By Josie Gulliksen
Love bike riding and want some guidance on where to find the best tours and bike rentals too? Look no further because here are the top bike tours Miami from self-guided to guided around Wynwood, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Miami Beach.
Every third Sunday of the month, arrive at the Coral Gables Museum at 10 a.m. for a guided bike tour through the City Beautiful. It’s a new tour each month but be sure it will include a ride through tree-lined streets and past fountains, plazas, gardens and some of the Gables’ Mediterranean-style estate homes. Bring your own bike and helmet or rent one from No Boundaries which is across the street from the Museum. Helmets are required for riders under 16 years of age. Tours last two hours are $10 for non-members and $5 for members and kids under 12.
Imagine they close down a portion of Washington Avenue on South Beach and you can just freely bike ride between 5 and 16 Streets. You can stop along the way and enjoy sketching, face painters, DJs and live music, street performers and even score a new bike helmet. It’s not a traditional bike ride but the event usually kicks off National Bike Month in May and is held randomly throughout the year.
Naturalist and historian Frank Schena has been hosting bike tours through Coral Gables for several years now. Through his Royal Palm Tours of Miami he hosts tours through the North and Center Grove to explore the area’s hidden secrets. Along the way he points out strangler fig trees, live oaks and various homes that are hidden from view but architecturally stunning. Tours are free and happen every first and third Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Meeting place is City of Miami City Hall at 3500 Pan American Dr.
Wynwood Graffiti Tour
This is a lengthy tour but one that kicks off from Bayside Marketplace and takes you through the streets of Wynwood to discover the neighborhood’s burgeoning and ever-evolving street art. At between three to four hours and eight miles, it covers plenty of ground. You’ll visit Wynwood Walls and wind up and down streets stopping to learn about the artists creating these colorful works of art that cover building after building in the area. Tours depart daily at 3 p.m. from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. and include bike and helmet. $49 per person, students $21 and under $39.
Miami Beach Tour
Nothing’s left uncovered on this guided tour where you’ll ride throughout the Art Deco District, South of Fifth Street, all of Ocean Drive and to the South Point Pier. Along the way, an expert guide teaches you the intricacies of the area’s unique architecture, historical events, museums, restaurants and thriving nightlife. The rides along the beach boardwalk, through the Pier and on picturesque Española Way. Tour lasts two to three hours and spans six miles. Depart daily at 10 a.m. from 210 10 St., Miami Beach. $40 per person, students 21 and under $30.
Key Biscayne Tour
You’ll ride through Downtown Miami, cross the bridge over to the Brickell Financial District and then arrive at the Rickenbacker Causeway, the bridge to Key Biscayne. The unbeatable scenery from that bridge and the endless views of Miami Beach are just the beginning. Cycle past Hobie Beach, the Miami Seaquarium, down Crandon Blvd. and all the way to the tip at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. There, you’ll visit Florida’s oldest structure, the Cape Florida Lighthouse and learn about the surrounding area. The 22-mile, four-hour tour departs at 2 p.m. from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Price is $59, students 21 and under $49.
Little Havana
Immerse yourself in the culture, food and music of Havana, Cuba when you bike through the historic Little Havana neighborhood, recently designated as such by the National Historic Preservation Board. Make your way there via Downtown Miami and when you arrive, experience the art of cigar rolling, the taste of an authentic “cafecito,” watch the true domino masters at Domino Park and sample Cuban favorites like a guarapo (sugar cane drink), croquetas and fried plantains at restaurants and “ventanitas” along the way. The four-hour, 11-mile trek departs at 10 a.m. from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Price is $69, students 21 and under $59.
Dade Heritage Trust Bike Tours
They host tours every second Sunday of the month and where the bike tour goes changes on a month by month basis. They may head to Little Havana or perhaps explore the urban core or bike along the Miami River. Whatever the location, participants will learn about the historic buildings, parks and public art of that particular neighborhood. It’s an ideal way to learn about Miami’s history. The three-hour tours depart at 10 a.m. from the Dade Heritage Trust Building, 190 SE 12 Terr. Members $5, non-members $10.
Soon to be known as the 10-mile linear park and urban trail, The Underline runs under the Metrorail and is why the name is so appropriate. Depending where you are, depart either from the Metrorail’s Brickell or Dadeland Station to experience the full ride. Right now it’s still a great ride but once the Underline is done and all elements are incorporated there will be a bike repair kiosk, public art, play and seating areas.
Certainly you’ve seen the blue Citibike docking stations all around Miami, with more being added each day. The bike sharing and rental system is ideal for a grab and go bike ride around town. The stations are located all throughout Miami Beach and from Downtown Miami to the Upper East Side. The program’s flexibility allows for either hourly rentals or a Bike Sharing Membership. Details and locations can be found on their website
Prefer a green bike instead? And with no docking station necessary? The new Lime Bikes that have been showing up around Key Biscayne, Miami Shores and North Bay Village are a bit different in that they run on an app. Via the app you find a bike nearby, scan the bike to unlock it and ride and when you arrive at your destination, simply park where a bike is allowed and close the back lock to indicate your ride is done. The first 30 minutes of the ride are free then the bikes cost a $1 per half hour. Riders deposit money in their Lime Bike account using a debit or credit card.
Comment below which is your favorite!
2 Responses
Great info! Thanks! But I think the Coral Gables Museum rides are on Sundays not Thursdays?
Love it!!