|
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
All admission
fees for activities, state parks and national parks listed below are included
with your Bike Florida Beach Cruisin registration fee, unless noted.
Click to see Route Map.
DAY 1: SATURDAY,
MARCH 15TH
REGISTRATION
& AMELIA ISLAND LOOPS
[UP TO 39 MILES]
Upon
your arrival and registration, hop on your bicycle and enjoy the sites
of the scenic island. Enjoy on your own or follow ride leaders from the
North Florida Bicycle Club. Beaches, historical sites, shopping or water
sports await you. Our first overnight stay will be in historic Fernandina
Beach on Amelia Island.
FERNANDINA
BEACH ON
AMELIA ISLAND
This
little island of paradise has 400-years of history that offers miles of
unspoiled beaches, delicious dining opportunities, endless shopping and
countless outdoor activities. The island boasts Queen Anne mansions and
ornate Victorian-era structures lining the broad avenues in the 50-block
National Historic District, a 150-year old lighthouse that is still is
a beacon for those navigating the sea and graceful sand dunes shaped and
re-shaped by the whims of the winds. Plenty to do in addition to great
cycling!
FT. CLINCH
STATE PARK
Fort
Clinch State Park provides a unique experience for visitors by preserving,
protecting and showcasing portions of Florida’s natural and historical
resources. The barrier island features the brick Civil War-era outpost
where history is re-enacted, miles of coastal trails, huge sand dunes,
coastal hardwood hammocks, unspoiled beaches, a 1,500 foot fishing pier
and the Great Florida Birding Trail Pavilion. Admission fee required for
the museum.
AMELIA ISLAND
STATE PARK
Amelia
Island State Park offers over 200 acres of undeveloped sea island recreational
opportunities including shoreline fishing and guided horseback riding
on the Atlantic beach.
HORSEBACK RIDING
ON THE BEACH
(THE KELLY SEAHORSE RANCH)
Saddle
up and take a ride with an experienced staff and gentle, well trained
horses enjoying the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island from Amelia Island
State Park. This is one of the few places on the entire coast that
offers beachfront horseback riding. Ride miles of beach where you
might witness dolphins at play, the beautiful blue heron, wood storks,
osprey and countless other birds and animals. Hourly rides go out
at 10am, Noon, 2pm and 4pm. Check-in 30 minutes prior. Price
is $45. Must be 13 or older and under 230 lbs. No experience
necessary. Limited number of horses. Reservations only.
Call 904-491-5166 to make your reservations.
To see other neat
things to do in Amelia Island, visit
www.amelia-island-online.com
DAY 2: SUNDAY,
MARCH 16TH
AMELIA ISLAND
TO THE JACKSONVILLE BEACHES
[45 MILES]
Journey
from Amelia Island on scenic roads along the Atlantic Ocean visiting state
parks, historic sites and coastal communities. An overnight stay in the
Jacksonville Beaches area.
AMERICAN BEACH
In
the mid 1930’s, the founders of Afro-American Life Insurance bought 200
acres on the south end of Amelia Island that became known as American
Beach. In it’s heyday, homes, restaurants and nightclubs attracted the
likes of Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and James Brown. Today, 100 homes remain
from the 1940’s and 1950’s. American Beach is part of Florida’s Black
Heritage Trail and was recently featured in the movie "Sunshine Beach".
LITTLE TALBOT
& BIG TALBOT ISLAND STATE PARKS
Islands
off the coast with miles of wide, sandy beach as well as undisturbed salt
marshes. The marsh areas serve as nurseries for sea life. Seaward dunes
are vegetated by flowing sea oats and serve as home for migrating birds
and rare wildlife. Observation decks, nature trails and boardwalks also
adorn the park. Big Talbot is a premier spot for those who enjoy nature
study, bird watching or photography. You might catch a glimpse of Northern
Florida wildlife in their undisturbed habitats along nature trails in
the park. You can also sunbath, canoe or fish on the island.
B.E.A.K.S.
(BIRD EMERGENCY AID & KARE SANCTUARY)
Located
on Big Talbot Island, B.E.A.K.S. is dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating
injured wildlife. B.E.A.K.S. specializes in caring for Florida’s wild
birds including owls, eagles and pelicans.
FORT GEORGE
ISLAND CULTURAL STATE PARK
Fort
George Island is a cross section of Florida history. The island is surrounded
by lush vegetation, shell mounds, plantation-era structures, and a 1920’s
resort club.
ST. JOHN’S
RIVER FERRY
Load
your bicycle on the river ferry as it takes you across the St. John’s
River, the longest river in Florida, to the little fishing town of Mayport.
KATHRYN ABBEY
HANNA PARK
This
beachfront park boasts over a mile of sandy, white beaches for swimming,
sailing or surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, Hanna Park has
miles of off-road bike trails, nature trails and a freshwater lake great
for canoeing, kayaking or fishing.
DAY 3: MONDAY,
MARCH 17TH
JACKSONVILLE
BEACHES TO ST. AUGUSTINE
[50 MILES]
Trek
south along the coastline through beach communities into the Nation’s
Oldest City. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an overnight stay in St.
Augustine.
GUANA RIVER
STATE PARK
A
1592 account by a Spanish historian has led present day historians to
believe that Guana River was the site of Ponce de Leon’s first landing
in Florida. The park features over four miles of undeveloped beach for
sun and fun and nine miles of scenic nature trails.
PONTE VEDRA
BEACH
Described
as Florida’s "ritziest" destination because of its beautiful
beaches, deluxe golf and tennis resorts. Ponte Vedra Beach is the home
of golf’s The Player’s Championship.
VILANO BEACH
Relaxing,
pristine beaches are just north of the St. Augustine Inlet. Soak up the
sun or take a dip in the warm surf.
ST. AUGUSTINE
Visitors
escape to the past in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest continuously
occupied European city. Visit the 17th-century fort Castillo de San Marcos,
the reconstructed 18th-century Spanish Quarter, historic churches, and
see colorful re-enactments of Colonial days complete with authentically
costumed actors.
DAY 4: TUESDAY,
MARCH 18TH
ST. AUGUSTINE
LOOPS
[0-60 MILES, CENTURY OPTION]
Loop
rides will venture out and back to the St. Johns River or stay in town
and spend the day sightseeing. Plenty to do in the Nation’s Oldest City!
A second overnight in St. Augustine.
ST. AUGUSTINE
LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM
Climb
the 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot working lighthouse and view a
breathtaking panorama. Admission fee required.
PONCE
DE LEON’S FOUNTAIN
OF YOUTH
North
America’s first historical site. Here, Ponce DeLeon came ashore to landmark
and record for all time the first moment of our nation’s history - the
Discovery of North America. Admission fee required.
ALLIGATOR
FARM ZOOLOGICAL
PARK
See
crocodiles, rare snow white alligators, tropical birds, monkeys, giant
tortoises and other exotic animals and enjoy alligator, reptile and bird
shows. Admission fee required.
LIGHTNER MUSEUM
Henry
Flagler’s former Alcazar Hotel holds an extensive collection of cut crystal
and Tiffany glass as well as natural history, art and musical instrument
exhibits. Admission fee required.
CASTILLO DE
SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built
in 1672 of coquina, a local shell-rock formation, this fort served the
Spanish Empire by guarding St. Augustine and protecting the sea routes
for treasure ships returning to Spain. This historic landmark is also
listed in the National Directory of Haunted Places. Admission fee required.
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 19TH
ST. AUGUSTINE
TO FLAGLER BEACH
[53 MILES]
Leave
St. Augustine for Flagler Beach visiting state parks and gardens, historical
national monuments, beaches and tourist attractions. An overnight stay
in Flagler Beach.
ANASTASIA STATE
RECREATION AREA
Located
on the north end of Anastasia Island, this beachy park has plenty to offer.
Relax on the golden beaches or rent beach equipment such as sailboards
or paddle boats.
FT. MATANZAS
NATIONAL MONUMENT
Climb
off your bike and onto a ferry at this historic site. Get an offshore
view of the magnificent coastline and wildlife. This Spanish fort was
built in 1742 to protect St. Augustine. The courtesy ferry leaves every
half hour to tour the historic fort.
WASHINGTON
OAKS STATE GARDEN
The
gardens offer 400-acres of Florida’s original coastal scenery. Waves have
washed the sand away, creating a picturesque coquina boulder-strewn beach.
Enjoy swimming at the beach.
MARINELAND
OF FLORIDA
The
pioneer of American marine-life theme parks, Marineland of Florida is
the predecessor of today’s modern aquariums and ocean-oriented parks.
Opened in 1938, the seven-acre beachfront park contains two large oceanariums,
and is home to dolphins, penguins, a sea lion, sea turtles and a myriad
of ocean life. Bike Florida participants will be able to purchase discounted
admission tickets for $6 each in advance (normal price $14). Tickets will
be available at headquarters.
FLAGLER BEACH
Flagler
Beach is known for its many miles of wide, smooth, sandy beaches. There
are no traffic jams, just natural beauty. Flagler is what every beach
should be: serene and natural without a crowd in site. Since no construction
is permitted on the beach or sand, the shores are lined with sea oats,
scattered boardwalks and bikepaths along the scenic highway that’s known
as A1A.
DAY 6: THURSDAY,
MARCH 20TH
FLAGLER BEACH
LOOPS
[0-55 MILES]
We’ll
explore area state parks, historic sites, beaches and ride the beautiful
A1A coastline and scenic highways. A second overnight stay in Flagler
Beach.
TOMOKA STATE
PARK
This
popular state park offers a museum, nature trails and canoe rentals. The
museum provides exhibits interpreting the natural and cultural history
of the area. The park’s shady nature trail provides a 40-minute walk through
a coastal hammock.
BULOW CREEK
STATE PARK
The
park preserves one of the largest remaining strands of Southern Live Oak
forest along the east coast of Florida. See the mammoth Fairchild Oak,
one of the largest oaks that has stood for centuries.
ORMOND BEACH
A
first-class resort town that still maintains its small town grace. Enjoy
riding the scenic roads along the Halifax River and the Atlantic Ocean,
stop to smell the flowers at the botanical gardens or visit the Casements,
home to the Rockefellers.
BULOW
PLANTATION RUINS
STATE HISTORIC SITE
The
scenic nature trails take you to historic Sugar Mill Ruins, Spring House
Ruins, Slave Quarters and the Plantation House Site. The interpretive
Center tells the story of Bulow Plantation. Canoe rental available to
paddle scenic Bulow Creek.
GAMBLE
ROGERS STATE
RECREATION AREA
This
scenic, oceanfront stop offers swimming or relaxing at the shell-strewn
Atlantic Ocean beach. Stroll the nature trails and wander along dune ramps
to favorite feeding areas of pelicans and other shore birds.
DAY 7: FRIDAY,
MARCH 21ST
FLAGLER BEACH
TO NEW SMYRNA BEACH
[58 MILES]
The
final day we’ll ride along the Halifax River, head west into rural Florida,
then end in New Smyrna Beach.
NEW SMYRNA
BEACH
Our
final destination will be at the "World’s Safest Bathing Beach".
Plenty of restaurants and shops in the area to give you a rest off the
bike. New Smyrna’s beaches are a retreat from the crowds of the surrounding
cities with miles of wide sandy beaches for sunbathing or swimming.
RIVERSIDE PARK
Our
tour ends at Riverside Park on the Indian River. This beautiful eight-acre
park includes walking paths, boardwalks, children's playground, a gazebo
and fishing piers. You might catch a glimpse of the wild dolphins playing
in the river while you wait for your friends to finish their ride.
END OF THE
ROAD CELEBRATION!
At
the end of the ride, join us for the post-ride festivities! Enjoy music
and complimentary lunch at Riverside Park in New Smyrna Beach. It's time
to relax, you finished your cycling journey!
[DISTANCES &
ROUTES SUBJECT TO CHANGE]
|