Ride U.S. 98 from Pensacola to Crystal River on your motorcycle

The character of U.S. 98 changes many times along your journey—from multilane divided highway to two-lane rural road. You'll ride the main streets of beach towns and alongside the Gulf Coast waterfront. You'll travel through expanses of Florida woodlands and discover communities a world away from the commercial tourist meccas of central Florida.

Our motorcycle journey covers about 400 miles and starts in the city of Pensacola. You'll begin by leaving Pensacola with a visual treat, taking U.S. 98 east over the Pensacola Bay Bridge. This will be the first of several bay bridges you'll cross on the way to this route's end point in Crystal River.

Our interactive U.S. 98 route map shows the sweep of U.S. 98 as it wraps around the coast of the Florida Panhandle and along the state's western coast. Use this map as a starting point to build your own unique trip.

Florida's favorable weather makes the state a year-round motorcycle riding destination, but it still has its share of weather hazards, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and searing heat. To help you get a sense of when you'd like to ride this route, here are the monthly temperature and precipitation averages for Apalachicola, a coastal town you'll pass through as you ride.

U.S. 98 isn't a highly technical road, but you'll still need to stay alert—particularly as you enter and leave resort areas and other communities. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye out for animals along the roadside, especially in wooded areas and near wildlife preserves.

• Pull off the road to enjoy the dramatic seaside sightseeing. Drivers and motorcyclists alike can get distracted by the views, which can lead to sudden or unexpected maneuvers, and even accidents.

• Expect commuter and tourist traffic, including RVs and vehicles towing trailers.

• Don't be tempted to keep up with drivers and riders exceeding the speed limit and weaving around slow-moving and stopped vehicles. Ride at your own pace and follow the rules of the road.

Along the nearly 400 miles you'll travel along U.S. 98, you'll find opportunities to camp, fish, and enjoy the recreational possibilities the Gulf Coast offers. There are many side trips you can take either toward the coast or inland to explore the numerous wildlife management areas and preserves. Here are three places to consider exploring:

Panama City Beach is a Gulf Coast resort town whose beaches are consistently ranked among the world's best. Sugar-white sands and warm gulf waters make Panama City Beach a great stopping point on your U.S. 98 ride. Avid motorcycle riders also know the city as the home of the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally.

Apalachicola is a charming fishing town where you can enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and set up a base camp to explore the Apalachicola National Forest. It's also a central location on what's known as the Forgotten Coast of Florida. According to the Tourist Development Council of Franklin County, this area features “the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that haven't been overrun by high rises and strip malls.”

Crystal River is known as the Manatee Capital of the World. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only national wildlife refuge in America dedicated to protecting the manatee. These incredible sea creatures migrate to this part of Florida during the cooler months, roughly the same time many motorcycle riders visit the state for a riding-friendly season.

As you explore Florida’s northwestern coast, plan a side trip along the Ocala National Forest motorcycle route.