The Chain Bridge

There’s a parking lot just north of the bridge, and this is a good area to see the Potomac from. The canal towpath is and the Capital Crescent Trail are both accessible near here, making this a good starting point for hikers and bikers.
As to the actual bridge, this is as good a way to get between Virginia and DC as any, but every way is bad during rush hour. At least you’ll be stuck with a nice view.

It’s already been said that the Chain Bridge is one of the most scenic connections between the Nation’s Capital and old’ Virginny. Traffic snarls aside, it provides commuters with picturesque views of the lush green landscape along the Potomac River.
While I cannot trump the other reviews, I’d like to offer some interesting tidbits about the bridge:
— The first bridge on this site was erected in 1797 as a way to ease trade between Virginia and Georgetown
— Several bridges were constructed on this site and suffered ill fates due to flooding between 1797 and 1939
— in 1810, a suspension bridge, supported by chains, became known as Chain Bridge and survived for several years.
— Prior to 1833 commuters were charged 25¢ per horse that crossed the bridge; public outrage ensued.
— During the Civil War the bridge was occupied by Confederate soldiers in Virginia and Union soldiers on the Washington side. Two metal gates were placed in the center of the bridge to keep the opposing sides at bay.
— The eighth and present day bridge was built in 1939 and sits on pillars from the 1870s
— Approximately 22,000 cars cross Chain Bridge daily
The next time you’re stuck in traffic, take a moment to ponder the historical significance of Chain Bridge. Next, take a breath and then resume screaming at the car in front of you for being an incompetent driver and wondering what box of Cracker Jacks comes with a prize that awards an idiot a driver’s license.

The views off this bridge are amazing.
The Flood plains, the land below the bridge, is a real special place. Especially during March.
Plenty of wildlife, including deer, herons, and hawks.

This bridge is way more picturesque than the others if you’re sick of the urban bridges that span Arlington and the District.
You’ll get a great view of the Potomac river, plenty of trees, and plenty of rocks. No monuments, no buildings, no high rises, nothing — just you and your Thoreau self — and about 22 000 cars a day that pass over this thing. Just ignore that and you can enjoy the view.

While Chain Bridge can be one of the more picturesque bridges in the D.C. area, it sucks during rush hour.
It offers a beautiful view of the Potomac and the cliffs along the Virginia side of the river. And trust me, you will have plenty of time to look at them as you are sitting in jammed traffic around 8:30a.m.
If you want to check it out, I’d recommend walking.

A bridge, I know not something you would think should be reviewed. However, if you don’t know about this bridge you are missing out! Especially if you are a Key Bridge HATER, like me.
For those that don’t know… if you continue north on Glebe it curves through a little mini forest, crosses the Potomac at a very pretty point and takes you into NW DC in the Palisades neighborhood at McCarthur Blvd (if you turn left on Arizona).
It saves tons of time, I think its even faster to Georgetown b/​c you can just stay on canal. It can be tricky if you don’t know the times the lanes change, but other than that its the fastest way into the district!