Where Does Tampa Rank? Best Biking Cities In The Country
Last week, in honor of World Bicycle Day, LawnStarter ranked the best cities to bike in the country. Their extensive research compared 200 major markets. And Tampa ended up towards…
Last week, in honor of World Bicycle Day, LawnStarter ranked the best cities to bike in the country. Their extensive research compared 200 major markets. And Tampa ended up towards the top of the best biking cities list.
With dedicated bike lanes, numerous paths, and parks, Tampa has many options for biking. LawnStarter's methodology to compile this list took several elements into account, including ride quality, climate, community, and safety.
Tampa Ranks 26th
Finishing right behind their fellow Floridians in Miami, LawnStarters's ranking for best biking cities had Tampa at 26. The Riverwalk is on the most popular areas in the city for biking.
The overall LawnStarter score for Tampa was a 45.94, which just edged out Houston, TX. Community rank was Tampa's best performance category. San Francisco, CA was the best city for biking, and Jackson, MS ranked last.
Bike Clubs
Biking has allowed for many unique ways to explore Tampa. In addition, there are clubs that make the sport a way to further engage with the community. Clubs such as the Suncoast Cycling Club go on frequent rides. They explore both new and traditional paths throughout scenic areas of Southwest Florida.
BikeSport in Oldsmar, offers up-to-date information on Florida biking clubs in the surrounding counties.
Bike Events
If you are looking to partake in a biking challenge or fundraiser, Tampa is great for that, too. Bikes & Beers Tampa Bay was so popular last year that it is coming back again. A 2024 event is currently in the works for the Pan-Florida challenge as well. "The 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride was a major success! Thank you to the 173 cyclists in Naples and Tampa that helped support cancer prevention research at Moffitt Cancer Center, patients, and hungry children throughout the state of Florida," their site states.
Bike Share
Coast Bike Share, powered by HOPR is the city's bike share program. They offer hundreds of dock-less bikes scattered around the city. This is a member-based platform where you are encouraged to join on a daily, monthly or annual basis. If you want to test it before you join, a day pass is available for $1. You then pay 35 cents per minute.
Coast Bike Share describes Tampa being one of the best biking cities by saying it's "the most healthy, affordable, convenient and fun form of transit in the Tampa Bay area. Kind to the environment, bike share will change the way you commute and explore."
5 Florida Beaches Named the Best ‘Secret Beaches’ in America
Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.
If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.
As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.
If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."
Source
This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.
