Bicycle Routes around Islamorada
Yes, there are many back road bicycle routes around Islamorada. Take your bike on safe trails - public bathrooms - shopping - restaurants - parks.
The back roads offer a few areas where there is a small side trail for bikes. Most areas you ride on the road "with" vehicle traffic.
The other option is the main road bike path.
Maps of where to mostly safely ride while visiting Islamorada are below.
PLANTATION KEY Bike Route Highlights - "Bay Side & Ocean Side" Route approximately 10 mile round trip
This is a fairly safe route for riders as well. There is a bike trail which runs along the main highway on the "bay side" but is off safely to the side. The "Ocean Side" route has a back road with a bike trail attached to the side of the road. Not a lot of traffic, unless there is a lot of congestion on the main highway, then too many cars begin taking the back road and go a bit too fast!
While riding the Old Road which parallels US1, from Founders Park to the High School, you'll find a mostly quiet ride. Keep an eye out for the Peacocks! There are some living around the Tom Thumb gas station... occasionally they stroll through the gas pump area MM88.5.
Another nice spot to take a break is at the Rain Barrel Artisan shops / cafe where you'll need to get a photo with the Gian Lobster! This can be found at MM86.7 Bay Side.
The advantage of this route between the Snake Creek and Tavernier Creek Bridges? There are a many beautiful subdivisions with Venetian Shores being a highlight next to the Snake Creek Bridge. There is also Founder's Park. There is a per person fee to enter if you are NOT an Islamorada resident - or have your vacation house rental contract with you - you are a resident! There is a nice beach there, pool, and splash pad & playground for the kids.
Bathrooms can also be found road side at the Founders Park entrance - no need to enter park, look for bright yellow building.
Disadvantages? Not really any! If you can make it over the hardest bridge at Snake Creek which has a pretty good elevation, you're all good. The bridge at Tavernier Creek has a pedestrian lane which is very safe and easy to cross. The Snake Creek Bridge is also fairly narrow and not the safest to ride - but it is short. Walk your bike up it if you are not sure of yourself.
Either side you ride along US1 northern Islamorada towards the Tavernier Creek Bridge there are subdivisions to explore. The "Old Road" ocean side has a bike path, however, it is located on the roadway. Safe enough for adults, but if there is a traffic back up on the main road, cars tend to speed through this area not making it safe for children. This is a good route in the mornings before traffic gets heavy.
The Bay side of US1 has a bike path "separated from the roadway" as is much safer for the less experienced riders. There are numerous beautiful subdivisions of homes to ride in shade with peace and quiet from the busy roadway.
There is also a new free kayak launch! There are other FREE kayak launches around Islamorada within beautiful hidden parks. Check these kayak locations out.
Island Home Garden Center Tavernier - MM88.7 - Bay Side
A pleasant and really nice place to stop in and take a break from the bike. Small eatery for breakfast / brunch located inside the most beautiful garden center around Islamorada. Plants for sale as well as small gift shop.
Above is an example of the road side paths. This one is on Windley Key - in front of Theater of the Sea. The back road route is a bit more scenic and very quiet.
Back side road below:
Obey traffic signs and always be on the defense. MOST local traffic is accustomed to bicycles and walkers, however, there are many tourists here too!
As you ride you will find magnificent Banyan Trees!
Stop by both Bud 'n Mary's & Worldwide Sportsman and walk around the docks. Easy to see several Tarpon.
UPPER MATECUMBE - Ocean Side 10 Miles Round Trip:
The first map below is the key of Upper Matecumbe of Islamorada "Ocean Side". This is a fairly safe route for riders. It is always a bit wise if you can ride or walk in the mornings. Traffic is much lighter and you have less risk of a potential impaired driver in the afternoon or evening.
At Whale Harbor MM83.4, you'll find this small replica of the lighthouse many people went to and were saved during the 1935 horrific Florida Keys hurricane. You'll want to stop at the Dedicated Hurricane Monument & Park too at MM81.7 Ocean Side. The original lighthouse stood here many years - and you could go inside it. It was originally surrounded by the seafood buffet restaurant. The new owners who redid the entire restaurant and this bridge side property tore it down unfortunately!! and built this small model.
The advantage of this route? There is a back road (Old Highway) which runs the entire length from the entry point just south of Whale Harbor/Wahoo's and then ends at the Midway Cafe - but immediately connects to a bike bath several feet away from the main highway. It is usually very quiet and you'll be amongst many other riders and walkers.
Disadvantages? There is an actual bike path which runs along the "main" highway. The backroad (Old Highway) my preferred route, has no shoulder so you must ride on the road. When you ride properly and obey the laws by riding with the flow of traffic, cars are used to the riders and will slow and go around you. However, during high traffic times, the main highway will get backed up and cars will use this back road to bypass traffic - which unfortunately many drive too fast. So again, always good to ride in the mornings with less traffic.
There are also a couple of side streets that are not a dead end to continue a nice peddle flow as noted below. I'll add some images of some highlights along the way - shops not to miss - coffee/bakery - bathrooms - scenic areas etc soon.
POINTS OF INTEREST "Ocean Side Bike Route"
Farmers Market each Sunday MM80 has a bit of everything - plenty of breakfast and lunch items to have a snack while on your ride.
The Hurricane Memorial is a good stop for a rest and some history at MM81.7
UPPER MATECUMBE - "Bay Side" Route approximately 10 mile round trip
This is a fairly safe route for riders as well. There is a bike trail which runs along the main highway but is off safely to the side. Occasionally however, you do need to run through a parking lot of a local business or fuel station where you'll need to watch closely for traffic coming in and out. Again, always a bit safer and more fun if you can ride or walk in the mornings.
The advantage of this route? There are a few back quiet streets, so whenever possible, take a ride on the back roads and you'll not hear the road traffic. There are also two nice parks along the way. They are small, however, very scenic ride with plenty of shade.
Disadvantages? There is an actual bike path which runs along the "main" highway and there is a lot of traffic noise. The backroad (Old Highway) on the "Ocean side" is still my preferred route, however, there are a lot of nice stops along the Bay Side so we run this side almost as often to break up the rides.
The bike trail / path above runs along both sides of the main highway. Far enough off, however, you will need to ride through local street side business parking lots. Be ready for lizards crossing your path, I haven't run over one yet!
POINTS OF INTEREST on the "Bay Side Bike Route"?
The Library Beach Park MM81.8, Green Turtle Hammock Park & Key Tree Cactus Preserve MM80-81 Bay side are nice side rides / picnic spots for a rest with shade. You can find more of the park photos inside the directory of Free Things to Do Islamorada
Bathrooms at Library Beach Park MM81.7 Bay Side
A must walk through is the Worldwide Sportsman. See Tarpons there and visit the store! Very interesting displays for all.
There are public bathrooms outside at the parking lot on the side of the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant there on-site.
Have a bike rack? We often take our bikes to "Lower Matecumbe" and park at Robbie's. This is another fun local attraction where you can feed the tarpons, shop for touristy gifts, and dine. The ride from here is about 11 mile round trip however, the highlight is riding across the pedestrian bridge at Channel #2 where you'll find many people fishing.
There are also two subdivisions on the "bay side" ride which can add more mileage if you're up to it. Habano's Cuban Restaurant is also midway and is a great stop for lunch. This route has a safe bike path the entire ride along the bay.
Channel #2 Bridge - Lower Matecumbe
We've put the bikes on our truck rack and have ridden a bit around Key Largo. You can park at the large shopping plaza at MM99.6 Ocean Side (Diver's Direct Store located there). There are many subdivision streets as you head back toward the ocean. Here's one of the unusual homes we saw!
Another interesting place to drive your bikes to is Duck Key at approximately MM61 ocean side. Nice quiet neighborhoods with very little traffic. Hawk's Cay Resort is the main attraction here where you may stop and dine.
