While La Loma Bridge (now known as John K. Van De Kamp Bridge) is known as the sister bridge of the famed Colorado Street Bridge, San Rafael Bridge is often forgotten. Like the Colorado Street Bridge and John K. Van De Kamp Bridge, San Rafael Bridge crosses the Arroyo Seco. It's the southern most Arroyo Seco bridge. The Arroyo Seco is a park with trails.
All three Arroyo Seco bridges are open-spandrel concrete arch bridges that can be used by pedestrians and cars. San Rafael Bridge was completed in 1922. It's a short bridge - just 355 feet, with sidewalks on both sides. It looks more impressive from down below. Not many people walk across the bridge but it does get quite a bit of car traffic (locals, I'm sure).
Mr. Froyo says that on cold nights, the temperature drops when you cross over to the west side and head down Laguna. It's not as well lit as the other two bridges but it has views and a similar look and feel.
The stairs lead down to what used to be Busch Gardens. These are the original stairs... read more