Engineering Masterpieces: North America’s Most Famous Bridges

Often used to define a town or city’s visual landscape, bridges were at first functional throughout the age of civilization but have since become architecturally magnificent. Whether it’s because of their size, their height, or their distinct design and color, some bridges certainly stand out more than most.

From the unforgettable Golden Gate Bridge with countless film honors to its name to the once-highest suspension bridge with its very own theme park, one thing is certain – this is a shortlist of the most famous bridges across North America you’ll want to come and visit.

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California

Quite possibly the most famous bridge in the world – where better to start a tour of the best bridges in North America than the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. As a structural engineering masterclass, the Golden Gate Bridge is the trademark emblem of any trip to San Francisco, where visitors can take photos and selfies with the iconic bridge in the background.

Completed in 1937 and painted International Orange, the Golden Gate Bridge has been featured in countless films, including Superman I, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, over the years. While you’re in town, we recommend you walk or bike across the 1.7-mile bridge span for its phenomenal views over San Francisco and Alcatraz Island in the heart of the bay below.

Whether on a family vacation or a trip away with friends, explore the sights and sounds of San Francisco and get a great night’s sleep each night at The Cartwright Hotel – Union Square, BW Premier Collection, in San Francisco, California.

Brooklyn Bridge – New York City, New York

We head to New York City to visit our second suspension bridge on our shortlist of legendary bridges in North America. Spanning the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge connects the borough of Brooklyn with downtown Manhattan and is one of the most photographed landmarks in New York.

Open to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, no trip to New York City is complete unless you stroll along its 483-meter span across the river. Notable for its distinctive Gothic-style towers, the Brooklyn Bridge makes for a stunning photo location to help you remember your trip to the city, with the spectacular Manhattan skyline rising in the background.

After crossing over the historic bridge and wandering around the streets of Manhattan, be sure to get a cozy night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus Soho Hotel in the heart of New York, New York.

Lions Gate Bridge – Vancouver, British Columbia

We head north of the border to Canada next to what some people call the most beautiful bridge in the world, and the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia. Connecting the North Shore with the city of Vancouver, the historic suspension bridge was first opened to the public in 1938; with its distinguishing green paintwork, the Lions Gate Bridge is also the longest suspension bridge in Western Canada.

Visitors who choose to walk across the 1,517-meter bridge span are rewarded with spectacular views over the city of Vancouver. However, if you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity, head to the shores of Stanley Park in the early evening for a mesmerizing view as the Lions Gate Bridge lights up each night with the mountains in the distance.

Explore Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver on your Canadian vacation away, and book your accommodation at the Best Western Plus Sands set back from English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – Boulder City, Nevada

As the newest structure on our shortlist of the most famous bridges in the US, we head to the Colorado River and the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, just outside Boulder City. Opened in 2010 to help alleviate the traffic congestion over the Hoover Dam, the bridge towers over the Colorado River below while also offering an outstanding view of the iconic dam 460 meters further upstream.

Named after Mike O’Callaghan, a former governor of Nevada, and American hero and NFL star Pat Tillman, the 581-meter bridge connects the two states of Nevada with Arizona. You might need a good head for heights if you drive across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as it sits an impressive 271 meters above the Colorado River below, but those who do will get a spectacular view of the towering Hoover Dam in the distance.

After a day sightseeing the Hoover Dam and the incredible Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, get a comfortable night’s sleep by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel in Henderson, Nevada.

Royal Gorge Bridge – Canon City, Colorado

Our final spot of the most renowned bridges in North America once held the record as the highest suspension bridge in the world for over 70 years. Spanning 291 meters above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is a firm favorite as the most scenic bridge setting in the country, with an action-packed twist.

Not just popular with visitors looking for spectacular views, the Royal Gorge Bridge is unique as it is also home to its very own adventure theme park. Here, you and your friends and family can enjoy the World’s Scariest Skycoaster or harness up for a daring zipline across the crest of the mighty Royal Gorge below.

Take in the views and enjoy the thrills of this striking bridge’s location before getting a good night’s rest at the Best Western Executive Inn & Suites in Colorado Springs, Colorado.