Renowned as a bike-friendly city, Jacksonville hosts a variety of biking trails and paths. From exploring the city’s historical neighborhoods like Riverside and Avondale to riding on our gorgeous bike friendly beaches, you’ll enjoy taking your bike anywhere and everywhere.
Gearing Up For Biking Around Jacksonville:
Choosing Your Ride
Jacksonville’s cycling scene caters to all styles. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a seasoned cyclist, you have options:
- Rent a Ride or Take a Tour: If you’re visiting or prefer not to bring your own bike, several shops around town offer rentals. And if you’d rather have a guided tour, we recommend Art Bikes Jax, for a fully immersive and artistic experience and tour around the Jacksonville downtown areas. Each bike is artfully decorated, and you have a choice from a variety of guided tours to choose from. This is a wonderful experience for both locals and visitors!
- Beach Cruisers: The Jacksonville beaches offer multiple rental shops to choose from where you can rent a beach cruiser for a day or even longer. Riding a beach cruiser is a great way to get around the beaches, attend local festivals and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Beach Life Rentals is one of our favorite places to rent bikes, boards and more.
- Bring Your Own: If you have your own, bring your own! There is ample bike parking all around Jacksonville and locations like Hannah Park, even offer a bike washing station after you’re done with your trail ride!
- TrailLink.com: For more information and exact addresses and starting points for biking paths and trails, we recommend using Trail Link as your guide.
Riverside, Avondale And More
Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods offer a unique canvas for biking enthusiasts:
- Tree-lined Streets and Historic Architecture: Enjoy the plentiful historical homes and structures. Find peace and quiet at Memorial Park, another green region graced with walking paths and picnic areas. Take a moment to reflect, or simply relax under the shade of towering trees.
- Northbank River Trail: Jacksonville’s Northbank Riverwalk offers scenic views of the St. John’s River and the city skyline. Beginning at the Fuller Warren Bridge, the 2-mile concrete pathway heads east, offering access to restaurants and other businesses. The park includes a kayak launch, and you may even spot a manatee as you paddle through the water.
- Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail: is a completely paved tree-lined trail. The 15-mile trail is made from an old railroad corridor. You can turn around at any time if you get tired and since the trail is smooth and paved, any bike can ride on it.
- Vibrant Atmosphere and Cultural Richness: Local spots like cafes and boutiques add to the cultural vibrance of these neighborhoods. Browse through handcrafted jewelry, artisanal home goods, and vintage clothing treasures – there’s something for every taste and style.
- Riverside Avondale Preservation: hosts a variety of events that are worth checking out and has also teamed up with Art Bikes Jax for fun, festive, interactive weekly bike rides!
- Scenic Riverfront Paths and Parks: The bike paths along the riverfront reveal breathtaking views, providing a delightful contrast to the city area. Parks along the way serve as welcoming stops, adding to the joy of biking around Jacksonville.
Experience The Ocean Breeze
Exchange the leafy canopy of Avondale for the wide-open Atlantic Ocean. Breathe in the fresh, salty air as you venture off the smooth asphalt and onto the soft sandy paths. Be sure to check the tides before you head out on your bike for the day, at high tide it becomes extremely difficult to ride on the sand and you’ll likely have to move back to 1st street instead.
When the tide is low, you can enjoy vast stretches of compact sand to enjoy your ride along. Before heading back, spread out your beach towel and savor the coastal serenity.
Once you’re done resting, check out the plethora of restaurants and bars all along the beaches and indulge in a sweet treat or salty cocktail. There is no shortage of shops, eateries, and picnic areas all along the beaches.
Let’s Ride!
Whether you’re looking for a challenging off road biking path or a leisure ride along a historical path or sandy beach, riding bikes in Jacksonville is a local favorite and you’ll soon discover, it will be yours too!
