Best Motorcycle Ride in Northeast Florida: Crescent City to Pomona Park via Scenic Back Roads
The Hideaway Bar_Harley Parking Only Sign_Pomona Park_Putnam County_Brandy Jo Hastings_Compressed
As the engine revs up and the open road unfurls before you, there’s an important decision to make. Will today’s ride take you to your same old hangouts? Or are you seeking a new adventure full of scenic, winding back roads and unique hidden spots? If you chose the latter, you’ll want to check out the ride between Crescent City and Pomona Park. These two small communities in Putnam County, Florida, give you the chance to embark on tree-lined roadways with minimal traffic. As the moss-draped oaks serve as your canopy, you can cruise along, take in the fresh country air, and enjoy the feel of true “Old Florida.”
Renegades_Tiki Bar and Welcome Bikers Sign_Crescent City_Putnam County, FL, Photo by: Brandy Jo Hastings
This is the type of ride that makes you remember what ignited your passion for riding in the first place. Of course, no epic ride is complete without some fun stops along the way. In Crescent City and Pomona Park, there are three key establishments that you’ll want to put on your itinerary. Even better, the three motorcycle-friendly spots are only about 10-15 minutes away from each other. This makes it an easy, scenic motorcycle ride with the ability to take in the landscapes and enjoy some lively fun along the way.
Where are Crescent City and Pomona Park?
Crescent City and Pomona Park are located in northeast Florida. Both communities are located in southern Putnam County, with Pomona Park located northwest of Crescent City. The two small towns are only about 10 minutes apart. Crescent City is about an hour away from St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, and about an hour and a half from Orlando.
The ride between Crescent City and Pomona Park is great to do any time throughout the year, and the establishments on this itinerary are open all year. If you happen to be visiting during some of the state’s most well-known motorcycle events, you’ll find an extension of those activities in Crescent City and Pomona Park as well. Those looking for great motorcycle rides to do while they’re attending Daytona Bike Week or Biketoberfest will be happy to know the Crescent City to Pomona Park ride is an easy add-on that you can do in a day. However, one of the spots on the itinerary also has lodging available, so you can definitely stay overnight as well.
The Crescent City to Pomona Park Motorcycle Ride
Motorcycle enthusiasts rave about three particular hotspots in Crescent City and Pomona Park, as well as the ride between the establishments. This is an easy itinerary to follow, but you can switch these up to visit in whatever order you like. All three are unique in their own ways, though, and are worthy of a visit.
3 Bananas with Welcome Bikers sign in Putnam County, FL, Photo by: Brandy Jo Hastings
11 South Lake Street, Crescent City, Florida 32112
History buffs will love visiting here, as 3 Bananas is housed inside the oldest commercial structure in Crescent City. The building started as a mercantile store in 1883, but was later owned by the Freemasons before becoming a bait shop. It is now a popular spot located on the shores of Crescent Lake that’s well-loved by the motorcycle community.
Some come by car, and some by boat. But many come by motorcycle, too. All come here hungry, because they have a very diverse menu that includes local seafood, burgers, tacos, wraps, wings, and more. Everything here is delicious, and there’s a reason. They have a special blend of spices there that they call “Magic,” and it goes on everything. Though they won’t reveal the secret recipe, it keeps the locals flocking there. They also have happy hour specials Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you just want to stop in for a drink and sit on the water’s edge, you can do that, too. Wednesday nights are especially fun, because that’s their trivia night.
As a motorcycle-friendly establishment, 3 Bananas fully embraced their love of the motorcycle scene and held the inaugural Crescent City Bikefest in 2025. The festivities happened on Central Avenue and extended down to 3 Bananas. With over 60 vendors, live music, good food, and cold drinks, the event attracted over 4,000 people in its first year. Motorcycle enthusiasts loved it, and we’re excited that this will now be an annual event. Save the date to join us on October 24, 2026, for the next Crescent City Bikefest.
Local Tip:
Head to the back of the property for great lakeside views. While you’re there, check out the enormous cypress tree. At almost 700 years old, it takes the crown for being the oldest bald white cypress in the state.
The Hideaway Bar_Sign and front of building_Pomona Park_Putnam County_Brandy Jo Hastings_Compressed
245 Old Highway 17, Pomona Park, Florida 32181
It’s called The Hideaway for good reason, as it’s hidden away in the back roads of Old Florida. Once you get there, you’ll be greeted by a charming building that has been there since 1945. It started as Haggerty’s Place Grocery, and inside, you can see the black and white pictures that give you a peek into its past. It’s since evolved into one of the most fun biker bars in Florida. If you need proof, just look on the street for the burnouts – you may even see some shaped like smiley faces. There’s even a burnout inside the bar, and yes, there’s a cool story behind it that anyone behind the bar would be happy to share.
The inside offers a laid-back vibe with motorcycle memorabilia adorning the walls. The outside patio has more seating and is a great spot to sit on a nice Florida day. Many people also grab a seat on the front porch to swap stories and have a drink. On the weekends, you’ll often hear live music there, and they sometimes host car shows, too. In addition, there’s a variety of other activities that happen throughout the week, including LCR tournaments on Tuesdays, pool tournaments on Thursdays, and karaoke on Fridays.
The Hideaway serves beer and wine, and has happy hour specials every Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. They also have a full menu that includes things like chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and more. People rave about their burgers as well – they’re made on a 60-year-old grill, and locals say that adds to the flavor. On the weekends, you can come early for breakfast. Just make sure you bring cash, as The Hideaway doesn’t accept credit cards.
Local Tip:
If you make a side-trip here during Bike Week, you’ll find vendors and a variety of activities, including the “Bike Smash.” It’s exactly what it sounds like. Upon arrival, you’ll see a motorcycle hanging from a tree. You can purchase tickets for a chance to take a swing at it. It’s quite a sight to see people taking a swing and hearing the clunk of the parts as they hit the ground. It’s a playful annual tradition that’s done as a fundraiser to benefit local charities.
Renegades_Bike Week T Shirt_Crescent City_Putnam County, FL, Photo by: Brandy Jo Hastings
1171 County Road 309, Crescent City, Florida 32112
This is another tucked-away spot that’s accessible via some of the most picturesque, moss-draped back roads. As soon as you get there, you’ll quickly see that Renegades is more than just a bar, it’s more of a resort-like experience. People come to fish, camp, and enjoy the water, but it’s also known as being a very motorcycle-friendly spot. Even if you aren’t taking advantage of all of the other onsite amenities, you can still stop in and enjoy a good meal at the restaurant. The menu offers a little something for everyone, but a couple of their recurring specials include all-you-can-eat shrimp on Wednesdays and all-you-can-eat catfish on Fridays. For a truly Florida experience, try their gator tail. If you just want to grab a drink and hang out in the tiki bar as you look out at the water, you can do that. They offer BOGO specials on well liquor and domestic beer from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
There’s definitely never a dull moment around there. There are pickleball courts, a game room, karaoke on Tuesdays, live music every weekend, monthly rock and roll bingo nights, and occasional car shows. They really crank up the festivities around Bike Week, though. Expect over 30 vendors, drink specials, live music, and a vibrant party scene.
There’s so much to do here that you may decide you want to make this your home base for a few days. In addition to the RV spots (complete with full hookups and paved pads), there are also six cabins available to rent. If you’re bringing along a larger crew, you can opt to rent the “Big House” that accommodates up to 16 people. Just make sure you make your reservations in advance.
Local Tip:
Renegades is one of the best places to access the St. Johns River. Even if you’re coming on a motorcycle, it doesn’t mean you have to forgo time enjoying Florida’s most iconic waterway. Jet skis and boat rentals are available at Renegades, and it's easy to park your bike and hit the water for an hour or two to check out some different views. In Putnam County, you can enjoy epic rides on both land and water.
While these three spots comprise the standout motorcycle ride between Crescent City and Pomona Park, you’ll find that Putnam County is very welcoming to motorcyclists, and there’s plenty of iconic Old Florida scenery to explore. A short ride north to East Palatka will also give you the chance to visit another place very popular with motorcycle riders, the Cheyenne Saloon. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more about all of the great things to do in Putnam County.