AMAZING BIKE RIDES in Boston
Biking around Boston is a great way to discover this charming, historic, vibrant city and gives a unique perspective. There are many options for easy and safe biking routes throughout the city, and it’s the best way to explore, in my opinion. This is a guide to the ultimate urban adventure!
If you didn’t bring a bike while visiting, there are several places to rent bikes in Boston. Or, you can take the Subway from Downtown Crossing to all the sites described below. Old Town Trolley Tours, is a different way to explore Boston, so keep reading to get inspired for your next visit to this incredible New England city.
If you prefer to walk and want to explore the area in and around historic Beacon Hill, I can recommend reading A Walker’s Guide to Beacon Hill and Surrounding Secrets.
Charles River Esplanade
On our first weekend in Boston, we biked along the three-mile-long Charles River Esplanade across the river to Cambridge. No doubt we had timed it perfectly with the changing season. Everywhere the trees had started their transformation into a beautiful mosaic of red, orange, and golden, and the views of the Charles River and Boston skyline were stunning. The Esplanade is a popular path for walking, jogging, and biking and has plenty of peaceful green spaces scattered around. Renting a kayak or taking a boat tour are great options for an up-close experience on the river.
Biking along the Charles River Esplanade
A few miles from the river we biked into the heart of Harvard, Harvard Square, a bustling place, with lots of people, bookstores, cafes, and street performers. We got a coffee, watched people around us, and immersed ourselves in the dynamic atmosphere of diversity and community spirit.
Cambridge – Where history meets tech
One of the world’s most prestigious and renowned institutions of higher education, Harvard University, is located in Cambridge. The university is a unique blend of historic charm and tradition, and the atmosphere on campus was quite the opposite of the downtown area. We wandered among the iconic red-brick buildings, the Widener Library, Memorial Hall, and the John Harvard Statue, and got a strong sense of history unfolding.
In the heart of campus at Harvard Yard we found a spot in the sun and enjoyed the sandwiches, we’d bought at Flour Bakery on the way. It was one of those quiet, peaceful autumn days where the sky was high, and the sun still felt warm. We appreciated every single minute because we knew that soon, the days would inevitably get shorter and cooler.
Cambridge is home to another prestigious institution, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Historically Harvard University might slightly “overshadow” MIT but both institutions have strong global reputations within their area of expertise. MIT is renowned for its computer science, engineering, and physical science programs. It’s also known for its distinctive architecture ranging from classical structures, like the Great Dome, to modern avant-garde buildings. The campus is beautifully located along Charles River and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Biking back along the Charles River Esplanade as the sun set
Mount Auburn Cemetery
On a day in mid-November when clouds seemed to have wrapped everything in a soft grey blanket, we biked back to Cambridge to visit Mount Auburn Cemetery. We wandered around the beautiful landscaping and thoughtfully designed spaces; quite different from the simple burial grounds in Beacon Hills. We passed Bigelow Chapel, a serene centerpiece of the cemetery with its pointed arches and intricate carvings. Cemeteries are always fascinating to me, but the subtle beauty of the autumn leaves against the weathered monuments at Mount Auburn added to a grounding and peaceful experience.
Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge
The Emerald Necklace
Biking The Emerald Necklace is a “must” when visiting Boston. It’s a 1,100-acre chain of parks winding through the Boston neighborhoods, linked by trails and waterways. Starting at Boston Common our first stop was the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, home of the Red Sox, – Fenway Park. This is one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States and a pilgrimage site for baseball fans. We just toured outside the grand ballpark, and there were plenty of things to see.
From Fenway Park, we biked through the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, and Olmsted Park to Jamaica Pond. We passed through woodlands, ponds and creeks, meadows, and beautifully maintained parklands with sculptures and idyllic bridges. Everywhere, the landscape varied in incredible ways, and we stopped often to soak it all in.
Biking The Emerald Necklace – Jamaica Plain, Fenway Park, the Riverway
From Jamaica Pond, one of the largest freshwater bodies in Boston, we went to Jamaica Plain. The wide selection of restaurants and shops gave us an impression of the diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures that characterizes this neighborhood. We had lunch at Ethiopian Cafe, where we sat outside the small cafe and watched life around us. We shared a large plate of spicy, colorful vegetarian stews that we scooped up with injera, a spongy flatbread. I think it was the first time I had Ethiopian food, and it was an instant favorite. From Jamaica Pond, the Emerald Necklace continues through Arnold Arboretum to Franklin Park, but at some point, we turned around and headed back.
Boston Public Library – McKim Building
The Boston Public Library is the most impressive library I have ever seen. When we entered beautiful Copley Square, we were struck by the sight of the majestic façade of the McKim Building – “A palace for the people”. The symmetrical façade made of Milford granite gave it a solid and dignified appearance and included a lot of classical detailing. The library houses an extensive collection of over 23 million items, which makes it one of the largest public library collections in the US.
Inside the building, we were welcomed by pink Knoxville marble walls in the vestibule, vaulted ceilings, and Georgia marble floors in the lobby. As we were led up the yellow Siena marble staircase to the second floor, we were greeted by a pair of giant lions carved in raw marble. At the top of the stairs, the staircase was encircled by eight impressive murals by French painter Puvis de Chavanne.
Boston Public Library – the Courtyard, McKim Building, Bates Hall, the yellow marble staircase
The main reading room, Bates Hall, was my favorite place in the library. It had iconic, green-shaded lamps, massive English oak tables, and bookcases all along the walls. 50-foot-high barrel vault ceilings and rounded, textured windows let an abundance of light flood the room. Everything provided a harmonious and symmetrical aesthetic to the room.
Boston Public Library – Johnson Building
We also visited the newer addition to the Boston Public Library, the Johnson Building. It represented a stark contrast in style and philosophy compared to the McKim Building, with its minimalistic style and use of glass and steel. It was easy to see how this part of the library was focused more on functionality and accessibility, but together the two buildings complemented and enhanced each other. You really can’t visit one part of the Boston Public Library without visiting the other.
Lost in East Boston
The Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown is a historical landmark, that’s part of the Freedom Trail. We biked across the river to see this impressive 221-foot-tall granite obelisk commemorating the battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. It is possible to climb the 294 steps to the top and get panoramic views of the Boston area but unfortunately, the monument itself was closed.
Bunker Hill Monument and mural in Chelsea
From Charlestown, we somehow crossed the Mystic River to Chelsea. This is not a route I’ll recommend but I’ll tell you about it anyway. We followed the coast, crossed the Chelsea Creek to East Boston, and all I remember is miles and miles of industrial areas and a sense of being lost. Somewhere we ended up at a dead end close to the airport. We could see the Boston skyline across the river but didn’t know how to get back there.
Nobody was around to ask for directions, and I refused to bike 10 miles back on the same boring route we’d come from. I probably shouldn’t say this, but Allan planned this trip, so at that point we weren’t exactly on speaking terms. Allan, on the other hand, blamed Google Maps.
Traveling the WaterWay
Out of nowhere, a blue and yellow checkered Boston Water Taxi showed up. Yes, he could take us across the river. Yes, he would take our bikes as well, and no, it didn’t cost us a fortune. 15 minutes later we were close to civilization again at The Waterfront, (and a Starbucks) and everything was good. We realized that this was the area we were originally going for, however taking a “slight” detour.
The Boston skyline from a Boston Water Taxi
South Boston Waterfront
The South Boston Waterfront spans several neighborhoods along the harbor south of Beacon Hill. It’s a combination of historic charm and newer development, creating a diverse and interesting area. The Waterfront features the Boston Harborwalk that connects the various neighborhoods along the waterfront and has stunning views of the harbor, city skyline, and Logan Airport. It also features the Museum of Contemporary Art – ICA, a museum with a striking architectural design and spectacular views of the harbor.
Biking along the beaches
The Harborwalk follows the shoreline around the Boston Harbor and is another great, biking path. When fully completed, it will extend 47 miles from East Boston to the Neponset River.
From Fort Independence on Castle Island, we followed the Harborwalk along Pleasure Bay, Carson Beach, and M Street Beach. Being used to California beaches, I have to say, there wasn’t much going on in this area. The season probably had something to do with it. Still, it was a nice bike path and we could put in as many miles as we wanted.
View from the shoreline along the Harborwalk
The Boston Tea Party
When crossing Congress Steet Bridge from The Waterfront back to downtown, we passed The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This is a popular interactive historical attraction, transporting visitors back to the revolutionary era through reenactments. Full-size replicas of the ships involved in the Tea Party are docked at the museum, and it all looks very picturesque among the high-rises of the downtown area. No, we didn’t visit the museum. Why? So many things to do, and too little time!
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and the Boston skyline
If you want to explore more about Boston/New England, please read A Walker’s Guide to Beacon Hill and Surrounding Secrets and Discover the Hidden Gems of New England.