Florida is one of the best places in the world to travel as a cyclist. Flat as a pancake, with a gorgeous warm climate and beautiful, diverse landscapes, it is a spectacular destination to explore on two wheels. The cycling infrastructure is also pretty great, with plenty of long seafront cycle paths and gentle, hard-packed trails.
So whether you are visiting Florida’s hidden gems for the weekend or enjoying the Sunshine State for longer after an adventure on a cruise, a self-guided bike tour is an unforgettable adventure. Here’s a guide to how to enjoy the best of this gorgeous destination on two wheels.
Start in Miami: The Magic City
Miami is the jewel of Florida, a magical city that blends a hard-partying lifestyle with an elegant, sophisticated culture and gorgeous scenery. From beautiful beaches to picturesque Art Deco architecture, Miami is a must for any Florida adventure.
Must-See Stops
South Beach: Take your wheels out for a ride along Ocean Drive to see the finest of Miami’s pastel-perfect Art Deco houses, and stop for a photo at Lummus Park for endless views over the water.
Wynwood Walls: Wynwood is Miami’s alternative neighborhood, a haven of street art and colorful murals.
Foodie Highlights
Joe’s Stone Crab: This Miami institution has been serving up fresh seafood for over a hundred years and is still one of the best places to eat crab claws in the city.
Calle Ocho in Little Havana: Miami’s Cuban community boasts some of the finest Latin flavors in the US. Calle Ocho in Little Havana is a short pedal away from downtown and is known as the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.”
Pedal Through the Florida Keys
Spanning 106 miles from Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Heritage Trail follows the route of Route 1, the Overseas Highway from Key to Key.
A cyclist’s dream, it serves up remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico as it takes you on a journey out towards the Caribbean.
Must-See Stops
Bahia Honda State Park: The perfect place to pause for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters after a long day’s cycling.
Key West: The most southerly point of the continental US, Key West is all old-fashioned charm and warm hospitality. Don’t miss a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s Museum where the great man lived.
Foodie Highlights
Cooking in the Florida Keys is all about fresh seafood, so head to the Keys Fisheries in Marathon for lobster, conch fritters, and grouper sandwiches, or to Blue Heaven in Key West for amazing island-style bites.
Explore St. Petersburg: A Cultural and Culinary Hub
Located on the Gulf Coast, on the other side of the state from Miami, St. Petersburg (St. Pete to the locals) is a wonderful spot for art lovers and foodies alike.
It is a great city to cycle around in, with quiet, tree-lined streets perfect for pedallers.
Must-See Stops
The Dali Museum: Home to one of the most extensive collections of Salvador Dali’s work in the world, this wonderful museum is a must for fans of surrealist art. The architecture of the building itself alone is worth the visit!
Foodie Highlights
Locale Market: An amazing artisanal market offering everything from fresh seafood to gourmet burgers.
Bodega on Central: Incredible Cuban pulled pork sandwiches that are the perfect fuel for a big day of cycling.
Florida is a truly superb destination for a cycling vacation, with the perfect climate and terrain to make days spent on two wheels a dream. A self-guided tour through the Sunshine State guarantees a fantastic experience and an exciting, enjoyable vacation.