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The beautiful bridges of Washington, DC
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A rather dandy shot of Key Bridge from
Georgetown
Many cities in the United States have bridges of some type or another but Washington, DC takes it up notch by offering several, architecturally beautiful ways to cross the Potomac River. There are certain vantage points along the Potomac that may fool you into believing you are approaching Notre Dame Cathedral along the Seine River in Paris but, in fact, it is probably Georgetown University looming in the distance.
Here are some top vantage points from south to north involving the no less than six bridges connecting Virginia to the District of Columbia and the one, rather uninspiring highway bridge to Maryland:
1. I-495 South (Alexandria to Potomac River Waterfront Park) - For what seems like a decade, this poor bridge was under constant construction and eventually replaced altogether. Now, it is a gleaming, if somewhat boring, southern passage. The bridge is bland but if you dare take your eyes off the road for a moment while driving in the always frantic highway lanes then you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the widening Potomac.
2. I-395 - Again, not the most architecturally inspiring bridge but crossing from Virginia into DC rewards the driver (or biker as there is a bike path on this one), with an amazing view of the Jefferson Memorial, East Potomac Park, and the Washington Monument.
3. Arlington Memorial Bridge - From Arlington Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial in about 1 minute by car is the advantage of taking this gorgeous, curvy bridge. Neo-classical in design and built in 1932, it offers those arriving from Reagan International Airport a most warm and visual pleasing Capitol welcome. Wide walkways on either side of the bridge allow for easy access to more than 30 national monuments so long as you do not mind hoofing it a bit. Hint: try a picnic on the Virginia side just off the bike path and just south of the bridge for one of the best views in the world.
4. Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge (Highway 66) - The name of this bridge would suggest something rather magnificent but in reality, it is kind of a boring crossing into the city. However, the views are what count and as you enter DC, you can marvel at the Kennedy Center on the left and the Washington Monument on the right. It is especially worthwhile to cross at night.
5. Francis Scott Key Bridge - Simply known to the locals as Key Bridge, this is perhaps the jewel in the crown of DC bridges. If you are coming up the GW Parkway, you will cross under it with an amazing view of Georgetown University on the right. It resembles a medieval town rising out of the distance. A special bonus is presented on a foggy day. If you cross into DC from Rosslyn, then you can marvel at the quaintness of Georgetown perched just on the edge of the river. Going back into Virginia however, you will only be able to behold the hideous city scape that is the tangle of medium-rise buildings (Rosslyn).
6. Chain Bridge - Chain what you may ask? Believe it or not, Glebe Rd (120) in Arlington has an end to it and it is at Chain Bridge, a tiny, three-lane only affair that crosses the Potomac River Gorge. It is here that the river is still rapids and there are stunning views from either direction of the gorge. Once in DC, you are on Canal Rd which is the secret gateway to American University, Sibley Hospital and the charming MacArthur Blvd neighborhood. Be warned, the lanes change direction during rush hour so pay attention to the signs.
7. I-495 North - How sad that Maryland's one and only DC crossing is about as bland as a neighborhood of concrete houses. This bridge was meant to keep traffic moving along the highway with as little distraction as possible so most drivers barely notice they are crossing the Potomac. Heading East, you see a friendly Welcome to Maryland sign. Heading West, you see an equally friendly Welcome to Virginia sign followed by a "radars are illegal" warning. While crossing, take a quick peek over the sides and you will see the Potomac in its most rugged state.
Do you have a favorite spot near one of these bridges? Let us know in the comments section below.
Nice views of the Key Bridge
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