The Bridge of Lions spans the Intracoastal Waterway in St. Augustine, Florida. It’s a part of State Road A1A, one of the most scenic drives in America.
The bridge connects downtown St. Augustine to Anastasia Island (and beaches) across the Matanzas Bay.
What makes the Bridge of Lions so unique is that it was constructed both for functionality and as a form of public art.
The Bridge of Lions is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of many historical sites to add to your St Augustine bucket list.
Built in the mid-1920s during the construction boom in Florida it cost a lot more than an average bridge at the time. However, by the time the bridge construction completed the building boom was also finished, the boom went bust.
Keep reading to learn more about the history and beauty of the Bridge of Lions in St Augustine.
Where is the Bridge of Lions?
The address to Bridge of Lions is: 2010 A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, St. Augustine.
From historic downtown St Augustine the bridge is east of Flagler College, Governor’s House, and the Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine.
If you are walking around and exploring historic St Augustine, you can walk across the bridge and back in about 15 to 20 minutes.
It’s such a beautiful bridge and view that we included it on your list of 10 Best Free Things to Do in St Augustine.
Why is the bridge in St Augustine called Bridge of Lions?
The bridge gets its name from two giant white marble lion statues on the west side. Former St. Augustine Mayor and medical doctor, Andrew Anderson, commissioned and donated the lion sculptures.
The lions names are Fiel and Firme, Faithful and Firm.
This pair of lions is a copy of the marble Medici lions (in the Loggia del Lanzi in Florence, Italy) and they guard the bridge.
In February 2005 the lion statues were removed and put into storage during the bridge rehabilitation project and returned after the new Bridge of Lions opened again in 2010.
In 2015, two granite lion statues found a home on the east side of the bridge. Pax and Peli, Peace and Happiness, gifted to the city by St. Augustine residents, Wolfgang and Miki Schau.
You’ll find these two lions in Davis Park along with palm trees and a historic marker for Davis Shores neighborhood.
Construction of Bridge of Lions
The bridge, built between 1925 and 1927, connects automobile and pedestrian traffic between St Augustine and Anastasia Island.
It replaced a wooden bridge constructed in 1895 that was past it’s prime.
Bridge of Lions Construction Info
- Total length: 1545 ft (471 m)
- Construction started: 1925
- Open for traffic: February 26, 1927
- Clearance below: 25 feet (7.6 m)
- Type of bridge: Double-leaf bascule bridge
- Architect: J. E. Greiner Company
- Rebuilt: 2005 – 2010
While the new Bridge of Lions construction took place from 2005 to 2010 a temporary bridge was built adjacent to Bridge of Lions.
This allowed traffic between Anastasia Island and St Augustine to continue without disruption during construction.
Can you walk across the Bridge of Lions in St Augustine?
Yes, you can walk across the Bridge of Lions and it’s a great way to see some of the attractions in St Augustine from a different viewpoint.
There are sidewalks on both sides of the bridge so you can enjoy the views from either side of the bridge.
You can see the Castillo de San Marcos from the bridge and of course the marina with lots of beautiful boats.
In addition, you can do some excellent birdwatching from the Bridge of Lions.
Sunrise and sunset from Bridge of Lions offers especially picturesque viewings.
Is the Bridge of Lions a drawbridge?
Yes, the bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge, also known as a drawbridge.
When the moveable span is in the up position it allows commercial and recreational boats to pass through the center channel.
In the photo below you can see the bridge’s bascule draw span open for a boat passing through the channel.
How long does the Bridge of Lions stay up?
The draw bridge operates on a set schedule during the weekdays.
The bridge is open for boat traffic, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, on the hour and half-hour; with no openings at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM.
On Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays, the bridge opens 7 AM to 6 PM, on the hour and half-hour, including 8 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM, if requested.
Boat operators notify the bridge via radio when they want to schedule an opening.
When you visit St Augustine be sure to go see the historic Bridge of Lions.
Other Places in Florida
Find the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.
Explore the 12 best day trips from Orlando
Learn about the gopher tortoises of Florida and what makes them unique.
Explore the Best Things to Do at New Smyrna Beach.
