Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The basics

The Sunshine Skyway is a dazzling sight by day and even more stunning when seen alight at night. You can drive on the bridge via Interstate 275 or view it from multiple points around the Tampa, Bradenton, and Clearwater areas. More than just an engineering marvel, this toll bridge features a rest area, multiple fishing piers, restrooms, bait shops, kiteboarding shops, and the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

Things to know before you go

• The Sunshine Skyway requires a toll that can be paid by cash or the Florida electronic device, the SunPass.

• Although the nearby beach is public, it’s better suited for adults, not smaller children.

• The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is a popular sunset viewing point.

• The Sunshine Skyway is open 24/7, though remember that it is always a busy, public road.

How to get there

You drive onto the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from either side. As part of Interstate 275, you can access it headed south from St. Petersburg on I-275 or head north on I-75 from Sarasota and turn west onto the I-275 exit. It is not accessible via pedestrian walkways or bicycle lanes.

When to get there

Except for closures for road work, accidents, or extreme weather like high wind speeds and hurricanes, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is open 24/7 all year. Peak traffic times are during rush hour in the mornings between 7:30 am and 9:30 am and between 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Come early, especially on weekends, if you want to visit the beach, state park, or pier, as limited parking is available.

Best Skyway photo op

Whether you’re driving across or spending time on the pier, it’s not always convenient to get a great photograph of the Skyway when you’re near it. East Beach is a great place for a photo op with the bridge in the background. Located south of St. Pete Beach in Fort De Soto Park, East Beach showcases the Sunshine Skyway against a vast open sky and blue waters.

Can you fish from the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers near the bridge?

Yes, you can fish from the piers that are accessible from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. These piers have dedicated parking lots and are family friendly. There’s a price to access the piers, but they close at sunset. All Florida residents and visitors need a fishing license to cast a line.

Is there a best time of day to visit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for the most breathtaking views?

Because the Sunshine Skyway Bridge runs north and south, you can see both sunrises and sunsets from the bridge, and because it’s also on the western-facing portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s an ideal place to watch the sunset. You can also see rockets launch when skies are clear.

Is driving across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge worth it?

Yes, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge has engineering significance, but it’s not an attraction as much as it is a landmark. The drive across is usually fast and it’s more convenient to get between Tampa and Bradenton than taking I-65 to I-4, which is worth it for the time and gas it saves.

Can you walk or cycle across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?

No, unfortunately you can’t—all cyclists and pedestrians must find a different route across Lower Tampa Bay. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a toll road that only permits vehicular traffic. However, there are small beaches and piers where drivers can stop and safely get out of their cars for photographs.

How long does it take to drive across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects the Bradenton/Palmetto area to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, which is four miles (6.4 kilometers). It usually takes between five and ten minutes to drive across the bridge, though that time may increase if there is heavy traffic congestion or car accidents present.

Does the Sunshine Skyway Bridge ever close?

Yes, although the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a year-round commuter roadway, access is restricted in certain circumstances. For instance, when winds in the area reach or exceed 40mph (64kph), the Sunshine Skyway Bridge can be closed by state officials. High winds can happen at any time of the year.

Ways to explore

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an impressive sight by day and even more dazzling when its cables are illuminated at night. Drive across the bridge via Interstate 275, then pull over at one of the rest areas to access the viewpoints, fishing piers, and kiteboarding beaches that line either side.

Tampa and St. Petersburg boat tours are a popular way to admire the bridge from the water. Choose a dolphin-watching tour, parasailing adventure, or fishing charter for a day in the bay, or sign up for a sunset cruise to see the Skyway’s colorful evening lights.

Accessibility

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is wheelchair accessible. There’s parking for visitors with disabilities at the rest area, and the fishing pier is flat and paved.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, sunscreen, fishing or kiteboarding gear

What to wear

Wear a hat, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing if you plan to get out of the car—there’s little shade on the bridge’s fishing pier.

Not allowed

Pets and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the fishing piers. If you plan to fish, be sure to abide by local regulations.

Amenities

Restrooms, parking, bait shops, dining options

Address 

The only way to access the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is to drive on I-275—there are no pedestrian walkways or bike lanes alongside the interstate. The north end of the bridge is about 10 minutes away from downtown St. Petersburg.

Driving

From downtown St. Petersburg, take I-375 west to I-275 south, and you’ll reach the bridge in a few miles. If you’d like to pull over, you can park at the rest areas or along the fishing piers.

Public transportation

Public transportation does not stop along the bridge. If you are traveling without a car, you can check out the bridge as part of a guided tour that includes transportation.

Best times to visit

Go early if you want to visit the fishing pier or beach, as parking is limited. To see the bridge illuminated, go to vantage points such as Fort De Soto Park after sunset.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to visit the Skyway—just note that parking spaces may fill up faster on weekends.

Best months to visit

March–May, when rainfall is minimal and daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, is a particularly nice time to fish or watch the kiteboarders in action along the Skyway.

Special events

The annual Skyway 10K, a fundraiser for the Armed Forces Families Foundation held in April, presents the rare opportunity to run across the bridge while it’s closed to traffic.