Ben Sawyer Bridge
A historic swing bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island, offering scenic marsh views and the unique spectacle of opening for boats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unique spectacle!
Ben Sawyer Bridge
Best Time
Unique spectacle!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic swing bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island, offering scenic marsh views and the unique spectacle of opening for boats.
"Witnessing the bridge swing open for boats is a unique Charleston experience, offering scenic views and a glimpse into maritime life."
⏳ Be Patient for Openings
Bridge openings can cause delays. Embrace it as part of the Charleston experience!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning marsh and waterway shots, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swing Bridge Operation
Center of the bridge
Witness the impressive engineering as the bridge swings open to allow tall boats to pass. A unique Charleston spectacle!
Marsh & Waterway Views
Along the bridge and causeway
Enjoy panoramic views of the coastal marshes, Sullivan's Island, and passing boats. Perfect for a scenic drive or walk.
Pedestrian & Bike Path
Western side of the bridge
A dedicated path offers a safe space for walking and biking, providing a different perspective of the surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Bridge Operation & Timing
Crossing & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Be Patient for Openings
Bridge openings can cause delays. Embrace it as part of the Charleston experience!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning marsh and waterway shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk Safely
Use the pedestrian path, but be cautious of cyclists and the blind spot on the bridge.
🚗 Mind the Blind Spot
Slow down at the bridge's peak; there's a blind spot. Obey the speed limit.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Be Patient for Openings
Bridge openings can cause delays. Embrace it as part of the Charleston experience!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning marsh and waterway shots, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🚴♀️ Bike or Walk Safely
Use the pedestrian path, but be cautious of cyclists and the blind spot on the bridge.
🚗 Mind the Blind Spot
Slow down at the bridge's peak; there's a blind spot. Obey the speed limit.
⚓️ Spot the Boats
Watching boats pass under the open bridge is a highlight for many visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ben Sawyer Bridge to be a functional and scenic crossing, with the highlight being the unique operation of the swing bridge. While not a destination in itself, it offers pleasant views and a chance to witness maritime activity. Some caution is advised regarding traffic and the bridge's blind spot.
"Great view of the geography when you are stuck with the bridge open. Great excuse for being late for whatever appointment you have. Everyone understands! Love the polychronic nature of being here in Charleston Area!"
Chip Perkins
"One of South Carolina's drawbridges, this one is a swing bridge. There aren't too many of these, but I managed to see the Little River Swing Bridge near Myrtle Beach a few days ago. Where "leaf" or "bascule" bridges have a movable span that lifts, a swing bridge turns on an axis to clear the channel and allow boats to pass. It carries South Carolina 703 across the Sullivan's Island Narrows between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island.
Named after the Chief Highway Commissioner of the South Carolina Highway Department who served from 1926 to 1940, the bridge was originally constructed in 1945 and updated in 2010.
The bridge is a single lane of traffic in each direction with a single pedestrian lane on the western side. There is no toll to cross the bridge."
Bruce InCharlotte
"Beautiful structure. It compliments the history of how bridges impact the city of Charleston. The engineering on this one is cutting edge. Cutting down costs while keeping the same efficiency is something people thought was impossible until this idea was brilliantly executed in perfect fashion."
- Baker M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ben Sawyer Bridge is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, connecting it to Sullivan's Island. You can drive across it via SC-703. It's a scenic route often featured in local travel content.
While there isn't direct public transport to the bridge itself, you can use local bus services to get to Mount Pleasant or Sullivan's Island and then potentially bike or walk the remaining distance.
Yes, there is a pedestrian and bike lane on the western side of the bridge, making it accessible for cyclists.
To avoid traffic, try crossing during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late evenings. Be aware that bridge openings for boats can also cause temporary traffic jams.
There isn't dedicated parking directly at the bridge itself. Visitors typically park on Sullivan's Island or in Mount Pleasant and then access the bridge by foot or bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no toll or ticket required to cross the Ben Sawyer Bridge. It is free to drive, walk, or bike across.
The bridge itself doesn't have set operating hours as it opens on demand for boat traffic. The causeway and pedestrian path are generally accessible during daylight hours.
The bridge opens as needed for marine traffic that cannot clear the bridge's height. This can happen at various times throughout the day and night.
The process of opening and closing the swing bridge can take several minutes, during which traffic is halted.
The bridge has a single lane of traffic in each direction and a pedestrian lane. Large vehicles should be mindful of lane width.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Drone footage capturing the bridge and surrounding landscape is also popular.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the marsh and waterway, close-ups of the bridge's engineering, and dynamic shots of the bridge opening for boats.
Drone usage is common for capturing aerial views of the bridge and the Charleston coastline. Always check local regulations before flying.
The causeway leading to the bridge offers great vantage points. You can also find scenic spots on Sullivan's Island with views back towards the bridge.
Yes, photographing the bridge as it swings open for boats is a unique and popular subject. Be prepared for a potential wait.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities are driving or walking across for the views, watching the bridge open for boats, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
There is a dedicated pedestrian lane, but walkers should be aware of cyclists and the blind spot at the bridge's apex.
The marshy areas are great for spotting seabirds like pelicans, herons, and seagulls.
Fishing is not explicitly mentioned as an activity on the bridge itself, but the surrounding waterways offer fishing opportunities.
Originally built in 1945 and updated in 2010, it's named after a former Chief Highway Commissioner and is a swing bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit to the bridge with a trip to nearby Sullivan's Island or Mount Pleasant for more extensive family activities. The bridge itself is more of a scenic transit point than a destination for extended family fun, but the novelty of the bridge's operation can be a memorable part of a Charleston family outing.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Pedestrians
Be aware that while the causeway is spacious, the raised path on the bridge itself is narrower. It's recommended to walk your bike on this section. Also, heed the speed limit and be cautious of the blind spot at the bridge's peak. The views from the path are a significant reward for choosing this active mode of transport.
📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts
+2 The unique engineering of the swing bridge itself, and its operation, provides dynamic photographic opportunities. Drone pilots will find the aerial views of the bridge, the waterway, and the surrounding islands particularly compelling.
Capture the bridge in motion as it swings open, or frame it against the backdrop of the Charleston skyline. Remember to always check and adhere to local drone regulations before flying. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: A Swing Bridge
The bridge features an operator's house in the center of the swing span, where a tender manually operates the mechanism. Witnessing the bridge swing open for tall boats is a memorable experience for visitors, often cited as a highlight and a charmingly unpredictable aspect of Charleston life.
While the bridge itself is functional, its design and operation contribute significantly to the scenic character of the area. The views from the bridge, encompassing the marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway, are a key part of its appeal, making the crossing itself an enjoyable part of the journey.
Navigating the Causeway: Views and Safety
For those on foot or bicycle, there's a dedicated pedestrian lane on the western side of the bridge. However, it's important to be aware of safety considerations. While the causeway is generally accommodating for cyclists, the raised path on the bridge itself is narrower. Visitors are advised to walk their bikes on this section.
Spotting local seabirds like pelicans, herons, and seagulls is another common pleasure for those traversing the causeway. The natural beauty of the area makes it a tranquil escape, even with the constant flow of traffic and the occasional interruption for bridge openings.
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