Long Beach International Gateway Bridge - Image 1
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Long Beach International Gateway Bridge

4.6
·491k reviews·Long Beach, United States

A modern engineering marvel, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge offers stunning views and connects vital trade routes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour light paints the bridge.

CrowdMedium
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Long Beach International Gateway Bridge - Image 1

Long Beach International Gateway Bridge

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour light paints the bridge.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern engineering marvel, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge offers stunning views and connects vital trade routes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The pedestrian path provides breathtaking views of the harbor and the bridge's impressive architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Pedestrian Path

Enjoy stunning views from the Mark Bixby Memorial Path. Currently ends at the apex.

🚴 Cycle with a View

The path is also great for cycling, offering a unique way to experience the bridge.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path

Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path

Access points in Long Beach

Stroll or cycle for breathtaking harbor and city views. A unique perspective of port operations.

Instagram
Iconic Cable-Stayed Architecture

Iconic Cable-Stayed Architecture

The bridge itself

Admire the engineering feat of California's first vehicular cable-stayed bridge, a modern icon.

Instagram
Port of Long Beach Views

Port of Long Beach Views

From the pedestrian path

Watch massive container ships and port operations unfold below. A fascinating glimpse into global trade.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Pedestrian Path Access

The new Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path offers stunning views, but currently only reaches the bridge's apex. Plan your walk accordingly and check for any ongoing construction updates before you go. Instagram+1

Bridge Demolition & New Construction

The Gerald Desmond Bridge has been replaced by the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. While the old bridge is gone, the new one offers a modern marvel. Be aware of ongoing port activities and potential traffic changes. TikTok

Best Times

When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Golden hour light paints the bridge.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds on the path.
Crowd
Low
When
Night
Why
Spectacular city and bridge lights.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sanpedro #longbeach #losangeles #southbay #jeep #cruising Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach
@boylehts24
43 likes • 846 views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Pedestrian Path

Enjoy stunning views from the Mark Bixby Memorial Path. Currently ends at the apex. Instagram+1

🚴 Cycle with a View

The path is also great for cycling, offering a unique way to experience the bridge. Instagram

Gerald Desmond Bridge, Long Beach, CA....#geralddesmondbridge #port #portviews #portart #portworkers #portdriver #porttrucker #drayage #drayagecarrier #drayagetrucking #bridgeview #portviews #portlights #portequipment #portcranes #rtgcrane #containervessel #portcontainers #containership #truckersview #truckdrivet #semitruck #portnights #containerart #visualz #mdotmc #motorcarrier #longbeachcal...
@mdot.motor.carriers
11 likes • 181 views
Scenes from my first attempt at crossing the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge (formerly the Gerald Desmond Bridge) along the BIXBY MEMORIAL BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN PATH. I thought that I had conquered the vertigo I’d get crossing along a high bridge deck in my youth. I could only make it to the first tower of the Golden Gate before loosing my nerve as a young adult living in San Francisco. Sadly...
walkinglosangeles
0 likes • 6K views

📸 Capture the Lights

The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, perfect for photography. TikTok

🚢 Observe Port Activity

Get a close-up look at the bustling Port of Long Beach from above. Instagram

I took an amazing walk over Long Beach today , on the new pedestrian bike path called #markbixbymemorialbikeandpedestrianpath #longbeachinternationalgatewaybridge It was so cool. We sat and watched ships pull in and cargo being loaded on trucks. So interesting and plus you get a lil cardio in.❤️❤️ #longbeachgrammers #losangelesgrammers #walking #visitlb #longbeachcalifornia #longbeach #abc7eyewi...
suuper01
53 likes • 526 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Pedestrian Path

Enjoy stunning views from the Mark Bixby Memorial Path. Currently ends at the apex. Instagram+1

🚴 Cycle with a View

The path is also great for cycling, offering a unique way to experience the bridge. Instagram

📸 Capture the Lights

The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, perfect for photography. TikTok

🚢 Observe Port Activity

Get a close-up look at the bustling Port of Long Beach from above. Instagram

🚗 Scenic Drive

Driving across the bridge offers impressive views of the harbor and city. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are impressed by the modern engineering and striking design of the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge, especially when viewed from the pedestrian path. The scenic views of the port and city lights at night are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some users note the pedestrian path's current limitation of ending at the bridge's apex.

What People Like

Impressive modern architecture
Stunning harbor views
Beautiful night illumination

What People Dislike

Pedestrian path ends at apex

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path is available from Long Beach. While the path currently leads to the bridge's apex, it's a popular spot for walks and cycling with great views. Instagram+1

Information on specific parking lots near the pedestrian path entrances can be found through local Long Beach visitor resources. Many users access it for walks and bike rides. Reddit

Yes, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge is a major thoroughfare for vehicles, connecting Long Beach and San Pedro. TikTok+1

While direct public transport to the pedestrian path might be limited, Long Beach has a public transit system that can get you to the general vicinity of the bridge. Check local transit schedules for routes serving the port area. TikTok

For photography, consider driving across the bridge for different vantage points or accessing the pedestrian path during golden hours. Drone shots are also popular for capturing its scale. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path on the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge is free for pedestrians and cyclists. Instagram

The pedestrian path is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check with the Port of Long Beach or local city resources for any specific closure or access times. Instagram

The Gerald Desmond Bridge has been replaced by the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. The old bridge has been demolished. TikTok

There are no entry fees for walking or cycling on the pedestrian path. Standard tolls may apply if you are driving across the bridge. TikTok

Currently, the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path only extends to the apex of the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. It is not yet a complete path connecting to San Pedro. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge's architecture and the surrounding harbor. Nighttime provides stunning views of the illuminated cityscape and the bridge itself. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is subject to strict regulations, especially near ports and airports. Always check with the Port of Long Beach and FAA guidelines before flying a drone. TikTok+1

The apex of the path offers panoramic views, and various points along the way provide unique angles of the bridge's cables and the port activity. Instagram

Yes, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge is beautifully lit at night, making it a popular subject for photographers. TikTok

Popular shots include wide-angle views of the bridge, close-ups of the cable-stayed design, and photos capturing the bridge with the port or city skyline. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families can enjoy a walk or bike ride on the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path for stunning views and a chance to see large ships. It's a great way to get some fresh air and introduce kids to the importance of the port. Remember that the path currently ends at the bridge's apex, so plan your outing accordingly. Instagram+1

Bring snacks and water, as amenities might be limited on the path itself. The visual spectacle of the massive bridge and the busy port can be captivating for children, offering an educational and engaging experience. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best visibility of the port operations. Instagram

🚴 Cyclists

The Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path is a dream for cyclists, offering a dedicated and scenic route over the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. You can enjoy a smooth ride with incredible views of the harbor and the city skyline. Instagram

While the path currently leads to the bridge's apex, it provides a substantial and rewarding cycling experience. It's a fantastic way to get exercise while taking in the impressive engineering and the vibrant maritime activity of the Port of Long Beach. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge offers a wealth of opportunities. Capture the bridge's striking cable-stayed design during the day, or wait for sunset and twilight to photograph its illuminated beauty. TikTokInstagram

The Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path provides elevated vantage points for capturing the Port of Long Beach in action, including container ships and cranes. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, but always adhere to strict regulations. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Long Beach International Gateway Bridge

The Long Beach International Gateway Bridge is a significant feat of modern engineering, replacing the aging Gerald Desmond Bridge. It stands as California's first vehicular cable-stayed bridge and is one of the widest in the world. Its distinctive design features towering pylons and a network of cables that support the roadway, creating a visually striking landmark. The bridge's construction was a complex undertaking, involving extensive planning and execution by the Port of Long Beach engineers. Instagram+1

The bridge's primary purpose is to facilitate the flow of commerce through the vital Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest container ports in the United States. Its increased height and capacity are designed to accommodate larger cargo ships and streamline the movement of goods. The innovative design also aims to improve seismic resilience and reduce maintenance needs compared to its predecessor. Instagram

Beyond its functional importance, the bridge has quickly become an iconic part of the Long Beach skyline. Its sleek, modern aesthetic is a testament to contemporary architectural and engineering capabilities. The bridge's presence enhances the visual landscape of the harbor and serves as a symbol of Long Beach's role as a global trade hub. Instagram

Exploring the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path

The Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path offers a unique way to experience the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. This dedicated path allows pedestrians and cyclists to get up close to the bridge's impressive structure and enjoy panoramic views of the Los Angeles Harbor, the Port of Long Beach, and the surrounding cityscape. It's a fantastic opportunity for exercise and sightseeing combined. Instagram+1

While the path currently extends to the bridge's apex, providing breathtaking vistas, it's important to note that it does not yet connect all the way to San Pedro. Visitors can enjoy a substantial walk or ride, observing the massive container ships, cranes, and bustling port activity from a bird's-eye perspective. This offers a fascinating insight into the logistics and scale of international trade. Instagram+1

This path is a valuable addition for locals and tourists alike, offering a safe and scenic way to interact with this modern marvel. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, a brisk bike ride, or simply to pause and take in the impressive engineering and the vibrant maritime environment. Instagram

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