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]