Pedalling the Peninsula: Cycling the Full Length of Florida on the East Coast Greenway

Pedalling the Peninsula: Cycling the Full Length of Florida on the East Coast Greenway

There’s a special kind of magic in crossing an entire state by bicycle—especially when that state is Florida. Stretching over 500 miles from the pastel-hued streets of Key West to the moss-draped oaks of the Georgia border, Florida offers an unforgettable, shape-shifting ride through some of America’s most diverse landscapes.

For us, pedalling the entire Florida stretch of the East Coast Greenway was not just a physical journey, but an emotional and cultural one too—full of surprise, beauty, and moments that will stay with us long after the tyre tracks have faded.

The Journey Begins: Key West

We started in the southernmost tip of the continental United States—Key West, a place that feels more Caribbean than mainland America. The scent of salty air, the rhythm of roosters, and the candy-coloured houses were our send-off.

Key West is more than just a starting point. It’s a vibe. A place to soak in some Ernest Hemingway history, snap the obligatory photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy, and toast the journey ahead with a slice of key lime pie (or two).

Riding the Overseas Heritage Trail

The first few days were unlike anything we’d ever cycled before. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail spans over 100 miles of bridges, causeways, and bike paths that link the coral and limestone islands like pearls on a string.

You’re riding above the turquoise sea, with pelicans overhead and dolphins occasionally below. Each island brings something new: the laid-back charm of Marathon, the turtle hospital, the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and the world-class diving town of Key Largo.

Mainland Bound: Homestead and the Miami Sprawl

Reaching the mainland felt like a small victory. From Key Largo, we passed through Florida City and Homestead, gateways to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park—two epic landscapes we didn’t have time to fully explore but felt honoured to pedal beside.

Then came Miami, where the East Coast Greenway weaves through a world of glossy high-rises, vibrant street art, and the bold flavours of Little Havana.

The iconic Art Deco skyline of South Beach—cycling through architecture and attitude.

We took a breather on South Beach, marvelling at the architecture and electric atmosphere. This is a city that surges with energy.

Up the Gold Coast: Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach

North of Miami, the Greenway follows the Atlantic Coast through some of Florida’s most glamorous beachfront towns. Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach treated us to oceanfront promenades, boutique shops, and quiet neighbourhoods perfect for spinning through.

Highlights:

• Lake Worth Lagoon: a stunning estuary teeming with wildlife.

• Mizner Park in Boca Raton: a lovely spot to refuel.

• Juno Beach Pier: a peaceful place for sunrise.

The Space Coast: From Jupiter to Titusville

The scenery shifted again as we entered Florida’s Treasure Coast. Jupiter and Stuart brought small-town charm, while Fort Pierce and Vero Beach carried that Old Florida spirit—weathered, soulful, and full of character.

As we reached the Space Coast, the vibe turned cosmic.

We didn’t plan it—but we were lucky enough to catch a launch.

We pedalled past Cape Canaveral and Titusville, where the Kennedy Space Center loomed large. The scale and history of space travel made this one of the most surreal highlights of the entire route.

Daytona to St. Augustine: History and Salt Air

Daytona Beach offered a change of pace, with its wide, rideable sands and classic boardwalk. But it was St. Augustine that truly stole our hearts. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. felt timeless.

We some time wandering cobbled streets, exploring the Castillo de San Marcos, and soaking in the Spanish colonial vibe. It was the perfect midpoint celebration.

Coastal Georgia Beckons: The Final Miles in Florida

Taking the ferry across the St. Johns River—one of the most fun (and unexpected) parts of the route.

Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, welcomed us with eclectic neighbourhoods, leafy trails, and a final stretch of coast-hugging Greenway magic. Crossing the St. Johns River by ferry was a novelty—and a gentle reminder that this ride would keep surprising us to the very end.

We rolled into Fernandina Beach, then onto Yulee, and finally crossed the Florida–Georgia line into the charming town of St. Marys. Just like that—we had cycled the full length of Florida.

Florida Highlights at a Glance

Here’s a quick list of key stops and major attractions along Florida’s East Coast Greenway route:

The Florida Keys

Key West, Marathon, Key Largo

• Southernmost Point, Hemingway House, Seven Mile Bridge

South Florida

Homestead, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach

• Everglades, Art Deco District, Juno Beach Pier

Treasure & Space Coast

Jupiter, Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Titusville

• Kennedy Space Center, natural coastal trails

Daytona to St. Augustine

New Smyrna Beach, Daytona, St. Augustine

• Castillo de San Marcos, historic architecture

Jacksonville Region

Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, St. Marys (GA)

• Riverwalks, ferry crossing, charming Southern towns

Reflections from the Saddle

Cycling the full length of Florida gave us more than tired legs and sun-kissed faces. It gave us stories. Conversations with curious locals, roadside wildlife encounters, and that slow, beautiful process of watching a state unfold one mile at a time.

Florida is often seen as a retirement haven or a holiday hotspot—but from a bike, it’s something else entirely. It’s alive with nature, shaped by history, and stitched together by a network of trails and towns that welcome you in, offer you water, and cheer you on.

Crossing into Georgia felt like turning the page of a book we didn’t want to end. But the beauty of the East Coast Greenway is that it keeps going. And so did we.