Top Motorcycle Touring Routes in Florida
Florida is a hot destination for tourists of all kinds, but there’s some especially attractive motorcycle routes that are worth your attention. With over a thousand miles of shoreline, subtropical weather, and beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, there’s a lot to look forward to when touring the area. Add in fun roadside attractions, and you have the perfect place to take your bike for some longer rides.
At Cycles of Jacksonville, we like highlighting riding activities in the area, and there’s a few great touring routes right here in Florida.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a thrilling ride! Keep reading for more information about these touring routes or, if you’re more interested in checking out some great new and used motorcycles, head into one of our dealerships in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or Orlando, Florida.
North Tampa Circuit
Start in Land O Lakes at SR 54 & Collier Parkway and wind through the open country north of Tampa almost up to Brooksville. You might forget you’re even in Florida, what with the many horse and cattle ranches, though you’ll be reminded when you see the seemingly endless orange orchards — a particularly beautiful sight when seen in the spring when the oranges are in bloom and the smell of oranges is in the air.
The rest of the route is something of a zig zag with a few hilly sections that offer surprising views of the countryside. Go east to Trilby, south to Dade City & Zephyrhills, and back west to Land O Lakes. You’ll find generally good road quality on this route, though there are some narrow, bumpy sections to watch out for. Since this is a countryside route, there’s not too much in terms of roadside amenities, but toward the end you’ll hit Dade City and Zephyrhills, both of which have a lot in terms of restaurants, shops, and a few local attractions.
Ozello Trail Ride
This simple yet beautiful route starts off 60 miles north of Tampa, just north of Homosassa Springs, in Cutlers right off US Highway 19. Also known as State Route 494, Ozello Trail heads west toward St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Along the way you’ll experience plenty of twists and turns, as well as all the water you could ever want! There are plenty of side roads to explore, with almost unlimited opportunities for unique views of the Gulf. Be sure to save time for a meal at Peck's Old Port Cove toward the end of the route, or hit the Island Outpost mid-way through! The roads are in good condition, though the twists are best suited for those with moderate experience, and there are sandy parts that can trip you up if you’re not on the lookout.
Casey Key
Start in Nokomis off US 41 and head toward Albee Road West. Follow it to Casey Key Road and go north along the key. From there you just ride up the key to Blackburn Point Road and take that east back to US 41. That’s it! This short route takes you along the beach with great views of precarious houses and astounding scenery. You get a few curves, but this is a mostly straight shot, perfect for a clear day’s ride. The road quality is what you would expect from other beach roads near the Gulf, with some sandy corners, but it’s certainly not terrible. As far as amenities, you’ll find a few places to eat and resorts at the south and north ends of the key, but otherwise it’s just beaches and road.
Hopefully one of these short Florida motorcycle routes catches your eye. There are plenty more, though, so head into Cycles of Jacksonville to talk with us about your favorites. We’re located in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Orlando, Florida. Come in today and let our team of courteous professionals answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.