A ride in the sun and fun of Florida—featuring the scenery of historic coastal byway A1A.

Right now, around 500,000 motorcycle riders have roared into Daytona Beach, Florida, for the annual Spring Bike Week. But after a day or two of wheel-to-wheel traffic, you’ll probably want to get out of town and ride. Thankfully, there’s a wonderful escape route featuring ocean breezes.

Florida State Road A1A

Florida State Road A1A is a scenic and historic coastal byway that runs from Amelia Island down to Key West. It’s an iconic road in the beach culture of Florida. Sections of it were used as part of the original Daytona Beach Road Course for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race from 1937 to 1960. Dotted with parks and small and large communities, it hugs the Atlantic coast of Florida and offers an adventure you could spend weeks exploring. Pack a bathing suit and some sunscreen and enjoy a ride along the ocean.

Atlantic Avenue

In Daytona Beach, Atlantic Avenue is the main north and south road on the beach side of the Halifax River. It’s also Florida State Road A1A. At Main Street, the avenue is divided into North Atlantic Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue. No matter which way you turn, you’ll find yourself away from the Bike Week traffic jam.

South on Atlantic Avenue

The ride on South Atlantic Avenue is the shorter of the two routes. Ponce Inlet is 11.5 miles away. The little community is a nice place to park your bike and walk around. You can visit the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Museum, find a bite to eat, or just relax at the beach.

North on Atlantic Avenue

For a longer escape from the Bike Week shuffle, head out on North Atlantic Avenue towards St. Augustine. It’s just over 50 miles to this historic city. Founded in 1565, it’s the oldest European established settlement in America that’s been continuously occupied.

A 40-mile ride north from St. Augustine on A1A brings you to the ferry crossing of the St. John River in Mayport. If you take the ferry, you can follow A1A another 22 miles to Amelia Island and Fort Clinch State Park, the furthest north you can go along the Florida coast.

No matter which way you turn, you’re sure to be guaranteed some beautiful sights, unique places to visit, and a relaxing ride along the water.

Till next time ride safe!

 

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If you’re looking for more events and ride suggestions, check out our Events section.

Explore Florida’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. Learn more about this ecological treasure in central Florida.

While in Florida, why not consider a ride through the Apalachicola National Forest?