Where To Ride a Bike in St. Augustine, FL: Best Bike Trails & Recreational Paths

While St. Augustine has earned a reputation for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the city is also an excellent destination for cyclists of all levels. St. Augustine is incredibly bike friendly, and whether you are interested in taking a leisurely ride through Downtown St. Augustine or you prefer a more challenging mountain bike trail, the city has it all. Bring your own bike or rent one when you get Anastasia State Park– all that matters is you get out there and ride.

Downtown St. Augustine

Whether you are new to the area or a lifelong resident, biking is one of the best ways to explore all that Downtown St. Augustine has to offer. The neighborhood is made up of not only bustling main streets, but quaint side streets that lend themselves nicely to a casual ride through town. St. Augustine is generally very biker-friendly, and when you’re ready to stop for some shopping or a meal you can easily find a nearby bike rack to lock up your wheels. Once you’ve finished exploring the boutiques and cafes, head over to the Bridge of Lions, which turns into Anastasia Boulevard and offers easy access to number of bike paths that will take you to St. Augustine Beach or the St. Augustine amphitheater.

Mala Compra Plantation Greenway Trail

Located just off St. Augustine’s scenic route A1A, the Mala Compra Plantation Greenway Trail is a 5.5 mile single track mountain bike trail that is best suited to an intermediate rider. The trail head is situated at Bings Landing, and riders will experience a series of tight turns on an incline, fast descents, and challenging climbs throughout their ride. The trail, canopied by tall trees and lush greenery, contains several miles of switchbacks before it comes to a close. Riders should be aware that the trail is not paved, and beginners should consider gaining experience on easier mountain bike trails before enjoying the Mala Compra Plantation Greenway Trail.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park, located on St. Augustine’s Anastasia Island, offers a beautiful location for a day of cycling. Admission to the park is $2 per rider, which is a small price to pay to enjoy a 14-mile stretch of bike paths that end at the beach. Bicycles are available for rent within the park, but riders are also welcome to bring their own. If you prefer a more leisurely and scenic ride, opt to enjoy the waterfront trail that extends along the beach for four miles instead of the longer trail that winds throughout the park. 

Northern Historic St. Augustine Bike Loop

Originating at Flagler College, the Northern Historic St. Augustine Bike Loop is the perfect path for those who wish to take in the very best of the city’s must-see sights. After you traverse the town square down King Street, highlights of a ride along the trail include the Governor's House, the Constitutional Monument, and the Basilica de St. Augustine. As you continue on, you’ll reach the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Keep riding and you’ll find yourself at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park before returning to the heart of the town. 

Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail

Serving as a connection between Palatka and St. Augustine, the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail is beloved by cyclists throughout the region. The 19-mile paved asphalt trail leads you on a journey through a number of neighborhoods including Armstrong, Hastings, Elkton, and East Palatka. The Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail also makes up part of the St. Johns River to Sea Loop, a 260-mile trail that holds the title of the longest loop trail underway in the American Southeast. A ride along this trail offers beautiful views of rural landscapes and lush woodlands. As you pass through the communities that line the route there are a number of excellent restaurants and cafes where you can take a break and take in the scenery. The trail also connects to the 47-mile Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail, which serves as an excellent addition for cyclists looking for a longer, more strenuous ride.