Top Vacation Destinations for Motorcycle Riders
Everyone knows how amazing vacations can be. A moment in time to get away, leave the rest of the world behind and take the trip of a lifetime. But only those select few who ride know how taking a vacation on a well-equipped bagger or touring motorcycle changes the game. It ups the adventure. Jumping on your motorcycle and hitting the road turns getting to your dream destination into an unforgettable experience.
Year-Round Motorcycle Riding Vacations
Many people put warmer weather destinations and vacations together. And for good reason. There are few things that can put a smile on someone's face as fast as a little sun, sand, winding roads and abundant wildlife-plus plenty of beautiful scenery. Here are our top places to head when it comes to warmer weather destinations and "mostly" year-round riding. We say mostly because a few of these locations can be known to get a little too cool for motorcycle travel in the winter months.
Pacific Coast Highway Along the California Coast
This is a historic piece of Americana that was made for motorcycling. It's a challenging trip for experienced riders, with twisting stretches through mountainous settings, scenic forests and panoramic views of the Pacific. A PCH tour starts in Northern California in a town called Leggett, takes you south across the Golden Gate, through Los Angeles and ends in San Diego. From Big Sur to Cannery Row to the Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach, plus numerous beaches and lighthouses along the way, there's no shortage of things to stop and see.
Yosemite National Park, California
Take an awe-inspiring ride into the heart of the American wilderness. Yosemite National Park is home to over 700,000 acres of protected land and is one of North America's Seven Wonders. Getting there is half the adventure, but once you are, be sure to ride into Yosemite Valley where you can hike out to Yosemite Falls, take the Cook's Meadow trail to Half Dome or drive to Glacier Point for a panoramic view of the entire valley.
For long cross-country trips, consider trailering your vehicle out to your destinations and take day trips from there. The vehicle you use to haul your ride can also double as a support vehicle.
Zion National Park, Utah
Utah Highway 9, also known as the Zion National Park Scenic Byway, delivers a tight, twisting scenic canyon ride that goes on for nearly 60 miles. The road is home to the mile-long Zion tunnel, constructed back in 1930, along with stunning rock formations and features to take in, including Checkerboard Mesa. There is a fee to drive through the park with opportunities to visit the Zion Canyon-but only by shuttle during the tourist season.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Bikers to the area will be treated to sunshine, sandy beaches and miles of scenic ocean rides, including the Sunshine State's historic A1A. Plus, there are a wealth of other options to satisfy any rider's appetite for fun. When not riding, visitors to the area can take in live music, racing at the Daytona International Speedway or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. And if you happen to be in the area around mid-October, be sure to check out Biketoberfest, as well as Daytona Bike Week in early March.
Motorcycle-Friendly Resorts & Campgrounds
When it takes more than a day to get there, consider resorts and campgrounds as an overnight option. They extend the outdoor experience you get from riding and connect you with a community of other riders. Many places let you choose your level of roughing it. Rent a lodge, a furnished cabin or an RV for the evening. Or camp under the stars in your own tent. Here are just three great examples of biker-friendly places to stay.
Rider's Roost Motorcycle Resort & Campground - Ferguson, NC
A little off the beaten path, Rider's Roost is a haven for bikers looking to hole up for a night or several nights. You'll find it just a little east of the Blue Ridge Parkway-a serious motorcyclist's dream. This parkway features twisting mountain roads, dense forest canopies and beautiful vistas as far as the eye can see. Your stay offers the choice of cabins, suites and more.
Steel Steeds Motorcycle Campground - Milton, PA
Tucked along the shoreline of the Susquehanna River, The Steel Steeds Campground in Central Pennsylvania caters to a motorcycle crowd. Set it up as your base camp for a few nights and take day rides along the river and through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. After a day of riding, share your stories around the campfire before retiring to a deluxe RV rental, furnished cabin or cost-efficient tent. And if you're in the area in mid-June, be sure to check out the Mid-Atlantic Women's Motorcycle Rally in York, PA.
Two Wheels Only - Suches, GA
Staking their claim to the first motorcycle-only campground in the United States, Two Wheels Only opened in 1982 exclusively for those who are riding or towing their motorcycle. Visitors will have easy access to incredible forest scenery and challenging mountain roads with steep climbs, breathtaking descents and amazing curves. Explore hundreds of miles of Forest Service roads in the area and be sure to check out the nearby town of Dahlonega, home to the nation's first gold rush.
RENTAL MOTORCYCLES AND EXPERIENCES
If you don't currently own a motorcycle, want to ride in an area you're flying into or just want to experience something different than what you currently ride-motorcycle rentals, self-guided adventures and guided tours are the way to go. You can find places to rent all across the country that offer rental bikes for a half day trip, multi-day trip or extended motorcycle tour. Try booking a rental and ride in some of the most amazing places on earth.
Take Your Next Vacation on Two Wheels
Take a little inspiration from the places above and start planning your next vacation on a motorcycle. Whether your itinerary has you heading to one of our suggested locations or you decide to plan a trip on your own-remember, when you're riding on an Indian Motorcycle the fun is always getting there.
