This is one of the coolest bridges I've ever seen. We crossed it one day on our way to Bradenton and I must admit it lived up to all of the reviews. It is a spectacular marvel of engineering and beautiful to look at. For those who don't like heights or fear water, this may not be for you because it is a long drive over the bridge and it rises very high above the bay. The yellow cables that reach into the air were in such contrast to the beautiful blue sky it was an awesome sight.There are a couple of opportunities to pull off the highway to allow fishing, etc. We were short on time and didn't do this, but now in retrospect, I wish we had. Definitely next time we're in the area.
It reminds me of the Golden Gate Bridge in SFO... A great place to drive over and really see the beauty in this area. .A must when you are in the Tampa area.
We had a choice to go over the bridge or enter Tampa from the east. We did the bridge and stopped off at the fishing area. It was a beautiful day, and the bridge is impressive.
The drive was nice, great day, nice views and the bridge was beautiful. Very scenic. There is a pull-off rest area on each side for visitors and viewing. Would recommend making the drive over. It is a toll road though so expect to pay, but it was only $1.20 and they have maned booths.
A beautiful bridge by any standard, and a classic work of engineering. Worth a trip on clear day just to drive across and back. There are very nice shoreline picnic grounds at each end of the bridge, with restrooms, where we stopped for a picnic. Good shade, pleasant gulf breeze, good parking. Good fishing access as well. Try it, even if only passing through. And considering the tolls at some other bridges, this one is dirt cheap.
Nice view, but I couldn't help but think I've been on higher bridges. Of course, it doesn't seem as high once you're on it compared to pictures.
We had this tagged as a "must see", and were not disappointed. It was a bit out of the way for us but so glad we made the trip. Awe inspiring architecture in the middle of the Bay.A rainy day, but everything cleared away at a good time and we were able to traverse the bridge feeling almost in the clouds. My video camera was rolling end to end, and makes an awesome video to see (particularly by someone like myself who is VERY nervous of high places)Tip: I-75 Northbound seems to be a traffic headache on many days, so approaching the bridge from the South/East may be the better idea, also a great way to get to St. Petersburg, to see the sights there.
This is a very interesting appearing bridge. Driving over the bridge is like flying low over Tampa bay. We always enjoy the view. This just is not a destination
Even if it is a little out of the way, the views of the Bay are beatable from the bridge, and I'm afraid of bridges!
It's a still a great highway over the water, even after many, many years. There is a pier for fishing on each side, but unless you are serious about fishing, I wouldn't recommend the one on the south bound side. People were at picnic table prepping their catches; yuck. The bathrooms -- don't go there. The one on thenorth bound side looks newer and more civilized, but didn't check it out.