Biking along Scenic Highway 98 in Destin offers a perfect opportunity for socially distanced fun. Rent bikes from a few good companies and explore the paved path adjacent to the beach.
This stretch from Crystal Beach to Miramar Beach provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. While Destin is renowned for its white sand beaches and azure waters, biking routes can vary. For serious cyclists, there are enjoyable routes spanning 15 to 50 miles, but some areas may not be suitable for casual beach cruisers.
In this short article let us try to highlight our favorite stops along this scenic route, showcasing the joy of biking on your next Destin vacation.
Bike rentals while you are holidaying in the Emerald Coast area
For Miramar Beach bike rentals, consider a few well-known names of bike renting companies, which offer a range of bikes, including beach cruisers. A few companies also provide free delivery in:
- Destin
- Miramar Beach
- 30A.
Another well-known bike rental offers Baytowne Wharf bike rentals with single-speed cruisers and free delivery for orders over $85. Renting a bike is an excellent way to explore the sights and enjoy the splendid Florida weather in both areas.
Where can you find the best bike trails?
Explore stunning bike trails like Scenic Highway 98, Timpoochee Trail, Mattie Kelly Park, and Point Washington State Forest in Destin and 30A. Join a guided bike tour for a scenic journey through 30A neighborhoods or with Electric Bikes near Grayton Beach. To secure a space, call or book online.
The following are a few hidden spots for bike trails.
Camille’s sidewalk café
Lying downstairs at the quaint Beachside Inn, Camille’s Sidewalk Café is the ideal place to start the day or unwind in the afternoon with live music and a nice beverage. When we are thirsty and hungry, Camille’s is our go-to place for:
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- Coffee
- Breakfast foods
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Juice drinks
- Refreshing beer after the beach.
Crystal beach neighborhood
We adore the community of Crystal Beach. Bike riding is especially enjoyable in this serene neighborhood of Destin, which features pastel-colored homes and white picket fences. When you walk by with the wind in your hair, make sure to wave at your neighbors. Caution: You might experience a return to your childhood.
Neighborhood beach accesses
The best-kept secret is to locate beach access points where parking is prohibited. This reduces crowds and congestion, which is excellent for social distancing, as only residents of the community or visitors staying nearby who can walk to the entrance will be on the beach. Moreover, the beach offers a lot of healing benefits to maintain the health of your body and mind.
Best beach bars
The Crab Trap-Destin is the original Gulf-front seafood restaurant, with breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast’s white sand beaches. This seaside restaurant, which is part of James Lee Park, is the ideal place to pause during your cycling journey. A broad range of food items are available at The Crab Trap, such as smoked tuna dip and fresh grouper sandwiches, in addition to delectable cocktails like margaritas and unique frozen drinks. Have fussy young palates to satisfy? The kids’ menu at The Crab Trap is ready, and they get to keep a unique bucket.
Frozen dune rolled ice cream
2015 saw the owner of the Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream travel to New York City, where she first tasted fried ice cream from Thailand. When making rolled ice cream, the maker pours a flavorful mixture onto a metal plate that is frozen, flash-freezing it in less than a minute. Then, you can add your preferred toppings to the frozen mixture. The ice cream is then flattened so that it can be scraped into rolls or curls. An icy treat to chill down during a bike ride along Scenic 98.
St. Nicholas by the sea chapel
A charming tiny church may be found near Miramar Beach, behind the Frangista Beach Neighborhood. The Greek immigrant John Nitsos built the non-sectarian St. Nicholas by the Sea Chapel in 1959 as a place of meditation and prayer. Greek Orthodox in origin, the chapel’s stark white façade is evocative of Greek town churches.
Emerald coast cellars/Chautauqua winery
“Florida Farm Winery Certified,” Chautauqua Winery near Defuniak Springs is home to 50 acres of Carlos and Noble Muscadine grapes, planted since 1979. The winery produces twenty distinct varietals, and the grapes yield a sweet wine that is popular in the South. Emerald Coast Cellars, their tasting room, is situated in Miramar Beach and offers wine tastings in addition to wine and presents for sale. An excellent place to visit on any scenic Hwy 98 bike tour.
Whale’s tail
A bonus stop is this one. For nearly four decades, this beach bar with a rustic vibe, situated behind Seascape Resort, has been a Destin icon. Situated on the shore, the breathtaking vistas and invigorating sea breezes are unmatched. Seven a.m. to ten p.m. Whale’s Tail offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through Thursday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Beachside favorites including salads, burgers, sandwiches, and fresh seafood are offered on the menu. If you want to stay cool during your ride, try one of their famous frozen tropical cocktails.
Plan your bike tour and next Destin vacation today
It is time to plan your things to do in Destin Florida during your next Destin trip now that you are aware of where to go. Check out our whole inventory of vacation rentals in Destin & South Walton online, or our Destin vacation homes in Crystal Beach by the scenic Gulf Drive.
Do you need assistance doing your search? You may call your travel advisors for any exclusive specials, discounts, and deals. You may also visit the web pages for any special offerings. After you have planned your trip, choose a day to rent bikes from one of our neighborhood shops, like Rent Gear Here or La Dolce Vita, and go have some fun!
