Miami Biking & Cycling Guide: Best Trails, Rentals, and Routes for Every Rider
AI-generated (Nano Banana Pro)Miami's flat terrain, year-round sunshine, and miles of waterfront paths make it one of the best cities in Florida for cycling. Whether you're a visitor looking for a fun way to explore South Beach or a fitness-minded rider chasing long causeway rides, you'll find a route that fits. This guide covers the top trails, where to rent bikes, how Citi Bike works, and the safety essentials you should know before you clip in.
Best Bike Trails and Routes
Miami's cycling network stretches from the Art Deco streets of South Beach all the way down to the Everglades. Here are the rides worth your time.
Miami Beach Boardwalk (Beachwalk) — This roughly 7-mile paved path runs along the ocean from South Pointe Park up to 79th Street. It's flat, scenic, and perfect for a casual morning ride. Note that portions north of 46th Street are shared with pedestrians, so keep your speed reasonable.
Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne — The crown jewel for serious cyclists. The ride from Brickell across the causeway to Key Biscayne is about 8 miles each way, with a satisfying bridge climb and wide bike lanes. On weekends, you'll share the road with dozens of road cyclists — it's practically a community ride. The views of Biscayne Bay from the top of the bridge are some of the best in the city.
The Underline (M-Path Trail) — This 10-mile linear park runs beneath the Metrorail from Brickell to Dadeland South. Phases 1 and 2 are already open with separated bike and pedestrian paths, public art installations, workout stations, and water fountains. Phase 3 (a 7.36-mile segment connecting Vizcaya to Dadeland) is under construction and expected to finish in 2026. When complete, The Underline will be Miami's first true urban cycling corridor connecting eight Metrorail stations.
Commodore Trail — This route takes you through Coconut Grove and into Coral Gables, winding past historic estates, lush tree canopies, and landmarks like Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. It connects to The Underline, so you can string together a longer ride from downtown all the way south.
Old Cutler Trail — Starting near Coral Gables and extending south through Pinecrest, this shaded path follows historic Old Cutler Road past Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Matheson Hammock Park. It's one of the most peaceful rides in Miami-Dade County and ideal for a longer half-day outing.
Snake Creek Trail — A 6.5-mile paved path in north Miami-Dade linking North Miami Beach to Miami Gardens. Tree-shaded and flat, with fitness stations and picnic shelters along the way. Less touristy, more local flavor.
How Citi Bike Works
Citi Bike Miami is the city's bike-share system with over 160 stations across Miami, Miami Beach, and Coral Gables. It's the cheapest and most convenient option for short trips.
Getting started: Download the Citi Bike Miami app (iOS or Android), create an account, and you can unlock a bike at any station using the app or your account key.
Pricing at a glance:
| Option | What You Get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | 30-minute ride | ~$4.50 |
| Hourly Rental | 1 hour | ~$6.50 |
| Day Pass | Unlimited 30-min rides for 24 hrs | Varies by plan |
| Monthly Membership | Unlimited 30-min rides | Varies by plan |
| Overage Fee | Each additional 30 min | $4.95 |
The trick with Citi Bike is to dock every 30 minutes. Memberships include unlimited free 30-minute rides — so if your destination is farther away, just dock at an intermediate station, wait a moment, and unlock again. The ride timer resets each time you dock.
Where stations are: You'll find dense coverage throughout South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, downtown, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Coverage thins out considerably south of Coconut Grove and in most mainland neighborhoods west of I-95.
Important rule: Electric Citi Bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in Miami or Miami Beach, the Beachwalk, Lincoln Road Mall, South Pointe Park, or Lummus Park. Stick to bike lanes and streets.
Renting a Bike from a Shop
If you want a nicer bike, a longer rental, or a specific type (tandem, kids' bike, e-bike with more range), private rental shops are your best bet.
What to expect price-wise:
| Bike Type | 2 Hours | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Comfort | $10–$15 | $20–$30 |
| Electric Bike | $25–$35 | $40–$50 |
| Tandem | $20–$30 | $35–$50 |
Most rental shops are clustered along South Beach (especially near 10th Street and Collins Avenue) and in Coconut Grove. Some offer delivery to your hotel. A few popular names include Unlimited Biking, Bike & Roll Miami, and Mr. Bikes Rental in Miami Beach.
Many shops also offer guided bike tours through neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, which typically run 2–3 hours and cost $40–$70 per person including the bike.
E-Bike Rules You Should Know
E-bikes are legal throughout Florida and treated essentially like regular bicycles. Here's what matters:
Florida classifies e-bikes into three classes based on top assisted speed (20–28 mph) and motor power (max 750W). You don't need a driver's license, registration, or insurance for any class. Helmets are required for riders under 16 but strongly recommended for everyone — e-bikes are faster than you think. Lights are required after sunset: a white front lamp visible from 500 feet and a red rear lamp visible from 600 feet. Local jurisdictions can set their own rules, and Miami Beach has banned e-bikes from several pedestrian-heavy areas including the Beachwalk and Lincoln Road.
The bottom line: ride e-bikes on the road or in bike lanes, not on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, and you'll be fine.
Safety Tips for Riding in Miami
Miami drivers have a reputation, and it's not entirely undeserved. Here's how to ride smart.
Ride defensively. Assume drivers don't see you, especially at intersections and when cars are turning right. Use hand signals and make eye contact when possible.
Avoid rush hour on busy roads. Biscayne Boulevard, Collins Avenue through Mid-Beach, and US-1 during commute hours are not pleasant on a bike. Stick to dedicated trails or residential side streets.
Hydrate aggressively. Even in winter, Miami's humidity will drain you faster than you expect. Bring a water bottle — most trails have refill stations, but not all.
Watch for afternoon storms. From June through October, pop-up thunderstorms roll in almost every afternoon between 2 and 5 PM. Plan your rides for the morning.
Lock it up properly. Bike theft is common. Use a U-lock through the frame and rear wheel, and never leave your bike unlocked — even for a quick coffee stop.
Bring lights if you'll be out at dusk. Florida law requires them, and Miami's streets are not well-lit in many areas. A front and rear blinker can be the difference between a great ride and a dangerous one.
Best Time to Ride
The ideal months for cycling in Miami are November through April, when temperatures sit in the 70s (low-to-mid 20s Celsius) with low humidity and minimal rain. Summer riding is doable but plan for early mornings — by 10 AM, the heat index can climb above 100 degrees.
If you're visiting during Art Basel (early December) or Ultra Music Festival (March), expect heavier traffic and more pedestrians on the usual routes. You might also find it harder to snag Citi Bikes in Wynwood and South Beach during big events.
For the best experience, aim for a weekday morning ride. You'll have the trails mostly to yourself, the light is beautiful, and you'll beat the crowds at every stop along the way.
Quick Reference: Choosing Your Ride
Not sure which option is right? Here's a simple breakdown.
If you need a bike for a quick 30-minute trip between neighborhoods, grab a Citi Bike. If you're planning a half-day beach cruise or a leisurely ride through Coconut Grove, rent from a shop — the comfort bikes are worth the upgrade. For the Rickenbacker Causeway or any ride over 15 miles, rent a road bike or bring your own. And if you just want to cover a lot of ground without breaking a sweat, an e-bike rental is the move — just remember to stay off the sidewalks.
No matter how you ride, Miami's cycling scene keeps getting better. Between The Underline expansion, new protected lanes, and Citi Bike's growing station network, this city is becoming more bikeable by the year. Grab a helmet, slather on some sunscreen, and go explore.