Best Bridges to Visit: A Famous Bridge in Each US State and the World

Bridges are among the greatest achievements of human innovation, connecting communities, spanning rivers and gorges, and showcasing the marvel of modern engineering. From historic suspension bridges to contemporary cable-stayed structures, these crossings are more than just functional—they are iconic landmarks that define skylines and create unforgettable scenic views. This guide highlights a famous bridge in each US state and expands to include some of the most impressive bridges in the world.

Brooklyn Bridge – A Bridge in New York That Became an Icon

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in America, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Completed in 1883, it was the first bridge made with steel-wire suspension, designed by architect John A. Roebling.

• The bridge features two Gothic-inspired stone towers that rise above the water.
• At its completion, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• Today, the pedestrian walkway offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge has become one of the most iconic structures in the United States. The walkway remains one of the best ways for travellers to get a scenic view of Lower Manhattan while walking a piece of living history.

Brooklyn Bridge history via NYC Parks.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – Wonders of the Modern World

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is perhaps the most instantly recognizable bridge in the world. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge spans the waters of the Golden Gate, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.

• The bridge features two immense towers and sweeping cables that allow ships to pass beneath.
• At its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and quickly became one of the wonders of the modern world.
• The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is painted in “International Orange,” which makes the bridge stand out against the fog and the waters of the Golden Gate.

From the bridge’s walkway, visitors enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The bridge offers a reminder that a bridge could be both a marvel of modern engineering and a beautiful architectural landmark.

Official Golden Gate Bridge site.

Royal Gorge Bridge – A Bridge in America Mile Above Sea Level

In Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge stands as one of the highest suspension bridges in America. Built in 1929, the bridge spans the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, rising nearly a mile above sea level.

• The bridge became a tourist destination almost immediately after construction.
• This bridge features two towers connected by cables supporting the wooden deck.
• Today, it serves as both a pedestrian walkway and a scenic attraction.

The Royal Gorge Bridge provides a breathtaking perspective over the river gorge, making it one of the most impressive bridges in America. The end of the bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park official site.

Mackinac Bridge – Spanning the Straits of Mackinac

The Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is a suspension bridge that remains one of the longest bridges in the United States.

• The bridge spans five miles across the Straits of Mackinac, linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
• Nicknamed “Big Mac,” it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world after its completion in 1957.
• The bridge features two towering steel supports rising above the water.

The Mackinac Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in America and a marvel of modern engineering. Its design ensures stability despite harsh winds and icy conditions. The bridge provides a vital connection for motorists and remains a scenic highlight of Michigan.

More on Mackinac Bridge.

New River Gorge Bridge – A Marvel in West Virginia

The New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia is both a functional structure and a marvel of modern engineering.

• This arch bridge spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge, making it one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world.
• At 876 feet above the river, it is also one of the tallest bridges in America.
• Each October, the bridge serves as the centerpiece for “Bridge Day,” when the bridge becomes a pedestrian walkway and thrill-seekers parachute into the gorge below.

The New River Gorge Bridge makes the bridge both a practical river crossing and a festival centerpiece celebrating community spirit.

National Park Service – New River Gorge.

Seven Mile Bridge – A Florida Keys Marvel

In Florida, the Seven Mile Bridge stretches across the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Originally constructed in 1912 as part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, the bridge was later rebuilt for vehicular traffic.

• This bridge spans nearly seven miles, making it one of the longest bridges in America.
• It provides beautiful views of the surrounding waters and islands.
• The old bridge near the modern span remains a fishing pier and pedestrian walkway.

The Seven Mile Bridge is not just a transportation link but also a scenic attraction, celebrated as one of the most beautiful bridges in the U.S.

Visit Florida – Seven Mile Bridge.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Connecting Maryland’s Shores

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects Maryland’s Eastern Shore to its Western Shore, spanning the vast Chesapeake Bay.

• Officially named the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, it is one of the longest over-water structures in the United States.
• The bridge features two spans, allowing heavy traffic to cross efficiently.
• It is a vital bridge connecting communities across Maryland.

For many travellers, driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a scenic adventure, providing beautiful views across the wide expanse of water.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Authority.

Delaware Memorial Bridge – A Tribute of Towers

Spanning the Delaware River, the Delaware Memorial Bridge connects Delaware and New Jersey.

• This twin suspension bridge was built in two stages, the first in 1951 and the second in 1968.
• The bridge has two massive towers rising above the roadway.
• It was dedicated to the soldiers who died in World War II, making it a memorial bridge with deep significance.

The Delaware Memorial Bridge serves as both a vital transportation link and a tribute to history. The bridge features two spans that carry hundreds of thousands of vehicles weekly.

Delaware Memorial Bridge history.

Walnut Street Bridge – A Pedestrian Bridge in Chattanooga

In Tennessee, the Walnut Street Bridge is a beloved pedestrian bridge in Chattanooga.

• Built in 1891, it is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
• The bridge was closed to traffic in 1978 but preserved as a walkway.
• Today, it serves as a gathering place with scenic views of the Tennessee River.

The Walnut Street Bridge became a symbol of renewal, showing how an old bridge could find new purpose as a community centerpiece.

Chattanooga Tourism – Walnut Street Bridge.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge – A Towering Achievement in Maine 

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Maine is a cable-stayed bridge that stands out for its observation tower.

• Completed in 2006, this modern bridge spans the Penobscot River.
• The bridge features two towers, one of which contains an observation deck offering scenic views of Maine’s coast.
• It replaced the older Waldo-Hancock Bridge, representing modern engineering at its best.

This bridge provides both a functional crossing and a tourist attraction, making it one of the most impressive bridges in New England.

Maine DOT – Penobscot Narrows.

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge – A Dallas Landmark You Have to Visit

In Texas, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is a striking cable-stayed bridge across the Trinity River in Dallas.

• Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it opened in 2012.
• The bridge features a dramatic central arch that supports the span with cables.
• It is part of a redevelopment of Dallas’s riverfront, adding a beautiful architectural landmark to the skyline.

The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge demonstrates how modern bridges serve both transportation and aesthetic purposes, creating iconic silhouettes.

City of Dallas – Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

Glen Canyon Dam Bridge – Crossing the Colorado River

The Glen Canyon Dam Bridge in Arizona provides access across the Colorado River near Page.

• Completed in 1959, it was built to support construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.
• This steel arch bridge spans 1,271 feet and rises 700 feet above the river.
• It offers scenic views of the canyon and Lake Powell.

The Glen Canyon Dam Bridge serves as both a functional roadway and a breathtaking viewpoint over the Colorado River Gorge.

National Park Service – Glen Canyon.

Skydance Bridge – A Pedestrian Landmark in Oklahoma City

The Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City is a pedestrian bridge inspired by the state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher.

• Completed in 2012, it spans Interstate 40.
• The bridge features a striking 197-foot tower designed as a winged sculpture.
• It has become a modern landmark and a symbol of renewal for downtown Oklahoma City.

The Skydance Bridge highlights how pedestrian bridges can double as public art, offering a walkway and a city icon.

Visit OKC – Skydance Bridge.

Mile High Swinging Bridge – A Scenic View in North Carolina

The Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina is not a transportation route but one of the most scenic pedestrian bridges in the country.

• It sits exactly one mile above sea level, offering beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• The bridge features a narrow walkway that sways gently in the wind.
• It was built in 1952 and rebuilt with steel in 1999 for safety.

This pedestrian marvel makes the bridge both a thrilling attraction and a breathtaking lookout.

Grandfather Mountain – Mile High Swinging Bridge.

The Best Bridge in the World – Famous International Marvels

While the United States is home to some of the most impressive crossings, several contenders abroad rank as the most spectacular bridge in the world. These structures often redefine the limits of design, scale, and modern engineering.

• Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan is the current record-holder as the tallest suspension bridge and the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world.
• Tower Bridge in London remains one of the most iconic and recognizable bridges, combining a suspension and bascule design.
• Pont du Gard, an ancient aqueduct bridge crossing the Gardon River in southern France, is both an archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Each of these international structures proves that impressive bridges are more than mere infrastructure—they’re cultural landmarks and historical markers of their times.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge details – Honshu–Shikoku Bridge Authority.

Suspension Bridge Innovations

The suspension bridge has defined modern skylines for centuries. Characterized by cables draped over towers supporting a deck, the design allows for massive spans across waterways.

• The Brooklyn Bridge was among the earliest examples of a suspension bridge in America.
• The Golden Gate Bridge remains the most iconic suspension structure, combining functionality with stunning views.
• Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge holds the title of the longest suspension span in the world at 1,991 meters.

Suspension bridges became a marvel of modern engineering because the design could allow ships to pass beneath while also enduring wind and earthquakes. The combination of elegance and strength makes the suspension bridge a timeless favorite in both the U.S. and abroad.

Impressive Bridges Around the Globe

Some crossings are remembered less for their size and more for their unique design or cultural importance. These impressive bridges stand as testaments to ingenuity and artistry:

• Tower Bridge in London, with its Gothic-style towers, remains both a symbol of the city and an engineering marvel. In fact, tower bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the United Kingdom.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge, a massive arch bridge, connects northern and southern Sydney with panoramic views.
• Pont du Gard, the aqueduct bridge over the Gardon River in southern France, shows that even ancient civilizations mastered long-lasting bridge construction.

These examples prove that a bridge also reflects its era’s cultural values, blending practicality with symbolic power.

Avenue Bridge – An Urban Connector

In many U.S. cities, an Avenue Bridge plays a central role in connecting communities. One notable example is the 14th Street Avenue Bridge in Washington, D.C.

• The bridge spans the Potomac River, serving as a vital artery between Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia.
• It has been expanded over time to accommodate growing traffic.
• Its history ties closely to urban planning and federal development in the capital.

As a river bridge in a metropolitan area, the Avenue Bridge highlights how infrastructure evolves as cities expand.

Roebling Suspension Bridge – Cincinnati’s Landmark

The Roebling Suspension Bridge connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, to Covington, Kentucky, was completed in 1866 and served as the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time.

• Designed by John A. Roebling, it was a direct predecessor to the Brooklyn Bridge.
• The bridge spans 1,057 feet across the Ohio River.
• Today, it is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Roebling Suspension Bridge provides not only a functional connection but also a view of the bridge towers that inspired one of the most famous landmarks in New York.

Cincinnati Parks – Roebling Bridge.

Tillman Memorial Bridge – South Carolina’s Gateway

In South Carolina, the Tillman Memorial Bridge crosses the Savannah River, linking the towns of Hardeeville and Savannah.

• Completed in 1927, the bridge was named after U.S. Senator Benjamin Tillman.
• It once carried U.S. Route 17 across the river.
• Although replaced by a modern span, the Tillman Memorial Bridge remains a historical structure.

The Tillman Memorial Bridge is a reminder of how older crossings serve as cultural touchstones even after being bypassed by new infrastructure.

High Bridge – The Oldest in New York City

The High Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in New York City, originally built in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system.

• It originally functioned as an aqueduct bridge, carrying water into the city.
• High Bridge was closed for decades but restored and reopened as a pedestrian walkway in 2015.
• It connects the Bronx and Manhattan, offering a scenic view over the Harlem River.

As one of the city’s hidden gems, High Bridge illustrates how infrastructure can evolve—from aqueduct to pedestrian bridge—while still maintaining historical value.

NYC Parks – High Bridge.

Rail Bridge – Vital Lifelines Across America

Not all impressive bridges are for cars or pedestrians—many are rail bridges that helped fuel America’s expansion.

• The Hell Gate Bridge in New York is a steel truss bridge carrying trains across the East River.
• The Firth of Forth Bridge in Scotland, a cantilever bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global symbol of rail power.
• Across the U.S., countless truss bridges and rail spans allowed commerce and travel to flourish.

The rail bridge remains a critical piece of infrastructure, quietly carrying freight and passengers while other famous bridges get more attention.

Cantilever Bridge and Truss Bridges – Engineering Alternatives

While suspension spans are dramatic, other designs deserve recognition.

• Cantilever bridges, like the Forth Bridge in Scotland, extend sections horizontally into space before being joined. This method was revolutionary in the late 19th century.
• Truss bridges, made of interconnected steel or wooden beams, became the backbone of American railroads.

Both cantilever and truss bridges highlight how bridge features two distinct engineering approaches. Each design shows how a bridge could adapt to its environment and purpose.

Red Bridge – Local Charm with History

In Kansas City, the Red Bridge has been reconstructed several times, with the most recent version built in 2011.

• The original 1859 bridge was made of wood and painted red, giving it its name.
• Today, the new Red Bridge honors that history with interpretive displays nearby.
• It stands as a community landmark, blending local charm with modern needs.

This beautiful bridge shows how smaller spans can still carry deep meaning to local communities.

Bypass Bridge – Modern Solutions for Traffic

Sometimes, an older crossing must be replaced or supplemented with a bypass bridge. One notable example is the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge near Hoover Dam.

• Completed in 2010, it is officially known as the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.
• The structure is an elegant concrete arch bridge spanning the Colorado River.
• It provides a safer and faster route for traffic, while the old road across Hoover Dam remains a tourist walkway.

The Tillman Memorial Bridge (as it is often shortened) is a marvel of modern engineering, offering a view of the bridge and the Hoover Dam together in one unforgettable sight.

NPS – Hoover Dam Bridge.

International Marvels – The Greatest Bridge in the World

Beyond the U.S., several contenders are often called the most famous bridge in the world:

• Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, already noted, remains the record-holder as the longest suspension span.
• Tower Bridge in London combines beauty and innovation—tower bridge is one of the United Kingdom’s most enduring icons.
• Pont du Gard aqueduct bridge across the Gardon River in southern France is more than 2,000 years old, proving that the first bridge builders were also architects of permanence.

Each bridge serves as a reminder that impressive bridges blend function, culture, and stunning views across generations.

Conclusion – Bridges as Marvels of Modern Engineering

From the Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge to the Akashi Kaikyo and Pont du Gard, bridges reflect the pinnacle of human achievement. They span rivers, gorges, and entire bays, linking people and shaping skylines. A bridge in America might serve as a vital highway connection, while a bridge in the world may become an icon for a nation.

• Suspension bridges offer unmatched elegance and flexibility.
• Cantilever and truss bridges highlight industrial ingenuity.
• Pedestrian spans like the High Bridge and Walnut Street Bridge prove infrastructure can become community gathering places.

Ultimately, every bridge provides more than just passage. A bridge also tells a story—of the time it was built, the architects and engineers who designed it, and the people it continues to serve. These impressive bridges are monuments of resilience, creativity, and human ambition.

American Society of Civil Engineers – Historic Bridges.
National Park Service – Bridges and Engineering.