Explore the City to Shore in Delray Beach

Delray Beach has so much to offer in such a short stretch that biking is the best way to take it all in without the stress of parking. Start your ride in the Pineapple Grove Arts District on 2nd Avenue, an eclectic neighborhood with art galleries, coffee bars and boutiques. As you head east, you will encounter Atlantic Avenue, the pulse of Delray’s dining and nightlife. Feel free to explore alleys off of Atlantic, as they are lined with picture-perfect pastel bungalow homes.   Continue onto Atlantic Avenue over the bridge and straight to the shore to find a paved stretch perfect for beach cruising. You will appreciate the electric blues of the ocean as you pedal past the shoreline. After your ride, enjoy refreshments at Boston’s Sandbar, an oceanfront tiki bar complete with sand, tiki sculptures and beach chairs.   Need a ride? Richwagon’s Delray Bike & Sport, 298 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483, 561-272-BIKE; Bike rentals start at $20/2 hours.

Cruise the Colors of Lake Worth

Lake Worth is “Where the Tropics Begin,” and it’s evident in the bright palette that splashes its streets. Pedal along Lake Avenue in the LULA Arts District, marked with by mosaic planters and murals that are part of the CANVAS Outdoor Museum. You will pass the technicolor patterned City Hall Annex, a historic site of Lake Worth’s first school house. Continue to pedal east over the Lake Worth Bridge toward the beach, where you will be greeted by Lake Worth Casino Complex. Although you won’t find any gambling, you will find dining, dessert spots and perfect photo opportunities in front of the Lake Worth Pier.

  If you see a Little Free Library as you pass through, be sure to stop and browse for a book to throw into your bike basket. The book-sharing program has brought over 100 painted libraries by volunteer artists, promoting literacy and bringing color to the community.   Need a ride? Family Bicycle, 127 S. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth, FL 33460, (561) 533-6040. Bike rentals start at $20 per day; weekly rentals include free delivery and pick-up.

Glide Through the Gilded Age on Palm Beach

Palm Beach is truly a historical gem that transports you back to the Gilded Age of Henry Flagler’s Florida. Begin your trip through time at the Flagler Museum, where you can enjoy High Tea on the weekends during season. Next door, pedal upon Mr. Flagler’s modest first home on the island, Sea Gull Cottage, Palm Beach’s oldest house. Snap a picture with your sweetheart under the awesome giant kapok tree on the property. It’s been the location for marriage proposals and declarations of love for much of the tree’s 189-year lifespan.   Follow along the South Lake Trail to the famous Worth Avenue. If you aren’t lured into the luxury retailers, meander through Via Mizner to find secret alcoves and gardens draped in bougainvillea. As you make your way toward the beach, you will meet the iconic Clock Tower.  

Cruise along the shoreline as you work your way back north via South Ocean Boulevard. You will be led to bear left onto Barton Avenue and pass Bethesda-by-the-Sea. Palm Beach’s oldest church welcomes visitors to photograph the Gothic architecture and serene gardens 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.    Need a ride? Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop, 50 Cocoanut Row, Suite 117, Palm Beach, FL 33480, (561) 659-4583. Rentals start at $20/h.r and include Elliptigos, tandem bikes and scooters.

Fly Down Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach

  Downtown West Palm Beach is one of the easiest cities to explore in the saddle, made possible by SkyBike. This bikeshare program has locations around downtown with easy payment by credit card. Pick up a bike at the 300 block of Clematis, then go east, passing through the West Palm Beach Waterfront Park. This park hosts West Palm’s most anticipated events, such as Holiday in Paradise, SunFest, Clematis by Night and the GreenMarket on Saturdays.   From the park, stroll south on Flagler Drive along Lake Worth Lagoon. You will spot Palm Beach Atlantic University, Norton Museum and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens along the route.   From Flagler Drive, saunter up the side streets before turning right onto Olive Avenue as you make your way back downtown. You will ride over red brick roads shaded by banyans and oak trees. Passing through the historic neighborhoods of El Cid and Mango Promenade, you can take in the beauty of Mediterranean Revival architecture of homes dating back to the 1920s.   Need a ride? SkyBike WPB, 561-412-1643; bike locations for pick-up and drop-off all throughout downtown.

Ride the Riverwalk in Jupiter

  Jupiter is home to diverse habitats, beautiful developments and pristine Atlantic beaches which all can be viewed in just a few miles along the Jupiter Riverwalk. Start your route at Harbourside Place, where you can fuel up with a meal or coffee before making your way south. You will pass by Jupiter Yacht Club, a popular spot for sunsets and cocktails.   Next you will encounter the Mangrove Bay community, where you will likely catch a glimpse of seabirds nesting in the mangrove bushes. This area serves as a cradle to young wildlife and transitions to the coastal scrub habitat of Jupiter Ridge Natural Area. Beyond the sounds of your bike chain, you can hear gopher tortoises munching on greenery and woodpeckers off in the distance. This area is known to be a birdwatchers’ paradise. Once you pass through the scrub habitat, you will end your Jupiter journey with your wheels in sand at Jupiter Beach.   Need a ride? Jupiter Bike Rental, 561-510-6556; Bike rentals starting at $29/day with delivery and pick-up. Book online or by phone.