The Southern California Park Where You Can Begin A Hike Across 7 Different Bridges Is A Grand Adventure
By Natasha Kayes|Published October 21, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Southern California is full of sights and activities to suit just about everyone – nature enthusiasts, city lovers, architecture admirers, art seekers, hikers and bikers, families with kids, solo explorers, you name it. So what adventure will you choose next? Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want it all, right? Enter San Diego’s Balboa Park and an urban hiking adventure you will not want to pass up. This multiple-bridge hike in Southern California deserves a place on your bucket list.
A worthy destination in itself, San Diego’s Balboa Park has been referred to as the “Central Park of Southern California.” It is home to botanical gardens, theaters, museums, an outdoor pipe organ, and amazing architecture. It is also where you will begin the epic Seven Bridge Hike.
Head to be beautiful Inez Grand Parker Memorial Rose Garden where the adventure begins with the Park Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge. You may want to take a few minutes and admire the huge variety of roses, especially if you visit during the spring months. Once across the bridge, head left toward the Bea Evenson Fountain.
From the fountain, walk west on El Prado, past the famous California Tower, until you see Cabrillo Bridge. Built in 1914, this was California’s first multi-arch cantilever bridge. Cabrillo Bridge is an incredible work of architecture and provides beautiful views of the park and the city beyond.
Continue straight on Laurel Street, which will lead you out of Balboa Park (don’t worry, you’ll be back!) A few blocks past the park, you will turn right on First Avenue and cross over San Diego’s only steel arch bridge.
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First Avenue Bridge is also called “The People’s Bridge,” and was actually first assembled in the mid-west before being taken apart, brought to San Diego, then reassembled in 1931.
One block after the First Avenue Bridge, make a right onto Quince Street and continue a short distance until you arrive at the Quince Street Bridge, which was built in 1905. This wooden trestle bridge is 236 feet long and stretches out over Maple Canyon at a height of 60 feet.
This is the one bridge on the trail that you will cross twice. Turn around and head back over - we bet you won’t mind because the views from this bridge are spectacular.
As you leave the bridge, go right on Second Avenue to Spruce Street, then make a left and continue on to the iconic 1912 Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Prepare for a bit of swaying as well as excellent selfie-worthy views as you make your way across.
After crossing this bridge, make a right on Brant Street.
Follow the road, going right on Upas Street, left on Albatross Street, right on Walnut Avenue, then left on First Street until you get to University Avenue. You will make a right, and if you are ready for a little coffee break or a bite to eat, the next few blocks have plenty to offer.
Continue on University Avenue to Vermont Street and make a left which will lead you over Vermont Street Bridge into San Diego’s University Heights community.
Now you want to turn right on Lincoln Avenue toward Georgia Street where you will make another right to find the last bridge in the loop.
Though the current concrete construction of the Georgia Street Bridge is a relatively recent replacement for the original 1907 wood truss bridge, this is a designated historic landmark. This short but striking bridge was built to allow the streetcar line to expand and to open up new suburban development in the area.
The Seven Bridge Hike loop is just over 5.5 miles long and can be completed in a couple of hours, not including stops along the way.
If you have time and energy left, the adventure doesn’t have to end here. There is much to explore at Balboa Park, from museums and gardens to a vintage carousel and the San Diego Zoo. Have you completed the Seven Bridges Hike in San Diego? Share your adventures with us in the comments. Looking for even more adventure? Check out five SoCal hikes that are not for the faint of heart.
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