Tired of sitting in summer traffic and mindlessly circling parking lots hunting for that elusive open spot? Ditch the car this summer vacation and instead opt for a fun trip biking on Cape Cod. Whether you prefer distance cycling, gliding along on a beach cruiser or toddling on a balance bike, Woods Hole is your best bet for an unforgettable biking vacation!
Bringing Your Bike to Woods Hole
If you have a bike of your own, bring it along as the hotels in Woods Hole offer complimentary parking. If you do not plan on driving to Woods Hole, Peter Pan Bus Lines runs from Logan Airport directly to Woods Hole and allows bicycles as part of the free baggage allowance. All bikes are stored in the baggage compartment underneath the bus on a space available basis only. Make sure to read the website information regarding policies, procedures and pricing for transporting bikes to Woods Hole. If you do not own a bike, there are various other options for acquiring a bike to use:
Renting a Bike
There are several places to rent bikes in Falmouth, so make sure to pick it up on your way into Woods Hole (you will pass through Falmouth) or bike it to Woods Hole on the Shining Sea Bikeway.
- Corner Cycle Cape Cod – located in downtown Falmouth offers both daily and weekly rentals of standard bikes, performance bikes, trailers and helmets. Call ahead for availability and prices.
- Art’s Bike Shop – located in North Falmouth offering daily and weekly rentals of single and tandem bikes, bikes with trailers and bikes with baby seats.
- Bike Zone – offers hourly, weekly and monthly rentals of road bikes, kids bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, fat tire bikes and all accessories.
- Hotels that provide bikes Several spots offer complimentary bikes for guest use. Be sure to call ahead for policies on borrowing bikes as they may require bikes to stay on the mainland.
Hotels that Provide Bikes
There are several hotels and inns that provide bikes to their guests to use during their stay:
Places to See and Things to Do While Biking
Now that you have secured your wheels, get pedaling! Woods Hole is the hub for people who love to bike at any level. The Village sits perfectly at the base of the Shining Sea Bikeway and is the port for the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
Shining Sea Bikeway
The famous paved bike path stretches from Woods Hole all the way to North Falmouth. Grab an early morning pastry from Pie in the Sky before heading out for the ride along spectacular beaches, through picturesque marshes and peaceful forest. Birdwatchers should pack binoculars to spot numerous species in the wooded trails along Salt Pond Marsh.
If you are able to make it all the way to West Falmouth, grab a sandwich from West Falmouth Market deli to take to Chapoquoit Beach just down the road, off the Shining Sea Bikeway. On the return trip take a break from the heat to enjoy an ice cream under the shaded patio at The Station Grill located at the Falmouth Bus Depot.
The Village of Woods Hole
Staying in Woods Hole means you can step right out the front door of your room and bike to nearby beaches, restaurants, shops and parks. Bike parking is located conveniently throughout the village.
Take along a sandwich from Jimmy’s Classic Eats or Woods Hole Market and Provisions for a picnic with your toes in the sand at Stony Beach or Nobska Beach, followed by a refreshing swim! Families will enjoy biking to Taft’s Playground, followed by a visit to Woods Hole Science Aquarium.
Martha’s Vineyard
Both families and adults will enjoy riding bikes on Martha’s Vineyard. There are extensive paved bike paths which can be accessed from the ferry in Oak Bluffs. Bike along beaches, through forest, or visit the quaint towns for shopping and dining. Steamship Authority charges $8 roundtrip per single bicycle, while tandem bikes and ones with trailers run $16 roundtrip.
With so many options for biking related activities, plan an adventure today that suits your ability and style and take the opportunity to enjoy nature, exercise and have fun times with family and friends. Both families and cyclist enthusiasts will be satisfied with a memorable Woods Hole biking vacation.