Cedar Key & The Gulf Coast
One of Florida's most enjoyable motorcycle rides.
One of our favorite places to motorcycle to, and to visit, in Florida is a little town on the Gulf Coast of Florida called Cedar Key. This historic little fishing village of around 1000 has attracted a number of talented artists and plays host to some of the best seafood restaurants around. There's a lot of things to do in Cedar Key for its size, one of the most enjoyable being doing nothing at all! Take the Island Hopper and the Captain will take you out and drop you off on your own private island for a wander and pick you up later.
To get to Cedar Key from Orlando take the Florida Turnpike north to Interstate 75. Proceed north on I-75 until you come to exit 70, (Highway 27) at Ocala. Make a left onto Hwy. 27 and ride on through Williston to Bronson through some really nice horse ranches and gently rolling terrain. When you arrive in Bronson make a left on Hwy 24 and you're on the last leg of your journey. The peace and quiet of the surrounding wetlands and forest will give you a good idea of what you're about to encounter when you suddenly start crossing the series of bridges that lead out to Cedar Key. Total Road Time: About 4 hours (one way)
Staying for the picturesque sunset and spending the night are well worth it. If you plan on staying and are arriving on a weekend we highly recommend reservations!! There are a number of places to stay including the historic Island Hotel Bed and Breakfast.
We often return on the same route as we take up, but you'll find some very attractive alternatives below.
Alternate Return Routes:
Red Leg Instead of returning the way you came to Cedar Key another popular route is to make a right on Hwy 19 at Otter Creek. Go south on 19 past the Crystal River Archeological Park until you arrive at Weeki Wachee, the home of the Mermaids. In Weeki Wachee make a left onto Hwy 50 for a straight shot back across the peninsula to Orlando. Total Road Time: About 4-5 hours (one way)
Green Leg Another option is to continue on south on Hwy 19, then Alt. 19 through historic Tarpon Springs, a great place to stop for lunch and a visit to the famous Sponge Docks. Continue on south from Tarpon Springs along the coast on Alt.19 to Clearwater with a possible side trip to Clearwater Beach. In Clearwater take Hwy 60 to Hwy 589 South and then Interstate 275 to Interstate 4 east for your return trip to Orlando. Total Road Time: About 5 hours (one way)
Notes and recommendations:
We don't recommend taking these trips at night. In addition to missing the scenery, the forests are full of alligators and other animals who like to stroll across the highways at night.
The towns get a little sparse the closer you get to Cedar Key. Make sure you keep good track of your fuel levels.
On many coastal highways the State of Florida has incorporated oyster shell into the pavement. For the first 15 minutes after it starts raining oil seeps from the roads and makes it like driving on ice. Be careful out there.
While in Cedar Key, Clearwater Beach and all coastal towns, watch the roads and parking lots for loose sand that might represent a hazard.
As with all road trips, take regular breaks, make sure you take along a good sunscreen, water, etc.
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