San Diego 7 Bridges Hike

While San Diego is known for its beaches and sunny weather, it’s not necessarily the place you think of for hikes. What the city does offer is “urban hiking” opportunities, with routes throughout San Diego and its neighborhoods.

One such urban hike is the 7 Bridges Hike. I had been aware of this trek for a couple years now, but hadn’t ever considered undertaking it until recently. It’s a 5.5 mile loop through a few different neighborhoods that is easy to navigate, with a few steps here and there.

We recently decided to embark on this hike during a free weekend and we had a great time! Buster even powered through the whole trek. Continue reading for more information on each bridge and helpful directions.

Park Boulevard Bridge

Starting off strong in Balboa Park! This pedestrian bridge connects the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden and Desert Garden to some of the main areas of Balboa Park.

Start on the east side of the bridge and cross over towards the Bea Evenson Fountain. Continue walking west on El Prado past the Museum of Us.

Cabrillo Bridge

Fun fact: back in 2019 when Andrew and I flew down to San Diego for vacation, Cabrillo Bridge was the first thing I saw from the airplane. This historic bridge was built in 1914 and was California’s first multiple-arched cantilever bridge.

Walk west across Cabrillo Bridge, out of Balboa Park. Turn right onto Sixth Avenue, then left onto Nutmeg Street. Finally, turn right onto First Avenue.

First Avenue Bridge

Also known as The People’s Bridge, the First Avenue Bridge is the next stop of this urban hike. This one is the city’s only steel-arch bridge and crosses over Maple Canyon. Originally assembled in a Midwestern fabrication plant, disassembled, and shipped to San Diego, the First Avenue Bridge was retrofitted in 2010 for earthquakes.

Cross the bridge and turn right onto Quince Street.

Quince Street Bridge

Also crossing Maple Canyon is the Quince Street Bridge, San Diego County’s oldest bridge. Built in 1905 for $805, this wooden-trestle bridge was originally designed to help residents access to the Fourth Avenue trolley line more efficiently.

There are two options to continue. After crossing the bridge, you can either turn back, turn right onto First Avenue again, then left onto West Spruce Street. Or, after crossing the Quince Street Bridge, you can turn left onto Fourth Avenue. Continue to Walnut Avenue, turn left, take another left onto First Avenue, and then turn right on West Spruce Street.

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

This one might be my favorite. I’ve visited the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge a couple times, but never during the 7 Bridges Hike. This unique bridge was built in 1912 and allows pedestrians to walk over Kate Sessions Canyon. The gently swaying Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a great photo spot and a great hidden gem.

Note: This may be a good chance to take a break! After the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, it was the perfect time for us to stop, rest our feet, and grab a bite to eat in Hillcrest!

Once you cross the bridge, take an immediate right onto Brant Street. Follow the road as it becomes Upas Street then Walnut Avenue. Turn left onto First Avenue then right onto University Avenue. Once you reach Vermont Street, turn left.

Vermont Street Bridge

Connecting the Hillcrest and University Heights neighborhoods is the Vermont Street Bridge. Built in 1995 to replace a wooden-trestle bridge, this walkway offers more than just accessibility. Artwork and quotes adorn the bridge’s pathway and panels, including “I am thankful that I wear sensible shoes and can walk with comfort all day long,” by Kate Sessions.

After this bridge, turn left onto Lincoln Avenue. Following this road until Georgia Street, then turn right.

Georgia Street Bridge

Linking Hillcrest and North Park together is the Georgia Street Bridge. While short in distance, this concrete bridge towers over University Avenue. It was built in 1914 and features a Romanesque spandrel arch in the Mission Revival style.

Once you have crossed this bridge, continue to Robinson Avenue and turn right. Take a left onto Park Boulevard and follow the road until you’re back to Park Boulevard Bridge.