Cruising along Highway 90 atop the red clay bluffs that overlook Escambia Bay, it's easy to forget what year it is. Look out over the tranquil waters and it's not hard to imagine a fleet of Spanish galleons anchored in the harbor below.
Whether you follow Highway 98 down the coast past some of America's best beaches or head inland to explore the two-lane country roads that snake through Florida's famous state and national forests, there's a ride here for you.

The landscape of this part of the Sunshine State hasn't changed much since 1559. But that's a good thing. If you're looking to get away on a weekend motorcycle ride, you've come to the right place. And if you prefer to balance your back roads with a little bustle, the South Walton and Destin areas provide dining, nightlife and shopping diversions.

Whether you follow Highway 98 down the coast past some of America's best beaches or head inland to explore the two-lane country roads that snake through Florida's famous state and national forests, there's a ride here for you.

It's possible to follow the beach road all the way to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, then up to Tallahassee. But it's best to break up any tour of northwest Florida into several smaller trips. Here are a few suggestions:


Follow the bluffs along Escambia Bay: This relatively short tour (11 miles) can take much longer than you'd think. From downtown Pensacola, follow U.S. 90 across the Bayou Texar Bridge and around Emanuel Point. Historic points of interest include the wreckage of a ship from the original expeditionary fleet.

Halfway down the scenic drive, you'll see Bay Bluffs Park, which, at 75 to 100 feet above sea level, is Florida's highest coastal point. Then check out the Old Chimneys historic site, which is all that's left of a historic steam-powered sawmill. This trip can take as long or as short as you like, but you won't find a better coastal route in Florida.


Explore the delta and dunes: Down U.S. 98 past Fort Walton Beach, you'll find the sleepy little town of Grayton Beach and a state park of the same name that's often named one of the best coastal respites in the country. There you can take time to wander the mile-long dune trail and marvel at the dwarf magnolias stunted by the wind.

Down County Road 30-A you will find the Seaside and Seagrove Beach, good places to stop for fresh seafood. Continue north and ride through the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area to visit the 100-year-old Wesley Mansion and Eden State Gardens.

Then re-trace your steps until you hit U.S. 331 and follow it north across Choctawhatchee Bay, the southernmost end of a river system that starts 150 miles away in Alabama. Once again, this can turn into a half-day or full-day trip, depending on how long you take to stop and look around.


Blackwater and Apalachicola Forests: If you tire of the coastline, head north and cruise beneath the longleaf pines of Blackwater River State Forest in the west or Apalachicola National Forest to the east.

Pick up the Blackwater River route at the intersection of U.S. 90 in Holt and follow the signs to the 189,848-acre state park. The road rolls through gentle pastureland before entering a forest of longleaf pine. Be sure to stop at one of the scenic overlooks and take a moment to appreciate what many call one of the most pristine sand-bottomed rivers in the world. Remember, this route will take you through a wilderness area. Be sure to gas up in Holt or Milton, which have food and other facilities.

Perhaps the finest ride in western Florida is a trip along 31 miles of paved highway that runs through the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest. The route, officially called the Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway, is best accessed through the northern end of the forest by following State Highway 12 south to 389 and on to 65. The Byway roughly parallels the historic Apalachicola River through cypress stands and forests of yellow pine. The fresh scent of wildflowers, including black-eyed susans and bachelor buttons, fills the air.