Bridge of Lions
A historic drawbridge adorned with majestic lion statues, offering stunning harbor views and a unique spectacle when it opens for boats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene views, fewer crowds
Bridge of Lions
Best Time
Serene views, fewer crowds
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.
"Walking across the Bridge of Lions offers beautiful views of the harbor and a chance to see the drawbridge in action."
🌅 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Bridge Deck
Experience the thrill as the bridge lifts to allow boats to pass, offering a unique spectacle.
Panoramic Harbor Views
Bridge Deck
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the St. Augustine harbor, waterfront, and historic cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Drawbridge
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 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.
🚗 Utilize Shuttle Services
During events, free parking lots with shuttle services are a reliable way to access the bridge.
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walking the bridge offers the best perspective of the harbor and the city.
Bridge of Lions! It sucks!
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.
⏰ Check Drawbridge Schedule
Plan your visit around drawbridge openings for a memorable experience. Check local listings or ask at visitor centers.
🚗 Utilize Shuttle Services
During events, free parking lots with shuttle services are a reliable way to access the bridge.
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walking the bridge offers the best perspective of the harbor and the city.
📸 Capture the Lions
Don't miss photographing the impressive marble lion statues at the bridge's entrances.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, the Bridge of Lions is a public bridge and does not have any tolls associated with crossing it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bridge of Lions is a public landmark and can be visited and walked across at any time without a ticket.
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.
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.
There is no admission fee to walk on or drive across the Bridge of Lions. It is a free public thoroughfare.
Yes, the Bridge of Lions is accessible at night. It is beautifully illuminated, offering a different, romantic perspective of the harbor and city.
📸 📸 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.
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. 
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.
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!
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.
🎫 🚢 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking and accessibility are key considerations. While street parking can be tough, utilizing the recommended shuttle services from free lots makes the trip much smoother. Encourage kids to look for different types of boats and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbor and the historic Castillo de San Marcos. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about local history and the importance of bridges in connecting communities.
📸 Photographers
The drawbridge in action is a unique and dynamic subject. Be prepared to wait and capture the moment the bridge lifts, creating dramatic compositions. Consider different angles: from the waterfront parks, from the Castillo de San Marcos for a wider perspective, or even from a boat tour for an unparalleled view. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Explorers
Take your time to soak in the atmosphere. Observe the boats cruising by, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and imagine the history that has unfolded around this landmark. It's a perfect activity for a relaxed morning or a romantic evening walk, offering a different perspective of St. Augustine than you'd get from a car.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Restoration of the Bridge of Lions
However, like many historic structures, the bridge eventually faced the threat of demolition due to age and wear. Fortunately, a strong community effort led to its preservation. A comprehensive four-year restoration project, completed between 2006 and 2010, revitalized the bridge, ensuring its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for future generations. This restoration not only preserved its historical significance but also maintained its functionality as a drawbridge.
Today, the Bridge of Lions stands as a testament to St. Augustine's commitment to preserving its heritage. It continues to be a beloved landmark, offering both practical transportation and a captivating visual experience for residents and visitors alike, seamlessly blending the city's past with its present.
Experiencing the Bridge of Lions: A Local's Perspective
Many appreciate the bridge not just as a crossing but as a journey through history. The majestic lion statues at the entrance are seen as silent guardians of the city's rich past. The experience of walking across, especially during sunrise or sunset, is often highlighted as particularly special, offering moments of tranquility and reflection amidst the bustling city.
The thrill of witnessing the drawbridge in action is another common point of enjoyment. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the mechanics of the bridge lifting and lowering, especially when a large boat passes through. This unexpected spectacle adds an element of surprise and wonder to the visit, making it more than just a simple walk across a bridge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit