Exploring Nantucket by Bike: Rentals, Paths, and Views
04/28/2026
Nantucket is one of the most bike-friendly destinations on the East Coast, with a well-maintained network of paths that make it easy to get around without a car. Stretching across the island, these routes connect popular areas like downtown, beaches, and local landmarks, offering a convenient and efficient way to explore. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a longer stay, biking is a practical and enjoyable way to experience Nantucket at your own pace.
Nantucket Multi-Use Paths
Renting a Bike
There's a large selection of bike rental shops on-island that can help get you on your way to exploring the island.
Young's Bicycle Shop - https://youngsbicycleshop.com/
Nantucket Bike Shop - https://nantucketbikeshop.com/
Island Bike Shop - https://www.islandbike.com/
Easy Rider Bicycle Rentals - https://www.easyridersbikerentals.com/
Cook's Cycle Shop - https://cookscyclesnantucket.com/
Popular Bike Paths
Surfside Path
Longitude: 2.2 miles
This multi-use path starts at the Nantucket High School on 10 Surfside Road and takes you to one of Nantucket's most popular beaches, Surfside.
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
Skate Park / Nantucket Ice (via Backus Lane)
For more information on the Surfside area, click here.
Pictured above: Surfside Road / Surfside Beach
Sconset Path
Longitude: 6 miles
This route is a long paved path that connects midtown to Sconset. It starts at the Milestone Rotary and goes all the way down Milestone Road to the Sconset Rotary on Main Street of Sconset. Make sure you bring water!
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
Millie's at the Rotary (right at the start of the route at Milestone Rotary)
Claudette's Sandwich Shop (at the end of the route in Sconset)
Sconset Market (at the end of the route in Sconset)
For more information on the Sconset area, click here.
Pictured above: Sconset Town Center / Sconset Market
Madaket Road Path
Longitude: 5.7 miles
One of the longest and most scenic side paths on Nantucket, the Madaket Road Path starts at the Caton Circle and goes out to Madaket Road.
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
Madaket Beach
For more information on the Madaket area, click here.
Pictured above: View of Millie's Restaurant / Madaket Road
Cisco Path
Longitude: 3.1 miles
The Cisco Bike Path starts at the intersection of Milk Street and Prospect Street and ends at one of Nantucket's most beloved beaches, Cisco.
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
Bartlett's Farm (via Bartlett Farm Road)
Pumpkin Pond Farm (via Millbrook Road)
For more information on the Cisco area, click here.
Pictured above: Bartlett's Farm Sign / Cisco Beach
Old South Road Path
Longitude: 1.44 miles
This is a midtown multi-use path that runs along Old South Road from the Milestone Rotary to the intersection of Old South Road and Airport Road.
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
Multiple Old South Road businesses (including 3-Way Scoops, Island Variety, Yezzi's, Nantucket Bake Shop, Nantucket Meat & Fish Market, Pip & Anchor, Fusaro's)
For more information on the mid-island area, click here.
Polpis Road Path
Longitude: 8.7 miles
This multi-use path starts 0.5 miles down the Sconset Path across from the Milestone connector and extends along Polpis Road to Sconset. The bike path ends on Sankaty Road; continue along Sankaty Road to get to Sconset center.
Stops along the way (click on business name to be taken to their website):
For more information on the Polpis area, click here.
Pictured above: views along Polpis Road Path
Bike Ride Essentials
Before heading out on a bike ride around Nantucket, it's a good idea to pack light but be prepared. Bring plenty of water, especially for longer routes like Sconset or Polpis, along with sunscreen and sunglasses to stay protected from the sun. A small backpack or bike basket can be helpful for carrying snacks, a phone, and a map. It's also smart to have a light jacket in case of any changes in the weather (fog can roll in quickly here!), and a portable phone charger if you plan to be out for a while. A helmet is always recommended for safety, and a little cash or card can come in handy for stops along the way.
For a full list of bike safety, click here.
To view the complete list of Nantucket side paths, click here.