Mathews Bridge Jacksonville
A historic maroon cantilever bridge in Jacksonville, famous for its pop culture ties to Limp Bizkit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Mathews Bridge Jacksonville
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic maroon cantilever bridge in Jacksonville, famous for its pop culture ties to Limp Bizkit.
"Drive over the Mathews Bridge, where John Otto will take you 'Limp Bizkit style'!"
🚗 Drive Over It
Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it.
🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop
If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Maroon Structure
St. Johns River, Jacksonville
Admire the distinctive maroon color and cantilever design of this historic 1953 bridge.
Limp Bizkit Pilgrimage
Mathews Bridge
Experience the bridge that inspired Limp Bizkit's iconic song and lyrics. A must for fans!
St. Johns River Views
From the bridge or nearby viewpoints
Enjoy scenic vistas of the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville skyline from this vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Aesthetics & Functionality
Limp Bizkit & Pop Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Over It
Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it. +1
🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop
If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto! +1
📸 Capture the Color
The bridge's unique maroon color is a great photo opportunity, especially during sunrise.
🌉 Bridge Views
See it from Arlington for a different perspective, especially during the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Over It
Experience the bridge firsthand by driving across it. Many visitors reference this as the primary way to see it. +1
🎶 Limp Bizkit Fan Stop
If you're a fan, embrace the 'Limp Bizkit style' and reference John Otto! +1
📸 Capture the Color
The bridge's unique maroon color is a great photo opportunity, especially during sunrise.
🌉 Bridge Views
See it from Arlington for a different perspective, especially during the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Mathews Bridge is celebrated for its distinctive maroon color and its iconic status in pop culture, particularly for Limp Bizkit fans. While primarily a functional bridge, its historical significance and the unique 'pilgrimage' aspect draw visitors. Some find the references to the song a bit quirky, but overall, it's seen as a recognizable Jacksonville landmark.
"One of the greatest engineering feats of its time and hasn't had any major issues since its opening in 1953, April 15th as it deals with its actual foundation or construction.It took just over three years of construction till opening which in that era of history was quite fast. Named after a state legislator John E Mathews who also served as a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and was one of the main contributors to its securing of funding to be built. Only one major incident which caused a one month repair due to a military ship USNS Harry L. Martin slightly colliding into it has caused concerns with stability and in 2007 the bridge deck was upgraded from grating to concrete. A landmark that has surpassed many doubters and is a major traffic relieve with access from downtown Jacksonville to Arlington and East Jacksonville."
Robert J D Trego
"YOO!! such a sick place! my homie john otto took me to the mathews bridge because a guy named fred to john to take us (me and some friends) to the mathews bridge and we ate chocolate star fish and drank hot dog flavored water! 50/10 would reccomend for my genoration!! but you can only fly limp bizkit style to get there. AND ASK JOHN OTTO HE WILL ONLY TAKE YOU!!!"
allie davenport
"John, my tour guide told me to jump in the water and try not to get any into your mouth. I should have listened because the water tasted like hotdogs. I love hotdogs."
Muhmad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mathews Bridge is easily accessible by car, connecting downtown Jacksonville with the Arlington area via the Arlington Expressway. Many visitors simply drive over it as part of their exploration of the city. +1
While direct public transport to the bridge itself might be limited, Jacksonville's public transit system can get you to areas near the bridge, from where you can access it by car or a short walk. Check with the JTA (Jacksonville Transportation Authority) for routes.
Driving across the bridge offers a direct experience. For scenic views, consider viewpoints from the Arlington side or along the St. Johns River.
Yes, the Mathews Bridge is one of several major bridges in Jacksonville, including the Hart Bridge, which also spans the St. Johns River.
Pedestrian and bicycle access on major bridges like the Mathews Bridge can be restricted for safety. It's best to confirm current regulations with local authorities or plan to view it from a vehicle or designated viewpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit or drive across the Mathews Bridge. It's a public thoroughfare.
As a public bridge, the Mathews Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic.
There is no entrance fee or toll to cross the Mathews Bridge.
The primary restriction is for vehicular traffic. Large trucks or oversized loads may have specific regulations. Pedestrian access is generally not recommended for safety.
The Mathews Bridge was constructed in 1953, making it a historic landmark in Jacksonville.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Great photo opportunities exist from the Arlington side, offering a full view of the maroon structure. Sunrise and sunset also provide beautiful lighting.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check for restricted airspace before flying, especially near bridges and waterways.
The bridge is known for its distinctive maroon color, which makes it a visually striking landmark against the Jacksonville skyline.
While driving across, you get glimpses of the skyline. For more expansive views, consider approaching from downtown or specific riverfront parks.
Sunrise offers beautiful golden hour light, while evenings provide a backdrop of city lights.
🎫 🎶 Pop Culture & History
It's famously referenced in the Limp Bizkit song 'Take It All,' making it a point of interest for fans of the band and 90s/2000s nu-metal. +2
John Otto is a character referenced in Limp Bizkit's song, often depicted as the person who 'takes you to the Mathews Bridge.' He's become a bit of a cult figure for fans. +2
Built in 1953, it's a cantilever bridge named after Florida legislator John E. Mathews. It was a significant engineering feat for its time.
The bridge had a minor collision with a military ship in 2007, which required repairs. It's generally considered structurally sound.
This phrase is a playful reference to the band's lyrics and music videos, suggesting a dramatic or adventurous approach to reaching the bridge. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎵 Limp Bizkit Fans
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mathews Bridge: A Jacksonville Icon
+1 The bridge was named in honor of John E. Mathews, a notable Florida legislator and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, who played a key role in securing funding for its construction. Beyond its architectural and historical significance, the Mathews Bridge has achieved a unique place in popular culture, largely due to its prominent feature in the Limp Bizkit song 'Take It All.' This has turned the bridge into a sort of pilgrimage site for fans of the band, who often reference lyrics and characters like 'John Otto' when visiting.
While it's a functional piece of infrastructure vital for daily commutes, the Mathews Bridge also offers scenic views of the St. Johns River and the surrounding cityscape. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or a Limp Bizkit enthusiast, the Mathews Bridge offers a blend of history, engineering, and pop culture relevance that makes it a noteworthy Jacksonville attraction.
Navigating the Mathews Bridge: Practicalities and Perspectives
From a visual standpoint, the bridge's maroon hue is a defining characteristic. Many travelers find it to be an aesthetically pleasing structure, especially when viewed from different angles or during specific times of day. Sunrise and sunset can offer particularly dramatic lighting, enhancing the bridge's visual appeal.
Those looking for photographic opportunities often find vantage points on the Arlington side or along the riverbanks to capture the bridge in its entirety. It's important to note that while the bridge is a popular spot for fans of Limp Bizkit, the 'experience' often involves playful references to the band's lyrics and the fictional character John Otto. Visitors should be aware that this is more of a cultural nod than a literal guided tour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit