Visiting San Diego's Historic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge & Quince Street Bridge

In 1912, two neighborhoods in San Diego that were separated by a canyon, were connected by a footbridge. The bridge spans over 370 feet in length and 70 feet above the canyon below at its highest, and amazingly in this age of cars and fast transportation, is still here more than a century later.
The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is probably one of the best known "hidden" spots in San Diego, and is quite popular on places like Instagram. We recently visited the bridge, where we took a look at it from above and below, while discussing its history and the story of its designer.
We also ventured about a 1/2 mile away, to another historic bridge in San Diego that linked two neighborhoods, the Quince Street Bridge. This wooden trestle bridge was built in 1905, making it one the oldest bridges in the county.
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[@patryan8531]

I was born and raised in san diego moved out in 1980 at 23, thanks for the memories.

[@mjhuskyluv3660]

You make me soooo homesick. I have done the 7 bridge hike and with every dog I have ever had I have had them do these bridges and the suspension bridge to help them become comfortable with different ground textures etc. I have never had a dog refuse to walk it.

[@wilsonpicket8505]

Makes me miss my Hometown. I wish that I could afford to live there again. It's crazy expensive now.

[@deandupont5503]

I was born and raised in San Diego, and this is all new to me. Respect.

[@afletchermansson4418]

Very well done, Sir! As usual, your video prompted memories of San Diego in the 1960's.. In particular, the Vermont Street bridge - back when it was a huge wooden trestle. And Sears was still there. And the Dagwood restaurant. And Frank the Trainman. And. And. Thank you for prompting all the happy memories!

[@davkatjenn]

I used to live in San Diego and have fond memories of riding in my parents' car, driving under that trestle of the Vermont Street bridge and dreaming of going into the Sears store and riding on their escalators. I am glad that they saved the sign for Frank the Trainman and I love the big "The Boulevard" sign on the west end of El Cajon Blvd.

[@elizabethpeterson455]

I lived in Bankers Hill for years and this bridge was on my daily walk on First ave. And third ave.💖

[@WonderingAboutThat]

When I lived in San Diego I would regularly go for bike rides in that neighborhood in the evening and often take some time to sit on the bridge and enjoy the quiet ambience. It was always an enjoyable experience. Thanks for the reminder.

[@kurtweiand7086]

Steve that knothole shot was fabulous 👏, as far as l know a first of it's kind!

[@kitsimmonds.344]

Just stubbled upon your channel, I'm in the UK and find US history fascinating. I've watched about half a dozen of mini adventures now and they've all been excellent. No over the top music, just loads of interesting information presented at a nice chilled pace. Liked and subscribed.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@TeddsPicks]

I actually had a job putting in a custom home theater in the area and I went to check it out on my lunch break what an amazing bridge

[@annenelson5656]

I always wanted to walk on that bridge but for no good reason I never had. It’s really cool and I’m glad the city has decided to keep it. Knowing our city council over generations I’m actually amazed that they have. Thank you for this video.

[@MrFmiller]

Steve, bringing back America, one adventure at a time. Thanks Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Some one has to do it.

[@bradbo3]

I lived blocks from both bridges in the 70”s and never even knew they existed til seeing this video….WOW….this channel amazes me more with each episode. I miss San Diego

[@lifewithjosef]

The rainmaker story is an interesting one, I think your subscribers, including me, would love your take on it. As always, love your style and content.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I might do something on the rainmaker story in the future. I have to get out to the dams and check them out.

[@drguffey]

Been to San Diego many times. Never knew about these bridges. Adding to my bucket list !

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

[@conniewojahn6445]

These two bridges are fantastic. What really gets me is how much (or little) they cost originally to build and how much they cost to keep up and maintain. Times certainly have changed even if the bridges haven't. Thanks for taking us along.

[@oceandmike]

Wow! Great video! I lived in San Diego for five years and never heard of the bridge.

[@seneschal4617]

I do miss working in Banker's Hill, with all these places nearby and lunch in Balboa Park a block away.

[@joewenzel5142]

That must be fun on a windy day.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I can imagine it really swinging.

[@garthbutton699]

Thanks for the foot bridge tour,your videos are always relaxing and thanks for your efforts🤗😎🤗😎

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks!

[@j.b.a.124]

Hi Steve, thank you for sharing. Lived in San Diego (Ocean Beach) for 5 years in the late 1970s & early 1980s & never heard of those bridges. Cheers from Florida.

[@jcornman24]

Things like these don't really get built anymore, I'm glad they didn't tear down the Quince street bridge for that reason

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah. Its surprising that it lasted so long. Lucky its still here.

[@pisacksen]

👏cannot wait for Wednesdays.

[@jmdoutdoors5729]

Thank You Steve, another great video. I have to drive to San Diego to walk across those beautiful bridges.

[@CarlaFinley]

Several years ago I was visiting my daughter in San Diego. We decided to look for a geocache. It brought us to this bridge. We couldn’t walk across it at the time because it was closed off.

[@johngulino2651]

Our house was one block from the second bridge. Our neighbor, Eleanor Meadows, was part of the first class of college students to begin at San Diego State University and go through until graduation. She became an elementary school art teacher. Her house was at the very edge of the steep canyon. She fed all the skunks & feral cats that came up from the canyon and lived under her house.

[@LuisBecerra79]

Quince Bridge, Maple Trail is about a mile long, it’s worth the hike, you’ll pass under another historic bridge (1st Ave) and the views are also fantastic from down there. Totally recommended and also I recommend wearing shoe with enough grip on dirt. 👍🏼

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I will have to go back and do the whole trail. I only went down far enough to go under the bridge and back up.

[@coby7914]

​​@@SidetrackAdventures Hi, l have several questions: on Harbor Island a few years back a paddle wheel boat(restaurant) named The Ruben E. Lee sank and I'm wondering if if it was ever replaced? #2. At 636 C Street The C Street Inn was closed because failing health codes. Has anything been decided on it's future? #3. Between First and Front Street there are 3 old hotels on one block (the rest is parking) The Pine Hotel, The Brunswick and The Reese Hotel - I'm just wondering if anything big is scheduled to replace them?

[@erichegrosse6874]

Like San Diego. Spent 8-9 months there in '71-72. Not a lot of opportunity to get out and about then. Have been back a few times recently. Thanks for showing more stuff to see and do.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Very kewl! Two hidden gems 💎. 👍☮️🌞❤️

[@SJR_Media_Group]

*_Who doesn't like crossing a suspension bridge... the 'sway' is part of it's charm..._*

[@angeliamesserschmidtpowell6074]

Thank you so very much for taking me down memory lane. I get to come home in a couple of weeks. Your videos give me “have to check this or that out energy”. Thank you!

[@mssixty3426]

Thank you for this excellent tour and information! I subscribed a couple of weeks ago, I'm greatly enjoying your channel. Going to watch the Grand Canyon video next.

[@NaturesChild]

For many years I've passed by the Quince Street Bridge after my dental appointments. I'll have to stop some time and cross these bridges... been a long time since I've seen the Spruce Street Bridge. Been a San Diego area resident since the early 60's and enjoy your adventures!

[@danahsutton101]

That was my old neighborhood and I recently walked across these bridges. Beautiful area and weather.

[@CDRiley]

I have a request, a walking trek from San Diego to Key West, Florida. It would be interesting.

[@rampage44km]

I'm going to have to conquer my fear of heights and check these out😮

[@pacificostudios]

I've seen the Quince Street Bridge often from the 4th Ave. bus route. It is very visible.

[@jasonshull3106]

Thumbs up for the shot through the hole. Naught.

[@paulsmodels]

Thanks for the tour! There is an old suspension bridge in the town of Arroyo Grande on California's central coast. It's a super cool bridge and crosses over Arroyo Grande creek that flows year round. There is a resident chicken population that hangs out in the park by the bridge.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Steve

[@SpanishEclectic]

I grew up here, and during the 1990s my gal pals and I would explore this area, often on the way home to University Heights from "Afternoon Tea" at the Horton Grand, or drinks at the Princess Pub. My friend was obsessed with this bridge. Due to the many canyons in the area, a lot of the streets start and stop with dead ends, requiring a 'reroute' to the closest major street that connects them. Challenging in the days before GPS, etc. on your phone. A fun area to just walk around, with all of the trees and historic homes.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah. I always feel weird stopping to read the plaques on the houses though, since they are still being lived in. I guess that's the price you pay for having a historic home though.

[@jatzbethstappen9814]

Great video yet again!

[@JP-su8bp]

Solid excursion! Thanks for sharing.

[@WonderAboutUs]

We’re going there today!

[@zentmrs]

Thanks Steve! Fun to wander around the bridges with you!

[@terised]

Thanks for another interesting video of San Diego. Lived there from 79-84 and had no idea these bridges existed. Really enjoy seeing all of the places you visit cuz I'll never be able to visit them at my age.

[@1984xlx]

Very cool. I've got to check it out next time I'm in the area. Thanks Steve!

[@joewenzel5142]

I wonder if any movie scenes were filmed on that bridge.

[@marshmallows5641]

What a nice spot! That bridge is pretty cool. And the canyon is beautiful.

[@MichaelTitera]

I've always heard of the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, but have never seen it. Thanks to you, it is now on my bucket list! 😁

[@mtnair3]

Another interesting video. I enjoy them

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@leonajameson8902]

Wow. Pretty cool. I live in San Diego and never knew about them

[@HuangXingQing]

San Diego reminds me of Portland some ways. There's a suspension bridge in Regency Texas I've never been on either. Headed down to Sunny San Diego in a few days so may walk this one.

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU STEVE,VERY COOL

[@justnty]

Another great video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks again!

[@jeffmyers7062]

came back to drop and comment!

[@fearsomebeard4290]

You’re right in my neighborhood!

[@paul9156c]

Love the content Steve !👌

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks!

[@keithwhittington1322]

That was fun and interesting. Thanks.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@reneejones7807]

Wow! Great video. My daughter just moved to San Diego and this is going straight to the top of the list on my next visit. I'm sure she has no idea these are in her town!

[@timothyotoole8035]

I love your videos.

[@GradiorDignus]

Very cool

[@coyotegrad-collectables]

Interesting! I'm going to have to check out the bridges!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Definitely worth it is you get a chance.

[@davidstevens5908]

I grewup in the San Diego area. I always knew about the many canyons but not about the bridges.

[@kathyfinney9155]

You must have enjoyed making this with the side and knot hole views. I was nervous just watching.

[@richardcrites1484]

Ha try saying toy boat five times really fast Steve LOL love you man love you videos

[@charleshaggard4341]

We are going to Carlsbad in mid May and we will put that on our list of things to see. Again, thanks and I really enjoy your history narration in your videos.

[@davkatjenn]

Get hungry and go to El Indio's on India Street about a block south of Washington Street. Get the rolled tacos with cheese and guacamole. It is to die for.....

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its a bit of a drive from Carlsbad, but if you do end up making it down its a lot of fun.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think El Indio invented the rolled taco, or at least claims to have.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh yeah... I see the shaking already when you stopped and looked over the sides but that swaying later on... 😳 I could probably cross it but would hate every second of it. Not a big fan of heights myself. Glenn would probably be bouncing on it. 😂 Second one? Piece of cake.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That was only with the two of us on it too, later on when a big group was going across it was really shaking.

[@billofrightsamend4]

The whole country needs to build bridges like this over highways. Especially on the east coast. Enclosed btw...lol I felt like I had to mention that, Incase they actually do it.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

I love that knothole camera view! Was it the Lake Morena dam that blew out in 1912? I remember seeing a plaque somewhere up in the foothills about that disaster.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The Lower Otay Dam failed but Lake Morena is what the rainmaker was trying to fill.

[@robertrothery]

HERE'S A TIP FOR HOW TO HIKE THE CANYON: Please don't scramble down that trail into the canyon below the Spruce St. bridge. It's not meant to be a path, it's steep and dangerous - and using it causes erosion. INSTEAD ... here's a way to visit both canyons: Park your car (or bike, or take an Uber) on or near State Street (which becomes Reynard Way) near the corner of W. Maple. St. Walk west on Maple and there is a trailhead into the Maple Street Canyon, which goes under the beautiful 1st Ave Bridge, and then under the Quince Street footbridge (the second bridge in this video). THEN ... retrace your steps back to the trailhead and back onto Maple St. Turn right on Dove St. and right again on Arroyo Drive. Walk to the end of Arroyo (the kind of fascinating hidden urban street you'd never find by yourself) and at the end of the street it opens onto a path into the canyon beneath the Spruce St. bridge! This is a gorgeous walk, just as rewarding as the 7 Bridge Walk, and far fewer tourists crowding your view. This was a lovely video, thank you! I lived a block from the bridge for 20 years before retiring to another city. Due to internet fame the bridge is NEVER as empty as you portrayed it. There are often 30 or more people on it, and crowds arriving in buses on surrounding streets. So - please respect the neighbors! The noise and trash has become quite a problem - I've picked up dirty diapers and empty beer bottles from my yard too many times!

[@DM-lc2cf]

They are both amazing, I would like to go there, even if I am bothered by the height.....

[@carlcotton1753]

Anyone remember the old Texas St. bridge? I'm old and my memories are a little vague, but it was scary! Great video. Thanks

[@davkatjenn]

Are you talking about the bridge over Texas Street on Adams Avenue? When I was a kid living in San Diego I thought that was pretty scary.

[@carlcotton1753]

@@davkatjenn I was a small kid, but I remmeber a big wooden bridge over a deep ravine. I think it was painted white wit blue trim. People called it the Texas street bridge. Bet it was the same one you saw.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm all for more unique footbridges.

[@wsgeo]

There is a small footbridge southeast of the caves in La Jolla on the Coast Walk Trail.

[@wsgeo]

Also, there is another newer constructed pedestrian bridge over the Chollas Creek Channel part of the Southcrest Trails Park. (Yeah, the same area where Beta and Birch Street flooded.)

[@mawi1172]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@drecic1]

Deux magnifiques ponts, méconnus des touristes étrangers comme moi et qui mérite un détour.

[@martinbunchdd412]

Not sure if you did this one yet but Sweetwater Bridge in Rancho San Diego off of 94 is pretty old and cool with a history. MartinB hwy 80 buff...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I did a video on it a couple years ago. There are some really cool bridges in San Diego County.

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

Thanks Mr. Steve for the info I was wondering if there was anything left where the people use to catch the streetcar. Like an old bench or maybe some old tracks. Thanks again.

[@davkatjenn]

A few years ago, Ken Cramer, in his show "About San Diego" showed some old tracks between Pacific Beach and La Jolla and that is what those were, old streetcar tracks. I can still remember the old street car shed on the west end of Adams Avenue in the University Heights area, but it was torn down many years ago. There is a park there today.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The tracks are still there but they are under the street. A year or two ago they were doing some work and uncovered them. I posted a picture on Instagram at the time, but everything else is gone.

[@davkatjenn]

The Spruce Street bridge is so special. Man, when I watch these videos, I really do miss San Diego a lot. How about a video of the hidden stairways in the Rolando area of San Diego? Those are pretty cool as well. Or how about a video of the little park on Adams Avenue where the street car shed used to stand. I am old enough to remember when that building stood there.

[@robertrothery]

Trolley Barn Park! A great place for picnics with a spectacular view of Mission Valley.

[@JMVideos7676]

So nice to not see any graffiti or homeless camps near those bridges. Thanks for the travel/history lesson.

[@robertrothery]

Oh there's graffiti that has to be painted over frequently! And the price for no homeless is occasional police helicopters hovering over the canyon at night, guiding border police to chase people out of the canyon. This sounds cynical, sorry - I loved living in SD in that neighborhood - but it's not paradise and the blessing of the bridge is also a bit of a curse to those who live nearby.

[@raniqueblackman8096]

I'm from SD and would love to check the bridge 🌉 out but my fear of heights won't let me 😂😂

[@rayworx]

Damn.... I grew up in SD and never knew these bridges were there! Granted I grew up in the Clairemont area but lived on State St (with my first wife.... may she rot in hell) for over a year. Moved away in '79

[@williamschoemann4209]

I enjoyed that very much. However, I wish well-intentioned videographers like yourself wouldn't spread the news about those two bridges. That is a quiet residential neighborhood. I was raised on Second near Spruce. I walked home from SDHS through Balboa Park and accross the Quince Street Bridge every day. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

[@robertrothery]

I lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years (recently retired to another city) ... have to agree but I think that ship has sailed! This bridge is featured in dozens of KZbin videos. On a typical Sunday hundreds of people (not exaggerating) would walk by my house and onto the bridge. We had neighbors who sold their house next to the bridge because they couldn't take the noise at night! The purchasers only lasted a couple of years before moving for the same reason. We built a wall in front of our house after too much garbage in our yard, even had people who would peek into our windows and have picnics in our yard! But ... the bridge is popular for a reason - it's wonderful. So the neighbors have had to learn to live with the crowds.

[@368fan4]

G`morning S.A,

[@gobbleguk]

Have you made any visits down to Chula Vista and National City?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think the only video I've done near those areas so far is the Montgomery Memorial.

[@gobbleguk]

@@SidetrackAdventures I would recommend the Stephen Birch Bird House near the water park if you're ever down there

[@shop99er]

There should be a trailhead to walk under the Spruce St Bridge at the North end of N Arroyo Drive

[@robertrothery]

There is! I posted a comment about this. MUCH safer than scrambling down the side of the canyon (which also causes erosion).

[@hitchpost5822]

Is the Quince bridge considered a trestle bridge ? It kind of looks like the bridges they used to built for trains to cross canyons in the old days.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The San Diego History Center lists it as a trestle.

[@robertrothery]

Yes - the video notes that it was repaired ... a eucalyptus tree fell on it during a big storm and destroyed the middle of the bridge. The city was just going to tear it down but neighborhood advocacy cause them to see the light! The Spruce St. bridge is beautiful but not particularly useful - the people who live on the west side of the bridge aren't the sort to need it to get to the bus line on 1st Ave! But neighbors use the Quince St bridge all the time to get to the commercial districts on the east side of the bridge all the time.

[@user-zv8gd3jl7q]

Try HillCrust Pizza its near it and very delicious brick pizza 🍕

[@nationalist818]

Hey I was 818th viewer

[@straybullitt]

That Charles Hatfield must have been a pretty good rainmaker! He is the one who is actually responsible for climate change! 🤠

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The city never ended up paying him either!

[@joewenzel5142]

San Diegoans from back in the day hated climbing up hills apparently.

[@heikep4906]

understandable🙂

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Or going around canyons!

[@Once800-]

2,186 people with their average weight in the year 1912.

[@terised]

You're so right! I believe 150 lbs used to be the standard weight used for such restrictions, but now it would probably be closer to 200 lbs.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, the number is probably lower these days.

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

That's one hell of a price change between building that one bridge and repairing it! But where did they get people to build that for $1,000? Were they Chinese immigrant hostages?!

[@Ice_Solid]

A ton of people watched this video because the bridge was crowded on Sunday.

[@paul9156c]

I want to organize a meet-up of 2187 people on that bridge.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

Make sure that no one gets distracted while counting them.

[@robertrothery]

Please don't! The dozens at a time weekend afternoons are enough.

[@richardcrites1484]

In today's money that would be 9 billion LOL thanks a lot feds

[@Brian3989]

Interesting, however, I would quibble about the use of "pretty unique". UNIQUE implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel. So only one.

[@rufusmacck3712]

Don’t be so pedantic Brian. Nobody cares.

[@robertrothery]

(eye roll)

[@mikesloothaak679]

I really enjoyed learning more about the bridges, but please avoid the phrase "very unique". Unique means "one of a kind." Something can't be "very" one of a kind or, on the other hand, "slightly" one of a kind.

[@ScratchGlass9]

Fantastic !! Always a pleasure to see your vids. Cheers from Detroit 🇺🇲

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I really appreciate that.