The Best Place to Go Biking in Destin, Florida - Scenic Highway 98

One of our favorite Destin activities for social distancing is bike riding. Sanitize the handlebars and head out for fun! Rent bikes from one of the area’s bike rental companies, including Rent Gear Here or La Dolce Vita, and hit the trails. 

The best place for biking in Destin is along Scenic Highway 98 (aka Scenic Gulf Drive), which offers a paved path that is perfect for biking. The path runs adjacent to the beach and there are lots of cool spots to stop and see the sights along the way.  

Here we share our favorite stops and hidden gems when bicycling Scenic Highway 98 from Crystal Beach to Miramar Beach, Florida. (And since we lead by example, we partnered with Rent Gear Here for a rental bike to show you it's where you'd rather be on your next Destin vacation.)

Click Here to View our Tour

#1. Camille’s Sidewalk Café

Located downstairs at the charming Beachside Inn, Camille’s Sidewalk Café has just what you need to start your day or unwind with a cold beverage and live music in the afternoon. Whether you’re needing coffee and breakfast items or fresh fruit smoothies and juice drinks or a cold beer when you come off the beach, Camille’s is our go-to spot to quench our thirst and our appetite. Address: 2931 Scenic Highway 98, Destin. 

 #2. Crystal Beach Neighborhood

 We love the Crystal Beach neighborhood. This quiet Destin neighborhood with pastel homes and white picket fences is scenic and great for bike riding. Be sure to wave at the neighbors as your passing by with the wind in your hair. Warning: You may feel like you're a kid again.  

#3. Neighborhood Beach Accesses

 The best-kept secret is to find beach accesses that do not allow car parking. This means that only locals who live in the neighborhood or vacationers staying nearby who can walk to the access will be on the beach, limiting crowds and congestion, which is great for social distancing. Plus the beach has many therapeutic qualities to keep your mind and body healthy!

#4. Best Beach Bars – The Crab Trap

With spectacular views of the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast, The Crab Trap-Destin is the original Gulf-front seafood restaurant. Located at James Lee Park, this beachside establishment is the perfect stop on your bike tour. The Crab Trap offers a wide variety of menu options, including fresh grouper sandwiches and tuna dip smoked on the Big Green Egg as well as tasty libations, including signature frozen drinks and margaritas. Have picky young eaters to please? The Crab Trap is ready with a menu just for kids and a special bucket they get to keep. Address: 3500 Scenic Hwy 98 East, Destin.

#5. Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream

The owner of the Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream was first introduced to Thailand’s fried ice cream in New York City in 2015. To make rolled ice cream, the staff pours a mixture onto a freezing metal plate, where it is flash-frozen in less than a minute and your choice of toppings are added to the frozen mixture. Next, the ice cream is smoothed flat for scraping into curls or rolls. A refreshing cool treat to break up any bike ride along Scenic 98. Address: 2052 Scenic Drive, in Miramar Beach.

#6. St. Nicholas by the Sea Chapel

Located at the back of the Frangista Beach Neighborhood in Miramar Beach is a quaint little chapel. Built in 1959 by John Nitsos, a Greek immigrant, the St. Nicholas by the Sea Chapel was intended as a non-sectarian place of prayer and reflection. The chapel has Greek Orthodox roots and its stark white exterior is reminiscent of churches in towns throughout Greece.  

#7. Chautauqua Winery / Emerald Coast Cellars

Chautauqua Winery, located in Defuniak Springs, is “Florida Farm Winery Certified” with 50 acres of Carlos Muscadine and Noble Muscadine grapes, which have been growing since 1979. The grapes produce a sweet wine that is popular in the South and the winery produces 20 different varietals. Their tasting room, Emerald Coast Cellars, is located in Miramar Beach and features wine tastings and wine and gifts available for purchase. A great stop on any Scenic Hwy 98 Bike Tour. Address: 1708 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, FL. Learn more at EmeraldCoastWineCellars.com.

#8 Whale’s Tail

This is a bonus stop. This rustic beach bar located behind Seascape Resort has been a Destin landmark for almost 40 years. Located on the beach, the views are magnificent and the ocean breezes equally as refreshing. Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Whale’s Tail serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes beachside staples such as fresh seafood, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Try one of their signature frozen tropical drinks to cool down during your ride. Address: 1373 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach.

Plan Your Bike Tour & Next Destin Vacation Today

Now that you know where to go, it’s time to book your next Destin vacation. View our Destin vacation rentals in Crystal Beach along Scenic Gulf Drive or our full collection vacation rentals in Destin & South Walton online. Need help with your search? Call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Be sure to check out our special offers page for our special deals and savings. Once your vacation is booked, pick a day to rent bikes from one of our local bike rental companies such as Rent Gear Here or La Dolce Vita and head out for fun!

See you @ the beach!