Thanks to our famous sunshine and miles of scenic coastline, St. Pete Beach (and the surrounding area) offer cyclists a veritable paradise of two-wheeled adventures. From leisurely beachfront cruises to challenging nature trails, our Gulf Coast gem provides a variety of biking experiences for every skill level. Dedicated cyclists and hobby riders alike are certain to or enjoy these top St. Pete Beach bike trails, all of which showcase the area's natural beauty, urban charm, and laid-back coastal vibe.
Pinellas Trail
The undisputed champion of local biking routes, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail stretches an impressive 38 miles, beginning in St. Petersburg. This former railroad corridor (transformed into a multi-use path) connects some of the county's most charming communities. Starting in downtown St. Petersburg, cyclists can ride through Gulfport, Seminole, Largo, Dunedin, and Palm Harbor before reaching Tarpon Springs.
What makes this trail special is its versatility. Casual riders can enjoy shorter segments between the many access points, while experienced cyclists can tackle the entire route. The southern portion offers urban scenery with convenient stops at local cafés and shops, while northern stretches provide more natural surroundings and opportunities to spot local wildlife. With minimal road crossings and dedicated bridges spanning major highways, the Pinellas Trail offers a safe and uninterrupted cycling adventure.
Fort De Soto Park
Just a short trip from St. Pete Beach, Fort De Soto Park presents cyclists with more than seven miles of smoothly paved pathways winding through one of Florida's most pristine coastal environments. The trail system loops through five interconnected islands, offering breathtaking views of mangrove forests, beautiful beaches, and the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf.
History buffs will appreciate stops at the historic fort and military buildings dating back to the Spanish-American War era. Nature enthusiasts should keep cameras ready for glimpses of ospreys, herons, and even the occasional manatee in the surrounding waters. The park's well-maintained paths are mostly level, making them ideal for families and casual cyclists. Several beaches along the route provide perfect spots for cooling off with a quick swim after your ride.
Downtown St. Petersburg
The revitalized downtown St. Petersburg area has become increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and paths connecting cultural attractions, waterfront parks, and vibrant neighborhoods. The North Bay Trail extends 6.5 miles along the downtown waterfront, offering spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline.
Cyclists can explore attractions like the world-renowned Dalí Museum, the St. Petersburg Pier, Vinoy Park and Coffee Pot Bayou, where playful manatees often gather during cooler months. The flat terrain makes for easy riding, and numerous restaurants with outdoor seating provide perfect rest stops. Need to rent a ride? Coast Bike Share stations throughout downtown offer convenient hourly rates via a smartphone app.
Skyway Trail
The stunning Skyway Trail delivers exceptional vistas of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This 3.5-mile paved trail connects the Pinellas Trail to the newly constructed Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, built on the remains of the old bridge.
This moderately challenging route rewards cyclists with unparalleled panoramic views of the bay, bridge, and St. Petersburg skyline. Dolphin sightings are common, especially during morning rides, and fishing enthusiasts may want to combine cycling with a stop at the world's longest fishing pier. The trail's exposure makes it best suited for morning or late afternoon rides to avoid midday heat.
Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island Preserve offers mountain biking enthusiasts a change of pace, with natural surface trails threading through a 3,700-acre coastal ecosystem. While not technically difficult, these trails provide a more rugged experience than the area's paved options, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and explore ancient Native American sites.
The preserve's trail system includes interpretive sections explaining the ecological and cultural significance of this protected habitat. Fat-tire bikes work best on the occasionally sandy terrain. Cyclists should also be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during summer months.
Beach Cruising
No discussion of St. Pete Beach cycling would be complete without mentioning the simple joy of beach cruising just about anywhere the shore meets the sea. The hard-packed sand along much of St. Pete Beach creates a natural riding surface during low tide, while Gulf Boulevard offers a paved alternative with designated bike lanes running the length of the barrier islands.
Stop at Pass-a-Grille for a glimpse of old Florida charm, explore the shops of Corey Avenue, or simply enjoy the endless parade of beachfront scenery. Many local shops offer hourly and daily rentals of comfortable cruiser bikes, perfect for casual exploration of the beach communities.
Tips For Enjoying a Sunshine State Ride
- Hydrate aggressively: Florida's heat and humidity demand more fluid intake than you might expect. Start hydrating before your ride and aim to drink 16-20 oz of water or electrolyte drink per hour of cycling, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Plan around the heat: Schedule longer rides for early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid the most intense midday sun.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen: Use waterproof, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen applied 30 minutes before riding. Re-apply every two hours, or more frequently if sweating heavily. Don't forget often-missed areas like the backs of ears, neck, and backs of hands.
- Dress strategically: Opt for moisture-wicking, light-colored cycling clothes with UPF sun protection. Consider arm sleeves for additional sun protection that can be removed if you get too warm. Many local cyclists in Florida prefer sleeveless jerseys with separate arm protection for temperature control.
- Protect your extremities: Wear cycling gloves to prevent both sunburn on hands and blisters from gripping handlebars in sweaty conditions. A cycling cap under your helmet helps shield your face, while sunglasses protect eyes from UV damage and flying insects.
- Combat cramps: The combination of heat and sweating can lead to fluid depletion. Carry electrolyte tablets or sports drinks to replace lost sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Bananas and even pickle juice are popular portable remedies among Florida cyclists.
- Pack for unpredictable conditions: Carry a lightweight, packable rain jacket even on clear days, and consider bringing a change of socks — wet feet from rain or water crossings can quickly cause blisters on longer rides.
Your Cycling Home Base Is at TradeWinds Resort
After a day exploring the area's best cycling routes, TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach offers the perfect recovery headquarters. Store your bikes securely while enjoying the resort's multiple pools, beachfront amenities, and relaxing spa treatments designed to soothe tired muscles. With our central location, TradeWinds puts you within easy reach of all the best biking experiences the St. Petersburg area has to offer, making it the ideal base camp for your two-wheeled exploration of Florida's stunning Gulf Coast. Pack your helmet and prepare to discover paradise on two wheels!
