20 Bridges to Explore in Florida

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Florida

Florida is distinctive for its large Cuban expatriate community and high population growth, as well as for its increasing environmental issues. The state's economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also renowned for amusement parks, orange crops, winter vegetables, the Kennedy Space Center.

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Bridges to Explore in Florida

Acosta Bridge

The Acosta Bridge is a bridge spanning the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, it connects San Marco to Southbank. Illuminations of colorful lights decorate the bridge at night, making it an iconic night-time landmark. At over 320 feet long and 70 feet tall, This Bridge offers spectacular views of the river waterfront below and an array of activities along both sides. In addition to foot traffic, large ships can easily pass beneath its large openings that accommodate rising river levels.

Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge

The Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge is a testament to the beauty and history of the Florida Keys. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, it stretched nearly six thousand feet across Bahia Honda Key connecting upper and lower Florida Keys with seven spans, including five original tall trusses. The bridge was an integral part of the Overseas Railroad which began service between 1912 and 1935. Sturdy considering its age, it served as a vital link for two decades before being abandoned in 1938.

Boca Grande Causeway

The Boca Grande Causeway consists of three bridges and crosses Gasparilla Sound over 2.5 miles, providing the only vehicular access to the island.

Dames Point Bridge

A cable-stayed bridge over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Construction began in 1985 and was completed in 1989. The main span is 1,300 feet (396.2 m), and is 175 feet (53.3 m) high.

Dania Beach Pier

This nearly half-mile long pier opened in 1998 and is popular for both locals and tourists alike. Visitors can find everything from excellent fishing spots to beachfront restaurants, making for an enjoyable experience for all who come. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll along the ocean or an opportunity to take in some of Florida's amazing scenery, Dania Beach Pier is sure to please. Additionally, there are some local shops perfect for souvenirs or snacks if desired.

Dunedin Causeway

The Dunedin Causeway is a beautiful bridge that connects downtown Dunedin to Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County, Florida. The two mile long causeway created as part of the construction of U.S. Highway 19 was built in 1925 and has been used ever since by both locals and visitors alike. Not only does the causeway provide an easy path for vehicles to reach the island, but it also provides a stunning view of St Joseph's Sound which sparkles any time that sunlight hits the water.

Edward B. Knight Pier

Edward B. Knight Pier is a stunning beachfront destination on the Atlantic Coast. It is well-known for its expansive boardwalk that stretches around 1,100 feet of crystal clear waters and glistening white sands. Anglers love to cast their lines off of the pier, hoping to catch some mackerel or snapper while admiring the majestic views of surrounding Florida Keys. All visitors are treated to an array of outdoor activities like parasailing and dolphins watching boat tours as well as green spaces.

Hart Bridge

The Hart Bridge is a monumental structure providing an easy route across the St. Johns River. Built in the late 1980s and stretching just over 1.5 miles, it is a vital link connecting Jacksonville to bustling downtown Atlantic beach communities. Over 20 million vehicles crossed through on the bridge in 2018, making it one of the most typically utilized bridges in the state of Florida. It stands tall as a distinct piece of the infrastructure network found in and around Jacksonville.

Hathaway Bridge

The Hathaway Bridge, is a stunning architectural achievement that spans St. Andrews Sound between Panama City Beach and Panama City. Originally constructed in 1947 out of steel, the bridge was reconstructed and widened to a four lane span between 1998 and 2001. The widening of the bridge provided an economic boon to the local communities by allowing for easier passage across the sound, enabling tourists and locals alike to experience all that Bay County has to offer.

Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

This Pier is one of the most iconic spots in the area. Stretching 750 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the best ocean fishing and sightseeing opportunities around. Anglers can find a wide variety of species here throughout the year such as tarpon, cobia, flounder, kingfish, Spanish mackerel and much more. This pier has a bait shop and tackle store so that you can remain fully equipped while fishing. In addition to this, you have access to stunning views.

John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge

The John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge,is an important part of the transportation system in the area and offers a convenient journey for thousands of drivers every day. Originally opened in 1957, the bridge spans across 4.1mi over St. Johns River and offers individuals a connection to intersecting highways such as I4 and SR90 that lie on either side of the river. The original design was meant to last up to 50 years and since then it has undergone numerous repairs and upgrades to keep in top shape.

Mathews Bridge

Mathews Bridge is an iconic and beloved structure, which was built to connect the city of Jacksonville to Mandarin and San Jose Island, crossing the St. Johns River. This incredible bridge is supported by three steel arches and totals a length of 2,500 feet. Mathews Bridge was opened to traffic in 1953, making it one of the oldest and longest bridges in Florida. Not only does It serve as a significant transportation route for the city, but it is also popular among tourists for its majestic views

Melbourne Beach Pier

Melbourne Beach Pier, is a beloved tourist destination. Stretching an impressive 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, visitors often marvel at the breathtaking view of the sea and pristine beach sand. Besides taking a stroll along the pier itself, visitors can enjoy fishing off its sides or watching birds soar through the air as they swoop in to greet anglers. This beloved spot also provides access to some of the best local restaurants in town and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping.

Naples Pier

Nestled at the tip of Naples in Collier County, lies the breathtaking Naples Pier. This pier gives visitors a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. From the pier you can watch as colorful fishing boats drift by, or even try your hand at reeling in your own catch for dinner. It's also a great spot for seaside leisure activities like yoga, tai chi and beach volleyball. There are plenty of nearby shops, restaurants and other attractions to explore too.

Pier 60 Park

Pier 60 Park, is a stunning destination for nature-lovers and beach-goers alike. This park sits on the white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach, surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can take part in activities such as snorkeling, boating, kayaking, as well as fishing off the park’s iconic 1,080 foot long pier. Additionally, there are plenty of walking trails throughout the park that guests can explore to admire the natural beauty of wetland habitats and wildlife.

Seven Mile Bridge

It connects Knight's Key (part of the city of Marathon, Florida) in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. There are two bridges in this location. The modern bridge is open to vehicular traffic; the older one only to pedestrians and cyclists. The total length of the bridge is 35,862 ft (10,931 m) or 6.79 miles (10.93 km). The bridge carries the Florida Keys aqueduct, supplying water to points west, as well as fiber optic cables, providing telecommunications to and from the lower K

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hillsborough County Completed in 1987, this bridge stands across a four-mile span of Tampa Bay and is a beautiful sighting at sunrise or sunset. A cable-stayed bridge with several concrete piers, it also boasts a unique curved shape with fans for extra support, making it a creative engineering masterpiece as well as an eye-catching structure.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

A cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site.

The Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway, is a remarkable engineering feat. Spanning 113 miles and covering numerous islands along the way, the iconic highway has been connecting the Keys with each other and mainland Florida since 1938. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, this scenic tour connects Key Largo to Key West and makes for an amazing day trip. With activities such as deep sea fishing, enjoying beaches or exploring local museums - there's something for everyone.

West Bay Bridge

The West Bay Bridge is a mesmerizing sight, connecting St. Andrews and Panama City from the mainland to the Gulf of Mexico. Spanning two miles across beautiful St. Andrew's Bay, this bridge features six lanes for vehicular traffic and two dedicated lanes for pedestrians. Visitors can take advantage of the two separate overlooks located on the bridge with breathtaking vistas of the pristine St. Andrew's State Park and magnificent waters of nearby Shell Island.

Map of Bridges to explore in Florida