12 Famous US Bridges That Make Road Trips Instantly More Epic

Gazing over the edge of the sheer cliffs of Bixby Bridge or over the Hoover Dam, it’s hard not to be blown away by these structures’ sheer magnitude and engineering. Traversing mountains, rivers, and even entire bays, some bridges do more than connect point A to B.

Some are historic landmarks, while others are modern marvels of technology. Whether you’re a fan of dizzying heights or sweeping views, these 12 famous bridges bring a touch of adventure to your drive.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This is the bridge that probably comes to mind when someone says “iconic.” The Golden Gate Bridge spans an impressive 1.7 miles across the strait between San Francisco and Marin County. It is painted in its famous “International Orange” hue to stand out against the frequent fog.

Opened in 1937, it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world and held that title for nearly three decades. The towers reach 746 feet into the sky, visible from almost anywhere along San Francisco’s coast.

Driving across it feels like entering a postcard, and if you’re lucky, the fog will give way just in time for a perfect view of the city skyline.

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is a piece of New York history that never gets old. Built with limestone, granite, and Rosendale cement, this bridge was one of the first to use steel wire.

At 1,595 feet long, it was the longest suspension bridge of its time. Today, it remains a favorite spot for pedestrians, photographers, and anyone wanting a top-notch view of the East River. Its double-deck structure handles thousands of commuters daily, and walking across it is a New York bucket list activity.

3. Williamsburg Bridge, New York

Just north of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge is the slightly less famous sibling. Built in 1903, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world for over 20 years. Connecting Manhattan’s Lower East Side to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, the bridge is about 7,308 feet long, making it the second-longest in New York City.

The dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes keep it busy with locals and tourists with its unique pink paths.

4. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa

If you’re driving from Tampa to St. Petersburg, this 4.1-mile-long bridge arcs over Tampa Bay, supported by bright yellow cables that look striking against Florida’s blue skies.

Completed in 1987 after the original collapsed, the bridge has become an engineering marvel, with the main span soaring 430 feet above the water. Even though you are not allowed to stop, drivers will get sweeping views of the bay.

5. The Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys

A bridge that goes on…and on…and on. The Seven Mile Bridge connects Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key and stretches almost seven miles across the Gulf of Mexico. Built in the 1980s to replace the original railway bridge, this one’s all about wide-open views of turquoise water, dotted by islands and boats.

You also won’t have any pullouts to stop here; just cruise along and take in the endless horizon. It’s as much an experience as it is a road.

6. Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur

Sitting along California’s Highway 1, Bixby Creek Bridge isn’t just a bridge; it’s one of the most photographed spots on the West Coast. This 714-foot concrete beauty was built in 1932 and stands 280 feet tall, blending seamlessly into the cliffside.

No matter how many times it appears in car commercials, the views of the Pacific crashing below and the rugged coastline stretching out make it a highlight of any Big Sur road trip.

7. O’Callaghan Tillman Memorial Bridge, Hoover Dam

This bridge overlooks the Hoover Dam and is a sight in itself. Opened in 2010, it stands a whopping 900 feet above the Colorado River, making it one of the highest bridges in the US.

Named after two local heroes, it spans 1,060 feet with sweeping desert and canyon views. There’s a pedestrian walkway, so you can take your time and soak in one of America’s most dramatic landscapes.

8. DuSable Bridge, Chicago

Built in 1920, the DuSable Bridge (formerly Michigan Avenue Bridge) is Chicago’s connection over the Chicago River, leading right into the Magnificent Mile. It’s not the longest, at 399 feet, but this double-decker bridge has intricate sculptures and reliefs that celebrate the city’s history.

If you visit in March, watch the river turn green for St. Patrick’s Day, an annual Chicago tradition.

9. George Washington Bridge, New Jersey

Another New York City fan favorite, the George Washington Bridge, which connects New Jersey to Manhattan, is one of the busiest in the world, with over 103 million vehicles crossing it annually.

Crossing the Hudson River at 4,760 feet, it’s a double-decker suspension bridge with views that stretch down the river. Opened in 1931, it’s absolutely beautiful and remains a crucial link in the region’s road network. It’s big, busy, and I swear the toll is getting more expensive every time I visit home.

10. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

Hanging 955 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is about as dramatic as bridges get. Opened in 1929, it held the record as the highest bridge in the world for over 70 years.

As impressive as its looks are, it was built as a tourist attraction, and today, it’s still one of Colorado’s top spots for thrill-seekers and photographers. Here, you can go zip-lining, take a gondola ride, or walk across the bridge’s wooden footpath and peer down at the river below.

11. Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Located right in the middle of Multnomah Falls just outside Portland, Oregon, Benson Bridge is a scenic walkway built in 1914. It spans just 45 feet but places you in one of Oregon’s most photographed spots.

The bridge divides the two tiers of the 620-foot waterfall, giving you views of both the upper and lower cascades. With mist drifting up from the falls, crossing this bridge encompasses the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

12. New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

Known for its annual Bridge Day, on which BASE jumpers leap off, the New River Gorge Bridge is the centerpiece of West Virginia’s Appalachian beauty. Completed in 1977, it’s a steel arch bridge that is 3,030 feet in total and is still one of the longest of its kind in the world.

Standing 876 feet above the New River, it’s an impressive sight, and driving across it feels like gliding over the forested canyon.

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