Last Updated on: 14th April 2023, 03:38 pm
Because Florida roads are mostly at sea level, you won’t find hairpin turns and twists, but Florida has a lot to offer motorcyclists. The climate means year-round riding and there are plenty of hidden gems to explore, side roads to avoid the interstates, and a bike-friendly atmosphere.
These exciting motorcycle rides in Florida offer stunning scenery including ocean views, mangrove swamps, and marshes. You’ll ride through some of the state’s most scenic state parks along the best motorcycle roads in Florida.
Here’s a look at the top Florida motorcycle rides & events plus top routes to explore in every region of the state.
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Ormond Scenic Loop – Top Scenic Motorcycle Ride in Florida Near Daytona Beach
Heading to Daytona Beach Bike Week? The world’s largest motorcycle rally is a 10-day event which means you have plenty of time to enjoy not only the event itself but great routes in the Daytona Beach area.
The Ormond Scenic Loop is one of the most scenic motorcycle rides in Florida that takes you from Ormond Beach to Flagler Beach. The fifteen-mile ride to Flagler Beach takes you through hardwood forests, along saltwater marshes, and past beautiful beaches and coastal dunes. You’ll also drive through Tomoka State Park, North Peninsula State Park, and Gamble Rogers State Park with plenty of opportunities to hop off and walk to the water.
Ozello Trail Ride – One of the Top Central Florida Motorcycle Rides Through Mangrove Swamps & a Manatee Refuge
Frequently ranked as one of the best motorcycle rides in Florida, the Ozello Trail ride takes you through Crystal River Preserve State Park in west central Florida about an hour north of Tampa. The park is in Crystal River, FL on the Gulf of Mexico and it boasts 27,000 acres of mangrove islands, hardwood forests, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and more. It’s also a major refuge for West Indian manatees.
Also known as State Route 494, the Ozello Trail features lots of water, bridges, and tons of twisting roads. This ride is best for experienced riders (and particularly sports bikes over touring bikes) as it requires a lot of attention on the road: many corners have a decreasing radius.
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Scenic SR-13 Route – Beautiful North Florida Motorcycle Ride Along the River
Looking for great scenery in the Jacksonville area? Scenic SR-13 is a 38-mile path along the St. Johns River outside St. Augustine, a city on the northeast coast of Florida and America’s oldest city at 455 years old!
What makes Scenic SR-13 one of the best motorcycle trips in Florida? Beautiful scenery combined with a relaxing ride and good roads. You’ll follow the river through quiet little communities, picturesque parks, and under Spanish moss-laden oak trees. The shady areas of the road under the oaks and hanging moss really give you the sense of being in the Old South.
Overseas Highway – Top South Florida Motorcycle Ride from Miami to Key West
The holy grail of Florida motorcycle rides, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway or Overseas Highway is frequently ranked as the best ride in the state. The Overseas Highway connects Key Largo with Key West and 43 of the major keys or islands of the Florida Keys, a coral reef archipelago. You’ll enjoy sandy beach views with aquamarine and turquoise waters.
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After leaving Miami, you’ll hit Key Largo first. It’s the most developed and bike-friendly of the keys with excellent seafood. Marathon offers boating, deep-sea fishing, and hiking trails and it’s a great place to stop and spend the night. The highlight of the ride is the Seven Mile Bridge which begins in Marathon and continues to Big Pine Key. You’ll finally reach Key West.
The total ride is 165 miles or just over three hours, but you’ll definitely want to take your time and probably stop for the night to get the most out of the experience. This is truly one of the most beautiful motorcycle rides in South Florida you won’t want to miss.
Sugarloaf Mountain Ride – Popular Florida Motorcycle Ride Near Orlando
The Sugarloaf Mountain Ride is a cyclist favorite and one of the best Central Florida motorcycle rides near Orlando. This route takes you around Lake Apopka and the charming Mt. Dora community and ends up in downtown Orlando. You’ll pass through rural and suburban landscapes with orange groves and up Sugarloaf Mountain. The top of the mountain is the highlight of your ride, offering picturesque Orlando skyline and lake views.
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This is one of the best motorcycle rides in Florida to actually experience a change in elevation! Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest point on the peninsula even though it’s just 312 feet above sea level.
Green Swamp Ride –Scenic & Twisty Motorcycle Ride in Southwest Florida with Plentiful Wildlife
The Green Swamp is a region of Florida backcountry between Tampa and Orlando in southwest Florida. The preserve includes flatlands, low ridges, and wetlands with four rivers. Want to see Florida’s gators up close? The Green Swamp ride is a great choice with abundant wildlife and alligators everywhere.
Riders love the Green Swamp route thanks to its quiet, rural setting, rideable conditions, wildlife sightings, and fun roads. While a lot of the ride is on straight roads, there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. You’ll feel completely removed from civilization and see why this is frequently ranked as one of the top motorcycle rides in Florida.
Tallahassee to Panama City Loop – Scenic Motorcycle Ride in the Florida Panhandle
Interested in exploring the Florida Panhandle? While South and Central Florida get the most attention, you’ll find beautiful routes to explore around Tallahassee and Pensacola. This route takes you along the Panhandle coast and around the Apalachicola National Forest on a long, four-and-a-half-hour trip. You’ll ride through several towns along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a laid-back and pristine region of the state.
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The route starts in Tallahassee then heads toward Crawfordville, south along the coast toward Ochlockonee Bay and beautiful wetlands. You’ll go over the Ochlockonee Bay Bridge to the Big Bend Scenic Highway, passing beaches and lighthouses. You’ll then cross the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge over Apalachiocola Bay to Apalachicola city known for its scallops and oysters. As you continue, you’ll come to Panama City, a top sailing destination, heading back to Tallahassee. Before you finish the loop, you’ll pass along Lake Talquin. Be sure to stop at the Lake Talquin State Park to see this wooded lake area.
It may not be a great destination for high elevation, thrilling rides, but these top motorcycle rides in Florida show the state has tons to offer for riders with diverse ecosystems and sweeping views.
Planning the ultimate Florida motorcycle ride and need reliable motorcycle transport? Learn more about Florida motorcycle shipping then give Federal Motorcycle Transport a call at (877) 655-3492 for a free quote.
