avance

Are there any trails around the area? Are there any group rides around the area? I've driven on 98 several time sin the past, so riding down it on my bike sounds dangerous. I will be heading down there from the 15th-21st.

Ky Bud

There is a bike path the entire length of 30-A, south of 98 from Santa Rosa beach to Ally's beach. Goes past several state parks, restaurants, bars etc.

avance

how long is it and where do you get on it? Is it good for Road bikes?

Ex Pres 

I've ridden from Destin to Panama City along 98, the beach road (old 98 but not designated that way anymore), the bike paths, and bike lanes where available. The worst of the area is through SanDestin, as there are no bike lanes and no shoulders. I've gotten up onto and ridden on the sidewalk through this area. It can be hairy when busy in this stretch. There are bike lanes along a fair amount of 98 through the Destin area, though.

The 30-A separate bike path is 14 miles long, and extends from the intersections of 30-A with 98 at both ends (Santa Rosa Beach at the west end and Inlet Beach just past Alys Beach/Rosemary at the eastern end.) The bike path is OK for medium speed cycling, but if you're going 20+ you come up too fast on people coming in and out of driveways. I use the path in the more isolated areas, but ride the roads in the condo stretches.

Going past the Inlet Beach terminus into Panama City across the 98 bridge looks worse than it really is. I've never felt any traffic pressure while crossing.

Also check out the Emerald Coast Cycling Club. I've ridden several of their "off-the'beach" rides and enjoyed them.

avance

i rode from 98(Robin's cycles) to the dead end and came back to 98 and it was only 10.5 miles long. i will need to find the 30 mile road.

Ex Pres 

I assume by riding from robin's to the dead end you went to the beach highway, took a left, and went back to 98 there at the Silver Sands outlet mall. If so, you need to continue to head east on 98 towards Panama City. This first stretch of 98 thru Sandestin is the worst part. Ride the sidewalk if you want. 30-A connects with 98 at both ends.

avance

I found 30a, but i feel more comfortable driving there and parking and riding. The speed limit is 35mph on the road, but the bike trail wasnt too busy once u get away from the beach.