Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
4.5
About
This bridge, which you'll cross on the drive from St. Petersburg to Bradenton, is one of the longest cable-stayed concrete bridges in the world offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Park at the lots at either end of the bridge to capture postcard-worthy photos. The piers are a popular fishing spot—you can rent fishing gear and join in the fun. Stay for sunset and watch as the scene changes when the bridge lights up at night. Sunshine Skyway Bridge is occasionally closed off during inclement weather, so check ahead before you begin your journey. – Tripadvisor
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- amarino953Punta Gorda, Florida5 contributionsUnique tourThis was a unique birthday gift for our son. We had never done this before and it was fabulous! It is a weather dependent experience but our captain made up for it by taking us to a beautiful bridge and parking underneath it for photos. The price is reasonable for the 3 hour trip. Always looking for something a bit different and this fits the bill.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 October 2023
- Yanjun H2 contributionsA stop at the fishing pier is a mustA great place to see the sunset and the constant sights of pelicans diving between the old highway bridges. If you were lucky, you could see the interactions between the sea birds and the fishermen. The view of the Sunshine Skyway bridge would be an added bonus.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 December 2023
- Impala guyNewaygo, Michigan866 contributionsEvery year….at least one tripOnce or twice every year. We always stop at the rest stop to elongate the experience. They even have an ATM machine in there. Rest stop is quite busy. Noticed higher fencing this trip on the bridge……Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2024
- J JFort Lauderdale, Florida326 contributionsabout things other than the skywayI have been over this bridge a thousand times but have never reviewed it. The bridge is fine, its a very high bridge and its fun to drive over. It's a marvel to view both close and far and on a windy day, at the top it can be scary. All that aside I am here to talk about the south and north rest stops on either side of the bridge.. the place were you can stop and potty after possible hours of driving... Both facilities are on stilts, with an accessible ramp that wraps back and forth on itself a few times... and stairs. Keep that in mind if your mobility is impaired that you cannot just walk in, you will need to ascend and descend the ramp or the stairs. Marvelous views of the skyway from the southern rest stop.. and on the north side covered concrete benches to relax and sit for a while in the shade as well as a small private beach with a huge driftwood tree on it with ~12 foot roots. Be warned of the smell at this location, it will be hard to get off your shoes and clothes and will linger for a while.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
- Ray H2 contributionsGood drive across the bridge and good spot for family photosDriving across this bridge is an amazing experience with stunning views of the Tampa Bay. The architecture is impressive, and the vibrant yellow cables add a unique touch. Whether it's a sunny day or a breathtaking sunset, the sights from the bridge are always spectacularVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2024
- Joann MPunta Gorda, Florida109 contributionsDaytime trip over the bridgeWhile visiting the Tampa Bay Area had the opportunity to drive across the bridge twice going and returning. Stopped on both sides to take in the view from different angles. Very unique & beautiful bridge in a gorgeous area. You are surrounded by pretty views, pelicans & other birds. Boats are cruising and fishing & people fish off the fishing pier’s (for a fee). Caution: if you are afraid of heights it might be a bit scary since it is very high.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,721 reviews
Excellent
2,471
Very good
971
Average
230
Poor
24
Terrible
25
Camper28938486637
Tampa, FL6 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a stunning piece of architecture that you can drive on! During the day you can see it as you approach on the highway, at night the way it's lights up is stunning. If you're on the water, you get a completely different view and perspective.
Just make sure you KISS at the top!! (just a quick peck cuz you are driving after all)
Keep in mind, because the bridge IS so tall, this highway will close down during high winds!
Just make sure you KISS at the top!! (just a quick peck cuz you are driving after all)
Keep in mind, because the bridge IS so tall, this highway will close down during high winds!
Written 14 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelers330
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA386 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Visited while we were nearby city. No need to pay twice both ways. Just exit by fishing/ rest area and turn around. Easy entrance back to the highway. Depending your direction, you’ll see the Longest Pier on your right of the highway. Be aware of wannabe Nascar drivers on the road throughout the area.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lourdes N
New York City, NY151 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
The view it’s amazing. The sun shines in different colors depending where you stand.
There is a fish/bait shop with friendly staff.
Bring an umbrella and a chair if you are going fishing. There is a toll entry you have to pay per car/person.
There is a fish/bait shop with friendly staff.
Bring an umbrella and a chair if you are going fishing. There is a toll entry you have to pay per car/person.
Written 25 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray H
2 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Driving across this bridge is an amazing experience with stunning views of the Tampa Bay. The architecture is impressive, and the vibrant yellow cables add a unique touch. Whether it's a sunny day or a breathtaking sunset, the sights from the bridge are always spectacular
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni T
Nashville, TN3,169 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
976656867
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers great views of the Tampa Bay area as one travels from St. Petersburg in Pinellas County to Bradenton in Manatee County. The height of the bridge can be daunting to some. This bridge is subject ot high winds and rain, which cause the bridge to close. Highway signs near the entrances on both the south(Bradenton) side and north (St. Petersburg) side offer info on closures. The Sunshine Skyway offers fishing piers at a small charge at both sides, and this open water allows for getting "the big catch.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers great views of the Tampa Bay area as one travels from St. Petersburg in Pinellas County to Bradenton in Manatee County. The height of the bridge can be daunting to some. This bridge is subject ot high winds and rain, which cause the bridge to close. Highway signs near the entrances on both the south(Bradenton) side and north (St. Petersburg) side offer info on closures. The Sunshine Skyway offers fishing piers at a small charge at both sides, and this open water allows for getting "the big catch.
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane K
Venice, FL4,582 contributions
Dec 2020
First time for us across the bridge since we moved to the are. It is quite impressive looking and provides a nice short cut from Venice to St. Pete. We used our E-Pass for the first time - which provided a discount - rather than paying cash.
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joann M
Punta Gorda, FL109 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
While visiting the Tampa Bay Area had the opportunity to drive across the bridge twice going and returning. Stopped on both sides to take in the view from different angles. Very unique & beautiful bridge in a gorgeous area. You are surrounded by pretty views, pelicans & other birds. Boats are cruising and fishing & people fish off the fishing pier’s (for a fee). Caution: if you are afraid of heights it might be a bit scary since it is very high.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TC GREN
Tampa, FL417 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Awesome drive with great views above Tampa Bay / Gulf of Mexico. Places before and after the ramp up and down to pull off in rest area for views and/or fishing (the fishing piers are remnants of the old 2-lane bridge, parts left up on both ends of the Skyway). Nice easy drive in dry weather, traffic was smooth. There is a $1.50 toll (prices as of 5/31/20).
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garfieldluvr
Denver, CO981 contributions
Oct 2022
Had some spare time one day while visiting St. Petersburg, so drove over this bridge. When I went, tolls were waived, but if they weren’t I think it was like a dollar each way. The bridge is really cool to drive over and the views are great! The bridge also has little piers with parking areas that would be cool to explore if you had the time.
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris F
Florida11 contributions
Jun 2020
Awesome experience. For starters, traffic was not backed up (and we were on this bridge at 5 different times across a 6 day stay in Tampa). Secondly, the views are jaw dropping. Finally. it's a bit of a rush driving over it. Knowing how steep the climb is, it gave us a little bit of an adrenaline rush to be honest.
Awesome experience.
Awesome experience.
Written 7 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbora C
Punta Gorda, Florida
Can someone drive your car over the bridge for you
Written 6 October 2024
Can you pay cash for the toll on the Sunshine Skyway in 2023?
Written 23 April 2023
Are there any bridges to cross from Sarasota airport to Venice?
Written 29 October 2022
I need to change my credit card info online
Written 7 September 2022
Advise on pulling a travel trailer across the bridge with proper tow vehicle and weight distributed properly? Heading to Ft. Desoto park
Written 17 July 2022
I was inadvertently in the sun pass lane with my $1.50 ready but could not pay. An online search cannot seem to be done for Canadian plates-how do I pay?
Written 7 April 2022
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