Recent failures of coastal bridges during extreme storm events have focused attention on the need for research on wave loading of coastal structures suspended slightly above the still water level. This paper presents findings from large-scale experimental work carried out in the wave basin. Measurements from physical model tests are used to gain insights on the dynamics of wave-loading of coastal bridges and to derive prediction methods for both quasi-static and impulsive wave loads. The effect of openings in the bridge deck is also discussed, and guidance derived for design purpose.