Biking Around Boston Massachusetts: Best Routes and Rentals & Video

Biking Around Boston Massachusetts: Best Routes and Rentals

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Biking Around Boston Massachusetts: Best Routes and Rentals

Boston, Massachusetts, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a fantastic biking experience for both locals and tourists. With its well-maintained bike paths, scenic routes, and bike-friendly city infrastructure, biking is a great way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. In this article, we will explore the best routes to take when biking around Boston and provide information on bike rentals to help you plan your biking adventure.

Boston Common and Public Garden: Start your biking journey in the heart of the city at Boston Common and Public Garden. These historic parks offer beautiful landscapes and are the perfect starting point for exploring the city on two wheels. Ride along the paved paths, enjoying the lush greenery and iconic statues, such as the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture.

  • Explore the Freedom Trail: Follow the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red-brick path that takes you through 16 significant historical sites. Biking allows you to cover more ground and experience the trail’s highlights, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
  • Visit Beacon Hill: Take a detour to Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Ride along the charming streets lined with historic brownstones and enjoy the neighborhood’s quaint shops and cafes.
  • Enjoy the Charles River Esplanade: Head west along the Charles River Esplanade, a scenic park that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river. Stop by the Hatch Shell, an outdoor concert venue, and catch a performance if there’s one scheduled.
  • Discover the Back Bay: Continue biking through the Back Bay neighborhood, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and upscale shopping destinations like Newbury Street. Take your time to explore the charming streets and perhaps stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.

Boston Massachusetts Image 1: Boston Massachusetts

Bike Rentals

If you don’t have your own bike, don’t worry! Boston offers several bike rental options to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a short ride or a full-day adventure, these rental services have you covered.

  • Hubway: Hubway is Boston’s public bike-sharing system. With numerous stations conveniently located throughout the city, you can easily rent a bike and return it to any station when you’re done. Simply sign up for a membership or purchase a pass through their website or mobile app.
  • Urban AdvenTours: Urban AdvenTours is a local bike shop that offers bike rentals and guided tours. They have a wide range of bikes available, including hybrids, road bikes, and electric bikes. You can rent bikes by the hour, half-day, or full day.
  • Back Bay Bicycles: Back Bay Bicycles is another reputable bike shop in Boston that provides bike rentals. They offer various types of bikes and gear, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable ride. Rentals are available by the hour, half-day, or full day.

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Charles River Bike Path

The Charles River Bike Path is a popular route for cyclists looking to enjoy scenic views while biking. The path stretches for 23 miles along the Charles River, offering a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Here are some highlights along the way:

  • Esplanade Park: Located near the Museum of Science, Esplanade Park is a great starting point for your Charles River bike adventure. Enjoy the riverside views and pass by iconic landmarks like the Longfellow Bridge.
  • Harvard University: As you continue along the path, you’ll reach Harvard University. Take a break and explore the historic campus, visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History, or grab a bite to eat in Harvard Square.
  • Watertown: Further along the path, you’ll reach Watertown, a charming town with a rich history. Explore the local shops and restaurants before hopping back on your bike.
  • Newton: The path eventually leads to Newton, where you can enjoy beautiful suburban scenery and tree-lined streets. Consider taking a detour to visit the Jackson Homestead and Museum, a historic house-turned-museum showcasing local history.

Boston Massachusetts Image 3: Boston Massachusetts

Minuteman Bikeway

If you’re looking for a longer biking adventure, the Minuteman Bikeway is a must-visit. This 10-mile paved path connects Cambridge to Bedford, passing through several towns along the way. Here are some highlights of the Minuteman Bikeway:

  • Arlington Center: Start your journey in Arlington Center, where you can explore the town’s historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Grab a coffee before hitting the trail.
  • Lexington Battle Green: As you ride through Lexington, make sure to stop at the Lexington Battle Green, a historic park where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired. Learn about the town’s role in American history.
  • Bedford Depot Park: The endpoint of the Minuteman Bikeway is Bedford Depot Park, a lovely park with picnic areas and a restored train depot. Relax and enjoy the surroundings before heading back.

Conclusion

Biking around Boston, Massachusetts, is an incredible way to explore the city’s historical landmarks, picturesque neighborhoods, and natural beauty. With well-designed bike paths, stunning river views, and numerous rental options, you can easily plan a memorable biking adventure. Whether you choose to follow the Freedom Trail, ride along the Charles River, or explore the Minuteman Bikeway, Boston offers something for everyone. So grab a bike, enjoy the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the charm of this remarkable city.

References

  • City of Boston: boston.gov
  • Hubway: thehubway.com
  • Urban AdvenTours: urbanadventours.com
  • Back Bay Bicycles: backbaybicycles.com
  • Charles River Bike Path: mass.gov
  • Minuteman Bikeway: minutemanbikeway.org