Ocean Avenue Bridge
Iconic drawbridge connecting communities, offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime life. A beautiful landmark by day or night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See boats and enjoy the views
Ocean Avenue Bridge
Best Time
See boats and enjoy the views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic drawbridge connecting communities, offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime life. A beautiful landmark by day or night.
"A beautiful bridge by day or night. Check it out as you head to the beach!"
⏰ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your drive around drawbridge openings to avoid delays. Marine traffic dictates the schedule.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Bridge Access
Confirm if the Ocean Avenue Bridge you're visiting is for vehicles or pedestrians. Some are exclusively for walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drawbridge Openings
Lantana, Florida
Witness the impressive spectacle of the Ocean Avenue Bridge lifting for passing sailboats and marine vessels. A true Florida coastal experience!
Historic Pedestrian Bridge
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York
Explore the newly renovated Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, a historic landmark dating back to 1880, offering a scenic walk.
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Architectural Design
Lantana, Florida
Admire the bridge's beautiful sand and turquoise colors, with unique trellis work and spire-like towers. Stunning by day or night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Operations & Timing
Pedestrian Access & Safety
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your drive around drawbridge openings to avoid delays. Marine traffic dictates the schedule.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Bridge Access
Confirm if the Ocean Avenue Bridge you're visiting is for vehicles or pedestrians. Some are exclusively for walking.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The bridge's design and waterfront setting offer great photo ops, especially at sunset or when lit at night.
🚗 Be Cautious
Never drive onto a drawbridge when it's opening. Drivers have narrowly escaped dangerous situations.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check Bridge Schedule
Plan your drive around drawbridge openings to avoid delays. Marine traffic dictates the schedule.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Bridge Access
Confirm if the Ocean Avenue Bridge you're visiting is for vehicles or pedestrians. Some are exclusively for walking.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The bridge's design and waterfront setting offer great photo ops, especially at sunset or when lit at night.
🚗 Be Cautious
Never drive onto a drawbridge when it's opening. Drivers have narrowly escaped dangerous situations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Ocean Avenue Bridge for its scenic beauty and the unique spectacle of its drawbridge openings, especially in Lantana, Florida. The historical significance and recent renovations of the pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn are also highly praised. Some travelers note potential traffic delays due to bridge operations.
"The first span here at Ocean Avenue was built in 1911. It replaced the ferry that had been here before. That one-lane wooden bridge, barely wide enough for a horse and carriage, lasted 25 years until a more modern, Depression-era concrete two-lane drawbridge was finished in late 1936 at the cost of $75,000. The political dispute over where a third and final version of the bridge would be built rattled on for nearly a quarter century before a higher span was completed in 2001 at the Ocean Avenue site of the original ferry.
Today, the bridge connects the Boynton Beach mainland with Ocean Ridge. It has 21 feet of clearance over the Intracoastal Waterway. Unlike some bridges that are simply functional, the Ocean Avenue bridge is painted in pretty sand and turquoise colors with metal trellis work that highlights the spire-like towers emerging from the bascule piers. Separate pedestrian and bicycle access is provided along with illuminated waterfront communal space under the bridge.
It's a beautiful bridge by day or by night. Check it out as you head to the beach!"
Bruce InCharlotte
"There is no fishing on the bridge, but there are several waterside parks nearby."
Daniel Valencia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana connects the Boynton Beach mainland to Ocean Ridge, crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. It's accessible by car and is a key route for reaching the beaches.
While specific public transport routes can vary, the Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Sheepshead Bay is generally accessible via subway lines serving the Brooklyn area. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date information.
The Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana has 21 feet of clearance over the Intracoastal Waterway, allowing for most recreational boats to pass underneath when the bridge is closed.
Yes, the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana provides separate access for pedestrians and cyclists. The Sheepshead Bay bridge is also a pedestrian-focused structure.
Parking availability can vary. In Lantana, look for street parking or nearby public lots. In Sheepshead Bay, check for local parking garages or street parking regulations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Ocean Avenue Bridge itself is free. Access to the bridge and its surrounding waterfront areas is generally open to the public without charge.
As a drawbridge, the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana opens on demand for marine traffic. There are no fixed operating hours for the bridge itself, but it's accessible for vehicles and pedestrians when not opening.
The Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Sheepshead Bay is a public thoroughfare and does not require any admission fees for use.
Fishing is not permitted on the Ocean Avenue Bridge itself. However, there are nearby waterside parks where fishing may be allowed.
The bridge is designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, and efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. Specific accessibility features may vary between the different Ocean Avenue Bridges.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. The bridge is also illuminated at night, providing a different aesthetic.
Capture the bridge opening with boats, the architectural details, and the surrounding waterfront views. Drone shots are popular for showcasing the scale.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire bridge structure, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant boats. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Yes, being on a boat offers a unique perspective for photographing the bridge opening. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from the bridge and other vessels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Brooklyn, the renovated Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge offers a safe and scenic walk for families. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll, allowing kids to experience a piece of local history.
+1 Remember to supervise children closely, especially near any water features or the bridge structure itself. 🚗 Day-Trippers
For a quick visit to the Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Brooklyn, it's an easy addition to a Sheepshead Bay itinerary. It offers a pleasant walk and a glimpse into the area's history.
+1 Parking can be a consideration, so research options beforehand if driving. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
For those interested in urban photography, the historic Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Brooklyn offers a different aesthetic, especially after its recent renovations.
+1 Capturing the bridge's details and its integration into the neighborhood can yield compelling shots. Always be mindful of local regulations regarding commercial photography or drone usage. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Ocean Avenue Bridges
In Brooklyn, the Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge in Sheepshead Bay is an even older landmark, with origins tracing back to 1880. This historic bridge has recently undergone significant renovations, giving it a 'newer look and feel' while preserving its historical significance for the community.
+1These bridges are more than just crossings; they are integral parts of their communities, reflecting local development and historical changes. The Lantana bridge, in particular, is noted for its aesthetic appeal, painted in sand and turquoise colors with decorative trellis work.
Navigating Drawbridge Operations
It's essential to be aware of the bridge's status before approaching, especially if you're driving. There have been alarming incidents where drivers have been caught on the bridge as it began to open, underscoring the importance of heeding warning signals and never attempting to cross when the bridge is in motion.
+1 Local news outlets have reported on these events, emphasizing the need for driver vigilance. While the openings can cause temporary traffic delays, they are also a spectacle. Many enjoy watching the sailboats navigate through the opening bridge, making it a unique part of the coastal experience.
Community Impact and Renovations
+1 This project highlights the importance of maintaining historical landmarks and improving local infrastructure. Local officials have been actively involved in advocating for and overseeing these improvements. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pedestrian bridge involved community leaders and residents, signifying a collective effort to enhance the neighborhood.
The bridge's upgrade aims to provide a 'newer look and feel,' making it a more enjoyable and accessible space for everyone. Beyond the physical structure, the bridge's renovation is part of a broader effort to 'rebuild Brooklyn' and improve constituent services.
+1 The community's anticipation and positive reception to the reopened bridge demonstrate its value as a local amenity and a symbol of neighborhood pride. 
Social
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