is prime: clear skies, mild temps, and glowing golden-hour reflections off the water. Pack a zoom lens—you’ll want it.

10. St. Johns Bridge, Oregon

• 📍 Location: Portland, Oregon, spanning the Willamette River in the Cathedral Park neighborhood of North Portland
• 🏆 Best For: Architecture lovers 🏰, urban walkers 🥾, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Views from Cathedral Park, bridge crossing, hiking in Forest Park
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for blue skies 🌳, fall for fog and dramatic light 🌫️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: St. Johns Inn and Event Venue – A charming retreat with timeless elegance, ideal for romantic getaways or special celebrations, where Southern hospitality meets modern comfort

The St. Johns Bridge is hands-down Portland’s most photogenic structure, and Cathedral Park is the place to see it shine. With gothic-style towers and a soft green hue, it looks pulled from a fantasy film—especially when morning fog rolls over the Willamette.

Photographers should get to Cathedral Park just after sunrise for dramatic light and empty paths. For a different angle, walk across the bridge and catch views of Forest Park and downtown in the distance. Then dive into the Lower Macleay Trail nearby—a 5.3-mile out-and-back hike with mossy trees and glimpses of the bridge through the canopy. Fall brings fog and glowing reds. Summer brings bright skies and crisp lines. Bring a wide lens for symmetry shots under the arches.

• Read Next: Fun Things to Do in Portland, Maine

11. Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston

• 📍 Location: Boston, Massachusetts, crossing the Charles River between the North End and Charlestown
• 🏆 Best For: City explorers 🏙️, architecture buffs 🏗️, history lovers 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Evening photos from North Point Park, walking near the Freedom Trail, skyline shots
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for clear air and lighting 🌤️, nighttime for bridge illumination 🌃
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf – An all-suite waterfront haven blending modern comfort with historic charm, offering full kitchens, harbor views, and easy access to Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail and North End

The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge isn’t just part of the Boston skyline—it defines it. With its inverted-Y towers and cable-stayed design, it looks like a sailboat mid-launch. At night, it’s lit up and mirrored in the Charles River, perfect for skyline shots.

Best viewing spot? North Point Park, just across from the bridge—especially at blue hour when the city lights flick on. Want context? Walk the nearby stretch of the Freedom Trail through Charlestown. You’ll hit spots like the Bunker Hill Monument while the bridge hovers in the background. Visit in spring or fall for cleaner air and rich sunset tones. Bring a tripod—night shots here are worth it.

12. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

• 📍 Location: Cañon City, Colorado, spanning the Arkansas River about 2 hours south of Denver in the Rocky Mountain foothills
• 🏆 Best For: Thrill-seekers 🎢, mountain lovers 🏔️, outdoor adventurers 🧗‍♂️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the bridge, riding the gondola, ziplining over the gorge
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for sunny skies 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Royal Gorge Cabins – High-end mountain retreats with decks and views of the gorge

The Royal Gorge Bridge is for anyone who wants their knees to wobble a bit. Suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River, it’s the highest suspension bridge in the U.S.—and the views are insane.

Walk across the 1,260-foot span to take it all in. For a killer shot, hit the bridge just after sunrise when the cliffs glow gold and shadows stretch across the canyon. The park also offers a gondola ride (smooth and scenic) and a zipline (not for the faint of heart) straight across the gorge. Want a hike? Try the Canyon Rim Trail, a 3-mile loop with lookout points you won’t want to leave. Go from May to early October for the clearest skies and longest light. Wide angles work great here—but don’t forget a good ND filter for midday sun.

• Read Next: Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Famous Bridges in the US

Looking to discover more about the most famous bridges in the USA? We’ve curated a list of questions to fuel your wanderlust and guide your next journey across America’s architectural marvels.

What is the most used bridge in the USA?

The George Washington Bridge, connecting New York City to New Jersey, is one of the most heavily traveled bridges in the USA. With over 100 million vehicles crossing it annually, it plays a vital role in the region’s transportation network.

What are 4 famous bridges in the United States?

Four of the most famous bridges in the USA include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida, and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.

Why are bridges so significant in American history?

Bridges have played a crucial role in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and promoting economic growth. They also represent engineering marvels and are often associated with significant historical and cultural events.

What US state has the best bridges?

Various states in the U.S. are home to exceptional bridges, each notable for different reasons. Below are a few states known for their notable bridges:

1. New York:
Notable Bridge: Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
Features: Home to various iconic and historic bridges, including suspension, cable-stayed, and stone arch bridges.

2. California:
Notable Bridge: Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Features: Offers a range of stunning and architecturally significant bridges, many spanning challenging geographical features.

3. Pennsylvania:
Notable Bridge: Frankford Avenue Bridge, the oldest surviving roadway bridge in the U.S.
Features: Known for its historic stone arch and covered bridges.

4. Oregon:
Notable Bridge: Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the Columbia River.
Features: Home to numerous beautiful and functional bridges, including many that cross large bodies of water.

5. Texas:
Notable Bridge: Pennybacker Bridge in Austin.
Features: Hosts various modern and historic bridges, including suspension and beam bridges.

Which bridge is the longest in the USA?

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana holds the title for the longest continuous bridge over water in the USA, spanning approximately 24 miles.

How are the most famous bridges in the USA maintained?

These iconic bridges undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety and longevity. This can include structural assessments, repainting, and repairs to any wear and tear.

Are there any pedestrian-only famous bridges in the USA?

Yes, there are several pedestrian-only bridges, such as the Walkway Over the Hudson in New York. These bridges offer a unique experience for walkers, cyclists, and tourists, providing scenic views and a peaceful escape from vehicular traffic.

What is the name of a famous American bridge in California?

The name of a famous American bridge in California is the Golden Gate Bridge. Located in San Francisco, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States and is recognized worldwide.

What is the oldest bridge in the USA?

Frankford Avenue Bridge (also known as Pennypack Creek Bridge) is the oldest surviving roadway bridge in the United States. The bridge was built on a major thoroughfare, known as King’s Highway, connecting Philadelphia with New York City.

Final Thoughts on the Most Popular Bridges in the USA

The United States is home to a vast array of architectural wonders, and its bridges are no exception. From coast to coast, these structures stand as testaments to human ingenuity, determination, and the spirit of progress. The most famous bridges in the USA not only serve as vital transportation links but also as iconic landmarks, each with its unique story and significance.

As we journey across these bridges, we’re not just traversing rivers or valleys; we’re connecting with American history. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of design, America’s bridges offer a captivating glimpse into the nation’s heart and soul.