5 Best Bike Routes in Opal’s Florida Destinations

After a few days of lounging poolside and enjoying activities at the resort, you may be ready to stretch your legs and explore all the destination has to offer. Here, we highlight a selection of the best bike trials in Florida in Opal destinations.

Riverbend Park [Jupiter, FL]

Shared by hikers and cyclists alike, this 680-acre park offers 10 miles of hard-packed trails, plenty of short loops, and not much in the way of difficult terrain – ideal for families and casual bicyclists. In fact, the longest single stretch is the 1.5-mile portion of the Ocean to Lake Trail that runs through the park. Regardless of how you explore it, you’ll delight in the park’s picturesque scenery including ponds, bridges, creeks, and marshes, plus wildlife (deer, rabbits, birds) as you cycle through.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail [Clearwater, FL]

Often referred to simply as Pinellas Trail, this 37-mile trail runs along the abandoned tracks of what used to be the CSX Railroad, from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Named for a boy who lost his life after being hit by a train, it was designed especially with trail safety in mind: The paved route is well lit, has pedestrian bridges, and is patrolled regularly. Cyclists can expect to see many parks, ponds, and even artwork along the route.

The Legacy Trail [Sarasota, FL]

The Legacy Trail is a testament to Old Florida beauty, running 11 miles next to a segment of what used to be Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Almost perfectly straight for 10 of those miles, the trail connects south Sarasota to Venice and on to the Venetian Waterway Park. Cyclists often opt to start the trek at the Historic Venice Train Depot, a Florida orange–colored building constructed in Mediterranean style almost a century ago. While a lengthy route, the level, well-paved surface makes it relatively easy.

Gordon River Greenway Park [Naples, FL]

There aren’t many places to explore the beautiful Florida landscape that are as easy to traverse as this lush green 126-acre park. Opened in 2014 with public access that has been rolled out in phases, the paved 12-foot-wide trail is occasionally broken up by bridges that take cyclists over wetlands, with spots to take a rest or fish. The park is carefully maintained and well lit, making it suitable for nighttime rides as well – at least until the park closes at 10 p.m.

Overseas Heritage Trail [Florida Keys]

One of the hottest forms of transportation (other than your own two feet) in Key West is a bike. But for something a bit more scenic than the souvenir shops of Duval Street, check out the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a 106-mile-long route that stretches beside Route 1 from Key Largo down to Key West. Our suggested portion: Stock Island (located just north of Key West) to Mile Marker 15 (just south of Sugarloaf Key). At 10 miles in length, it exists on a trail separate from the highway and crosses over half a dozen bridges, offering some of the best scenic outlooks along the route.

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