A1A Bridges

Question

I'm driving to St Augustine and researching which bridges I need to cross. If I choose the A1A after crossing into Florida from Georgia, how many bridges and names of them so I can look them up? I'm thinking if I go through Jacksonville, I can stay on I-95 instead of 295 to avoid the big bridge. But then I thought of A1A..thoughts and suggestions?

Answer

Driving down Florida's A1A from the Georgia border toward St. Augustine is a scenic route, but it involves crossing multiple bridges over rivers, inlets, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Unlike I-95, which is faster and avoids most local bridges, A1A is more coastal and slower but offers a more picturesque drive along beaches and barrier islands.

Here are some key points to consider when taking A1A south from Georgia:

Major Bridges on A1A from Georgia into Florida toward St. Augustine:

St. Marys River Bridge: Just after entering Florida from Georgia, this bridge carries traffic over the St. Marys River, separating Georgia and Florida.
Folkston/Camden area minor bridges: There are several small creeks and intracoastal waterways with low-profile bridges; they’re not named majorly but are part of A1A's coastal route.
Vilano Bridge / Matanzas River Bridge: As you approach St. Augustine, A1A crosses the Matanzas River to reach Vilano Beach and the northern beaches of St. Augustine.
Anastasia Island Bridge (Highway A1A): Connects mainland St. Augustine to Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach. This is a key bridge before reaching the main beach areas.

Other small bridges exist along the route, especially near tidal creeks and inlets, but the above are the most significant crossings. Some local maps and GPS apps may label them differently, but these are the ones you will notice most.

Alternative Route via Jacksonville / I-95:

Staying on I-95 through Jacksonville is faster and avoids the large scenic bridges along A1A.
You can bypass the St. Augustine beaches if you want a direct route to downtown or the historic district.
This is more practical if you are concerned about time or heavy traffic, especially on weekdays.

Recommendation:

If your goal is scenic views, beach access, and a more relaxed drive, A1A is worth it, but plan extra time for slower traffic and multiple bridge crossings.
If you prioritize speed and fewer bridges, stick to I-95 through Jacksonville and take local roads near St. Augustine to reach the historic downtown or beaches.

In summary, A1A offers a beautiful coastal drive with at least 3 major bridges you will want to know: St. Marys River Bridge, Vilano / Matanzas River Bridge, and the Anastasia Island Bridge. The choice depends on whether you value scenery and beach towns versus directness and speed.

A1A Bridges

More Florida (FL) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions