Planning Your Visit: Practical Information
Finding Your Way: Location and Access
The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is located on Spruce Street, between Front Street/First Avenue on the east and Brant Street on the west, within the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego (Zip Code: 92103).
Its approximate coordinates are 32.7387° N, 117.1660° W. Access is straightforward from either end of the bridge where Spruce Street dead-ends at the canyon.
For those using public transportation, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Route 3 travels through Bankers Hill. A common stop is near 6th Avenue & Laurel Street. From there, it's a walk west on Laurel, south on an avenue like First or Second, and then west on Spruce Street to reach the bridge. Visitors should always check the current MTS website for up-to-date schedules and fares.
If driving, general directions often involve using I-5 and transitioning to CA-163 North, taking an exit like Ash Street (Exit 3B), and navigating surface streets (e.g., 6th Avenue north to Spruce Street, then west) to reach the bridge's vicinity. Use a GPS or mapping service for the best route based on current traffic.
Hours of Operation
The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is generally accessible to the public daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Signage posted at the bridge confirms these hours, indicating it is closed to trespassing overnight between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. There is no fee to access or cross the bridge.
Navigating Parking in Bankers Hill
Parking near the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge requires some planning, as there is no dedicated parking lot. Visitors primarily rely on free street parking within the surrounding residential streets of Bankers Hill.
It is crucial for visitors to understand that parking availability can be quite limited, especially during weekends, evenings, or popular visiting times. It's advisable to arrive early or be prepared to park several blocks away and walk to the bridge entrance. Good areas to look for parking include the streets near First Avenue and Spruce Street. While online resources might mention specific addresses like "231 West Spruce Street", this refers to general street parking in that area, not a designated lot.
Visitors must pay close attention to all posted parking signs. Restrictions such as time limits, permit-only zones, or street sweeping schedules are common in residential neighborhoods and must be observed to avoid citations. Setting realistic expectations about finding street parking and allocating sufficient time is key to a smooth visit.