sunshine skyway bridge

allenbur

take this bridge quit often when traveling from Tampa to Ellenton. It is a pleasant and scenic trip. The view to and after the bridge is great and relaxing, view from the bridge is awesome. If you are into fishing there are two areas, part of the old bridge structure, that are accessible for fishing or just a great time "on" the water.

ColleenB982

The structure of the bridge is quite picturesque. Otherwise it is just a toll bridge on I-275. Traffic moves along at a good pace.

Loganello

Even if it is a little out of the way, the views of the Bay are beatable from the bridge, and I'm afraid of bridges!

glutenfreesearch

The bridge is pretty and well maintained. You have beautiful views from the bridge. The fishing pier is nice as well as the rest stops near the bridge. Excellent place to visit!

BobFromBabylon

This is a very interesting appearing bridge. Driving over the bridge is like flying low over Tampa bay. We always enjoy the view. This just is not a destination

TheodensQueen

Nice view, but I couldn't help but think I've been on higher bridges. Of course, it doesn't seem as high once you're on it compared to pictures.

42142013

It reminds me of the Golden Gate Bridge in SFO... A great place to drive over and really see the beauty in this area. .A must when you are in the Tampa area.

Queeniereads

Never thought I would be reviewing a bridge, but the whole approach, especially from south to north, is spectacular! The water views are lovely on a sunny day, and the gold bridge towers are thrilling as you get closer and closer. On one drive, we were paced by 2 pink flamingos --exciting to see.

906garlandk

The drive was nice, great day, nice views and the bridge was beautiful. Very scenic. There is a pull-off rest area on each side for visitors and viewing. Would recommend making the drive over. It is a toll road though so expect to pay, but it was only $1.20 and they have maned booths.

TennTom4

A beautiful bridge by any standard, and a classic work of engineering. Worth a trip on clear day just to drive across and back. There are very nice shoreline picnic grounds at each end of the bridge, with restrooms, where we stopped for a picnic. Good shade, pleasant gulf breeze, good parking. Good fishing access as well. Try it, even if only passing through. And considering the tolls at some other bridges, this one is dirt cheap.

RobertaG824

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is quite a marvel. To cross from Pinellas County to Manatee County, it will cost $1.25 each way (at this time). You are unable to stop along the bridge, but there are small roads that exit the entry to bridge proper before and after you cross. It leads you to very long fishing piers out in the water upon which you may drive, or to small beachy areas to sit. The bridge itself has magnificent views of the bay, the cities and the gulf. If fortunate, you might see a cruise ship or a freighter sailing under the bridge. However, this is a major roadway for business and commercial traffic, as well as local residents. So one cannot slow down to enjoy the scenery. I would encourage you to take a drive across, but look at it and photograph it from a side road. In addition, there are NO emergency lanes which may be used to pull over to avoid traffic, although both sides are double lanes. Not really an attraction as much as a great experience.

HootieToo

This is one of the coolest bridges I've ever seen. We crossed it one day on our way to Bradenton and I must admit it lived up to all of the reviews. It is a spectacular marvel of engineering and beautiful to look at. For those who don't like heights or fear water, this may not be for you because it is a long drive over the bridge and it rises very high above the bay. The yellow cables that reach into the air were in such contrast to the beautiful blue sky it was an awesome sight.There are a couple of opportunities to pull off the highway to allow fishing, etc. We were short on time and didn't do this, but now in retrospect, I wish we had. Definitely next time we're in the area.

waynec293

We had this tagged as a "must see", and were not disappointed. It was a bit out of the way for us but so glad we made the trip. Awe inspiring architecture in the middle of the Bay.A rainy day, but everything cleared away at a good time and we were able to traverse the bridge feeling almost in the clouds. My video camera was rolling end to end, and makes an awesome video to see (particularly by someone like myself who is VERY nervous of high places)Tip: I-75 Northbound seems to be a traffic headache on many days, so approaching the bridge from the South/East may be the better idea, also a great way to get to St. Petersburg, to see the sights there.

Aleise

It's a still a great highway over the water, even after many, many years. There is a pier for fishing on each side, but unless you are serious about fishing, I wouldn't recommend the one on the south bound side. People were at picnic table prepping their catches; yuck. The bathrooms -- don't go there. The one on thenorth bound side looks newer and more civilized, but didn't check it out.

Drjack183

We had a choice to go over the bridge or enter Tampa from the east. We did the bridge and stopped off at the fishing area. It was a beautiful day, and the bridge is impressive.