Best places to ride in Florida
Florida is a great state for biking, with its year-round warm weather and abundance of scenic routes and bike trails. Here are some of the best places to ride your bike in Florida:
The Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are a cyclist's paradise, with more than 100 miles of scenic routes that take you past crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and tropical vegetation. The famous Old Seven Mile Bridge is a popular spot for cyclists, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Cycling on the Old Seven Mile Bridge is a unique and unforgettable experience for any cyclist. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and wildlife, and the lack of vehicular traffic makes for a peaceful and serene ride.
The bridge itself is in a state of disrepair, which adds to its charm but also means that cyclists should be prepared for a bumpy ride. However, the scenery and sense of isolation from the outside world more than make up for any discomfort.
One of the highlights of cycling on the Old Seven Mile Bridge is the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee. The experience is truly immersive and provides a window into the unique natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
Overall, cycling on the Old Seven Mile Bridge is a must-do for any cyclist looking for a unique and memorable ride. Just be prepared for some rough terrain and remember to take in the stunning scenery!
The Space Coast: The Space Coast is a great place for a bike ride, with its flat terrain and scenic routes. Take a ride on the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway, which runs along the Atlantic coast, and enjoy views of the Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Indian River Lagoon. Cycling the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway is a truly immersive experience that showcases the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Florida's east coast. The route covers over 100 miles and includes breathtaking views of the lagoon, sandy beaches, and lush greenery.
The cycling infrastructure is well-maintained and offers a variety of terrains, from flat stretches to challenging hills, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. The scenic highway is also dotted with charming towns and cultural landmarks, providing ample opportunities to stop and explore the local history and culture.
Cyclists are treated to a range of stunning sights along the way, from the Kennedy Space Center to the Sebastian Inlet State Park, making the ride both scenic and educational. The diverse ecosystem of the lagoon is on full display, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, dolphins, and even manatees.
The Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway is a must-do for any cyclist looking to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of Florida's east coast.
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The Gulf Coast: The Gulf Coast of Florida offers some of the best bike riding in the state, with miles of flat, scenic routes that take you past sugar-white beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Pinellas Trail is a popular spot for cyclists, stretching over 40 miles and connecting several Gulf Coast communities. Cycling The Pinellas Trail is a fun and relaxing way to explore the Gulf Coast of Florida. The trail stretches for nearly 50 miles, offering a variety of terrains and scenic views, from charming downtowns to natural preserves and beaches.
The trail is well-maintained and offers a safe and enjoyable cycling experience, with designated bike lanes and well-marked crossings. The numerous parks and picnic areas provide plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
One of the highlights of cycling The Pinellas Trail is the access it provides to a range of local attractions, including museums, art galleries, and restaurants. The trail passes through several quaint Gulf Coast towns, providing ample opportunities to stop and explore local culture and history.
The Pinellas Trail is a must-do for any cyclist looking for a fun and relaxing ride with stunning Gulf Coast views. With its well-maintained infrastructure, numerous parks and attractions, and charming local towns, the trail offers a truly immersive and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all skill levels.
Learn More about The Pinellas Trail.
The Everglades: The Everglades are a nature lover's dream and offers a unique biking experience. The Shark Valley Visitor Center in the Everglades National Park offers bike rentals and guided tours, allowing you to explore the park's diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Cycling Shark Valley is an exciting and unique way to explore the Everglades. The 15-mile loop trail offers a glimpse into the heart of the Everglades and the diverse ecosystem that it supports.
The trail is well-maintained and offers a safe and enjoyable cycling experience, with designated bike lanes and few cars. The highlight of the ride is the opportunity to spot a range of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. However, the hot and humid climate can make for a challenging ride, so it's important to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
One of the highlights of cycling Shark Valley is the opportunity to stop at the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Everglades. The tower provides a unique vantage point and a chance to spot wildlife from above.
Riding Shark Valley is a must-do for any cyclist looking to explore the unique natural beauty of the Everglades. With its well-maintained infrastructure, opportunities to spot wildlife, and stunning views from the observation tower, the trail offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
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Fort Myers: The John Yarbrough Linear Park in Fort Myers, Florida is a great destination for cyclists of all skill levels. The trail is approximately 6 miles long and is paved, making it a smooth and enjoyable ride. The trail runs along the "10 Mile Canal" waterway and has plenty of trees and grass. You can see alligators, turtles, iguanas, and a variety of birds along the trail. It runs between Colonial Boulevard and Six Mile Cypress Parkway with free parking at Daniels Parkway or Six Mile Cypress Parkway.
One of the best things about this trail is that it is well-maintained and clearly marked, with plenty of signage to help cyclists navigate the route. The trail is also wide enough to accommodate multiple riders, making it a great option for families and groups.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Linear Trail offers several amenities along the way, such as restrooms, workout and picnic areas.
Overall, the John Yarbrough Linear Park is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and scenic bike ride in Florida. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this trail has something to offer for everyone.
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Naples: The Freedom Trail in Naples, Florida is a fantastic destination for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels. This paved trail is approximately 2.3 miles long and offers a scenic route through some of Naples' most beautiful neighborhoods.
One of the best things about the Freedom Trail is that it is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate for cyclists. The trail is also relatively flat, making it accessible for beginners and families with children.
Along the way, cyclists can enjoy stunning views of the Gordon River and pass by several historical landmarks, including the Naples Depot Museum and the Naples Preserve. The trail also offers several amenities, such as restrooms, picnic tables, and water fountains.
One of the unique features of the Freedom Trail is the opportunity to spot wildlife such as alligators, herons, and turtles, as it passes through the Gordon River Greenway, a protected habitat for local fauna.
Overall, the Freedom Trail is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and scenic bike ride in Naples. With its picturesque views and easy access to local landmarks, this trail is an excellent option for both tourists and locals alike.
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The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail: The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a beautiful and well-maintained destination for cyclists in Florida. This 16-mile paved trail runs through the natural beauty of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, with scenic views of lush forests and wildflower fields.
One of the most impressive aspects of this trail is its natural beauty. Cyclists can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Alachua County countryside, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species.
The trail is also well-designed, with clear signage, mile markers, and well-maintained rest areas with benches, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle hills, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels.
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is ideal for both a leisurely afternoon ride and a long-distance cycling adventure. Cyclists can enjoy an easy 10-mile round trip or ride the entire 16 miles, which takes about three hours.
Overall, the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is an excellent option for anyone looking for a beautiful and well-maintained cycling destination in Florida. With its natural beauty and well-designed facilities, this trail is a must-visit for both tourists and locals alike.