The San Diego – Coronado Bridge

Beautiful bridge leading to Coronado «Island».
Apparently it’s a landmark since its opening on August 3, 1969. It’s the first structural conquest of San Diego Bay, joining the Island of Coronado and City of San Diego.
2.12-mile long
Interchanges with Interstate 5 in San Diego and becomes Route 75 in Coronado.
Vertical clearance of approx. 200ft
There’s really no reason to cross the bridge unless you’re trying to get to Coronado, but I think it’s worth the cross and worth the visit! My husband and I just parked our car and walked around in Coronado for a bit. There’s something about an «island» that makes it look and feel like an «island.» Love it! I plan to go back and stay overnight in Coronado next time.

Great water views heading towards Coronado beach. Definitely a bridge to cross when in San Diego.

It’s a bridge. It happens to be a San Diego landmark. It’s what you see on so many postcards, posters, paintings, etc. Great view. Speed limit is set at 50 mph, so you can honestly go as fast as 65 mph without being targeted by the cops.
There is no curb or sidewalk.
It gets plenty of traffic in the morning for those who use the bridge in the morning to get to work or wherever they need to go outside of Coronado.
I personally haven’t seen anybody attempt to commit suicide, but always keep an eye out for that. It’s the main reason why they have signs for the suicide hotline posted all along the bridge.
At one point in time, there had to have been a toll to get into Coronado. But fear not. Even though the booths are still there, it is free drive into Coronado.
Watch out for the cops that are at the Coronado end of the bridge.

This bridge and I go way back to my military years. I’m a proud veteran, and this served as my connection to the SD mainland countless times when I was aboard NAS North Island. Coronado is a great place, as is downtown SD. There is a lot to do, and very beautiful sights to see. Beautiful people too, and I don’t just say that because I’m a Californian.
Enjoying both places is made possible by this long, narrow, and scenic bridge. It connects directly to the 5 freeway and leads into the heart of Coronado. Four lanes wide, and no pedestrian pathway. It goes up high before coming back down on either side.
A good tip for photography: drive onto Coronado at sundown, and have someone take a photo as you descend upon the island. It is definitely picturesque.
A good traffic tip: Avoid crossing this bridge at the conclusion of the 4^th of July fireworks. Leave early, or be prepared to sit in 2 hours of traffic just to get back to the mainland. I never encountered any issue crossing INTO Coronado on the 4^th of July.

Beautiful, well-​kept. And …
The Speed Limit is 50 MPH !!! So, please, drive 50 MPH!
It’s a five-​lane bridge, 230 feet at its highest point!!!
Do you really think causing a crash, there, going 75 MPH is a good idea???
Nobody (except me) drives the Freakin’ Speed Limit on the bridge! It’s insane!

The San Diego/​Coronado Bridge is a neat experience both at night and day. The bridge, linking San Diego with Coronado, used to have tollbooth and the original price was $ 0.60 each direction and later the toll increased to $ 1 each way. In 2002 The San Diego/​Coronado Bridge became the last toll bridge in Southern California to end the tolls, so it’s currently free. There are 5 lanes and no bike or walking paths. The San Diego/​Coronado Bridge is currently ranked third behind the Golden Gate Bridge in being the deadliest suicide bridge in the U.S. There are signs posted urging people thinking of taking their life to call a hotline and talk to someone. The bridge is just over 2 miles and I liked seeing the different types of boats on the water around it. One notable thing about the bridge is the 30 towers under it that at their highest point reach 200 feet over the bay. The towers are on pre-​stressed reinforced concrete piles that were driven 100 feet into the bay. I prefer a bridge that I can walk on, but this one was still neat in its own way and you certainly can’t beat the view.

As rated the third deadliest suicide bridge in the US you can now see why every 10 feet there is a sign posted for suicide counseling services. Despite the morose feeling you may have when driving over the initial incline it’s not as scary as it looks from afar. Ultimately, I was just happy I made it to the other side. :) I mean, what can I say? It’s a bridge.

It’s a shame it’s no longer walkable. At least there are no tolls! It makes for a nice view during your drive overlooking the bay and the city. My girlfriend and I have kayaked south of it for some great pictures. The bridge is a great way to enter the island for some fun and relaxation.

No tolls?! That was a surprise for me when we crossed from San Diego to Coronado on the bridge. Beautiful views of the ocean and the boats that were passing by. A must stop if you’re in San Diego and need a touristy things to do!

Growing up in Coronado there wasn’t a lot to do. If you didn’t surf, you were crap out of luck. Luckily for me, the Coronado Bridge was within walking distance and was a fun place to explore.
— According to urban legend, the bridge is rigged with explosives in the center section. In times of war the bridge would be disabled in the middle so to that enemy forced couldn’t invade the military base. At least that’s what I heard growing up.
— As a boater it’s always fun to go under the bridge and hear the loud bangs of the cars going over the metal separators.
— You can actually ride your bike under to the bridge on a walking/​bike path.
— You used to be able to walk under the actual bridge via a catwalk (pre-​911).

At 2.1 miles long the designers of this bridge didn’t pay much attention to the old saying «the shortest distances between two points is a straight line». If one erects similar figures with corresponding sides on the sides of a right triangle, then the sum of the areas of the ones on the two smaller sides equals the area of the one on the larger side or a² + b² = c² or did the curvature of the earth play a part in the calculation, or was it the depth of the bay responsible for the unique design or possibly an artistic touch by an architect with a fee based on the total project value.
Well it’s not really that complicated, it seems that some Admiral demanded in order to build this beautiful bridge his boats must be able to navigate under the bridge at will during high tide just as easily as they could at low tide, not so complicated one would think, but the challenge would to build the center span with enough clearance to allow the tallest of the Admiral’s boats to have unlimited access or he would take all his toys and relocate them somewhere else, trust me when I say no one wants to lose a government contract and the billions of dollars associated with even the smallest of the pork barrel spending.
To accomplish this feat a straight line wouldn’t work, the distance must be spanned by bending the route yet maintaining a path that the people driving across the concrete structure could transverse at speed without fear. The Admiral was no engineer but he could read a ruler so to further complicate the matter he demanded the bridge have a clearance of at least 200 feet off the water. It’s common knowledge that a 90 deg. bend is a corner and would not be feasible to maintain a consistence flow of automobile traffic even back in the day, but an 80 deg. bend is still considered a curve and provided a grade of less than 5% or in this case 4.67% to be exact making it functional, safe at the rated posted speed limit and very pleasing to the eye. For me the drive leaving the island is a much more interesting ride than the approach, with the extremely low outside barrier and inertial you may want to follow the posted speed limit or things could get interesting in a hurry, unless you have wings or a parachute I recommend a reasonable speed is in order.
At the time this bridge was constructed it was considered something that had never been done before, still today it is considered very unique and the design isn’t widely used. Not only is the view breath taking from the top or from the shore you can’t help but feel a rush come across you when making the crossing so buckle up and and enjoy the free ride across since there is no longer a need to subsidize the funding…

FREE, no toll required.
So fun to travel over this bridge to Coronado Island from San Diego. We had a great time seeing the water /​boats in the water as we crossed over the elevated bridge. Can’t believe it’s free too, that’s just wonderful. :)

Boated directly under bridge and enjoyed site from the water. I have been across bridge many times but until you see it from the boaters perspective you miss out on its true beauty.

To quote the five year old in the back seat, «I’m freaking out!!!» To quote the six year old, «Put your hands in the air like you just don’t care!» Nothing better than free fun (no toll) with a great view.
We drove across the bridge, then took the ferry to San Diego and then took the ferry back to Coronado Island. We then drove home across the bridge. Why? Why not!!! It all made perfect sense to those in the back seat. A great morning.

Its a historic bridge. Its kinda old looking but hey its free now so why complain. I love going for nice walks and fancy dinner.

Unilocal’s 365 Review Challenge #278 — #365
One of the most fun spots to visit while you’re in San Diego. We were in San Diego for 2 days and wanted to visit as many sites as possible and this was one of them. The design of the bridge is just amazing as crossing over and looking down at the city of San Diego. Sometimes it feel like a roller coaster just speeding on the bridge and getting a thrill out of driving towards Coronado Island.
I believe they use to have a toll on this bridge, I’m glad they removed it. Whenever you’re in San Diego, you have to at least make a visit to this bridge so you can get the feel of San Diego.

The view from this bridge is amazing if you are brave enough to peek at it while you drive over. For some reason this bridge terrifies the crap out of me. I always drive over it with my teeth, knuckles and buttcheeks clenched.
In the future I may have to wear depends so I can make it across.

Ok so this bridge isn’t the prettiest in the world or in the country, but it’s San Diego’s best, so why not, right? Also, there’s tons of traffic around this bridge, especially when someone threatens to commit suicide and cause a traffic frenzy. To me, it’s a pretty bridge on a clear night and great views of San Diego from that bridge alone. To me, that’s all we can ask for of San Diego.

The San Diego-​Coronado Bridge was fun to crossover. I was going to Imperial Beach from San Diego and the view was great. I got through very quickly and my uncle was quickly able to point out the proximity of Mexico and the beauty of the nearby neighborhoods.
The arch was actually neat and it was quick. One could easily explore much of the classic beachside places and it was still looking good at around 9PM, when I was on it.
This bridge is a great bridge to move across and to see from a distance.

Amazing view from the bridge. I like the sunset view. Even better is the night skyline view of San Diego’s city lights. Once you look back at the bridge it is kind of amazing that you just crossed that elevated beast.
I have to admit that driving over the bridge gives me the heebie jeebies. I would rather be a passenger in a vehicle than to be the driver. Call me a scaredly cat… yes I am
Sometimes when we cross the bridge and enter Coronado, I look forward to reading the board that the police put up. The messages can be humorous at times.

What an awesome bridge! It isn’t as long as the Golden Gate, San Mateo or the Dumbarton Bridge back here at home; it is just the perfect size which gives your an opportunity to view the gorgeous outline of downtown and the surrounding marina area.
As you approach the bridge from Mainland, the lane merges are so convenient that no one needs to brake abruptly, almost giving them a heart attack. The speed limit is just right at 50 miles per hour, but the tourists will undoubtedly drive slow at about 40 miles per hour. The good thing is they tend to stay in the right lane so you can just pass them on their left.
The bridge looks best in the early evening right around 20 mins before the sunset and the hues in the sky just makes you feel glad that you are in such a beautiful area. The island of Coronado is in a world of it’s own. (I’ll write a review of Coronado Beach too.)
They did used to have tolls on the Coronado Island side, but they have removed the tolls a couple of years ago. So now, you can just zip past the old toll booths when you enter Coronado Island. This was a smart decision, because the traffic isn’t backed up like it used to be and you don’t get high blood pressure trying to get into the right lane for paying the tolls.
One thing I should mention is that right after you come off the bridge and enter Coronado Island, the speed limit drops considerably. Safety above all. Be careful if you are just hitting the peddle to the metal. There are people walking around. And the police will pull you over giving you a citation.

In one wordt: BORING!!!
In 1967, San Diego had a chance to build a real world-​class landmark brdige… and FAILED!
METAPHOR: Your late-​20s son is a proven idiot and dropped out of high school. He’s still living with you, but doesn’t help around the house. He has 3 DUIs. Later failed himself out of community college. Can’t hold down a retail/​food job for more than a few weeks. You’re making his credit card payments. He’s got 2 kids already, and his gf is pregant again. He’s a convicted felon for shoplifting and drug dealing. Drinks all your beer and eats all your food… but you still think «Oh, but he’s a great son!», simply because he’s YOUR son. To the rest of us, he’s worthless.
That’s the San Diego-​Coronado Bridge… since its in San Diego, San Diegans will always say and brag how its such an awesome and beautiful bridge. But in reality… it sucks, has no style, and its BORING! Its a purely utilitarian design. Plus you’ll get arrested if you try to walk or bike over it. International tourists must think San Diegans are crazy for patting ourselves on the back… its a boring bridge!
To prove my point, see the photo collage I made. From Top left and clockwise:
Banpo Bridge, South Korea
Chengyang Bridge, China
Khaju Bridge, Iran
Ponte Vechio Bridge, Italy
Tower Bridge, London, UK
Pont du Gard, France
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brazil
And the Coronado bridge is right in the middle, a piece of concrete slab.
Not one star, simply because its still free and functions as a way to Coronado. Here’s some ideas how to get Coronado to a 5 Star World Class Bridge:
1) Add Pedestrian and bike lanes.
2) Laser Light show, like a Daft Punk concert?
3) Musical Water show every half hour, like a the Bellagio or Disneyland?
4) Giant Statue of Francisco Coronado in the middle (Americans love Europeans who enslave, murder, and rape)
5) Add a loop, like a rollercoaster, so we can briefly drive upside down. That would be awesome.

What a neat looking bridge, and now also free to cross.
There are plenty of lanes and I have never been stuck in traffic here, neither coming or going.
It connects right from downtown and it only a short 2 – 3 minute drive, but feels like you are going into another world.
From a modern downtown, to a romantic, dreamy sanctuary surrounded by water.
What a great build, cool AND useful, unique and beautiful, worth the drive for sure.

Anyone who lives in or has ever visited San Diego knows that everything there is FUCKING GORGEOUS. Jaw dropping speechless type of gorgeous.
The beaches. The ocean. The cliffs. The (brings tears to your eyes) sunsets. It’s no wonder Hollywood stars are attracted to this place. Because even the bridge is beautiful.
The Coronado Bridge is a marvel of architectural genius. It isn’t the first thing of beauty you’ll notice in San Diego. It’s not in your face and saying, «Hey you! Look at me! Aren’t I pretty?».it’s subtle and sort of elusive. But once you do take notice of it, prepare to fall in love.
Viewing it from Liberty Station is nice. It curves in a way that I can only describe as that curve a woman has from her torso to her hip.
Driving on it and taking in the view. OMG you guys. No words. Except these two… Fucking gorgeous.
From Coronado Island back down to San Diego is amazeballs. It feels like you are on a roller coaster descending into heaven. In the opposite direction.
It’s beautiful. If you haven’t seen it in person, please go if you’re able. Pictures don’t do it justice. Not by a long shot.

San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, Los Angeles has the Hollywood Sign, and San Diego has the Coronado Bridge. I can’t imagine San Diego without the big blue bridge that links you from San Diego to Coronado Island. This is 619’s landmark for sure.
There’s something about this bridge. It’s not the prettiest bridge up close, but sure is a beautiful sight to see when I’m landing into Lindbergh or driving south on the 5. The Coronado Bridge is another reminder that I’m almost home.
Unless you plan on driving to Southside and through Silver Strand to get to Coronado, this bridge is really the best option. I remember years ago when this bridge was a toll bridge unless you carpooled. So as a broke teen, I made sure my car had passengers to avoid the $ 2.00 charge. Since the bridge has been payed off, it’s free of charge to get through it. So, drop what you’re doing folks and head over here. This bridge is your connection to Coronado and its beach, Ferry’s Landing, and Glorietta Bay.
I’ve never had the opportunity to stand, walk, or run on the actual bridge. In fact, it’s illegal to and there’s no space for pedestrians. Come May 19, 2013, I will get that chance since half of the bridge is shut down for the Bridge Run/​Walk, which I’m doing with my teenager. Two words… Can’t Wait!