Top Bridges in Washington, United States

It is a bridge. How else are you supposed to get to the other side?

A must see with great views. Lots of people, yet didn’t feel crowded. Great place to walk with family, and/or pets. Fishing available in the river

Was under construction… but I like it better at night… less crowded…

You get wonderful views of DC and the surrounding area, and if you're lucky some army helicopters will fly right over you. Easy access to the National Mall and important landmarks. 5/5

Nothing wrong with it. Decent bridge overall

They have a nice little trail that follow on the underneath of this bridge.

Beautiful arches embellish the view of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The arches are a memorable addition to the bridge, making it another monumental landmark enhancing the nation's capital. Located specifically in the Navy Yard area across from Nats Park. The views from Dasha Bier Garden are breathtaking. A must see if you are visiting DC.

Beat spot to watch fireworks!

Very convenient to get from Pentagon to national mall. Wide sidewalks perfect for biking/walking. Pretty busy with vehicle traffic

Visited here via bike path from airport phone parking lot.
Pedestrian bridge had police line tape closing it off. The park website and Google listed it as open. No announcement was listed as to why it was closed. I wish the park website had listed the closure. Tons of disappointed tourists were walking around.
Island looks really great with tons of pedestrian pathways. No bikes are allowed over the bridge even when open, so bring a bike lock if you plan to bije here and then walk over bridge.

Beautiful view of Downtown Rosslyn. Walk friendly from Arlington Blvd. Arlington is a great and affordable place to live comparing to Rosslyn apartment rates.
People are so generally nice. Area is very clean and quiet aside from the airplanes. ❤️

Great bridge! Tremendous bridge! If you're looking for ways to cross a body of water, can't go wrong with a bridge.

Beautiful and clean bridge. Wide areas on each side of car lanes for walking, biking, scootering, etc. We rode bikes across it and was great.

Amazing views in both directions.

Visited (coincidently) on Presidents Day morning. Already busy, but not crowded. Very nice place for a walk or jog. Parking can be hard to come by at busy times but well worth a visit, especially if you're a Teddy Roosevelt fan.

I'm giving the Long Bridge two stars. Uninspiring, rusty, with pealing paint. It long overdue for replacement which I believe isn't going to occur anytime soon. A second double span is currently in the planning stages to vastly expand the rail capacity into the district.

I have to give the new Douglas Bridge on South Capitol street five stars. I biked over the predecessor bridge for years and that was a pale comparison of the current bridge. The new bridge has great 30 foot wide sidewalks with separate lanes for bike traffic in both lanes and on both sides.

I really hate this bridge. I bike across it about 180 times a year and I find the pedestrian space on the north side of the bridge dangerous. Bikes and pedestrians have trouble passing each other on the span. Most beginners need to stop and the span is dangerous with crosswinds.

I'm giving this bridge a measly two stars because it's not well though out. People might be like,"What are you talking about it?" Yeah, it's great for cars but terrible for pedestrians. Ever try to walk o to this bridge? You need to cross four lanes of traffic to get to the span. And whatever side you come onto bridge, you're confronted by another four lanes as you try to leave the span. Its just dangerous for walkers. That's sad because it is the best span to walk across the Potomac.

The Key Bridge is a bridge that does it job and looks good doing it. Considering that it uses ordinary materials, it is a bridge that has multiple perspectives that say something about DC. From above it looks uninspiring but from below, the bridge shows an amazing set of arches. The messages seems to be, "Hey, this is DC, be inspired not by the overall institutions of the city, of the federal government, but be inspired by the details of the underside, the processes, and the clerks and people who run the government.

A beautiful sight that I visited by foot. If you are taking the metro, you could take an early morning stroll from Arlington cemetery station to the bridge. Remember to bring along your windbreaker too! 😄

Lovely scenery and sculptures that surround the bridge. Across the bridge are most of the must see sights of Washington DC.

Beautiful spot for Sunset!!👍🥰🌞

I always enjoy walking across this bridge. The sights of the city contrast starkly with the greenery surrounding the river bank. If the weather is good you can find a lot of boats and yatchs around too.

The pedestrian shoulder is quite wide on either side and it is very safe to walk across. Good for a morning run or even a slow walk into DC.

This bridge facilitated my partner's suicide. Research shows he would have lived that night and may very well still be here today if this bridge had a barrier installed, like the neighboring Ellington Bridge back in the '80s. The Taft was slated to get a barrier 40 years ago but the effort was stopped by local stakeholders, including now DC City Council Chair Phil Mendelson and the DC Preservation League. Now they are trying to make it right. It's too late for my partner. It's too late for the other person lost since. Hoping it won't be too late for anyone else. #taftbridgebarrier #inhonorofPeter

Great bridge. Good times traveling over this bridge. Does a great job bridging.

They need to seriously put barriers up. Ppl have been rallying for this for too long while more lives are being taken by suicide off this bridge. 😢

Very beautiful Bridge, sadly to say this is famous for suicide Bridge.

Somewhat long so name isn’t fully misleading

The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is an elegant bridge over the Anacostia in the Yards/Riverfront area of DC. The wide pedestrian and bicycle paths offer lovely views of the river, and there are areas along the bridge where you can stop to fully enjoy the views. As of December 2022, there didn't seem to be any signage on or near the bridge telling about Frederick Douglass, which seems a missed opportunity. Despite this, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is a marvel, adding beauty to a developing neighborhood.

I've lived in Birgina most of my life and never knew about this place. Nice with great walking g trails.

Amazing views of lush Rock Creek Park and the Duke Ellington Bridge

The Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, also known as the Key Bridge, is a prominent and picturesque landmark that spans the Potomac River, connecting the states of Maryland and Virginia. As a frequent visitor and admirer of this historic bridge, I am delighted to share my review, highlighting its significance, architectural beauty, and scenic charm.

First and foremost, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge holds great historical significance. Named after Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," it serves as a tribute to his enduring contribution to American history and patriotism. The bridge stands as a reminder of our nation's heritage and provides a tangible connection to the past.

Architecturally, the Key Bridge is a marvel. Its elegant and imposing design is a testament to the engineering expertise of its time. The graceful arches, sturdy concrete structure, and intricate details make it an impressive sight to behold. The blend of classic and contemporary elements in its construction adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it a standout feature along the Potomac River skyline.

One of the key highlights of the Key Bridge is the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. Whether crossing the bridge or observing it from a distance, the vistas of the Potomac River and the surrounding landscape are simply stunning. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the Washington, D.C. area, especially during sunrise or sunset. The sight of the bridge elegantly spanning the river against the backdrop of the cityscape is truly mesmerizing.

Additionally, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge serves as a vital transportation link, facilitating the flow of traffic between Maryland and Virginia. Its strategic location and accessibility make it a convenient route for commuters, tourists, and travelers alike. The bridge's well-maintained roadways and pedestrian walkways ensure a smooth and safe journey for both drivers and pedestrians.

While the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge is undoubtedly a remarkable structure, it is important to note that, like any aging landmark, it may have some limitations. The bridge's narrow lanes and occasional traffic congestion during peak hours can be a minor inconvenience for motorists. However, the overall experience and historical significance overshadow these minor inconveniences.

In conclusion, the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge is a majestic symbol connecting history, architectural beauty, and scenic charm. Its homage to Francis Scott Key, its striking design, panoramic views, and practical transportation role make it an iconic and beloved landmark. Whether you are crossing the bridge or simply admiring it from afar, the Key Bridge offers a unique and memorable experience. I highly recommend visiting this historic bridge to appreciate its grandeur, soak in the scenic views, and reflect upon the rich history it represents.

Crossed this bridge for a run. Has a wide pedestrian and cycling path. Connects two parts of the Anacostia trail.

Beautiful bridge with wide walkway and bike trail. Can’t wait for the completion of the quay underneath the bridge

This was a nice walk. Easy terrain and lots wildlife to see. Parking was easy and the park was accessible from the lot. There are plenty of different trails, so i am sure you could create different experiences each time you go.

For watching fireworks and have a walk it is a great place. Even to catch some sunset and enjoy the view. Will go there again for sure.

Beautiful old bridge

Other than crossing the river and providing great views I have no idea how do rate a bridge. Good bridge. Good.

Connects charming Woodley Park and vibrant Adams Morgan. Includes incredible views that overlook lots of trees on either side of the bridge. It only needs some bike lanes and a trolley - because cars otherwise roll by obnoxiously loud.

Incredible views overlooking trees on either side of the bridge, with the National Cathedral visible in the distance. It only needs some bike lanes and a trolley - because cars otherwise roll by obnoxiously loud.

Beautiful new clean bike ways and esplanade with two really great viewing points that allow great selfies with the river as a backdrop

A nice loop trail. There was a self guided nature walk for kids at one time but no brochures available now. Many runners and dogs this morning enjoying a brisk morning activity.

Nice viewing areas with benches and lights.

Newly renovated, besides the stunning design, the biggest improvement are the wide pedestrian pathways on both sides allowing for runners, walkers and bicyclists to pass without crowding each other.

This is the bridge john Wilkes booth escaped across after he shot Lincoln

Very beautiful and impressive bridge in DC. I highly recommend coming here. There is a path where you can walk around leading up to the bridge. Once you're on the bridge, it's scary because of the constant, aggressive movement, but it's stable!

It is a nice bridge. This one is the one you see right after coming out from the Zoo tunnel. The next one is the Taft bridge. Those pictures with lion and eagle posts, that is the Taft bridge, which is the next bridge on Rock Creek Trail.

It’s not possible to access Roosevelt Island from here — unless you want to run across freeways. From DC to VA, the bridge ends at to gravel path that lasts a few steps. A bridge to nowhere for pedestrians.... 👏 another win for DMV city planning.

(The scooters were not ours lol)

Very pleasant. Thoughtful designers included sitting decks which stretch out over the water from the sidewalk. Not a bad place to cop a squat:-)

Beautiful bridge and it's nice to walk or run on. Has a beautiful view of Arlington National Cemetery on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. Also has a beautiful view of the Washington monument it an excellent area to see Fire Works. You will also see this area in several movies from time to time. With the Air Port close by you can watch the Jets take of and land from here .

Nice place for an enjoyable walk.

Warning: the restroom here was closed when we went (Jun 21). Lots of flights landing at Reagan Airport, they tend to fly low enough to where you can hear and feel the flight engine, so don't expect it to be a quiet visit.

I would give it 5 stars but when you're going towards Maryland you have to go right to go left and left to go right which is counterintuitive so I think it could have been more intelligently designed. Then I remembered this is Washington D.C. after all so maybe it's perfectly designed if it's intended to be an emblematic representation of its physical locations paradigm.

I simply love driving under it, it's an amazing experience each time no matter what the weather is.

You don't see its beauty going over it.

I absolutely love going to this Island. I went there 3 times last week, everyday I walk further and further to explore. Extremely safe (COVID) and kids/stoller friendly.

Out cycling through NW, what a beautiful day and the view is awe inspiring 👍

This bridge has a beautiful view of the water. It’s nice for a lovely walk across to take in the scenery or to drive across to get to and from DC/Arlington. A couple of driving lanes, which helps with the flow of traffic that DC usually has. One of the best bridges connecting DC and Arlington!

The new bridge is coming along. Looks like it will be beautiful.

The footbridge is in Rosslyn (off the Mount Vernon Trail) and is about a fifteen minute walk from the Rosslyn metro station. It is the only way to access Theodore Roosevelt Island.

The island is one of my absolute top spots in DC, both to bring visiting guests and to enjoy as a resident throughout the year. Although it’s an island in the middle of the Potomac, it surprisingly flies under the radar for a lot of people.

The footbridge is a really enjoyable aspect of the park/island. It offers unparalleled views of Georgetown, the Key Bridge, and the Rosslyn Skyline.

Other Thoughts:

- Hours: 6AM - 10PM (7) days a week
- Best at Sunrise/Sunset
- Signs “prohibit” biking but frequently see bikers on bridge/trail without issue
- Two parking lots, accessible only from the northbound lanes of the GW Parkway, can fill up on the weekends
- Capital Bike Station in the parking lot near the footbridge

Absolutely beautiful! A great drive, even better, so to catch the sunset! There is parking available throughout the area. A lot to see in this area. Perfect for a bike ride, a run out a stroll.

I love the new observation decks and connections to the bike trail. You can now safely walk across this bridge to get to the Navy Yard and Marine Barracks area.

Beautiful and scenic views of DC here. A great place for walking or biking. One of my favorite landmarks in DC to get a nice healthy jog in the morning and some evenings.

As bridges go, it's nice. There are two sections sticking out of the west side, and you can get good views of the SE waterfront: the Washington Navy Yard, Nats Park and so on.

A very romantic spot in da hood. A good walk to take while you are waiting for your food from Mama's to get ready.

Short drive from Georgetown where we were staying. Get there early to get a free parking spot. Wear comfortable shoes for the flat hike which took us nearly an hour. Beautiful views of DC. Great escape.

As far as residential bridges in suburban areas go it's pretty classy. With 4 lions guarding the bridge at either end and a view of the creek running through Rock Creek Park below, this is a glorious stroll on a spring day

Great place to visit. Beautiful views. Great walk for exercise. Great way to spend time with your family members outdoors. It's a historical place to visit.

Bit tight place for pedestrians, runners and bikers...but OK. Nice view to Roosevelt Island.

It is amazing the things that you will find in DC! I went for a walk and found it.

Pretty scenic view. Try to catch it early in the morning, beautiful with the sunrise.

Parking underneath. It's a mounted police station but they have visitor parking until dark. Short walk to the zoo

This Bridge is beautiful. It has massive lions at either end. It's a nice place to walk. I highly recommend this bridge.

I just think this is a good place to look at the sky. It's wide and open and when the sun goes down it just seems like a good place to stand and watch. Too bad you can't take a glass of wine onto the bridge just for few minutes to see the light change at dusk.