Ride routes
Rides from the rally
27
Miles
1 hr one way
Ride time
75
Miles
2 hr one way
Ride time
158
Miles
4.5 hr
Ride time
13
Miles
30–45 min one way
Ride time
Thunder Beach ride routes in brief
These Thunder Beach ride routes are day rides you can do from your base during the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, with distance, ride time and a Google Maps link for each. Check road conditions and the National Weather Service forecast before you set out.
Riding around Panama City Beach
Two main roads run the length of town. US-98, called Panama City Beach Parkway or Back Beach Road, is the faster inland route. Front Beach Road (SR-30) follows the Gulf and carries much of the rally’s evening action, so expect it to move slowly during rally week. Thomas Drive branches off near the east end toward the Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews State Park.
East of town, US-98 crosses into Panama City and follows the coast toward Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe and Apalachicola. West of town, it leads to the South Walton beach towns on Scenic Highway 30A. To the north, SR-79 and SR-77 lead inland toward Chipley and Marianna.
Tips before you ride
- Leave early to beat traffic and the afternoon heat.
- Top off your tank before long stretches outside town.
- Watch for sand on beach roads and for pedestrians near beach accesses.
- Carry water, rain gear and a charged phone.
- Check state park hours, fees and any closures before you go.
Distances below are approximate and come from mapping estimates. Ride times are moving time unless a route notes otherwise. Each route includes a Google Maps link with the start, end and key waypoints filled in, so you can load it on your phone before you leave the lot.
On this page
Thunder Beach at a glance
Dates
Autumn 2026: October 21 to 25, 2026. Spring 2027: April 28 to May 2, 2027.
Where
Panama City Beach, FL: Frank Brown Park, Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, Crossroads and partner venues on Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive
Nearest airport
Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP), about 14 miles from Frank Brown Park
Helmet law
Required under 21. Riders 21+ may ride without one if insured for at least $10,000 in medical benefits. Eye protection required.
More for this rally