Motorradfahren in Orlando

Ocala National Forest Loop

Just a short ride from Orlando, Florida, the Ocala National Forest Loop is an easy and truly scenic day’s ride offering unobstructed views of pristine forests, lakes, and wetlands. Popular among local motorcycle riders, the Ocala National Forest Loop is a great way to explore Florida’s natural wonders astride a motorcycle. Especially stunning in early mornings, the road is lined with small scrub oak and sand pines making you feel like you’re traveling through a remote, unspoiled land. This route is sparsely populated, and you can experience the tranquil countryside at a leisurely pace while taking in both the solitude and the views.

Leaving Palatka, jump on Route 19 and head south, a quiet two-lane road. While Route 19 cannot boast adrenaline-inducing twists and turns, it does meander through the lush green Florida countryside and invites you to crack the throttle. There will be several picnic areas and campsites along the way, and you may spot a wandering black bear in the wild. Stop in Salt Springs to gas up if you forgot to fill your tank in Palatka. Grab a bite to eat here as the town has several small and friendly eateries located on the main road.

Leesburg Bikefest

Past Pitman, the road will cut through Florida swampland, eventually skirting the shores of Lake Eustis and Lake Harris. Here, it will take you to Leesburg, one of Florida’s motorcycling capitals. Leesburg is home to the annual Leesburg Bikefest, an event that happens to be the third largest motorcycle and music event in the USA. If you want to attend the Leesburg Bikefest, time your ride for early November and book accommodations in advance. The town gets crowded with bike riders from across the country.

If you happen to visit Leesburg during the off-season, make sure to stop by the Downtown Saloon at 7 North King Street. The Downton Saloon is an authentic biker bar offering everything a motorcyclist needs from ample bike parking to live music in the evenings, as well as a full menu and drinks till late.

After visiting Leesburg, head back North on Route 75 and 301, enjoying rural Florida’s charming and quiet country roads. Past Ocala, you can either continue north and ride back to Palatka to complete the loop or cut across the Ocala National Forest on Route 40 via Silver Springs. This alternative route offers some more views of the wetlands, and don’t be surprised to see an alligator sunning itself on the side of the road.

Übersee Highway(Florida Keys Hwy)

Key West, Florida

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is a stretch of road that travels through some of America’s most spectacular tropical scenery. Connecting the island of Key Largo with Key West, the Florida Keys are a stunning coral reef archipelago the islands connected by a series of bridges. While Key Largo lies fifteen miles south of Miami, Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States, is located just 90 miles off the coast of Cuba.

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway connects 43 of the major “keys”, as the islands are known, and it offers a truly unique riding experience. Views of sandy beaches surrounded by bright turquoise and aquamarine waters stretch out as far as the eye can see. The Keys have a wonderful blend of Cuban and Bahamian cultures.

The culture, music, art, architecture and cuisine of the Keys are steeped in the deep-rooted traditions of nearby Cuba and Bahamas, and there is no shortage of salsa bars and motorcycle-friendly places brimming with lively Cuban music. Excellent dining options can be found along the entire highway, whether you’re looking for some fresh seafood or a traditional Cuban ropa vieja.

Here is what not to miss on the Florida Keys Scenic Highway:

Key Largo

The first island you’ll come across as you leave Miami is Key Largo, one of the most developed as well as motorcycle-friendly “keys” in the entire archipelago. If you’re keen on sampling some really great seafood, Pilot House in Key Largo serves freshly caught seafood throughout the day. If you’re after a real biker bar, Hog Heaven in Islamorada a little further down the road is a great place to stop. Serving drinks and full menu until 3.30 AM each night, Hog Heaven is decorated with motorcycle art and caters to local and visiting motorcycle riders alike.

Marathon

If you have the time, consider staying in Marathon for a day before continuing your journey south towards Key West. Marathon is a little over 110 miles from Miami, making it the perfect point to stop, enjoy the sun-drenched Keys’ beaches and lifestyle, and recharge before getting back into the saddle. Marathon offers a multitude of water sports from kayaking and paddle boarding to deep-sea fishing and boating. There are several nature hiking trails in the Curry Hammock State Park as well. The island is also home to the Dolphin Research Center and a Turtle Hospital where visitors can interact with and appreciate dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays.

For a motorcycle-friendly place to stay, check out the Banana Bay Resort, which offers luxury accommodations surrounded by coconut palms and bougainvillea, a beautiful flowering plant that is found throughout in the tropics. With several swimming pools, bars, and private beaches, the Banana Bay resort is the best stop for the full Florida Keys experience.

Seven Mile Bridge

A highlight on your Florida Keys Scenic Highway motorcycle ride, the Seven Mile Bridge starts in Marathon and ends in Big Pine Key. Offering views of endless sky and sea, Seven Mile Bridge makes for the ultimate motorcycling experience. Here you’ll ride your motorcycle right over the aquamarine water with nothing but beautiful blue sea on both sides. Mind the oncoming traffic and your lane position here, because the winds whipping through the channel can be strong and can blow you around in your lane.

South past the Seven Mile Bridge, the Keys become less developed. Here, the commercial districts, resorts, and bars give way to wildlife preserves and state parks.

Key West

As you reach Key West, make sure you spend at least one night on the island to get a feel of what the Florida Keys life is all about. Key West is famous for its famous bars Sloppy Joe’s and Capain Tony’s, both claiming that Ernest Hemingway himself often frequented each of them, as well as the town’s iconic Duval Street eateries, bars, and shops. Visiting the “Southernmost Point of the Continental USA” signpost at the corner of Whitehead and South Street, the Ernest Hemingway Museum, and the Key West Aquarium are all a must when visiting the island. For a motorcycle-friendly stay, check in at the Key Lime Inn, which offers designated motorcycle parking with a shade and is situated just a few blocks away from all the Key West highlights.

For an authentic Cuban dining experience, visit El Siboney which offers Key West’s finest Cuban cuisine. If you’d like to have a satisfying dinner while talking motorcycles with the locals, head to Stock Island and order the Killer Hogfish Sandwich at the Hogfish Bar & Grill, which is a popular motorcycle hangout spot in Key West. Be advised that Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West can get crowded during the winter months when tourists flock to Florida to escape the cold. Between March and May, however, most of the tourist traffic subsides, and many hotels and resorts will offer better prices during this time.