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Bridge of Lions

4.7
·2k reviews·St. Augustine, United States

A historic drawbridge adorned with majestic lion statues, offering stunning harbor views and a unique spectacle when it opens for boats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Bridge

Bridge of Lions

Best Time

Sunrise

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic drawbridge adorned with majestic lion statues, offering stunning harbor views and a unique spectacle when it opens for boats.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Walking across the Bridge of Lions offers beautiful views of the harbor and a chance to see the drawbridge in action."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

Walk the bridge at sunrise for stunning views and a peaceful experience. Parking is often free downtown until 10 AM.

⏰ Check Drawbridge Schedule

Plan your visit around drawbridge openings for a memorable experience. Check local listings or ask at visitor centers.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,783 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Lion Statues

The Majestic Lion Statues

Bridge Entrances

Admire the two white marble lion statues, replicas of Italian originals, guarding the bridge's entrances.

Witnessing the Drawbridge in Action

Witnessing the Drawbridge in Action

Bridge Deck

Experience the thrill as the bridge lifts to allow boats to pass, offering a unique spectacle.

Panoramic Harbor Views

Panoramic Harbor Views

Bridge Deck

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the St. Augustine harbor, waterfront, and historic cityscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Drawbridge

The Bridge of Lions is a working drawbridge. Check the schedule for openings to witness this spectacle. Arrive early for prime viewing spots, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid crowds and secure good vantage points for photos.

Parking and Access

Street parking can be challenging, especially during events. Consider utilizing free parking lots and shuttle services if available, as recommended by locals. This ensures a smoother experience and allows you to focus on enjoying the bridge and its surroundings.

Best Times

When
Sunrise
Why
Serene views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Drawbridge Openings
Why
Unique spectacle
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Pleasant stroll, city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our one rule when we cross the #sunshineskywaybridge in #tampabay - #bridge #scary #OhNo #highbridge #anxious #driving #heights
@jeffandmarkexploring
147.2K likes • 7.1M views

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

Walk the bridge at sunrise for stunning views and a peaceful experience. Parking is often free downtown until 10 AM. Reddit

⏰ Check Drawbridge Schedule

Plan your visit around drawbridge openings for a memorable experience. Check local listings or ask at visitor centers. Reddit

Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, FL Built in 1927, the bridge was nearly demolished, but after a 4-year restoration (2006-2010) was completed and now functional. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S. (est. 1565), and the fort Castillo de San Marcos still stands. 📍 Filmed with a Part 107 drone license 🎥 This footage is available for licensing. DM f...
audreyinfocus
7 likes • 334 views
Castillo de San Marcos 🖼️ Check out these amazing views of the Bridge of Lions & more, when you take a tour of our historic fort! What a cool video by @staylocalvibes
staugustinevacations
590 likes • 13.8K views

🚗 Utilize Shuttle Services

During events, free parking lots with shuttle services are a reliable way to access the bridge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Across

Walking the bridge offers the best perspective of the harbor and the city. Instagram

reddit.com

Bridge of Lions! It sucks!

Hey there! I’ve lived in St.Augustine all of my life, and I love the beach. I spend all my summers on the beach, surfing and having fun. Many of my best memories about St.Augustine involve the beach, except for one. One of the best, non-Beach related memories I have about…

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

Walk the bridge at sunrise for stunning views and a peaceful experience. Parking is often free downtown until 10 AM. Reddit

⏰ Check Drawbridge Schedule

Plan your visit around drawbridge openings for a memorable experience. Check local listings or ask at visitor centers. Reddit

🚗 Utilize Shuttle Services

During events, free parking lots with shuttle services are a reliable way to access the bridge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Across

Walking the bridge offers the best perspective of the harbor and the city. Instagram

📸 Capture the Lions

Don't miss photographing the impressive marble lion statues at the bridge's entrances. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bridge of Lions for its stunning views, iconic lion statues, and the unique experience of watching the drawbridge operate. Many enjoy walking across it, finding it a peaceful and scenic part of their St. Augustine visit. Some mention that parking can be challenging during peak times.

"Very cool drawbridge. We walked across it, had beautiful views of the harbor, and lots of boats were cruising. As we were crossing, the bells went off warning that the bridge was going to raise. So we had to quickly get on the other side of the barrier gates, and then we stood and watched the bridge, go up-and-down. It was pretty cool waiting and watching a couple of large boats go under the bridge while we were on it.
St Augustine was a great place to visit, and I'd recommend seeing the bridge as well."

Shelly Longley

"While on vacation I woke up before the sunrise and walked the Bridge of Lions both ways while viewing the sunrise. Parking was free till 10am downtown. Wonderful experience"

Kathleen Falcey

"The drawbridge is pretty cool. Gorgeous lion statues at the feet, and the top offers a great view of the harbor. On our way back, we actually got to watch the drawbridge in action. Luckily we weren’t in a rush so we just sat back and watched the boat pass through."

Tikki

What People Like

Beautiful harbor views
Iconic lion statues
Drawbridge in action

What People Dislike

Challenging parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bridge of Lions is centrally located in St. Augustine, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, and there is street parking available, though it can be competitive. For events, consider using free parking lots with shuttle services for a hassle-free arrival. Reddit

Yes, there is street parking available in the downtown area near the Bridge of Lions. However, during peak times or special events, it can be difficult to find. Utilizing the recommended shuttle services from designated parking lots is a great alternative. Reddit

Absolutely! Walking across the Bridge of Lions is a popular activity, offering beautiful views of the harbor and the city. It's a great way to experience its charm up close. Instagram

St. Augustine is a very walkable city, and the Bridge of Lions is a central landmark. You can easily reach it on foot from many downtown attractions. Consider a trolley tour for a comprehensive overview of the city, including stops near the bridge. Instagram

No, the Bridge of Lions is a public bridge and does not have any tolls associated with crossing it. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Bridge of Lions is a public landmark and can be visited and walked across at any time without a ticket. Instagram

The Bridge of Lions is open 24/7 for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. However, its drawbridge function operates on a schedule to allow boats to pass. Instagram

The drawbridge schedule can vary depending on maritime traffic. It's best to check local maritime advisories or inquire at the St. Augustine Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information on when the bridge will be raised. Reddit

There is no admission fee to walk on or drive across the Bridge of Lions. It is a free public thoroughfare. Instagram

Yes, the Bridge of Lions is accessible at night. It is beautifully illuminated, offering a different, romantic perspective of the harbor and city. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise offers soft, beautiful light and fewer crowds for stunning photography. Evenings provide a romantic ambiance with city lights reflecting on the water. Capturing the drawbridge in action is also a unique photographic opportunity. InstagramReddit

The lion statues at the entrances are iconic. Walking the length of the bridge provides panoramic views of the harbor, the historic Castillo de San Marcos, and the charming waterfront neighborhood. Instagram+1

Drone usage is restricted in many areas, especially near historic sites and waterways. If you plan to fly a drone, ensure you have the necessary licenses (like a Part 107 license) and are aware of all local regulations. Instagram

You can capture wide-angle shots of the entire bridge, close-ups of the lion statues, and scenic views of the harbor. Don't forget to photograph the bridge as it opens for boats! Instagram+1

From the Castillo de San Marcos, you can get excellent views of the Bridge of Lions and the surrounding harbor. Waterfront restaurants and parks also offer good perspectives. Instagram

🎫 🚢 Boating & Water Activities

Yes, the Bridge of Lions is a functional drawbridge designed to lift and allow boats of various sizes to pass through the Matanzas River. Instagram

The bridge opens on demand for vessels requiring clearance. It's advisable to check with local maritime authorities or the St. Augustine Coast Guard for specific schedules or to notify them of your passage. Reddit

You can see a variety of boats, from small pleasure crafts and sailboats to larger yachts and commercial vessels, passing under the Bridge of Lions. Reddit

When the bridge is preparing to open, barriers are put in place, and warning bells sound. It is crucial to respect these signals and move to a safe viewing area away from the moving parts. Reddit

Many boat tours operating in St. Augustine will pass under or offer views of the Bridge of Lions as part of their itinerary, providing a unique perspective of the landmark. Instagram

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