Traipsing Through The Tulips: Bridges of Bankers Hill

There’s a lot to love about living in San Diego. I could lie to you and tell you that it isn’t as great as its reputation, but why would I do that? I would much rather boast about the beauty of this fine city and gloat about the almost perfect year-round weather. All to entice you to come visit this pocket of California, of course.

When I first moved here in 2002, I was fortunate enough to settle into a great neighborhood near Balboa Park where I am able to be pedestrian and enjoy the eternal summer days.

One of my favorite parts of living in Bankers Hill is walking the historic streets lined with turn of the century homes and taking in the canyon views that are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Bridges provide the best vantage point for such views and Bankers Hill happens to be home to three of my favorite bridges.

Here are three unsung treasures of San Diego. Next time you are in the neighborhood, come check them out for yourself.

Quince Street Footbridge

Erected: 1905
Type of Bridge: Wooden Trestle Bridge; Pedestrian

Dimensions: Length: 236 feet; Height: 60 feet
Location: Spans Maple Canyon; On Quince between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue
Notable items of interest:

Restored in 1990
Still contains 30% of its original wood

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

Erected: 1912

Type of Bridge: Steel Suspension; Pedestrian
Dimensions: Length: 375 feet; Height: 70 feet
Location: Spans Kate Sessions Canyon (aka Arroyo Canyon); On Spruce Street between Front Street and Brant Street
Notable items of interest:

Bridge sways and bounces when walked on
Engineered to be able to support 2,186 people with an average weight of 150 pounds

First Avenue Bridge

Erected: 1931

Type of Bridge: Steel Truss Arches Bridge; Automotive and pedestrian
Dimensions: Length: 463 feet; Height: 104 feet
Location: Spans Maple Canyon; On First Avenue between Nutmeg Street and Palm Street
Notable items of interest: