Explore the Iconic Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge
Discover breathtaking views and rich history at the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC, a must-see attraction for all visitors.
The Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, an architectural marvel in Washington, DC, offers stunning views of the Potomac River and the city skyline, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking both beauty and history.
A brief summary to Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge
- Washington, Northwest Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light for photography.
- Consider walking or biking across the bridge for a unique perspective of the area.
- Check out nearby parks for additional scenic spots and picnic areas.
- Bring binoculars to enjoy bird watching along the Potomac River.
- Look for local events that may take place on the bridge or nearby to enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Bus
From Laurel, head to the nearest bus stop, which is located at the Laurel Town Center. Take the Metrobus Route B30 towards Greenbelt. Stay on the bus for about 20-25 minutes until you reach the Greenbelt Metro Station. From there, transfer to the Metro Green Line towards Branch Avenue and ride for approximately 30 minutes until you reach the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. Finally, transfer to the Metro Blue, Yellow, or Orange Line towards Franconia-Springfield or New Carrollton and get off at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station. Exit the station and walk towards the Potomac River; the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge is nearby.
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Train
From the Laurel Marc Train Station, board a train heading towards Washington, DC. The ride will take about 30 minutes. Alight at the Union Station in Washington, DC. From Union Station, walk to the Metro Red Line and take the train towards Glenmont. Get off at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station. From there, walk towards the Potomac River; the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge is a short distance away.
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Bicycle
If you have access to a bike, you can ride from Laurel to the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge. Start by heading towards the Baltimore Avenue (US-1) and travel south. Follow the bike lanes along the route, which will lead you to the Washington, DC area. Once you reach the city, continue towards the Potomac River to locate the memorial bridge. The total distance is approximately 15 miles, and it may take around an hour to reach depending on your pace.
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Walking
Walking from Laurel to the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge is quite a long journey, approximately 15 miles. If you choose to walk, start at the Laurel Town Center and head south on Baltimore Avenue (US-1). Follow the path through the city and stay on pedestrian-friendly routes heading towards Washington, DC. Once you get closer to the river, you can follow signs to the bridge. This will be a full day’s walk, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
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