This is a very popular bridge in the Sarasota-Siesta Key-Longboat areas because of their connection. The RCB was reconstructed in the early 2000s and is supposed to last for 75 years. It is a favorite with pedestrians, runners and walkers, fishermen, mommas with baby strollers, tourists, bicyclists, and dog-walkers. There is a walkway built on the bridge, which measures about .6 miles one way or 1.3 miles there and back. Good exercise. You can also walk over to the Bayfront Park in Sarasota, which is located on the north end of the bridge. Bird Key Park is located at the south end of the bridge. Both parks are worth visiting. At night, the bridge is lit up with bright royal blue lights. In the evenings, it is pretty crowded with people watching the sunset! I love it. We traveled over it at least twice a day while we stayed in Sarasota. read more

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The John Ringling Causeway, known as the Ringling Bridge, is a 4 lane bridge in Sarasota, Florida that connects Sarasota to Lido Key, St. Armands Key & Bird Key. It's a vital hurricane evacuation route for barrier island residents. This segmental box girder bridge is 3,097 feet long and 65 ft tall. read more

Review #400. #56 2018 By far this is THE structure that defines Sarasota beyond all sculptures sprinkled throughout this city IMO. The 1st bridge was built in 1925 by John Ringling for $1mil. to connect his property on Bird Key to the mainland. He donated the bridge to the Sarasota in 1927. Current 60 feet high bridge is the 3rd one and was built in 2003 for $68 mil. RCB is pedestrian friendly and connects mainland to Bird Key. It's the main throughway to Bird Key, St.Armands, Lido and Long Boat Key. It affords unobstructed views of the Sarasota Bay. I've driven across (2 lanes each way) and passed under countless times. But it's the 1st time I walked across and back. Check :-). It can be breezy so I recommend wearing a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes and a windbreaker. It's an easy ~0.6 miles each way or about 1.2 miles round trip. You could do it in flip flops if you want to but I prefer my tennis shoes. I started in St. Armands and walked parks on both ends so I got in just under 4 miles. Some info if you decide to check it out. + RCB is anchored by Causeway Park on the mainland where Saprito Pier, largest free fishing pier in SRQ is and Bird Key Park. CP also has Harts Landing Bait shop. At Bird Key Park, if you are lucky, you can see playful dolphins. + ~8' sidewalk on both sides + NO fishing on the bridge but you can fish at parks anchoring RCB + Clean so carry bags for your pups please + Pedestrian, strollers, bike and motorist friendly + No facilities + Fabulous views of the Bay, SRQ skyline, Bird Key, St. Armands, Long Boat and Siesta Key + Good place to view sunsets other than the beaches Price is FREE. Parking is FREE at both parks and ample. Mighty cool bridge to smell the salty air :-) read more

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Walking the Ringling Causeway Bridge is one of the things that you do when visiting Sarasota. It is usually packed with locals and tourists throughout the day but morning and nights seem to be most busy. The view is stunning and it's the perfect place to run, power walk, cycle or stroll. Since you are walking next to the road you will hear the cars going by but the sound quickly fades as relaxation sets in. The Ringling Causeway Park by the bridge. It's offers beautiful views of the city and Sarasota Bay. They have restrooms and and a play. read more

John Ringling Causeway Bridge is a bridge and landmark that extends from mainland Sarasota to Bird Key. Extending about 65 feet high off the bay, the John Ringling Causeway Bridge has lanes for cars as well as bikers, walkers, and runners. Why add the John Ringling Causeway Bridge? It's all part of the Yelp experience and this is a historical part of Sarasota. If you can check into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, you should be able to check into this bridge as well. Finished in 2003, this bridge is expected to last at least 75 years. The cost was around $68 million. read more

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This is a nice bridge to go to and walk It's a nice walk looking over the water and on a nice day walking from there to st armonds and do some shopping and right next to marina jacks And park over there So you can have a good day read more

My favorite place for my morning walk when visiting Sarasota! Peaceful, scenic views. The only thing I dislike is the loud traffic...however, it isn't noticable after a few minutes. It's safe with many moms pushing strollers. I usually walk into St. Armand's Circle, enjoy a breakfast sandwich at Blue Dolphin Cafe, walk around the the traffic circle and back over the Ringling Bridge. This gives me about 6 mls. Other times I can walk over the bridge onto Bird Key & back in well less than an hr. read more

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Beautiful place to walk and see the sunset. Does get a little crowded in the evenings but thats just because it's the best time to go

John Ringling Causeway a.k.a. Ringling Bridge a.k.a. Gil Waters Bridge extends from Sarasota to Lido Key. The original bridge was constructed in 1925 by John Ringling and like the two bridges since which are man-made structures meaning they have a limited life and won't last forever, if you build or refurbish a monument it doesn't give one the right to rename it. The Washington Monument was dedicated in 1885 and has under gone many renovations over the years, it's not likely with its latest renovation complete it will be rename the "Obama Monument". The controversy started when the new bridge's name was changed to the "Gil Waters" Bridge. I say shame on those of you who question the legacy of John Ringling who was, the most well-known of the seven Ringling brothers, who merged the Barnum & Bailey Circus with his own Ringling Brothers Circus to create "The Greatest Show on Earth". For decades the name John Ringling Causeway Bridge has been a part of Sarasota's history. Since moving the circus headquarters here in 1927 John Ringling's vision, money and effort's is what has made Sarasota what it is today. Designating the John Ringling Causeway bridge the Gil Waters Bridge was supposed to be a touching gesture commemorating a more modern Sarasotan which is ridiculous and reactive and it was done without notifying the citizens of Sarasota so it retches of scandal and self serving interest. Hey I'm all for recognizing one of the largest developers and businessmen of the modern age but why was it necessary to rename something that has been an iconic symbol of Sarasota for decades. No disrespect to Mr. Waters, I'm for building something to honor one of Sarasota's elite but renaming a piece of history is a little much... read more

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Beautiful, scenic, feeling inspired, great place for a nice walk and to meet new people.

Not only is the Ringling Causeway and Bridge a beautiful structure, you cannot appreciate how great it is unless you were here years ago when there was only a drawbridge there that caused miles-long traffic jams read more