San Diego-Coronado Bridge
An iconic, soaring bridge connecting San Diego to Coronado, offering breathtaking bay views and a gateway to island charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid rush hour crowds
San Diego-Coronado Bridge
Best Time
Avoid rush hour crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, soaring bridge connecting San Diego to Coronado, offering breathtaking bay views and a gateway to island charm.
"It’s definitely a cool bridge to go over, and the only way to get to Coronado Island unless you go by boat."
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Try to cross the bridge during off-peak hours to avoid significant congestion.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The bridge offers fantastic sunset views, especially when seen from the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Bay Views
Experience breathtaking vistas of San Diego Bay, the city skyline, and naval ships as you traverse the iconic structure.
Chicano Park Murals
Admire the vibrant and extensive Chicano art murals adorning the bridge's eastern support pillars at Chicano Park.
Naval Ship Sightings
Keep an eye out for impressive naval vessels passing beneath the bridge, a common sight due to its proximity to Naval Base San Diego.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the San Diego-Coronado Bridge
Bridge Access & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Try to cross the bridge during off-peak hours to avoid significant congestion.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The bridge offers fantastic sunset views, especially when seen from the water.
🚫 No Pedestrian Access
Remember, the bridge is for vehicles only; no walking or cycling allowed.
🎨 Chicano Park Art
Don't miss the incredible murals at the base of the bridge's eastern pillars.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Try to cross the bridge during off-peak hours to avoid significant congestion.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The bridge offers fantastic sunset views, especially when seen from the water.
🚫 No Pedestrian Access
Remember, the bridge is for vehicles only; no walking or cycling allowed.
🎨 Chicano Park Art
Don't miss the incredible murals at the base of the bridge's eastern pillars.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is widely appreciated for its stunning panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, offering a scenic and quick connection to Coronado Island. Many enjoy the architectural grandeur and the unique sight of naval ships passing beneath. However, some visitors note that traffic can be a significant issue during peak hours, and the lack of pedestrian access is a limitation for some.
"The San Diego–Coronado Bridge, commonly referred to as the Coronado Bridge, is a bridge crossing over San Diego Bay, linking San Diego with Coronado, California. It is part of State Route 75. The construction of a bridge across the San Diego Bay was proposed several times since the 1920s, but was turned down feared a bridge could collapse due to an attack or an earthquake and trap the ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego. By 1964 the Navy supported a bridge if there was at least 200 feet (61 m) of clearance for ships which operate out of the nearby Naval Base San Diego to pass underneath it. To achieve this clearance with a reasonable grade, the bridge length was increased by taking a curved path rather than a more direct path to Coronado. The clearance would allow an empty oil-fired aircraft carrier to pass beneath it. This was then approved and construction began and completed and the bridge was opened for traffic in 1969. At first it was a toll bridge until 2002.
The bridge contains five lanes: two eastbound, two westbound, and a reversible middle lane with a barrier. The pillars supporting the bridge on the eastern end are painted with huge murals as part of Chicano Park, the most extensive collection of Chicano art murals in the world.
The Coronado Bridge is frequently used as a suicide bridge; trailing only the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as the bridge most-often used for suicide in the United States."
Doug Ho
"It’s definitely a cool bridge to go over, and the only way to get to Coronado Island unless you go by boat. It’s a short ride of a little over about two minutes but fun. There is a great view on either side, and it’s neat to see ships passing below as you drive over.
Overall, it’s a good experience and a solid bridge, especially if it’s part of your daily commute."
Oscar Gonzalez
"Many people have enjoyed this bridge and we have as well. The sights are amazing day and night. The kids loved seeing themselves enter and leave coronado."
Rashan&Toya Travel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is accessible via Interstate 5 (I-5) in San Diego, connecting to State Route 75. Follow signs for Coronado.
While the bridge itself is for vehicles, you can take a ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado, which offers great views.
Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening commutes. Weekends can also see increased volume.
No, pedestrian and bicycle access is prohibited due to the bridge's height and design.
Yes, Chicano Park at the base of the eastern pillars offers unique art and views. Driving over the bridge also provides scenic vistas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the bridge is no longer a toll bridge. It was free to cross as of 2002.
The bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic.
No special pass is required; standard vehicle registration is sufficient.
Chicano Park is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
Stopping on the bridge is prohibited for safety reasons. Pull over at designated viewpoints before or after crossing.
📸 📸 Photography
Consider viewpoints from Coronado Ferry Landing, Embarcadero Marina Park, or Chicano Park. Sunset shots from the water are also popular.
Yes, especially during daylight hours when naval activity is common. Patience may be required to capture a ship passing.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Midday can provide clear views of the architecture and bay.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Check current rules before flying.
You can see them from the bridge, but for detailed photos, you'll need to visit Chicano Park at the base.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While you can't stop on the bridge, the Coronado Ferry offers a fantastic alternative for experiencing the bay and seeing the bridge from a different perspective. This boat ride is often a highlight for kids, providing a fun and scenic way to travel between downtown San Diego and Coronado.
🚗 Commuters & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers can incorporate a drive over the bridge into their itinerary for stunning city and bay views. Combine it with a visit to Coronado's beaches, the historic Hotel del Coronado, or explore the vibrant art scene at Chicano Park. The bridge serves as a gateway to these experiences, offering a memorable part of any San Diego adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
The bridge's unique design allows for a relatively smooth drive, with a reversible middle lane that can be adjusted based on traffic flow. While it was a toll bridge until 2002, it now offers free passage, making it an even more accessible route. The sheer scale of the bridge, with its multiple lanes and soaring height, is a sight to behold, offering a different perspective of the San Diego Bay area.
For those interested in architecture and large-scale infrastructure, the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is a fascinating subject. Its construction history and the engineering challenges overcome to build it add another layer of appreciation for this beloved landmark.
Chicano Park: A Living Canvas
Visitors can spend hours exploring the park, admiring the diverse artistic styles and the profound messages conveyed by the murals. The art is constantly evolving, with new works added and old ones restored, ensuring the park remains a dynamic and relevant space. It's a place where art, community, and history converge, offering a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.
Chicano Park is more than just a collection of murals; it's a symbol of community pride and resilience. It serves as a gathering place for cultural events, celebrations, and protests, reflecting the ongoing spirit of the Chicano movement. A visit here provides a deeper understanding of the local culture and history, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the San Diego area.
Social
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