Tower Bridge: Sacramento's Golden Gateway

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Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge: A blend of Art Deco design, engineering marvel, and symbol of California's capital city.

The Tower Bridge in Sacramento is a historic vertical lift bridge that spans the Sacramento River, connecting West Sacramento and Sacramento. An iconic symbol of the city, its golden Art Deco design and engineering make it a must-see landmark.

A brief summary to Tower Bridge

Sacramento, California, 95814, US
+1916-808-8300
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Walk or bike across the bridge to enjoy stunning views of the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento, and the city skyline.
Check local events, as the area often hosts festivals and activities near the bridge.
Learn about the bridge's history and significance through informational plaques and displays.

Getting There

Walking

From Sacramento City Hall at 915 I St, head east on I St towards 9th St for about 0.3 miles. Turn right on 3rd St and continue to the Sacramento River waterfront. Walk south along the riverbank to reach the Tower Bridge. Walking across the bridge is free.
Public Transport

Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) operates bus and light rail services in the Sacramento region. Several bus routes connect to areas near the Tower Bridge. Use SacRT's ZipPass mobile app to purchase tickets. A single ride costs $2.50.
Parking

There is no on-site parking at the Tower Bridge. However, there are several parking garages located near the bridge. The Tower Bridge Garage offers parking for $1.50 per 30 minutes between 6am-6pm, with a maximum of $15. Evening parking (6pm-6am) is $9. Early bird rates (enter by 10am, out after 4pm) are $6. Several other garages are within walking distance, with varying rates.

Discover more about Tower Bridge

Sacramento's Tower Bridge, a gleaming gold structure against the California sky, is more than just a river crossing; it's a symbol of the city's history, ambition, and architectural prowess. Completed in 1935, the bridge replaced the outdated M Street Bridge, which could no longer handle the growing traffic demands of a burgeoning capital city. The Tower Bridge was envisioned as a grand gateway, a testament to Sacramento's progress during the Depression era. Designed by architect Alfred Eichler, the bridge showcases the Streamline Moderne style, a rare and elegant application of Art Deco principles to an industrial structure.The bridge is a vertical lift bridge across the Sacramento River, linking West Sacramento in Yolo County to the west, with the capital of California, Sacramento, in Sacramento County to the east. The towers are 160 feet tall. From east to west, the bridge consists of a 30 ft (9.1 m) long girder span, a 167 ft (51 m) long eastern truss approach span, the 209 ft (64 m) long central lift span, a 193 ft (59 m) long western approach span and four 34 ft (10 m) long girder spans. With the draw up, there is 100 feet (30 m) of vertical clearance above high water with a 172-foot (52 m) wide navigation channel between the timber pier fenders.Initially, the bridge was painted aluminum silver, reflecting the era's fascination with modernity and technology. However, in 1977, it was repainted a golden ochre to match the color of the State Capitol dome, solidifying its connection to Sacramento's identity. The golden hue also pays homage to California's Gold Rush history, symbolizing Sacramento as the gateway to the goldfields. The bridge was repainted metallic gold in 2002 after a local vote. The Tower Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Today, the Tower Bridge continues to serve as a vital transportation link, carrying vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians between Sacramento and West Sacramento.