Our Top Pensacola Motorcycle Rides

Pensacola beach view

Are you planning a trip to Pensacola, Florida? You’ll want to check out the area’s best motorcycle rides. 

Pensacola, Florida, is known for its beautiful coastal views, soft sand beaches, and rich cultural history. The city and the surrounding areas offer the perfect roads to enjoy an afternoon motorcycle ride and soak in the breathtaking sights around you.

Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway

The Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway is the most popular motorcycle route near Pensacola. This route spans just 11 miles, but it offers spectacular sites that make it feel much longer. 

The highway spans from north to south directly along the Pensacola coast near Escambia Bay. 

As a result, you’ll have a clear view of the sparkling ocean waters throughout the 11-mile ride.

However, beach views aren’t the only attractions on this highway. You’ll also see clay deposits, tall trees, wetlands, and waterway inlets. 

The route ends at the U.S. 90 bridge over the Escambia River. This short route offers the perfect course for a Sunday afternoon drive, a morning sunrise viewing, or a lazy evening road trip. 

Florida Gulf Coast Scenic Drive

If you’re taking a road trip through Florida, you can follow the Florida Gulf Coast Scenic Drive from Pensacola Beach to Destin. This drive is about 43 miles without stopping, closely following the Florida coast. 

You can follow these directions to take the Florida Gulf Coast Scenic Drive from Pensacola to Navarre beach:

  1. Take Highway 98. 
  2. Cross the bridge into Pensacola Beach. 
  3. Take State Highway 399 east on Santa Rosa Island. 

This route follows a narrow strip of land, offering ocean views on both sides in many places. Once you leave Pensacola Beach, you won’t see many houses or businesses for the remainder of the route. However, you will see plenty of sand dunes and beautiful ocean views. 

Gulf Islands National Seashore

If you’re looking for a motorcycle route that makes you feel like you’re in an island oasis, we recommend the Gulf Islands National Seashore drive. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a portion of the coast near Pensacola, offering recreation opportunities and beautiful natural views. 

You can drive along the seashore from Pensacola Beach to Navarre Beach to experience one of the most beautiful beach drives in the country. This route offers a remote atmosphere, with few buildings or facilities along the way. However, you’ll see plenty of sparkling white sand, blue-green waters, and crashing ocean waves. 

You’ll come across a few picnic shelters along the way that allow you to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy a packed meal. However, you’ll mostly see miles and miles of ocean views. Riding this route on your motorcycle can allow you to smell the salty ocean air, feel the humid Florida breeze on your back, and take in the serene sights of Pensacola’s best beaches. 

Apalachicola National Forest Loop

Pensacola isn’t all beach views. This city is also close to the Apalachicola National Forest, a 900-square-mile forest featuring a range of natural attractions.

You can ride the Apalachicola National Forest Loop to experience this national forest on your motorcycle. Begin the loop in Apalachicola, FL, then head northeast along the Gulf Coast. Then, follow the Big Bend Scenic Highway Trail before heading south to the starting point. 

This loop takes you in and around the Apalachicola National Forest and Tate’s Hell Wildlife Management Area. You’ll likely see wild animals such as bald eagles, alligators, turkeys, and osprey along the way. 

Riding any of the best Pensacola motorcycle rides can help you understand why the Florida panhandle is such a popular tourist destination. 

Don’t forget to request your free rider benefit package from Law Tigers