Historic North Florida Bike Tour

Classic Inn to Inn ✦ 6 days ✦ Leisurely ✦ From $3595
Our roots are in North Florida

Bicycling Florida's Hidden Wonders

Discover the real Florida beyond the theme parks and beaches on our Historic North Florida Cycling Tour. This adventure takes you through the state's diverse landscapes, from coastal fishing villages and untamed forests to historic towns and the nation's oldest continually inhabited city. Cycle along scenic trails, explore natural springs, and immerse yourself in Florida's rich history and unique culture. Along the way, savor slow-smoked BBQ, fresh seafood, and cool craft beers, experiencing the true flavors of the Sunshine State.

Our journey begins in Steinhatchee, a charming fishing village on the Gulf Coast, where we'll warm up with a ride to Steinhatchee Falls. We'll cycle through pine forests, past expansive farmlands, and along the beautiful Nature Coast Rail Trail, exploring quaint small towns and crossing the Suwannee River. We'll bed down in historic Micanopy, known for its antique shops and majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and indulge in a true Florida BBQ feast.

Our adventure continues with a visit to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' home, the inspiration for "The Yearling," and a ride to the St. Johns River, one of the few rivers in the world that flows south to north. We'll then cycle to St. Augustine, America's oldest city, where you'll have ample time to explore its historic district, stroll the ramparts of Castillo de San Marcos, and relax by the water. This Florida bicycle tour offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, historical discovery, and culinary delights. Join us for one of Florida's best bicycle tours and experience the hidden gems of the Sunshine State.

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Historic North Florida Bike Tour
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

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24 Mar 2025
21 Apr 2025
5 May 2025
27 Sep 2025
26 Oct 2025

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Florida bicycle tour day by day details

day 1: Gainesville to Steinhatchee – A Coastal Welcome

Warm-up ride to Steinhatchee Falls and Rise
Welcome seafood dinner

Our North Florida cycling adventure begins at Gainesville Regional Airport. We'll gather around lunchtime and then shuttle to Steinhatchee, a charming fishing port on the Gulf Coast. After getting our bikes fitted, we'll enjoy a warm-up ride to Steinhatchee Falls and Rise, including a section on one of Florida's renowned limestone roads. We'll cap off the day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of Steinhatchee's best restaurants.
Ride: 18 mi / 29 km, Land: flat
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Steinhatchee Landing

day 2: Nature Coast Rail Trail & Suwannee River – Small Towns & Riverfront Charm

Cycling through the Steinhatchee Wildlife Management Area
Riding the Nature Coast Rail Trail

After breakfast, we'll cycle through parts of the Steinhatchee Wildlife Management Area along quiet backroads. Reaching Cross City, we'll pick up the scenic Nature Coast Rail Trail, a beautifully paved bike route that keeps us off the highways. The ride takes us through farmlands, small towns, and forests to Old Town, where we'll cross the Suwannee River on an old trestle bridge. We'll continue to Fanning Springs, then south across the Suwannee to our motel for the night – simple lodging with a magnificent riverfront location. Small-town charm and Southern cooking will be the highlights of our dinner tonight.
Ride: 40 mi / 64 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Suwannee Gables Marina

day 3: Trenton, Horse Country & Micanopy – Rails to Trails & Antique Treasures

Cycling the Nature Coast Trail
Exploring historic Micanopy
BBQ dinner and craft beer tasting

We'll bike to breakfast in Fanning Springs before continuing along the Nature Coast Trail to the old rail station in Trenton. From Trenton, we head south towards Florida's horse country, renowned for its thoroughbreds. We'll cycle through a slice of this massive region en route to historic Micanopy. This afternoon, we'll explore Micanopy's main street, browsing antique shops, art galleries, and bric-a-brac stores, before relaxing in our 1850s-era bed and breakfast. No Florida trip is complete without BBQ, and the small cafe we'll enjoy tonight is ranked among the top BBQ joints in the state. We'll also enjoy a tasting of excellent craft beers from several Gainesville breweries.
Ride: 43 mi / 69 km, Land: flat few small hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Herlong Mansion

day 4: Cross Creek & Palatka – Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings & the St. Johns River

Visiting Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' home in Cross Creek
Seafood dinner in Palatka

Today, we'll cycle past the home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek, the area that inspired her novel *The Yearling*. Cross Creek, now a small fishing town, connects two large lakes (Orange and Lochloosa). We'll stop for a quick look at her house before cycling through this region dotted with small lakes and ponds. We'll check out a bit of the ill-fated Cross Florida Barge Canal before reaching Palatka, our stop for the night. Palatka sits on the banks of the St. Johns River, one of the few rivers in the world that flows south to north. With the Atlantic coast nearby, seafood is back on the menu.
Ride: 54 mi / 86 km, Land: flat few small hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Grand Gables Inn

day 5: Palatka to St. Augustine – Rail Trails & Ancient City Charm

Cycling the Palatka Rail Trail
Exploring historic St. Augustine
Farewell seafood dinner

After breakfast, we'll pick up another Florida rail trail, crossing the St. Johns River on Memorial Bridge and then cycling through the pine forests and sandy dunes of coastal Florida toward St. Augustine. The trail isn't complete, so we'll transition to local roads for the final stretch into St. Augustine. St. Augustine is America's oldest continuously inhabited city, founded by Spanish explorers in 1565. Your short 30-mile ride gives you plenty of time to explore this picturesque city. Explore the historic district (limited to foot traffic), stroll the ramparts of the 350-year-old Castillo de San Marcos, or simply relax on the balcony of our bed and breakfast in the historic district and people-watch. Our farewell dinner will be a short stroll away, where ocean-fresh seafood meets traditional Southern cooking, plus maybe a few craft beers from local microbreweries.
Ride: 30 mi / 48 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: St George Inn

day 6: Departure – See Ya'll Later!

Shuttle back to Gainesville Airport
Departure

Our cycling holiday concludes today. We'll shuttle back to the Gainesville Airport, enjoying one last look at the scenery we've cycled through. *See ya'll later!*
Travel: Shuttle to airport
Eat: Breakfast

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Whatcha gonna get

Expert local guides
Entrance and activity fees
Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
Unlimited drinking water**
Support van for baggage and lifts
Free use of bicycles
Airport pick up & drop off

*as noted in itinerary
**during activity

Getting there

The Historic North Florida Bike Tour meets and ends at Gainesville Regional Airport. Guides will meet arriving flights, between 9:00 and 13:00

Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Gainesville before 13:00 (1 pm) on Day 1 of the tour and their departing flights after 13:00 (1 pm) on Day 6.

Gainesville Airport code: GNV Local Time: GMT-5

Travel Tip: Parking is available at Gainesville Regional Airport for folks planning to drive to the tour ($10 per day).

Documents Please

If you're traveling from outside the U.S., make sure your passport is up to date! U.S. citizens don't need one for domestic travel, but international guests should check visa requirements before booking flights.

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Your Group, Your Date

You, family, friends, your preferred date, our handcrafted tour routes, privately guided, the ultimate adventure getaway.

Insider Tip: Available year round, but March - May and Sept - Nov are the best times to cycle.

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Join a Scheduled Departure

Join a group of like minded travelers (12 guests max) on one of the dates below:
2025: 24 Mar (full) ✦ 21 Apr (full) ✦ 5 May (full) ✦ 27 Sep ✦ 26 Oct
Classic Inns: $3595 per person, double occupancy
Single Room: +$850 Deposit: $400

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