Dames Point Bridge
An iconic cable-stayed bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its impressive scale, modern design, and stunning nighttime illumination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Dames Point Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic cable-stayed bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its impressive scale, modern design, and stunning nighttime illumination.
"The Dames Point Bridge is a magnificent structure that spans the St. Johns River, connecting the north and south sides of the city."
🌅 Golden Hour Drive
Catch the most breathtaking views by driving across during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
Experience the bridge illuminated at night for a truly magical and scenic drive. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset & Sunrise Views
Witness the sky ablaze with color behind this iconic cable-stayed structure. A photographer's dream!
Nighttime Illumination
The bridge transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights after dark, offering a magical driving experience.
Under the Bridge Park
Explore the waterfront park beneath the bridge for unique views, fishing, and a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Drive
Beyond the Drive
It's also a memorial site for the El Faro cargo ship. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Golden Hour Drive
Catch the most breathtaking views by driving across during sunrise or sunset. +1 :camerawithflash:
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
Experience the bridge illuminated at night for a truly magical and scenic drive. +2 :sparkles:
🎣 Park Beneath
Don't miss the park under the bridge for fishing, picnics, and unique photo ops.
🚗 Smooth Sailing
Avoid rush hour for a more relaxed drive across the six lanes. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Golden Hour Drive
Catch the most breathtaking views by driving across during sunrise or sunset. +1 :camerawithflash:
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
Experience the bridge illuminated at night for a truly magical and scenic drive. +2 :sparkles:
🎣 Park Beneath
Don't miss the park under the bridge for fishing, picnics, and unique photo ops.
🚗 Smooth Sailing
Avoid rush hour for a more relaxed drive across the six lanes. :car:
🚁 Drone Views
See the bridge from above! Many creators share stunning aerial footage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Dames Point Bridge's modern architecture and sheer scale, calling it a magnificent and awe-inspiring engineering feat. The scenic drive, especially at night with its illumination, and the unique perspectives from the park beneath are frequently praised. While primarily a functional crossing, its visual impact makes it a memorable part of any visit to Jacksonville.
"Dames Point Bridge is an impressive sight to behold! The architecture is striking and modern, making the drive across it a memorable experience. We were genuinely excited to pass through—it adds a dramatic and scenic touch to the journey. A must-see if you're driving through the area!"
Nea Bacolod
"We happened to pass this cable-stayed bridge in our road trip by coincidence. I didn’t even know it was a cable stayed bridge until I did my research. It is a beautiful bridge, it has a nice view, I took the video at night and it came out really nice. Loved it!"
amripanda
"The Dames Point Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge carries the Interstate 295 East Beltway over the St. Johns River. It is one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the United States and has some 21 miles of cable supporting the deck. Construction completed in 1989.
The bridge has a total length of more than two miles - 10,646 feet - and has a clearance of 175 feet over the water. On the deck, there is clearance of 39.7 feet, more than enough for just about every possible vehicle.
Three lanes across in each direction, easy enough to drive even in a heavy rainstorm."
Bruce InCharlotte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dames Point Bridge is easily accessible via Interstate 295 East Beltway in Jacksonville, Florida. It connects Arlington with Hecksher Drive and is a key route for accessing JaxPort. Many travelers find it a scenic part of their road trip.
Yes, like most major bridges, the Dames Point Bridge can experience traffic, especially during peak rush hours. Some visitors have reported being stopped at the top, offering a chance for photos.
The Dames Point Bridge is primarily designed for vehicular traffic, with six lanes. It's not typically recommended or safe for pedestrians or cyclists to cross.
The most common way is by driving across it. For unique perspectives, consider visiting the park underneath for ground-level views or watching drone footage online.
No, the Dames Point Bridge is part of Interstate 295 and is not a toll road. Driving across it is free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to drive across the Dames Point Bridge. It's a public roadway.
The Dames Point Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic as it's a public highway.
The bridge has a clearance of 175 feet over the water and 39.7 feet on the deck, accommodating most vehicles. Oversized loads may require special permits.
Stopping on the bridge itself is generally not permitted for safety reasons, except in emergencies. However, traffic jams can sometimes lead to temporary stops.
The park located beneath the Dames Point Bridge is generally free to access for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the bridge's architecture. Nighttime provides stunning views of the city lights reflecting off the water. +1
For panoramic views, consider the park beneath the bridge or look for elevated viewpoints along the St. Johns River. Drone footage also offers incredible perspectives.
Absolutely! Many cruise passengers highlight sailing under the Dames Point Bridge as a memorable part of their journey, especially at night.
Its modern cable-stayed design, impressive scale, and its location over the St. Johns River make it a striking subject, especially with the Jacksonville skyline in the background.
Locals often recommend the park underneath for unique angles and the experience of looking up at the massive structure.
🕐 🚢 Maritime & Shipping
The bridge's height (175 feet clearance) is crucial for allowing large cargo ships to pass underneath, connecting JaxPort to the Atlantic Ocean.
Yes, you can often see ships navigating the St. Johns River from the bridge, especially near JaxPort.
It's also known as the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, named after Florida's 19th governor. +1
The park under the bridge includes a memorial for the cargo ship El Faro, which sank in 2015, honoring its crew.
The bridge stands approximately 175 feet above the St. Johns River, making it one of the tallest cable-stayed bridges in the U.S.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It offers a safe space for kids to explore while providing impressive views of the bridge from below. Driving across the bridge itself is a straightforward experience, with six lanes making for a smooth ride. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The park underneath provides unique ground-level angles, and even cruise ships offer a dramatic backdrop for photos. +1🚢 Cruise Passengers
+1 It offers a grand send-off and a beautiful view of Jacksonville's skyline. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The Dames Point Bridge
Its design allows for a clearance of 175 feet above the water, a critical factor for maritime traffic heading to and from JaxPort.
The bridge carries six lanes of traffic (three in each direction) and is supported by approximately 21 miles of cable, showcasing its robust construction. Travelers often describe the experience of driving across it as dramatic and scenic, with some even noting it as a favorite landmark in Jacksonville.
Experiencing the Dames Point Bridge: Beyond the Drive
Here, visitors can enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and serene views of the river and the towering structure above. For those arriving or departing by sea, passing under the Dames Point Bridge is often a highlight. Cruise passengers, in particular, frequently mention the awe-inspiring experience of sailing beneath its massive span, especially during nighttime sailaways when the bridge is illuminated.
+1 This perspective offers a different appreciation for the bridge's scale and engineering. The area around the bridge also holds significance. The park beneath the bridge serves as a memorial site for the cargo ship El Faro, adding a layer of remembrance to the location.
This blend of engineering marvel, recreational space, and historical commemoration makes the Dames Point Bridge area a multifaceted destination. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit