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Offered languages
- English
The Emerald Necklace bike tour is an amazing way to see Boston’s most famous green spaces in a ‘green’ way - you may forget you are in the heart of the city! Discover Frederick Law Olmsted’s famous system of parks on this bicycle tour of the historic Emerald Necklace. From the shaded boulevard on Commonwealth Avenue to the popular shores of Jamaica Pond to the winding paths of the Arnold Arboretum, this route is a fabulous way to experience Boston's park system. The route is a favorite among locals! The parks are gorgeous any time of the year, but the foliage peaks in color between mid October and early November.
This tour is up to 4 hours long and covers at least 15 miles, with several hills. Riders must be comfortable spending that much time on a bike and covering that distance. This ride covers many hidden gems in Boston.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
1
Arrive at our shop 30 minutes prior to your tour time. You'll be asked to sign a waiver and be fitted on your bike. You guide will provide an overview of the ride, what to expect, as well as our safety tips and rules of the road.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
(Pass by)
Our ride will start in the North End, Boston's Italian neighborhood. You will likely smell the garlic as we roll through. At the end of your tour, you guide will be happy to recommend a restaurant or pastry shop (mmm...cannolis!)
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Curious to know the inspiration behind Boston's new(ish) bridge? Our guides will let you know a few fun facts behind the design...
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Along our route, we'll ride past TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, and many a concert!
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Cycle through Beacon Hill, on of Boston's most famous - and photographed - neighborhoods.
Admission ticket free -
2
Louisburg Square is famously known as a literary square, with previous residents including Louisa May Alcott and Robert Frost.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Our route will take us along the river on the Esplanade, where we'll ride by the Hatch Shell, the outdoor concert stage which was made famous by the Boston Pops Orchestra, which performs during the Fourth of July fireworks.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll ride through the Back Bay Fens, one of the parks in the Emerald Necklace park system, which was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The Fens are home to Victory Gardens dating back to WWII, as well as two of Boston's art museums - the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The MFA is a world class art museum. We'll stop to see one of their unique art installations outside of the museum. Banners outside will give you an idea of current exhibits, but the MFA is always worth a visit while you're in Boston.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll pass by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - we recommend planning a visit during your time in Boston!
Admission ticket free -
3
During this tour, we'll ride through the famed Emerald Necklace, which is a chain of green spaces and parks. You may not even feel as though you are right in the heart of a city!
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
Ride around Jamaica Pond, a kettle pond within the Emerald Necklace.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
We'll ride through Arnold Arboretum, the second "link" in the Emerald Necklace park system
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Ride through Boston's South End neighborhood.
Admission ticket free -
6
Copley Plaza is the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. The John Hancock building, Trinity Church, and the Boston Public Library surround the square. Copley Plaza also marks the finish line for the Boston Marathon.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
You'll see Trinity Church when we stop in Copley Plaza.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
See the John Hancock Tower during our stop at Copley Plaza.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
You'll see the Boston Public Library when we stop in Copley Square.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Ride in the bike path along Comm Ave
Admission ticket free -
10Boston Common
We'll visit America's oldest park!
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We'll ride through Downtown Crossing, the original shopping district in Boston.
Admission ticket free -
Freedom Trail (Pass by)
Many people ask if we will ride the Freedom Trail on tour. While it's not possible to follow the entire route on bike, we'll cross over the Freedom Trail multiple times along our tour.
Admission ticket free -
Old South Meeting House (Pass by)
As we ride through Downtown Crossing, you'll see the Old South Meeting House.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
One of the city's newest parks, created during "the Big Dig". Rose Kennedy Greenway is the home of many unique art installations, gardens, splash fountains, and farmer's markets.
Admission ticket free -
11
From Long Wharf, you can see the Old State House - the site of the Boston Massacre - the Custom House Building, the Seaport District of South Boston, and the neighborhood of East Boston.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
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Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour is up to 4 hours long and covers at least 15 miles, with several hills. Riders must be comfortable spending that much time on a bike and covering that distance.
- There is street riding on this ride
- Tours rebooked within 48 hours of your tour time are subject to a $20 rebooking fee (per person)
- You MUST be at least 16 years old and at least 5 feet tall to ride an E-bike.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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