Bankers Hill Bridges
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
If you’ve been in San Diego for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. It’s a quick search and google and you’ll see it’s at the corner of Front and Spruce Streets in Bankers Hill.
It crosses over the Arroyo Canyon. I typically try to park in free parking close to the bridge, or even metered parking that’s a few streets away.
Arroyo Canyon
Most locals know of the bridge and you’ll find folks crossing the bridge as part of their daily walks. You’ll also find some out of town visitors checking out the bridge. Now when you go on the bridge from Front/Spruce, the bridge feels pretty stable but as you get to the other side of the bridge, you’ll definitely feel some movement (this is the fun part).
It’ll just take a few moments to cross the bridge but once you get to the west side (on West Spruce and Brant) and turn around, you’ll see a cute free library box on the right.
Cross a bridge, borrow a book!
Now the houses here in this area are more like mansions because they are huge compared to your typical bungalow here in San Diego. The house prices here are anywhere from $2M to $7M. This neighborhood is definitely worth walking around.
Going back towards where you parked, you should check out the Quince Street Bridge (a wooden trestle bridge). Just head south on First Avenue and then make a left or go east on Quince Street. In a few blocks, you’ll be crossing the Quince Street Bridge. It was built in 1905 originally to allow residents easier access to the Fourth Avenue trolley line. You’ll see hiking trails underneath the bridges (Maple Canyon Hiking Trail is below the Quince Street Bridge) and folks regularly hike through these canyons.
Quince Street Bridge
How did they construct these bridges back then?!?!
At the end of this bridge, you’ll find another free library box on Fourth Avenue. Now if you need a little sugar sustenance before heading back to your car, you can make a right and hit a San Diego treasure, Extraordinary Desserts. If you’re looking for extra hiking credit, you could hit up the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park.