Cycling on Southern Florida’s Scenic Beach Trails

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February 3, 2021

A pair of riders during sunset.

Southern Florida’s exceptional climate makes year-round recreation easy. While you might get a little more sweaty than normal if you explore some of the scenic beach biking trails in Southern Florida, it’s a small price to pay compared to what you could be enduring in other regions.

Thankfully, these trails don’t all require a tricked-out mountain bike and otherworldly athleticism. Many of them are designed for casual afternoon rides on beach cruisers between stops at your favorite watering holes.

Woman standing next to blue bicycle next to ocean beach and looking out at the water.

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Sebastian Inlet State Park Hammock Trail

In addition to being a Florida surfer’s paradise, Sebastian Inlet State Park boasts a 40-mile multi-use beach trail that’s perfect for biking. The path runs parallel to state road A1A and the Indian River Lagoon on the inland side. On the beachside, you’ll be able to choose multiple places to stop and dip your toes in the ocean if you desire.

There are three different trails in this state park, which is located in Melbourne Beach. All three beach biking trails can be accessed from the State Park Bayside Marina. The park’s website highly encourages visitors to check in with Inlet Marina staff to get updates on conditions and trail closures before venturing out on any trail.

Florida is widely known for its flatland when it comes to bicycling. So you won’t have to worry about tackling any large hills or steep climbs on these trails. However, they are all a mix of paved and sandy terrain that may offer more of a challenge for the enthusiastic mountain biker.

Oaks with Spanish moss hang over a shaded bike path.

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Pinellas Bike Trail

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Bike Trail is a great choice for anyone visiting the cities of St. Petersburg or Clearwater. The trail extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and allows multi-use access for biking, walking, jogging, skating, and more.

One of the coolest parts about this trail is that you don’t necessarily need your own bike to enjoy it. There are actually a total of 17 different bike shops at various points throughout the length of the trail. Many of them provide hourly or daily bicycle rentals and they are also a great resource if anything goes wrong with your bike while you’re out for a ride.

In total, this urban trail corridor provides 54 miles of bike trails that connect several city and county parks, coastal recreation areas, and major retail centers. So, whether you want to enjoy a scenic beach bike ride or stop in for a little shopping or local food while you’re out, this beach biking trail truly has something for everyone.

A glass of rosé is balanced on a bike seat, with a big orange bag in the back basket of the bike.

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The Palm Beach Lake Trail

 If you’re heading down to West Palm Beach for a little beachfront staycation, you should definitely pack your bikes to enjoy a ride on the Palm Beach Lake Trail. This 5.5-mile trail runs along the western edge of Palm Beach from South Lake Drive near Peruvian Avenue North up to its northern terminus near the famous Sailfish Club. If you’re traveling this bike trail with kids, keep in mind that there are two small interruptions where the safe bet is to dismount from your bikes to navigate one intersection and a small stretch of city sidewalk.

Bikers wishing to explore the entire 5.5 miles of this trail are advised to start at the southern terminus because there is better access to paid public parking there.  As you head north, you’ll be able to take in the scenic views of West Palm Beach to your right and the Lake Worth Lagoon to your left.

There is plenty to do and see along this urban bike path, including The Georgia O’Keeffe Gallery, the Society of the Four Arts, and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. But whether you want to make several stops throughout a full day on the trail or get a nice workout in while enjoying the sights and sounds of West Palm Beach, this trail is a great choice for all.

A senior couple riding a trail

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West Lake South Trail

 Located near Hollywood, Florida, the West Lake South Trail is a short, easy bike trail for riders of all skill levels. The trail stretches just less than three miles in length and allows you to make a full loop instead of seeing the same sights you’d see on an out-and-back style trail. If you’re looking to get a nice morning ride in without worrying about traffic or the bustle of city life, this trail is what you’re looking for.

You’ll find the trailhead on the south side of Sheridan Avenue, but visitors are actually advised to park at the Anne Kolb Nature Center on the north side of the street. This will require a short ride through Lake Forest Park and a quick crossing of Sheridan Avenue before you can head further south through West Lake Park.

The park itself sits on the east side of the Stranahan River and, from sections of the trail, you’ll be able to look across at the cityscape of West Hollywood Beach and North Ocean Drive. Once you’re on this trail, it’s mostly dirt and rock for the entire length, so it’s best suited to mountain bikes or fat-tire bikes. And even though it might be a quick ride for some, West Lake Park offers a lot of other activities, including kayaking, fishing, boat rentals, and more.

A lone pine tree casts shade over a small lake.

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Delray Beach Mountain Bike Trails

For those that are interested in more challenging terrain, check out the Delray Beach Mountain Bike Trail located in West Delray Regional Park. This trail is designed for intermediate riders and it offers a total of five miles of true, single-track riding. Located on the west side of the park, the trail can be accessed from two trailheads at the second and third cul-de-sacs when you enter the park from West Atlantic Avenue.

These trails are well maintained by members of the Florida Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts (FORCE), and riders are required to wear a properly fitting helmet when using this trail. For those that aren’t so into single-track riding, this regional park also offers a variety of additional activities, including fishing, kayak and canoe access, equestrian trails, and a disc golf course.

While you won’t be able to enjoy ocean views from this park due to its slightly inland location, it’s the perfect way to get your mountain biking fix while still being less than ten miles from Delray Beach proper.

Good Sam RV Parks in Southern Florida

 If you’re traveling within this region and you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay that’s convenient to a few of these beach biking trails, check out these highly-rated Florida Good Sam parks!

A sprinter van under a sprawling tree.

Yankee Traveler RV Park

Yankee Traveler RV Park

Yankee Traveler RV Park is the best option for those looking for a Good Sam park near Clearwater and St. Petersburg. With only 32 sites with full-hookups, you won’t have to worry about crowds at this park.

Motorhome parked under cypress trees

Vero Beach Kamp

Vero Beach Kamp

If you’re interested in a high-quality Good Sam RV Park near the trail at Sebastian Inlet State Park, check out Vero Beach Kamp. This park sits just two miles from the beach and boasts 130 full-hookup sites with 50 or 30 amp service.

RVs in background, shuffleboard court in foregrond.

Palm Beach Traveler RV Park

Palm Beach Traveler RV Park

If you’re looking for a spot a little further south to enjoy a getaway near West Palm Beach, we think you’ll love Palm Beach Traveler RV Park. With 96 full-hookup sites and the ability to accommodate rigs up to 50 feet, it’s the perfect base camp for exploring the Palm Beach area.

Plus, they are now offering a 50% Holiday Special valid from 5/1/2021 through 9/7/2021. If you book a stay for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day weekends, you’ll receive 50% off the published price for Labor Day weekend.