Greater Boston

Exploring Boston without a car

Return to main article:

The city’s car-free travel options are truly limitless. The commuter-rail system, for one, offers rides to more than 120 destinations, and typically takes bikes on board (check website for details).

For the best beaches, take the Newburyport/Rockport Line up to Ipswich, where a summer-season shuttle bus meets riders and takes them to Crane Beach, or get off at Manchester-by-the-Sea for Singing Beach. Farther away, Newburyport offers a Nantucket-like downtown, and a beautiful bike ride along the causeway out to Plum Island, where marshlands and beach trails wind through conservation land. To reach the coast south of Boston, hop on the Greenbush Line to Nantasket Junction and bike to Hull’s beach and concrete walkway (the old-time carousel and Saporito’s Florence Club Restaurant are fun), or to the exquisite oceanfront World’s End, which has trails, woodlands, and dramatic views of the Boston skyline. Hingham’s small but thriving harbor area offers excellent restaurants (Star’s, Tosca’s, and the Square Café), or roam the small beach looking for treasures.

Several ferry companies run boats from downtown Boston’s wharves, accessible by bike or public transportation. The Harbor Islands (National Park lands) offer interesting urban history, walking trails, beaches, and even overnight camping. The boat to Salem, a much sweeter ride than the Route 1 traffic affords, lands within bikeable distance (bring your own or hop on a pedicab) to the historic seaport area, the House of Seven Gables, the Peabody Essex Museum, and Willows Park, a grassy and wooded expanse that juts into Salem Harbor--perfect for picnics, games, or simply taking a siesta. Also easy is the high-speed ferry to Provincetown, where pristine beaches and open skies meet fine dining, lodgings, and robust arts and culture.

www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/bikes
www.car-free.com/carfree
www.thetrustees.org
www.bostonislands.org
www.harborexpress.com
www.salemwillowspark.com
www.baystatecruisecompany.com

Most popular

What Trump Means for John Roberts's Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

Harvard’s Endowment, Donations Rise—but the University Runs a Deficit

The annual financial report signals severe challenges to come.

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

Explore More From Current Issue

People gather near the John Harvard Statue in front of University Hall surrounded by autumn trees.

A Changed Harvard Faces the Future

After a tense summer—and with no Trump settlement in sight—the University continues to adapt. 

Illustration of tiny doctors working inside a large nose against a turquoise background.

A Flu Vaccine That Actually Works

Next-gen vaccines delivered directly to the site of infection are far more effective than existing shots.

Aerial view of a landscaped area with trees and seating, surrounded by buildings and parking.

Landscape Architect Julie Bargmann Transforming Forgotten Urban Sites

Julie Bargmann and her D.I.R.T. Studio give new life to abandoned mines, car plants, and more.