If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the United States — one landmark deserves a top spot on your itinerary: the Bridge of Lions. This elegant drawbridge is more than just a way to cross the Matanzas River. It’s a historic and architectural gem that offers some of the best photo opportunities in town.
Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a scenic stroll, the Bridge of Lions delivers a quintessential St. Augustine experience.
Why Visit the Bridge of Lions?
The Bridge of Lions is widely considered one of the most beautiful bridges in America. With its grand white marble lion statues, graceful Mediterranean Revival design, and sweeping views of the river and city skyline, this bridge is a photographer’s dream.
And the best part? It’s free, accessible on foot, by bike, or by car, and located right in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. It’s easy to visit and a memorable stop whether you have ten minutes or an entire afternoon.
Quick Visitor Info
- Location: Spans the Matanzas River between downtown St. Augustine and Anastasia Island
- Accessibility: Open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians
- Signature Feature: Marble Medici lion statues at both ends
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds; late afternoon for golden-hour views
- Nearby Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Lighthouse, Flagler College, Lightner Museum
A Look Back in Time: The Bridge’s History
The Bridge of Lions first opened to traffic on February 26, 1927, replacing an older wooden bridge that had served St. Augustine since the late 1800s. At the time, city leaders wanted more than just a functional crossing. They envisioned a grand, architecturally significant gateway into the historic city.
Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the bridge was part of a wave of elegant urban development projects in Florida during the 1920s. Its most notable features — the marble lion statues — were modeled after the famous Medici lions in Florence, Italy, and donated by Dr. Andrew Anderson, a local philanthropist. These statues, guarding the western (downtown) end, became an enduring symbol of St. Augustine’s European charm and coastal beauty.
A Modern Restoration with Historic Charm
By the 1990s, the bridge’s age was starting to show, and it was declared structurally deficient. A major rehabilitation project took place from 2005 to 2010, during which the bridge was carefully dismantled and rebuilt with modern materials to ensure safety while preserving its historic appearance. The original lion statues were removed for restoration and reinstalled in March 2011, marking the project’s completion.
During the restoration, two new lion statues — named Pax and Peli — were added to the eastern (Anastasia Island) side, balancing the bridge’s aesthetic and enhancing its regal presence. Today, the bridge is both a fully functional drawbridge and a beautifully preserved piece of living history.
Walk It. Photograph It. Experience It.
The Bridge of Lions isn’t just something you drive across — it’s an experience in itself. With wide pedestrian walkways and stunning views in every direction, it’s ideal for a scenic walk or a leisurely photo session.
From the center of the bridge, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of:
- The historic downtown skyline
- The Matanzas River and its sailboats
- Castillo de San Marcos to the north
- The St. Augustine Lighthouse in the distance
Whether you’re shooting wide landscape shots, detail images of the lion statues, or portraits with a breathtaking backdrop, the Bridge of Lions offers something special for photographers of every level.
Photo Tips and Scenic Moments
- Arrive at sunrise for peaceful river views, a pink-hued sky, and minimal foot traffic
- Golden hour just before sunset is ideal for warm lighting and dramatic shadows
- Capture the drawbridge in motion as it lifts to let boats through — openings typically occur every 30 minutes during daylight hours, except during restricted periods
- Use the lion statues in your foreground for unique composition
- Don’t forget the eastern lions (Pax and Peli), often less crowded and equally photogenic
Nearby St. Augustine Attractions Worth Exploring
The Bridge of Lions is conveniently located near many of St. Augustine’s most popular attractions. Once you’ve crossed the bridge or snapped a few photos, you’re within walking or biking distance to explore:
- Castillo de San Marcos: A 17th-century Spanish fort with riverfront views and living history demonstrations, about 0.5 miles north
- St. George Street: A bustling pedestrian area filled with boutiques, cafes, ice cream shops, and local history, steps from the bridge’s western end
- Anastasia State Park: Ideal for a nature walk, beach visit, or a peaceful escape, about 2 miles away on Anastasia Island
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: A short drive or bike ride (1.5 miles) on Anastasia Island
- Flagler College and Lightner Museum: Architectural and cultural gems in downtown, less than a mile away
Events and Seasonal Beauty
The bridge plays a key role in many of St. Augustine’s annual events, adding even more reasons to plan your visit.
- Nights of Lights (mid-November–late January): During the holiday season, millions of tiny white lights illuminate the city. From the Bridge of Lions, the view of downtown twinkling across the water is pure magic.
- Local Races & Parades: The bridge is often featured in events like the Bridge of Lions 5K, marathons, and parades, sometimes closing briefly to traffic so visitors can walk freely and enjoy the festivities.
Visitor Tips
- Bring water if walking the bridge in warmer months — there’s no shade along the path
- Check the drawbridge schedule, as openings occur roughly every half-hour during peak boating hours, which may affect driving or photography plans
- Plan for parking in the Historic Downtown Parking Facility or nearby metered spots
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting for photos
- Check out local eateries near the bridge like O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for great food with a view
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Iconic Landmark
Whether you’re visiting St. Augustine for a weekend getaway, a romantic trip, or a history-packed adventure, the Bridge of Lions offers something for everyone. It’s free, accessible, beautiful, and perfectly positioned between downtown charm and island adventures.
From its fascinating past and elegant Mediterranean Revival design to its unbeatable river views and Instagram-worthy moments, this bridge is more than a way to get across the water — it’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have in St. Augustine.