8 Historic Bridges in California You Should See

California’s landscape isn’t just defined by mountains, coasts, and valleys, it’s also crossed by bridges that tell stories of engineering feats and local history.

Some are iconic landmarks recognized worldwide, while others are tucked away in quieter corners, carrying the charm of a bygone era. From sweeping spans over bays to rustic crossings in small towns, these eight historic bridges are worth slowing down to see.

1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)

Standing at the edge of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge immediately strikes me every time I visit. Its iconic towers, painted in International Orange, rise high above the shifting currents and swirling fog. The bridge is more than just a way across the bay, it’s a symbol you can’t ignore, woven into the city’s daily rhythm.

Completed in 1937, it once held the title of the world’s longest suspension bridge. Over 80,000 vehicles cross daily, but for me the best way to experience it is by walking. Feeling the wind and watching fog drift between the cables, I always notice something new.

Engineers and artists alike have called this bridge a masterpiece, and its story reflects the ambition of its time. Fun fact: The bridge’s color was originally meant to be temporary. Now, it’s an enduring landmark, featured in movies and postcards worldwide. If you want a classic view, head to Battery Spencer for a photo. Every angle reveals a fresh perspective, whether bathed in sunlight or wrapped in mist. It never loses its magic, and it never feels the same twice.

2. Cabrillo Bridge (San Diego)

Whenever I stroll through Balboa Park, the Cabrillo Bridge always draws my eyes upward. Its graceful arches lead straight into the lush heart of San Diego’s most beloved park. Opened in 1915, this bridge was designed to wow visitors arriving for the Panama-California Exposition, and it still impresses more than a century later.

What makes Cabrillo Bridge stand out isn’t just its beauty, it’s the sense of arrival it creates. Walking across, I feel connected to the city’s past and future, surrounded by the buzz of the park below. The bridge’s seven arches stretch impressively across a deep canyon, offering views of both greenery and Spanish Revival architecture.

There’s a quiet dignity to this structure. Over the years, it has survived earthquakes and modernization, maintaining its historical character. For locals, it’s as much a gathering place as it is a crossing. If you’re a fan of early 20th-century design, you’ll recognize the thoughtful details in its balustrades and lighting. Cabrillo Bridge isn’t just a backdrop for photographs, it’s part of the living memory of San Diego, and a gentle reminder that some designs never go out of style.

3. Colorado Street Bridge (Pasadena)

Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge has long held a place in my heart as one of the most elegant crossings in Southern California. Built in 1913, it’s famous for its sweeping curves and distinctive Beaux-Arts arches. Standing atop the deck, the city gives way to a panoramic view of the Arroyo Seco below.

When I walk its length, I sense echoes of Route 66 travelers who passed this way in the golden age of road trips. The bridge’s historic light fixtures cast a gentle glow at dusk, and the curves of the structure feel both robust and refined. It’s not just a way over a canyon; it’s a piece of living architectural artistry.

Maintenance crews and preservationists have fought to retain its original character, and their efforts show in every restored detail. Visitors sometimes spot film crews here, as the bridge’s timeless look has made it a favorite for movies and TV. For a great view, you can stand in Lower Arroyo Park and look up. If you love history, architecture, or just a quiet stroll with unforgettable views, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-see.

4. Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur)

Driving Highway 1 through Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge always makes me slow down. Its sweeping concrete arch, completed in 1932, spans a wild canyon high above crashing waves. The setting is so dramatic that the bridge almost feels sculpted by nature itself.

Standing at the roadside turnout, the wind carries the scent of salt and cypress, and the view stretches for miles. For photographers, it’s a favorite spot, early evening brings golden light and long shadows, making the bridge glow against the sea cliffs. Yet, even without a camera, the scene is unforgettable.

Bixby Creek Bridge isn’t just about looks. In its day, it was an engineering breakthrough, helping open up the rugged coast to travelers. The roadway remains a lifeline for locals and tourists alike. For anyone exploring California’s coastline, this spot offers the rare pleasure of history and scenery perfectly combined. If you’re lucky, you might spot a vintage car traveling its length, hinting at the generations that have crossed before you. It’s a living postcard and a must for any Big Sur journey.

5. Felton Covered Bridge (Felton)

Tucked away in the redwoods, the Felton Covered Bridge feels like a step back in time. Built in 1892, this distinctive wooden span crosses the San Lorenzo River and remains one of the oldest covered bridges in California. Walking through it, I always notice the scent of aged timber and the gentle echo of footsteps on planks.

The bridge’s peaked roof and lattice sides once shielded travelers from rain and sun, a practical design that’s now a charming throwback. After its restoration in 1987, locals celebrated with a festival, proving how much this bridge means to the community. Its survival is a point of pride for Felton residents.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a pedestrian path and gathering spot. On weekends, you’ll often see families and cyclists pausing to snap photos or just enjoy the shade. For anyone interested in California’s early days, a visit here offers a quiet moment to appreciate craftsmanship and preservation, qualities that keep the Felton Covered Bridge vital, even as the world changes around it.

6. Knight’s Ferry Bridge (Stanislaus River)

Knight’s Ferry Bridge isn’t just another covered span, it’s a survivor from the Gold Rush era. Built in 1863, its Howe truss design stretches 330 feet, making it one of the longest covered bridges west of the Mississippi. Whenever I walk across, I picture stagecoaches and early settlers crossing the Stanislaus River below.

The bridge’s weathered timbers and sturdy trusses offer a glimpse into California’s past. Restoration efforts have preserved its structure, and today it’s a National Historic Landmark. Locals treat it as both a historical monument and a starting point for river hikes.

If you’re a fan of old Americana, Knight’s Ferry Bridge is a highlight. Park rangers sometimes share stories about floods and repairs that have tested the bridge over generations. Visit in spring for wildflowers and gentle river flows. For me, there’s nothing quite like hearing the boards creak beneath your shoes, knowing you’re walking where pioneers once did. This bridge holds more than history, it holds countless memories and invites you to add your own.

7. Healdsburg Memorial Bridge (Healdsburg)

Healdsburg Memorial Bridge brings together small-town spirit and enduring design. Built in 1921, its steel truss structure carries locals and visitors across the Russian River, while its old-fashioned lamps glow warmly at dusk. I always feel a sense of welcome when arriving here, especially during the summer’s harvest celebrations.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge is more than a road, it’s a gathering place. Residents rally to preserve its legacy, holding events and sharing stories of parades and protests that crossed these spans. Its sturdy frame and riveted beams speak to an era when craftsmanship mattered.

The bridge serves as a scenic backdrop for picnics and festivals, with river views that change with the seasons. For me, it’s a reminder of California’s agricultural roots and the value of community. If you find yourself in Sonoma County, take a walk or bike ride here. You’ll understand why locals fought to save it, and why it remains a cherished landmark decades after its construction.

8. Glen Canyon Covered Bridge (Santa Cruz)

The Glen Canyon Covered Bridge is a hidden gem in Santa Cruz, tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood. Built in 1892, this wooden truss bridge carries a timeless small-town charm. After a restoration in the 1930s, it became a favorite spot for local walkers and families. Officially listed as the “1892 wooden truss bridge,” it’s also known by some as the “Grant Street Bridge.”

Whenever I cross Glen Canyon Bridge, I notice the mellow creak of boards and the play of sunlight through the slats. It’s not just a route across a creek, it’s an invitation to slow down. Local lore claims the bridge once helped move dairy carts and farm goods, rooting it firmly in neighborhood history.

Though closed to vehicles now, the bridge serves as a peaceful pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Neighbors decorate the bridge for holidays and community gatherings, making it a living part of Santa Cruz’s story. For anyone exploring off the beaten path, the Glen Canyon Covered Bridge offers a quiet, welcoming pause in the middle of a bustling town. It’s proof that history sometimes hides in the most unexpected places.