7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns on the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of the US, stretching across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, is renowned for its warm waters, sandy beaches, and diverse ecosystems, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether riding along the scenic beaches of Venice, Florida, bird watching in Gulf Shores, Alabama, or exploring the serene wildlife sanctuaries of Rockport, Texas, this region offers a blend of charming coastal towns, vibrant wildlife, and outdoor activities. Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty and rich local cultures that make each stop along the coast a memorable experience.

Venice, Florida

Just 70 miles south of Tampa, the “other” Venice (not the Mediterranean city on the Adriatic Sea) is home to numerous easily accessible bike trails that take cyclists on scenic rides through the coastal landscape of the quirky “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” While there are no canals in this Venice, three of the best bike trails in town include the 13-mile Island Bike Loop—named after an area called “Venice Island.” This trail takes riders along the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Another trail is the Venetian Waterway Park Trail. This scenic 9-mile winding route guides travelers through downtown Venice, where kids of all ages will have fun spotting the ten bronze shark sculptures hidden among the eclectic shops and restos. Order seafood and a frosty margarita at the Venice landmark Sharky’s On The Pier, and enjoy the view. Other stops on the route include the historic Venice Train Depot and local favorite Caspersen Beach, where riders can take a break at the beach to hunt for shark teeth and wander along the nature trail to see marshes, mangroves, and tide pools.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores is a favorite town for cyclists because it has miles of bike trails through Gulf State Park and along the Gulf Coast, and visitors can cycle all year long. Whether looking for the simple pleasure of beach cruising or coasting along 28 miles of beautiful bike trails in Gulf State Park, riders can start their adventure at Gulf Shore Bike Rentals with an eBike rental, then hit any of the 26 trails in the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, which won first place in USA Today’s 10 Best Recreational Trails for 2024.

The trail is also part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, so birders should pack a pair of binoculars and be on the lookout for shorebirds, osprey, and bald eagles, but don’t be surprised to spot alligators, armadillos, and wild boar on the trail. Plenty of places to stop along the route, like Foodcraft or Woodside Restaurants, or pack a lunch from Lartigue’s Seafood.

Destin, Florida

Known for its white sugar sand beaches, Destin features bike paths along the Gulf of Mexico and through its shopping and dining areas. There is no shortage of bicycle rental shops in this bike-friendly town, so check out Fun Pug Bike Rentals, Coastal Cruisers, or Sweet Escape Rentals. Take a fun out-and-back 15-mile ride along US Highway 98 from Destin to Fort Walton Beach. Pedal across the bridge to Okaloosa Island, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Choctawhatchee Bay on the other, and then explore the beach shops and eateries on the Boardwalk, like the Oasis Café and Boutique, Islanders Coastal Outfitter, and the Crab Trap. There’s also a 7.5-mile stretch of bike trail on Okaloosa Island with a dedicated lane for easy beach access, making it a perfect cycling route.

Another route during a trip to Destin is to its longest beach, which is within Henderson State Park and has over 6,000 feet of shoreline. Pack a fishing rod and reel, as Destin is known as the “luckiest fishing village in the world.” Try surf fishing from the beach; lucky anglers may catch redfish, flounder, catfish, and sometimes cobia. Remember to buy bait and tackle on the way into the park.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs is a small seaside community along the “Secret Coast”—a less well-known area along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but still a melange of beautiful beaches, barrier islands, and attractive coastal towns. Called the “City of Discovery” by both locals and visitors, the artsy town of Ocean Springs is ripe for exploring by bike on the 15.5-mile Live Oak Bicycle Trail, which winds along the harbor through historic downtown streets and out to the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park.

Start by renting an old-school beach cruiser at Tri Hard Sports, then pick up the trail map that is widely available around town. Hop on and off the bike and discover the town’s funky shops, like The Candy Cottage, beloved for its Foote's Heritage Solid Pecan Log, the Tato-Nut Donut Shop, and the Cypress Taphouse with its lineup of 25 craft beers. Along the way, visit Shearwater Pottery, a renowned art pottery studio founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson of the Anderson family—an iconic part of the Gulf Coast's artistic community.

Sanibel Island, Florida

The small town of Sanibel on Sanibel Island is roughly 12 miles long and three miles across at its widest. Still, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in cycling opportunities in a pretty coastal setting on the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where cyclists can follow the 4-mile Wildlife Drive through mangrove wetland and subtropical hammock habitat. There’s an Observation Tower overlooking the main bird-feeding area where visitors can spot spoonbills, egrets, herons, and osprey soaring overhead. Lucky cyclists may also cross paths with a river otter, a bobcat, or an American alligator.

Billy’s Rentals is the go-to location for bike rentals, and they’ll pick up and drop off anywhere on the island. Paved, dedicated bike paths are all over the island, with bike racks available at the unique shops and eateries at Periwinkle Place, like Tiki Jim’s for fun souvenir t-shirts, Everything But Water for swimwear, Pinocchios for ice cream, and Sanibel Flip Flops.

Rockport, Texas

Known for its laid-back vibe and crown jewel, Rockport Beach, Rockport has bike routes along its waterfront and charming neighborhoods. Rockport Beach is Texas’ first beach to receive Blue Wave certification, denoting a beach that meets high cleanliness, water quality, and safety standards. Beachgoers can explore the beach on Aransas Bay and the surrounding area along the .75-mile Bayside Walking Path. This bayside town is a bird lover’s paradise with two bird sanctuaries within walking or biking distance of the beach and each other: the Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bent Oaks Rookery Park.

For a longer ride, the 13.5-mile Rockport Beach Route starts at Rockport Beach Park and highlights the beach, Rockport Harbor, downtown Rockport, historic Water Street, and scenic Key Allegro on Aransas Bay. Take a break and visit the historic landmark, the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site—an iconic symbol of the Gilded Age along the Texas coast. Unlike other mansions of the era, this home had modern amenities like indoor plumbing and gas lighting, rare in Texas homes in the late 19th century.

Naples, Florida

Naples is a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly city with over 30 miles of bicycle pathways, offering scenic views and easy access to nature. Two rental shops to check out during a visit to Naples include Beach Bum Bike Rentals and Big Momma’s Bicycles, which also provide guided bicycle tours through residential and downtown sections of Naples.

Take a tour of Southwest Florida’s natural beauty on a ride through the 140-acre Gordon River Greenway Park on 2.5 miles of mixed paved, asphalt, and boardwalk trails through six different native plant areas. Combine the ride with a destination and pitstop at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, whose parking lot is just off the trail. The zoo is home to about 70 species of animals, with fan favorites like African Antelope, Malayan tigers and giraffes, and Florida native species like alligators and panthers. Pick up lunch at one of the zoo’s two cafés, Café Roar or Lakeside Café, which is an excellent spot for watching the primates.

Summary

A trip to the Gulf Coast offers a perfect blend of exercise and exploration, with scenic bike trails suited for all skill levels that wind through picturesque beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and charming towns. Cyclists can experience each town on two wheels and enjoy the region's natural beauty while staying active, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation in these seven gorgeous bike-friendly Gulf Coast towns.