29 Striking American Bridges You’ll Want to Cross

America is filled with many wonders. From the exquisite Grand Canyon to the never-ending stretches of crystal clear beaches. The United States truly has something for everyone to experience, and this includes the impressive American bridges that can be found throughout the country.

From San Francisco to New York, you’ll be left in awe, not only of the beauty and grandeur of the bridges but also the complex engineering required to build these man-made structures.

You can find bridges that feel like they have been built within the cliffs on peaks and others that expand over oceans for miles. So much so, you’ll feel as though you are driving on water.

Check out the list below, and be sure not to miss any of these wonders if you are in the area.

29 Beautiful American Bridges

Let’s take a look at some of the most magnificent bridges in America. All of these are worth adding to your trip itinerary. Or, if you live nearby, visit one of these spots. And if you are road tripping through America, try and add as many of these bridges to your journey as possible.

1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Possibly one of the most iconic bridges in America, this spectacular red bridge is picture-perfect and fittingly used as the backdrop for many San Francisco postcards.

It stretches over nearly 2 miles (3.2 km) over the narrow strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. And once you’ve arrived, be sure to check out these restaurants in San Francisco.

The bridge was completed in 1937 and was considered an engineering marvel at the time. There are many interesting facts about the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most fascinating is that the bridge can bend.

A bridge walk marked the 50th anniversary of the bridge, and the weight of 300 000 people caused the bridge to sag 7 feet under and flatten the arch.

Book a guided cycling tour over the bridge here

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York

One cannot go to New York without visiting the Brooklyn Bridge. The suspension bridge that spans over the East River connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan is a stunning feature of the New York skyline.

Completed in 1833, the magnificent bridge has inspired poets, artists, directors, and songwriters since then. Frank Sinatra produced the beautiful song, The Brooklyn Bridge, for the film – It Happened in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Bridge really is something to look at. Gothic towers with double arches and crisscross steel cables stretch across the bridge. The best way to experience this beauty is with a walking tour over the bridge and don’t forget to explore Lower Manhattan while you’re there.

Book a guided walking tour here

3. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

Ever wondered what it would be like to drive on water? Well, this is the closest you’ll get to experiencing it. As the name suggests, this bridge stretches 7 miles (11.2 km) over the ocean to Florida Keys.

The original structure was built in 1912 and was regarded as a harrowing drive with narrow lanes. With its upgrade in 1982, the longest bridge in the Florida Keys became a breeze to drive over, with enough space to stop and take in the views. This is one of the most famous bridges in the US.

Book a day trip from Miami and experience the bridge

You might enjoy reading my articles on the most dangerous bridges in the United States and the highest bridges in the United States.

4. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in America. Walking across the bridge is equally thrilling and bone-chilling, so if you are afraid of heights, we recommend not looking down.

Located in Colorado over the Arkansas River, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty around you. In fact, the bridge was built solely for people to be able to marvel at the beauty of the canyon.

This was not built for road purposes, and until May 2020, cars could not drive across the bridge.

If you feel brave after walking over the structure suspended 965 feet above the ground, explore the Arkansas River on a rafting trip.

Book a half-day rafting tour here

⇒ If you’re enjoying this article you’ll love my articles on 15 North America Landmarks, the 10 Most Famous Landmarks in the US, 7 Most Beautiful Bridges American Bridges, 60 Most Famous Landmarks in the World, 9 Gorgeous Lakes Canada has on offer, 23 Must See Landmarks in Mexico, 15 Most Beautiful States in the US, 31 California Landmarks, 16 Most Beautiful Cities in Canada, 17 Washington DC Landmarks Not to Miss, 29 Arizona Landmarks, 11 Beautiful Canada Landmarks and the 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the United States.

5. Bixby Creek Bridge, California

This Instagram-worthy bridge along the Californian coast is something to behold. Aptly nicknamed the Golden Gate Bridge of Big Sur, and while it may not be as long, it certainly is as beautiful with its deep arch structure.

This bridge sees many road trippers and tourists stopping for the perfect shot, especially for a Californian sunset.

With panoramic beauty, you won’t know where to look. On the one side, you’ll feast your eyes on the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, and on the other, you’ll be treated to the majestic cliffs and steep canyon of Bixby Creek.

Book a private tour of the bridge and surrounding area

6. Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Arizona and Nevada

Connecting the states of Arizona and Nevada over the Colorado River is a spectacular display of modern engineering. Also known as the Hoover Dam Bypass, the bridge was built to relieve traffic on the highway over Hoover Dam.

It took 5 years to build and was completed in 2010 with the World’s highest concrete arch. You have great views of the manmade Hoover Dam as you drive over the second-highest bridge in America.

If you are road tripping to or from Las Vegas, this bridge needs to be on your list.  And while you’re there, check out my guide on fun activities in Las Vegas or if you’re in Arizona Sunsets in Sedona.

Book a guided tour of Hoover Dam

7. Roseman Covered Bridge, Iowa

This romantic red-covered bridge in Iowa is so charming it is one of the bridges that inspired the book and movie, The Bridges of Madison County. Originally built in 1883 and renovated in 1992, the bridge over the Middle River has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

This idyllic picture-perfect bridge is so inspiring there is even a Roseman Covered Bridge gift shop dedicated to gifts and trinkets to commemorate the bridge. Don’t miss out on seeing this bridge if you are ever in Iowa.

Take a personal tour of the bridges in Madison County

8. New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia

Not many bridges have their own day! Bridge day takes place on the third Saturday in October in West Virginia. There are celebrations, food, music and more. Pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge and even rappel it!

New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977. Before its completion, residents of West Virginia had to spend 40 minutes driving along a river and dealing with narrow roads. The bridge allowed them to cover this distance in just one minute – no wonder it has its own day!

9. Veterans Memorial Bridge, Massachusetts

This bridge in Massachusetts carries US Route 6 and 138 across the Taunton River. It connects Somerset and Fall River in Massachusetts. This bascule bridge is 61 metres long and 18 metres wide. It opened in the fall of 2011 and was dedicated to veterans in the area.

NB: There are several Veterans Memorial Bridges in the United States.

10. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway connects Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana. From when it opened in 1969 to 2011 it was the longest bridge in the world over water (the first span opened in 1956). It hosts four lanes of traffic over its two bridges. The longest of the two bridges is 23.83 miles long.,

The bridge has an eight-mile stretch where drivers cannot see the land. This can be quite a nerve-wracking experience. Entry to the bridge can only be made via car.

11. Frankford Avenue Bridge, Pennsylvania

This stone bridge was originally built in 1697 and can claim to be the United States’ oldest bridge. It actually pre-dates the founding of the United States! This bridge still takes both pedestrians and vehicle traffic along its 154 feet and is located in Philadelphia.

12. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida

The Sunshine Skyway bridge connects Terra Ceia in Manatee County with St Petersburg in Pinellas County. Built between 1982 and 1987, this cable bridge is 4.1 miles long and has two highways running across it. The bridge crosses Tampa Bay and can be crossed on foot, by bike or in a car.

13. Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington

Three bridges can lay claim to being and having been the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge was called Galloping Gertie due to its unstable structure which resulted in its collapse. A replacement bridge opened after the Second World War over Puget Sound and today a third bridge sits next to this to help manage the traffic.

The bridges are quite magnificent – but not as stunning as the views of Mount Rainier from the bridges on a good day.

14. George Washington Bridge, New York

The George Washington Bridge connects New York to New Jersey. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world with over 103 million cars passing over it each year.

15. Delaware Memorial Bridge, Delaware

This twin suspension bridge connects Delaware and New Jersey and crosses the Delaware River. Delaware Memorial Bridge is dedicated to the soldiers who have given their lives in battle from World War 2 onwards. Each year a ceremony is held on Veterans Day.

16. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Maryland

This 4.3-mile long bridge was the longest steel structure in the world over water when it opened in 1952. As you may have guessed it crosses the Chesapeake Bay. Two highways run across the bridge and it is usually only open to cars. However, on the first Sunday in May each year, Chesapeake Bay Bridge is open to pedestrians for the Governor’s Bay Bridge Runa and the Bay Bridge Walk.

17. London Bridge, Arizona

London bridges are quite iconic thanks to nursery rhymes and scams! The London Bridge in Lake Havasu City Arizona was actually originally located in London. The bridge was first built in 1831. Robert McCulloch purchased the bridge in 1967, dismantled it, and brought it back to Arizona.

There has always been a rumor that McCulloch thought he was buying the much prettier Tower Bridge. Alas, London bridge is quite drab compared to some of the other bridges which crossed the Thames at the time. McCulloch used the original masonry of London Bridge but added new reinforced concrete.

18. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. First opening in 1957, this is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It runs for 26,372 feet. It is said that no amount of wind in the world would cause this bridge to collapse. The reason for this is that the majority of the road is actually steel grating. This allows wind to pass through the bridge rather than push against it.

19. Benson Bridge, Oregon

Benson Bridge has one of the most spectacular backdrops of any bridge in the United States – Multnomah Falls in Oregon. The bridge was built in 1914 and is one of the most well-known footbridges in the United States. It is one of Oregon’s most photographed pieces of architecture and a tourist favourite.

20. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

Royal Gorge Bridge has a spectacular location in the granite cliffs of Colorado 900 feet over the Arkansas River. This bridge was the highest car bridge from its opening in 1929 until the early 2000s. The bridge is very popular with thrill-seekers. Many stunts have been performed here and there is a park with a zip line, sky coaster and more.

It is possible to walk or cycle across this 1,260 feet long bridge. Car traffic is restricted depending on the park’s operating hours and season.

21. Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, New York

This arched bridge connects Niagara Falls in the United States to Niagara Falls in Canada. Unsurprisingly, the bridge offers fantastic views of Niagara Falls and is itself a major tourist attraction.

This is a bridge for vehicles but there is a path for both pedestrians and cyclists. There is a small fee for pedestrians, but it is well worth it for the photo opportunity.

22. Glenn Canyon Dam Bridge, Arizona

Glenn Canyon Dam was built between 1957 and 1959 to make it easier to access the building of the Glenn Canyon Dam. It sits 700 feet above the water and is over 1,200 feet long. Cross the bridge in your car, by bike, or walk across. It is located in Coconino County near the border with Utah.

23. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Ohio

The Roebling Suspension Bridge runs over the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio to Covington, Kentucky. The bridge is 500 metres long and up to 320 metres wide. it sits 30 metres above the Ohio River. The bridge was designed by architect John A Roebling and was built between 1856 and 1867.

24. Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge, New Hampshire

Cornish Windsor covered bridge is one of the longest covered bridges that is open to cars in the United States. This is the third covered bridge to be built in this part of New Hampshire. It was originally built in 1866 and had major renovations and restoration in 1988.

25. Lacey V Murrow Memorial Bridge and Homer M Hadley Memorial Bridge, Washington

These floating bridges take traffic across Lake Washington from Seattle to Mercer Island. Construction on the original bridge was completed in 1940 and the second bridge was added in 1989. Combined they are the second-longest floating bridges in the world.

26. Leonard P Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Massachusetts

This stunning bridge opened in 2003 and has become quite the icon in Boston. Part of the process of validating the structure of the bridge involved having fourteen elephants who each weighed more than 100,000 pounds walk on the bridge before its opening. It is believed that elephants have instincts that stop them from walking on unsafe structures. They all made it across.

27. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Texas

This bridge in Dallas crosses the Trinity River and can be seen from all over the city. It features 58 cables that give it a sleek and modern appearance – particularly at night. The bridge was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and built between 2005 and 2012. It is 400 feet high and 1,870 feet long. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge connects West Dallas with the downtown area.

28. Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma

The Skydance Bridge is both a pedestrian foot bridge and a work of art. Its design was inspired by the state bird of Oklahoma, the scissor-tailed flycatcher. The bridge opened in 2012 and is 116 metres long. The stunning sculpture on the bridge is 197 feet tall. The bridge is regularly lit up to recognise local events.

29. Hite Crossing Bridge, Utah

This arch bridge crosses the Colorado River in Utah. It is also the upstream limit of Lake Powell. Hite Crossing Bridge is the only bridge that allows cars to cross the Colorado River between the Glen Canyon Bridge and the US Route 191 Bridge. It is located near Hite Marina on Lake Powell. The bridge opened in 1966 and is about 60 metres above the Colorado River.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Bridges

Final Thoughts on Bridges in America

From awe-inspiring grand structures to charming historic bridges, America has them all. Many of the bridges boast exquisite views over natural landscapes and shouldn’t be missed. While others were built to connect two places together and at the same time boast spectacular engineering

You won’t be disappointed by any of the bridges on the list, so be sure to check them out next time you are in the area!

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