Mathew BenjaminFlorida is home to some of the most fascinating and longest bridges in the United States, stretching across bays, lagoons, rivers, and even the open ocean. These bridges are not only feats of engineering but also gateways to some of the most scenic and iconic destinations in the state. The longest bridge in Florida, along with many others on the list, plays a vital role in tourism, transportation, history, and recreation, making them both functional and breathtaking landmarks.
Top 20 Longest Bridge in Florida
1. Seven Mile Bridge – Marathon to Little Duck Key
The Seven Mile Bridge is the most iconic and one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching over turquoise waters between Marathon and Little Duck Key in the Florida Keys. Measuring nearly seven miles, it connects travelers to the lower Keys, offering breathtaking ocean views. Its engineering marvel and scenic beauty make it a vital transportation link and a major tourist attraction. Its length, history, and significance place it at the top among Florida’s longest bridges.
2. Sunshine Skyway Bridge – Tampa Bay
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as one of the longest bridge in Florida, spanning 4.1 miles across Tampa Bay. Known for its stunning cable-stayed design, it links St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia. Its impressive length and architectural brilliance make it both functional and iconic. The bridge is a critical transportation artery while also being a landmark admired for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Its structural uniqueness and sheer size rank it among Florida’s longest and most important bridges.
3. Sanibel Causeway – Fort Myers to Sanibel Island
The Sanibel Causeway ranks as one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 3 miles to connect Fort Myers with Sanibel Island. Comprising three bridge spans, it provides essential access to a popular tourist destination. Its length and strategic location make it a vital structure for residents and visitors. Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, it offers picturesque views, making travel across it an experience in itself. Its functional importance and scenic setting put it high on Florida’s list.
4. MacArthur Causeway – Miami
The MacArthur Causeway is among the longest bridge in Florida, extending nearly 3.5 miles and linking downtown Miami with Miami Beach. Known for its iconic skyline views, it plays a major role in tourism and city connectivity. Its length ensures smooth traffic flow between the mainland and coastal destinations. Famous for passing cruise ships and luxury yachts, the bridge is not only long but culturally significant. This blend of functionality and visibility makes it one of Florida’s most notable bridges.
5. Rickenbacker Causeway – Miami to Key Biscayne
The Rickenbacker Causeway is considered one of the longest bridge in Florida, measuring 3 miles across Biscayne Bay. It connects Miami with the island of Key Biscayne, serving as a scenic gateway to beaches and parks. Its length makes it crucial for daily commuters and tourists alike. Known for panoramic bay views, it also attracts cyclists and joggers. As both a transportation lifeline and recreational landmark, its size and cultural value earn it a high ranking among Florida’s longest bridges.
6. Gandy Bridge – Tampa to St. Petersburg
The Gandy Bridge is among the longest bridge in Florida, extending 2.6 miles over Tampa Bay. It connects Tampa with St. Petersburg, providing a vital alternative route between the two cities. Its long span and role in easing commuter traffic make it an essential bridge. Known historically as Florida’s first major bay crossing, it holds both functional and cultural significance. Its durability and enduring importance across decades of use make it a standout in the ranking of Florida’s longest bridges.
7. Venetian Causeway – Miami
The Venetian Causeway ranks as one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 2.7 miles across Biscayne Bay. Connecting Miami to Miami Beach through a chain of islands, it’s unique for its historic charm and length. The bridge is not only a commuter link but also a scenic drive admired for waterfront homes and city views. Its extensive span, cultural heritage, and daily use for locals and tourists alike justify its place among the longest and most recognized bridges in Florida.
8. Courtney Campbell Causeway – Tampa to Clearwater
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is one of the longest bridge in Florida, extending nearly 10 miles across Old Tampa Bay, with bridge spans making up 3.5 miles. It connects Tampa and Clearwater, offering both a vital roadway and a recreational trail. Its massive length and dual function for vehicles and pedestrians make it unique. Known for scenic water views, it draws visitors for sunsets and fishing. Its impressive reach and importance for Gulf Coast travel firmly establish it among Florida’s longest bridges.
9. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Extension (Florida Side)
Though most of Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is in Louisiana, its Florida extension still stands among the longest bridge in Florida. This segment stretches over 2 miles and plays a role in connecting cross-state travelers. Its presence in Florida’s bridge system makes it notable for length and utility. While not entirely within the state, its inclusion emphasizes regional connectivity. Its size and traffic importance earn it a place among Florida’s top long-span bridges.
10. Julia Tuttle Causeway – Miami
The Julia Tuttle Causeway is among the longest bridge in Florida, spanning 2.5 miles across Biscayne Bay. It links downtown Miami with Miami Beach, forming part of Interstate 195. Its long stretch over water makes it vital for commuters and tourists heading to Miami Beach. Scenic skyline and ocean views add cultural value. As both a lengthy transportation artery and a visually stunning crossing, the Julia Tuttle Causeway ranks highly among Florida’s longest and most important bridges.
11. Howard Frankland Bridge – Tampa Bay
The Howard Frankland Bridge is one of the longest bridge in Florida, measuring 2.4 miles across Tampa Bay. Connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg, it carries thousands of commuters daily. Its length makes it essential in linking the Gulf Coast’s major cities. The bridge has undergone expansions to handle traffic growth, proving its lasting importance. Both its significant span and critical role in Tampa Bay infrastructure place it firmly in the top rankings of Florida’s longest bridges.
12. Broad Causeway – Miami-Dade County
The Broad Causeway is recognized as one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 2.5 miles across Biscayne Bay. It connects North Miami with the barrier islands, serving as an important commuter and tourist route. Its long structure offers views of bay waters and luxury neighborhoods. Known for its toll system and accessibility, it supports both local and visitor traffic. Its extensive length and continuous service for decades establish it as a key contender among Florida’s longest bridges.
13. Haulover Bridge and Causeway – Miami
The Haulover Bridge and Causeway rank among the longest bridge in Florida, extending nearly 2 miles across Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway. It connects Sunny Isles Beach with Bal Harbour, making it critical for coastal traffic. Its long span ensures smooth travel while also showcasing ocean and bay views. A hub for boat traffic and tourists, the bridge is both functional and scenic. Its impressive reach and significance to Miami’s coastal connectivity secure its position among Florida’s longest bridges.
14. Treasure Island Causeway – St. Petersburg
The Treasure Island Causeway is one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 1.9 miles across Boca Ciega Bay. It connects St. Petersburg with Treasure Island, a popular beach destination. Its length and role in supporting tourism make it vital. Known for its drawbridge feature, it balances vehicle and boat traffic. Its functionality, scenic views, and strong presence in Gulf Coast travel infrastructure make it deserving of recognition among Florida’s top long-span bridges.
15. Pinellas Bayway – St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach
The Pinellas Bayway ranks as one of the longest bridge in Florida, spanning 2 miles across Tampa Bay. It links St. Petersburg with St. Pete Beach, providing direct access to Gulf Coast resorts. Its long stretch accommodates both daily commuters and heavy tourist traffic. Known for its toll plaza and scenic waterfront drive, the bridge has both functional and leisure significance. Its size and central role in Florida’s tourism-heavy Gulf region secure it a spot among the longest bridges.
16. Matanzas Pass Bridge – Fort Myers Beach
The Matanzas Pass Bridge is among the longest bridge in Florida, extending 1.8 miles and connecting Fort Myers with Fort Myers Beach. It serves as a lifeline to one of Southwest Florida’s top vacation spots. Its long design allows for marine traffic beneath while providing uninterrupted road access. Scenic coastal views enhance its importance as a tourist attraction. The bridge’s role in sustaining the beach economy and its length ensure its ranking among Florida’s notable long-span bridges.
17. Boca Grande Causeway – Gasparilla Island
The Boca Grande Causeway is one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 2 miles to connect the mainland with Gasparilla Island. Its extended span provides crucial access to a popular beach and fishing destination. Known for beautiful water views and local charm, it serves both residents and visitors. Its size and daily utility make it essential for island connectivity. The bridge’s length, role in tourism, and scenic experience place it among Florida’s longest and most treasured bridges.
18. Sebastian Inlet Bridge – Brevard and Indian River Counties
The Sebastian Inlet Bridge is among the longest bridge in Florida, extending nearly 1.6 miles over the Indian River Lagoon. It links Brevard and Indian River counties while crossing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Its length supports heavy regional traffic and fishing access. Known for ocean views and recreational opportunities nearby, it is more than just a roadway. Its vital transportation role, combined with scenic surroundings, secures its position among the top long bridges in Florida.
19. Bahia Honda Bridge – Florida Keys
The Bahia Honda Bridge is one of the longest bridge in Florida, measuring 1.7 miles and part of the historic Overseas Highway. Once a railroad bridge, it now serves as a landmark attraction. Its length and history make it unique among Florida bridges. Overlooking Bahia Honda State Park, it provides sweeping ocean views. Though partially decommissioned, its size, legacy, and scenic presence keep it among Florida’s longest and most memorable bridges.
20. Granada Bridge – Ormond Beach
The Granada Bridge ranks as one of the longest bridge in Florida, stretching 1.6 miles across the Halifax River in Ormond Beach. Its extended length supports regional traffic while offering panoramic river and city views. Popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, it combines transportation with recreation. Its design accommodates both vehicle travel and community activities. With its size, functionality, and popularity, the Granada Bridge justifies inclusion among Florida’s top long-span bridges.
Reasons Why They Are The Longest Bridge in Florida
- They cover wide expanses of water such as bays, rivers, and the ocean.
- They connect important cities, islands, and coastal areas.
- They are designed to support heavy daily commuter and tourist traffic.
- They showcase advanced engineering and construction techniques.
- They withstand Florida’s coastal weather, storms, and saltwater exposure.
- They are historically significant, linking communities for decades.
- They are built longer to allow boat and ship passage beneath.
- They enhance economic growth by linking tourism-driven destinations.
Benefits Attached to Visiting These Longest Bridge in Florida
- They offer breathtaking panoramic views of oceans, bays, and skylines.
- They serve as scenic drives that make road trips memorable.
- They provide photography opportunities for both professionals and tourists.
- They connect visitors to Florida’s top beaches, islands, and resorts.
- They are iconic landmarks that hold cultural and historical importance.
- They allow visitors to enjoy fishing, cycling, and walking trails nearby.
- They give travelers an unforgettable sense of Florida’s coastal beauty.
Conclusion
The longest bridges in Florida are more than just transportation links; they are iconic landmarks that represent the blend of beauty, culture, and engineering. They connect cities, islands, and vacation destinations while offering experiences that go beyond travel. From the breathtaking Seven Mile Bridge to the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge, each of these structures holds unique importance. Visiting or driving across them is not just about reaching a destination but also about enjoying one of Florida’s greatest attractions and achievements.