Sunshine Skyway Bridge 7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Last Updated: 11/28/2023 | |
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a prominent bridge in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, connecting St. Petersburg in Pinellas County to Terra Ceia in Manatee County. It is not only a crucial transportation link in the region but also a significant landmark with historical and architectural significance. It is often considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the United States. | |
- Location: The bridge spans Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg on the western shore with Terra Ceia on the eastern shore. - Type of Bridge: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, characterized by its towering support towers and cables that support the bridge deck. - Original Bridge and Replacement: The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the second bridge of its kind at this location. The original bridge, which was a cantilever bridge, was completed in 1954. However, a tragic incident occurred on May 9, 1980, when a freighter collided with a support pier during a storm, causing a section of the bridge to collapse. The current cable-stayed bridge was completed in 1987 to replace the damaged structure. - Design and Features: The current bridge is known for its distinctive design, featuring a 1,200-foot main span and two 431-foot-tall concrete pylons that support the main span. The bridge has a total length of 21,877 feet. - Scenic Views: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. It has become an iconic symbol of the region. - Fishing Piers: The bridge is equipped with fishing piers on both the north and south sides. These piers are popular spots for fishing enthusiasts. - Toll Bridge: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a tolled bridge, and the toll is collected for vehicles traveling northbound. The toll helps fund the maintenance and operation of the bridge. - Recreation Areas: There are recreational areas and parks near the bridge, providing opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the bay. |
Maximo Park Place » Outdoors Maximo Park is a spectacular waterfront park complete with a beach along Boca Ciega Bay; a nature boardwalk; two playgrounds; a hearty collection of boat ramps, bike and nature trails; a 50-foot observation tower; spectacular shade trees; a 70-acre archaeological site and the 18-hole Tocobaga Disc Golf Course. 24 views 💖 1Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 | |
Vinoy Park Place » Outdoors Vinoy Park is a public park located along the waterfront of Tampa Bay, providing beautiful views of the bay and the skyline of St. Petersburg. The park features spacious green areas, walking paths, and waterfront access. It's a popular spot for picnics, walking, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities. 27 views 💖 1701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | |
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum Place » Outdoors The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is a botanical garden located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is situated along the waterfront of Tampa Bay and is known for its collection of palm trees from around the world. The arboretum is named after Gizella Kopsick, a local resident and philanthropist who contributed significantly to the development of the garden. 26 views 💖 1605 11th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | |
Sawgrass Lake Park Place » Outdoors Sawgrass Lake Park is a public park located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is known for its scenic beauty, particularly its extensive sawgrass marsh and diverse wildlife. Sawgrass Lake Park is home to various species of birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Birdwatchers, in particular, may enjoy the diverse avian population in and around the park. 24 views 💖 17400 25th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 | |
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park Place » Outdoors The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, and it is a unique and popular recreational area. The park is situated on the remnants of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was partially destroyed in a ship collision in 1980. The remaining portions of the bridge were converted into the Skyway Fishing Pier, making it one of the longest fishing piers in the world. 29 views 💖 1I-275, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 | |
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Place » Outdoors Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a popular natural area and environmental park located in St. Petersburg, Florida. This preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of natural ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, swamp woodlands, and lake shorelines, and it is known for its rich biodiversity and outdoor recreational activities. 31 views 💖 11101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | |
Tropicana Field Place » Outdoors Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. The field has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. 328 views 💖 31 Tropicana Dr, St Petersburg, FL 33705 | |
Sunken Gardens Place » Outdoors Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg's oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. 437 views 💖 51825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704 | |
Saint Petersburg Pier Place » Tourism This gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. 365 views 💖 4800 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701 | |
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge Place » Outdoors Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a protected island and wildlife sanctuary located near St. Petersburg, Florida, in the Tampa Bay region. This remote island offers a unique natural environment and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. 172 views 💖 1St. Petersburg, FL 33715 |