Riding in South Florida

While wildlife is not as abundant, and as much of a threat to motorcyclists, as in other regions such as  Texas or  New Mexico , it can be a problem in the more desolate areas. Alligators and deer are often seen by the side of the road.

Rides included: Florida Keys, Top Dog (Stuart), Tampa,  Corkscrew Swamp, Captiva Island, and the Everglades

(Key Largo/Key West) 400 miles

The ride to Key West, or even the upper keys, is one of the highlights of Florida riding. Although most of the ride is on a four lane, at best, highway with heavy traffic through small villages, the ocean air, usually excellent weather and tropical landscape make it very pleasurable. 

There is only one way to Key West and out of it, so carefully avoid holiday weekends, as traffic jams are certain to occur. Once south of Homestead, you are presented with the only road choice; to continue on US 1 for a terribly boring ride and moderate traffic or take Card Sound Highway, where, for a small fee, you can ride in a desolate road, with the added benefit of some curves and a gorgeous view of Miami to the north. Card Sound later rejoins US 1 to continue south towards Key West. 

Islamorada, although a tourist trap, is a nice place for a break. Bahia Honda park is worth the visit and Cudjoe key offers excellent scuba diving. 

While in Key West, stop by Mallory Square for a Key West tradition. 

• From Fort Lauderdale, head west on US 75.
• Turn south at US 27.
• Turn right onto SR 997, towards Homestead.
• Turn right at US 1.
• Turn left at Card Sound Dr.
• Turn right at SR 905.
• Turn left at US 1.
• Follow US 1 all the way to Key West.

   100 miles. 

Top Dog bar hosts one of the most successful bike nights in the country. Thursday nights will see hundreds of motorcyclists riding to Top Dog and hanging out in the huge parking lot. All types of bikes, from sportbikes to Harleys to vintage motorcycles, riders and curious persons will enjoy the weekly gathering from 6 p.m. to about 10 p.m. 

• From the Delray/Boynton Beach area, take US441 north to Southern Blvd.
• Turn left onto Southern Blvd.
• Turn right at the road just before the Lion Country Safari.
• Turn right onto at the end of the road.
• Turn left onto SR 710.
• Turn right onto SR 711.
• Turn right onto SR 76.
• Turn left at US 1, a.k.a. Federal Hwy.
• Turn left onto the parking lot.

To return: 

• Leave the Top Dog parking lot on US 1 heading South. Slow down as Stuart police has been known to tax velocity.
• Turn left onto Indian Street.
• Turn right onto US A1A.
• Turn right onto US 1.
• Turn right onto PGA Blvd.
• Turn right onto I-95.

Tampa  is one of Florida's oldest major cities, with a long history and much personality. 

• From West Palm Beach, head west on SR 710 towards Okeechobee.
• Turn right  onto US 98, a.k.a. SR 700.
• Turn right onto US 27
• Outside Sebring, turn onto SR 66 towards Zolfo Springs.
• In Zolfo Springs, turn right onto US 17
• Turn left onto SR 64.
• Turn right onto SR 675
• Turn right onto US 301, SR 43.
• Turn left onto SR 683, a.k.a. Moccasin Wallow Rd.
• Turn right onto US 41, a.k.a. Tamiami Trail for a ride up the coast.

Corkscrew Swamp is easily the premier wildlife refuge in South Florida. The wooden boardwalk takes visitors thru a prairie before heading into the cypress swamp, where many animal and plant species can be observed. 

• From West Palm Beach, head west on US 90, a.k.a. as Okeechobee Rd.
• Turn left on SR 80, towards Belle Glade.
• Stay on SR 80 as it turns into US 27.
• Turn left onto SR 80 towards La Belle.
• Turn right at SR 832.
• Turn left onto SR 29 towards Immokalee.
• Turn right onto SR 846.
• Turn right at the sign for the sanctuary.

To return, take the Tamiami Trail into Miami. Make sure to stop in Ochopee to visit the smallest post office in the US. 

• Turn left at SR 846.
• Turn right onto SR 29.
• Turn left at US 41.
• Turn left at SR 997 towards Fort Lauderdale.
• Turn left onto US 27.
• Turn right onto I-75, towards Fort Lauderdale.

T

Ding Darling national Wildlife refugee offers the opportunity to easily view Florida's winter bird population. The dirt road snaking through the length of the park will provide easy access to trails and elevated observatories, from  where storks, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and other birds, as well as alligators can be viewed.

• From West Palm Beach, head west on US 90, a.k.a. as Okeechobee Rd.
• Turn left on SR 80, towards Belle Glade.
• Stay on SR 80 as it turns into US 27.
• Turn left onto SR 80 towards La Belle.
• Turn left at SR 832.
• Turn right onto SR 29 towards La Belle.
• Turn left at SR 80 towards Fort Myers
• Just after the I-75 overpass, turn left at Six Mile Cypress Rd.
• Turn left at US 41, a.k.a. as Tamiami Trail.
• Turn right onto SR 865.
• Turn left onto SR 867 towards Sanibel Island.
• Turn right onto Periwinkle Way.
• Turn right into the refugee.
• As you exit the refugee, turn right onto Periwinkle Way.
• Follow Periwinkle Way all  the way to the end of Captiva Island.

To return, take the Tamiami Trail into Miami. Make sure to stop in Ochopee to visit the smallest post office in the US. 

• Leave  Sanibel Island on SR 867.
• Turn right  onto SR 865.
• Turn right onto SR 29.
• Turn right onto US 41.
• Turn left at Corkscrew Rd.
• Turn right onto I-75 South.
• Turn right onto SR 951 South.
• Turn left onto US 41, a.k.a. Tamiami Trail.
• Turn left at SR 997 towards Fort Lauderdale.
• Turn left onto US 27.
• Turn right onto I-75, towards Fort Lauderdale.

200 miles

This ride provides ample opportunities to study Florida's natural history and observe its abundant wildlife. Winter and early spring are the best time to visit the park astemperatures and humidity are at pleasant levels, mosquitoes and other bugs are not active, and migratory birds make the park their winter home. 

     
While the park in Everglades City is the best place to see wildlife and there are guided tours of the area, there also plenty other places where animals can be observed.

Best Interstate Ramps

• I-95 south on ramp from SR 76
• Intersection of I 75, Florida turnpike, SR 441 offers up to 9 on ramps to play on.
• Onramp from SR84 west onto US 27 south.

Events and rides

• Top Dog Thursday night in Stuart 
• Fuddrucker's Friday night 
• Squid night out at the Krystal's at Main Street and Ocean Drive during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Also, the first gas station east of Speedway Blvd and I-95 on the south side(mostly late at night).

Parks 

•  Big Cypress National Preserve 
•  John Pennekamp 
•  J.D. MacArthur 
•  J Dickenson 

Lodging 

• The Whispers in Key West.