Historic Landmark

Bridge of Lions Photography Guide

A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's most iconic landmark

About the Bridge of Lions

The Bridge of Lions is St. Augustine's most recognizable landmark—a Mediterranean Revival drawbridge connecting downtown to Anastasia Island across Matanzas Bay. Construction began in 1925 during the extravagant Florida land boom of the 1920s and was completed in 1927. Unlike the utilitarian bridges built elsewhere, this one was designed as a work of art, costing ten times more than ordinary bridges of the era.

Henry Rodenbaugh, vice president and bridge expert for Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway, is considered the "Father of the Bridge of Lions." He organized the bond issue, selected the engineering firm J.E. Greiner Company to design it, and had his young daughter Jean pour the first bucket of concrete. The bridge was completed after the land boom bust, and the cash-strapped dedication ceremony had to be combined with the annual Ponce de León Celebration.

Architecture & Design

The bridge's Mediterranean Revival style was intentionally chosen to harmonize with St. Augustine's Spanish colonial architecture. Its most striking features include octagonal towers capped with Spanish-style tiled roofs, graceful arches, and ornate decorative lampposts. The structure spans 1,545 feet with 24 spans, including a central double-leaf bascule (drawbridge) mechanism that provides 83 feet of clearance for boats passing through.

The bridge takes its name from the two marble lion statues guarding its western approach—replicas of the famous Medici lions in Florence, Italy. Named "Firm" and "Faithful," they were donated by former St. Augustine Mayor Dr. Andrew Anderson. In 2015, two new granite lions named "Pax" and "Peli" (Peace and Happiness) were added to the east side, donated by residents Wolfgang and Miki Schau to commemorate St. Augustine's 450th anniversary.

Historic Significance

The Bridge of Lions earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. From 2005 to 2010, it underwent an $80 million renovation to preserve its historic character while improving structural safety. A temporary bridge carried traffic during restoration, and that structure was later sunk offshore to create an artificial reef.

Why Photographers Love This Location

The Bridge of Lions offers multiple vantage points for photography. The bayfront promenade along Avenida Menéndez provides unobstructed views of the bridge with Matanzas Bay in the background—ideal for golden hour portraits. The St. Augustine Municipal Marina offers a different perspective with sailboats in the foreground, while the Vilano causeway delivers the classic postcard view with downtown St. Augustine in the distance.

The bridge's east-west orientation makes it spectacular at both sunrise and sunset. Morning light illuminates the towers and creates reflections on the bay, while sunset paints the sky in oranges and pinks behind the downtown silhouette. Blue hour after sunset is prime time for long-exposure shots with the bridge lights glowing and car headlights creating light trails.

During Nights of Lights season (mid-November through January), the bridge and surrounding area sparkle with millions of white lights—a magical backdrop for holiday engagement sessions and family portraits that capture St. Augustine at its most festive.

Where to Shoot the Lions

The two original Carrara marble lions, "Firm" and "Faithful," sit at the bridge's western (downtown) approach, facing the bayfront—so that's where you'll frame the classic lion portraits, with the 2015 granite lions "Pax" and "Peli" anchoring the Anastasia Island end. We do most of our work from the bayfront seawall and promenade along Avenida Menéndez rather than on the bridge itself; the bridge sidewalks are narrow and busy with traffic, so they're better for quick detail shots than full sessions.

Permits & Parking

The bayfront seawall and Avenida Menéndez are public space, and a quick couple or family portrait session there is rarely an issue. That said, the City of St. Augustine does issue film/video/photography permits for use of public property, and the published guidelines don't spell out a size threshold for portrait sessions—so for a larger shoot, or if you simply want to be certain, check with the city's Event and Venue Coordinator (904-825-1004) before you go. For parking, use the metered street spaces along Avenida Menéndez or the public garage near the Plaza de la Constitución; metered parking downtown is enforced.

Best Photo Spots at the Bridge of Lions

Bayfront Seawall

Position yourself on the bayfront seawall for unobstructed views of the bridge's full span. The open bay provides clean backgrounds, and the walkway gives you room to move for different compositions. Morning light from the east illuminates the bridge towers beautifully.

Bridge Towers & Lion Statues

The ornate Mediterranean Revival towers offer architectural detail shots. The two original Carrara marble lions, "Firm" and "Faithful," guard the western (downtown) approach on the bayfront side, so that's where you'll frame the classic lion shots; the newer granite lions sit on the east (Anastasia Island) end. Best photographed from street level looking up, or from the opposite tower for symmetrical compositions.

East Side Perspective

Cross to the east side of the bridge for views back toward the historic district. The St. Augustine skyline creates a distinctive backdrop with the Lightner Museum dome and church spires visible. Wide-angle lenses work well here for environmental portraits.

Municipal Marina Viewpoint

The marina on the south side provides foreground interest with sailboat masts and rigging. The lower angle from the docks creates a more dramatic perspective of the bridge towers. Golden hour lighting is particularly striking from this position.

Southern Seawall

Walk south along the seawall toward the old seaport for a three-quarter view of the bridge. This angle shows both the architectural details and the bridge's relationship to the historic waterfront. Less crowded than the main bayfront area.

Bridge Approach Park

The small park area near the bridge approach offers elevated views and some shade from mature trees. Good for getting above street-level distractions while keeping the bridge as your primary backdrop. Parking is easier here too.

Best Times to Photograph the Bridge of Lions

Sunrise

The bridge faces roughly east-west, making sunrise spectacular. The warm light illuminates the bridge towers and creates beautiful reflections on the bay.

Golden Hour / Sunset

Sunset behind downtown creates silhouettes of the bridge towers. The bayfront seawall is particularly magical as the sky lights up in oranges and pinks.

Blue Hour

After sunset, the bridge lights come on and the sky turns deep blue. This is prime time for dramatic long-exposure shots with light trails from passing cars.

Nights of Lights Season

From mid-November through January, the bridge and surrounding area are decorated with millions of white lights. A must-photograph event for holiday sessions.

Photographer Tips

Traffic & Timing

The bridge opens regularly for boat traffic, causing traffic backups. This can actually work in your favor—stopped traffic means fewer moving cars in your shots.

Pedestrian Access

You can walk across the bridge on the sidewalks, but it's narrow and busy. The bayfront seawall is usually better for portrait sessions.

Parking

Street parking along Avenida Menendez or in the parking garage near the Plaza de la Constitución. Metered parking is enforced.

Crowds

This is one of St. Augustine's most visited spots. Early morning sessions (before 8 AM) offer the fewest tourists and best light.

Camera Settings

Bring a circular polarizing filter to cut reflections on the water and enhance the sky contrast. A wide-angle lens captures the full bridge span, while a telephoto compresses the background for intimate portraits.

Weather Considerations

Wind off the bay can be strong, especially in winter months. Secure loose items and be prepared for hair and veils to move. The wind can actually add movement and drama to shots.

Special Events

During Nights of Lights season (mid-November through January), the bridge and bayfront light up nightly around dusk. Arrive early to secure your spot, as the bayfront draws large crowds of spectators.

Water Traffic

Matanzas Bay has active boat traffic throughout the day. Sailboats and historic vessels often pass under the bridge, adding interest to background shots if you time it right.

Permits

Quick portrait sessions on the public seawall are rarely a problem, but for a larger or staged shoot, call the city's Event and Venue Coordinator (904-825-1004) first — full details in the Permits and Parking section above.