What makes a city "motorcycle-friendly"? Perhaps it's dedicated parking options, law enforcement without bias against riders, or residents who tip their hats and offer a smile (or move over) as you ride by. Motorcycle-friendly cities often host big rides, have bars and restaurants for easy gatherings, and have a lot of repair shops ready to help out.

From the calm and peaceful to the wild and wacky, we've honed in on a few US cities known for all of the above, plus an added bonus: they have epic motorcycle rides nearby. Grab a friend and, of course, rent a motorcycle from Twisted Road, then check out these must-ride motorcycle-friendly cities. See our recommendations for where to ride, eat, and shop below.

1. Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith's slogan "Where the New South Meets the Old West," aptly describes this cool city located on the Arkansas River. The city's colorful heritage is seen in the architecture, art, and hospitality of its citizens.

Ride: Arkansas Pig Trail

The varying terrain of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for the Pig Trail. Tree tunnels that change with the seasons offering wildflowers or brilliant autumn foliage make this route something to try at different times of the year.

Eat: Hero's

There is no "type" of patron, music, or food at Hero's. From misfits to cool kids, jazz to rock, tacos to charcuterie boards…there is something for everyone, every day of the week.

Shop: Old Dog Leather

Find helmets, leather gear, shirts, custom transfers, Harley-Davidson merchandise, patches, leather repair, eyewear, and more at Old Dog Leather.

Twisted Tip: Visit during Steel Horse Rally on May 5-6, 2023 for a ride dedicated to our veterans, military, law enforcement, and first responders. The motorcycle event also helps local charities and the community.

2. Phoenix, Arizona

Known for its endless sun and warm temperatures, Phoenix is a fun place to explore. You can kick back and indulge in a high-end spa resort, perfect your swing on a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course, or get your groove on in a vibrant nightclub. And, of course, ride in this motorcycle-friendly city.

Ride: Mesa, Globe, Punkin Center

There are incredible views along this route, but be present in each moment because there are not a lot of places to stop and take photos. Take heart, there are places to fuel up you and your motorcycle.

Eat: Chopper Johns

Expect live music, NFL Football game specials, $5 margaritas, Bloody Marys, and karaoke nights—all offered with notably great service.

Shop: Arizona Biker Leather

Stop by this family-owned shop for jackets, patches, chaps, headwear, vests, gloves, and more.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Take a walking tour to experience Charleston's charming cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic antebellum houses. Hop aboard a boat tour to check out a different view of Battery Promenade, Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter, and Morris Island.

Ride: Low Country Beach Loop

This route begins in Mt. Pleasant. The ride is short in distance, but is long on scenery. From the Atlantic Ocean vistas to the saltwater marshes, there's plenty to see before you dine on fresh seafood and enjoy the beach.

Eat: The Tattooed Moose

This chill-out, kick-back place was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and is noted for it's duck club sandwich, duck-fat fries, live music, and drink specials—that you can enjoy until 1:00 in the morning!

Shop: Monster Music and Movies

Here you'll find movies and music (on vinyl, DVD, CD, and so on)—so go explore some nostalgic throw-backs or get in-the-know with new releases.

4. Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is a city in Georgia, near its South Carolina border. The Augusta Museum of History includes exhibits on golf and soul singer James Brown, while the nearby Morris Museum of Art is dedicated to the art of the American South. The Augusta Riverwalk runs along the Savannah River and is worth a stroll. The city also features the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson which depicts the early life of the 28th president. Also plan to explore the trails that span the length of the 1845 Augusta Canal on foot.

Ride: Savannah River

On this ride you'll find scenic wooded vibes, old towns, opportunities to stop for sights. You'll be riding through sections of the Sumpter National Forest which offers stunning wooded views, vintage vibes, and lots of places to see and stop.

Stay: Two Wheels of Suches

You'll find this campground about a 1-1/2 hour ride from Atlanta The location was purchased by local motorcycle enthusiasts who know the North Georgia mountain roads well. The site has fire rings, camp grills, a motorcycle ramp for loading and unloading your bike, and front porch seating for a great view of other moto enthusiasts coming and going. Talk about motorcycle-friendly locales!

Twisted Tip: Pack and Plan For Your Moto Camping Trip like a pro with our article's tips and tricks.

Shop: The Barnyard Flea Markets

Stop by this one-of-a-kind, family-friendly flea market and peruse goods of all kinds. Be sure to check out Cumbee Leathers for leather goods (and more) for use both on and off of your motorcycle.

5. Tampa, Florida

Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is known for its museums and deep-rooted culture. The city is also home to Busch Gardens amusement park, the historic neighborhood of Ybor City, and more places than you can imagine to shop, stop, and dine.

Ride: North Tampa Circuit

This round-trip ride boasts some of Florida’s most unique views of ranches and orange groves. In the spring, orange blossom sweetness fills the air.

Twisted Tip: Check out Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant in Dade City along this route (insert drool here).

Eat: Born Free Pub & Grill

This pub features motorcycles, rock-n-roll, great food, craft beer, and friendly bartenders. And if you're there on July 16th, check out Born Free Bike Night.

Shop: Vintage Maché

Pickers (aka "Bees") do the legwork and gather unique, vintage treasures and curiosities from all over and put them all under one roof for your perusal. Vintage Maché is open on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known for its shows, restaurants, nightclubs, pool parties, AND it is motorcycle-friendly—what doesn't this city have?

Ride: Mt. Charleston

On this 22-mile ride, you'll leave the desert landscape and catch roads with incredible views as you loop through the mountains.

Eat: Double Down Saloon

Stop here for hot music, cold beers, and tasty grub—all wrapped up with a punk rock ribbon.

Shop: Leather Headquarters

Shop for leather goods for your head, shoulders, knees, and toes to keep you in style as you ride through Vegas.

7. Sturgis, South Dakota

Sturgis has much to see and do in addition to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, now in its 84th year. Visit the Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, learn something new at Fort Meade, explore Black Hills National Forest, tour the Badlands, and picnic in Bear Butte State Park. These are just some of the incredible things that South Dakota has to offer.

Ride: Spearfish Canyon

Described as one of the most scenic rides in the Black Hills area. You'll see Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, Little Crow Peak, Homestake Gold Mine, Black Hills Mining Museum, The Hippie Hole, and the “must see” Devils Bathtub.

Eat: The Knuckle Saloon

You can find The Knuckle Saloon (and The Knuckle Brewing Company) in downtown Sturgis. The spot doubles as a museum overflowing with antiques and Sturgis memorabilia.

Shop: Prairie Emporium

Here you can shop collectibles, antiques, motorcycle parts, T-shirts, Sturgis rally regalia, license plates, tags, art of all kids, bronze, books, jewelry, coins, and a little bit of everything else.

Twisted Tip: For more Sturgis info check out this 6-day series from one of Twisted Road's adventurers: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6.

8. Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins features another fascinating Old Town historic district with original 1800s homes, a vintage trolley, shops, and restaurants.

Ride: Horsetooth Loop

Just west of Fort Collins is Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, where you can explore Horsetooth Rock formations and Horsetooth Falls. This quick, beautiful ride might have you doing it again and again.

Eat: The Still Whiskey and Steaks

This restaurant boasted over 80+ whiskies (more than 40 from CO alone) accompanied by fancy steakhouse-quality food served by flannel-wearing servers in a log-cabinesque setting.

Shop: Curiosities

A carefully-curated shop featuring unique gifts for yourself or that person you never know what to get. Shop for everything from the "oh, I need this!" to "wow, I never saw this before!"

9. Austin, Texas

Great music (blues, rock, country, and more), food (BBQ, tacos, TexMex, and more), and sights (museums, lakes, architecture, and more) you must check out.