Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking
Atlantic Islands & Beachside Villages
It’ll be early on. You’ll round a corner on one of the beach roads, maybe in 'Sconset or Aquinnah. And it will hit you. The quiet. The open Atlantic pulsing on the shore, sea birds above and a beach breeze rustling the dunes. It gives you that "I’m never going back" feeling where you imagine selling all your possessions and buying a lobster boat. It’s okay, the feeling passes eventually. But you’ll have five days to enjoy it.
- Gentle, tranquil rides past scenic beaches and cranberry bogs
- Fresh seafood and gracious island hospitality
- Tackle hills to the red-clay cliffs of Aquinnah, with a 200-year-old lighthouse
- Edgartown's Colonial roots and art galleries
- Pick up maritime history at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Downshift into easygoing island life on Nantucket 
A gentle ride to Cisco Beach leads past beautiful 18th- and 19th-century sea captains’ homes and lighthouses Circle the island on two wheels - gardens, cranberry bogs, harbors and dunes enliven our route The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum chronicles the area’s maritime heritage Up for a stroll along the Atlantic? Siasconset and Surfside beaches beckon with pristine stretches of sand.
Day 3 Edgartown's Colonial roots and art galleries Soak up the rich history of Nantucket Town on a walking tour A private chartered boat transports us to Martha’s Vineyard, simply called "The Vineyard" by locals Stroll through historic Oak Bluffs, a chic stop for shoppers Pedal a bike path to Edgartown, known for spectacular Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian architecture.
Day 4 The red-clay cliffs of Aquinnah, with a 200-year-old lighthouse Browse the galleries of watercolors, photography and sculptures by local and renowned artists Explore the Cape Poge lighthouse - its first keeper in 1801 was appointed by Thomas Jefferson.
Day 5 Exhilarating ocean views and breezes Spin to Vineyard Haven for lunch at the ever-popular Black Dog Tavern Ferry across Nantucket Sound to Woods Hole.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was one of the most memorable vacations I've ever had! The inns where we stayed were awesome. The museums really helped me to get a better historical perspective, especially in Nantucket. It was very clear to me that our leaders really wanted us to have the trip we desired. And that van was always there!- Napa, CA All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking
Premiere Inns
White Elephant
Nantucket Town (2 nights) A "stylishly refurbished in-town hotel on a quiet waterfront, a brief walk from the historic district," noted Andrew Harper. (spa)
Hob Knob Inn
Edgartown (2 nights) This 19th-century Gothic Revival home is now a country-style boutique hotel with lovely gardens. (spa)
Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 10 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 38 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 6, 15 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walk
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 50 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 10, 14 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain