The Best U.S. Cities for Car-Free Cycling and Scenic Bike Trails
Whether casual bike riding, hardcore cycling, or mountain biking on gravel trails is your thing, there are far more opportunities to see America’s most scenic sites — and far away from the vehicle masses — than you’d think. That’s because protected bike lanes in the United States have exploded in the past five years: According to research by cycling advocacy group People for Bikes, such lanes in the U.S. have increased forty-fold since 2000, to an estimated 4,400 directional miles as of 2025.
Among some of the most connected long-distance cycling spines are the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway (ECG) (which connects Boston, Cape Cod, NYC, Philly, DC, and Annapolis) and the Great American Rail-Trail (a 3,700-mile cross-country route spanning from Washington State to Washington, D.C.), with routes that meet the Pacific Ocean and Texas’s plains expanding by the year.
In short, there’s never been a better time to ditch the driver’s license — and traffic congestion — in favor of catching fresh air and the best views on two wheels. Ahead, find our favorite places to hit the open road, no gas card required.
| Table of Contents 1. Northeast Corridor 2. Mid-Atlantic Region 3. Southern Gateways 4. West Coast |
The Northeast Corridor
Die-hard cyclists argue there’s no bad time of year for cycling in New England, just poor preparation (think: clothing, gear). But for our money, fall offers the most rewarding scenery and weather for those on two wheels. Below, find our favorite places to hit the road come fall:
Boston, MA
With major corridors like Minuteman Bikeway, Paul Dudley White Bike Path (Charles River Wheelway), the 72-mile North Shore All-Road Coastal Loop, and Border to Boston, there’s no shortage of ground to cover.
Major Corridors:
Want to traverse the historic ground where the American Revolution began in April 1775? Hit up Minuteman Bikeway, a multi-use rail-trail that snakes through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. It’s the perfect place for a casual warm-up ride: cycle the entire 10-mile stretch or hop on and off from the T. Bicycles are allowed on MBTA Commuter Rail and subway trains (Red, Orange, and Blue Lines) all day on weekends and during off-peak hours on weekdays (Check MBTA bike-accommodation guidelines for more information).
Named for the American father of cardiology and Massachusetts General Hospital alum, the Dr. Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path offers a nature-soaked, 17-mile loop along the shores of the Charles River. Shorten your ride by taking one of three bridges along the loop (cross the Massachusetts Ave. Bridge for a 4-mile ride; the River St. Bridge for a 7-mile ride; or the Eliot Bridge for a 10-mile ride). Looking for a pitstop? The Mass General Hospital Police, Security and Outside Services provide access to three secure bike cages located at the corner of Parkman Street and North Anderson St.; Charles River Plaza parking lot by Simches Building; and Charlestown Navy Yard (CNY) Building 199 garage.
For those ready to gear up for a longer ride, options abound. The North Shore All-Road Coastal Loop is a 72-mile playground for cyclists that includes dozens of route options along roads, rail trail, gravel, and single-track terrain. Not sure which route to take? Check out North Shore Cyclists to join group rides along the Loop’s back roads and shorelines.
The extensive Border to Boston Trail (B2B) is currently under construction. Once complete, the 70-mile shared-use path will extend from the New Hampshire border to Boston. Completed segments of the trail include full routes through Malden and Everett, Salisbury; segments in parts of Newburyport, Topsfield, Danvers, Peabody, and Salem; sections of Marblehead, Swampscott, and Lynn. For terrain details and navigational tools, download the greenway map (and check out this guide for how to best use it).
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Whether you prefer a home base along the waterfront or go for more urban environs, Boston serves as a stellar launchpad for taking advantage of the area’s cycling scene. Love boutique shopping and charming cafes as much as you do cycling? Try The Whitney Hotel in tony Beacon Hill for a stylish stay. If a waterfront stay in the scenic Seaport District is more your thing, The Envoy Hotel offers unparalleled views (and craft cocktails) at Rooftop at the Envoy, or from its guest rooms, which feature cozy respite and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline. Just across the shoreline is the Boston Harbor Hotel, the city’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond waterfront hotel. The property offers refined guest rooms and suites and elevated culinary offerings to enjoy after a long day’s ride.
Strategically positioned from the foot of the Longfellow Bridge to the Seaport District, these properties offer immediate access to the Charles River loops, inner harbor paths, and the ferry networks connecting north.
Cape Cod, MA
When it comes to scenic Cape Cod, the beach typically gets top billing, but the area also includes key biking corridors.
Major Corridors:
One of America’s first rail trails, the 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway stretches through four villages in Falmouth, MA. As the only bikeway on Cape Cod that runs alongside the sea, this path treats cyclists to an array of nature. See salt marshes, barrier beaches, wooded uplands, cedar swamps, and ponds, and keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed Hawks, osprey, turtles, Red Fox, muskrats, and deer along the way. Plan your journey with a downloadable trail map here.
If cycling with newbies, try Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, which is better known as a gentle walking and biking path that’s perfect for novice cyclists: The 7.5-mile, smooth concrete path (technically, a service road for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is split by a single yellow line to designate two-way traffic. The trail runs on both sides of the canal and through a selection of picnic spots, such as Buzzards Bay Recreation Area, Herring Run Recreation Area, Bourne Recreation Area, and Tidal Flats Recreation Area.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Find a stunning sanctuary just a 10-minute ride away from the Shining Sea Bikeway at Sea Crest Beach Resort, a beachfront resort situated on the white sands of Old Silver Beach in North Falmouth. As Upper Cape Cod’s only beachfront resort, the property provides breezy rooms, suites, and private cottages and offers the best of coastal living: multiple pools and a guest-only, private beach decked with chairs and umbrellas, seasonally.
New York City, NY
Think cycling is all about scenic byways? Think again. New York City not only provides some of cycling’s most lively rides, but it also serves as a launching pad for rural routes, too.
Major Corridors:
Central Park is a hotbed of activity, with everything from film shoots to concerts being staged at any given time. But it’s also a place of great natural and architectural beauty, making it a prime place to ride. The Central Park Loop is a 6-mile path situated near some of the park’s most iconic spots, including Bethesda Fountain (a popular filming location), Strawberry Fields, the Alice in Wonderland statue, and Belvedere Castle. Don’t have your own ride? Bike rentals are available right in the park.
Thanks to the Empire State Trail (part of the Hudson River Greenway), cyclists can go from downtown to uptown Manhattan without having to hail a cab, call a car, or ride a subway. The 12.5-mile path starts in Battery Park and ends in Inwood Hill Park, affording stellar views of the Hudson River along the way.
In Brooklyn, major corridors include Ocean Parkway Bike Path, Jamaica Bay Greenway (a 13-mile —and growing — network of paths connecting city, state and federal parkland, including Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay and Spring Creek and Queens’ Howard Beach and the Rockaway Peninsula) and Prospect Park Loop (a 3.5-mile path within the famed park). But perhaps the most accessible ride for those coming from Manhattan or staying in DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, or Carroll Gardens is the Brooklyn Greenway. The path’s expanding route includes a completed section that runs from Brooklyn Bridge Park, past Pier 5, and to Red Hook near Clinton Wharf and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Check out the map for other completed stretches of the greenway near Park Slope, Williamsburg, and more.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
- NYC Century Bike Tour
- TD Five Boro Bike Tour
- GFNY World Championship NYC
- Bike New York: Twin Lights Ride
- The Big Apple Triathlon
Where to Stay:
Manhattan
Whether taking on Manhattan’s Central Park Loop or Empire State Trail, find centrally located havens in Aliz Hotel Times Square and Hotel 48LEX.
With leather and marble finishes in guest rooms and a 40th-floor rooftop bar boasting unobstructed Manhattan views from the Freedom Tower to the George Washington Bridge, Aliz Hotel echoes the refined sophistication of a haute pied-à-terre. Salon accommodations at Hotel 48LEX feature plush bedding and soaking tubs, essential for post-ride recovery. What’s more, both properties feature Peloton-equipped cycling studios, providing riders with the latest tech training gear for warm-up rides that stay in one place.
Brooklyn
Designed with a community feel, both NU Hotel (which features in-room murals by local artist) and The Tillary Hotel (which offers its own bike rentals) in Downtown Brooklyn serve as convenient bases for accessing some of Brooklyn’s best cycling corridors: Brooklyn Bridge Park (and entry point to the Brooklyn Greenway) is just a 6-minute ride from The Tillary Hotel while another stretch of the greenway from Grand Army Plaza through Crown Heights is a 14-minute ride from NU Hotel.
Mid-Atlantic Region
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia area not only offers some of the region’s most expansive networks of trails, but the city itself also offers ways to bike to world-class cultural institutions.
Major Corridors:
When completed, the Circuit Trails will encompass an impressive 850-plus miles of interconnected, multiuse trails in the Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey region. The project is nearly halfway to its goal, with plenty of laid mileage for cyclists to cover. Within this vast network in the City of Brotherly Love, find the Schuylkill River Trail. Comprising the southernmost eight miles of this trail is the Schuylkill Banks Trail, which runs from Locust Street (just blocks from Rittenhouse Square) and connects to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Across the city, find the Delaware River Trail, which runs alongside the Delaware River, bordered by Philadelphia and New Jersey. Spanning Christian Street to Spring Garden Street, this asphalt, separated sidepath trail provides easy access to cultural sites like the Independence Seaport Museum and the charming Cherry Street Pier, known for its art installations, food markets, and a garden space along the river’s edge.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Located just blocks away from the Schuylkill River Trail and Schuylkill River Park entrance, the historic and award-winning The Rittenhouse Hotel provides a luxurious source of respite between rides. Release muscle tension and melt into recovery with a body treatment at the property’s world-class spa and club, enjoy some of the city’s finest dining at the famed Lacroix restaurant, then decompress in elegantly appointed rooms or suites.
Washington, D.C.
History buffs can take in significant sights (including George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Theodore Roosevelt Island) or cruise alongside the Potomac when taking advantage of D.C.’s biking trails.
Major Corridors:
Capital Crescent Trail, or CCT, is an 11-mile shared-use, off-road trail that spans from Georgetown, D.C. to Silver Spring, MD. Known as the most popular trail in Montgomery County, CCT connects communities and parkland and includes sections along the Potomac River.
Originally created as a walking path for mules to tow canal boats through the Potomac River, C&O Canal Towpath is now a dirt and stone path used annually by millions of cyclists, walkers, and runners. Want to cover all its ground? Gear up for an 184.5-mile trip that stretches from Georgetown, D.C. to Cumberland, MD.
Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved, multi-use trail steeped in history: it’s anchored by George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Theodore Roosevelt Island, and allows riders to pass through parks, picnic areas, and the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve along the way.
Looking to stay within the city? Rock Creek Park offers a 7-mile loop for cyclists and those on foot, or venture off the beaten path: all roads and paved trails in the park are open to bicyclists.
Nature lovers will find plenty to see alongside the bank of the Anacostia River on Washington, DC’s Eastern side. There, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail takes riders through a dozen miles of forest, marshland, and fields. Stop by Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens along the way, cross the river over one of five of the path’s connecting bridges, or make use of its many offramps to other city bike routes and the 28-mile Anacostia River Trail System at large.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Nestled among tree-lined streets, Beaux-Arts mansions, and the embassies of Dupont Circle is Hotel Madera, a charming boutique hotel that provides plenty of in-room space: with just nine guest rooms per floor, all equipped with open-air balconies. What’s more, the location is a quick five minutes to C&O Canal Towpath access points and a 15-minute ride to Rock Creek Park.
The Morrow Hotel in vibrant NoMa offers instant access to the Metropolitan Branch Trail (a one-minute bike ride away). Prep for your ride with a daily wellness practice offered by the hotel, then cap it with comforting, cross-cultural eats at celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus DC.
Just steps from the U.S. Capitol Building and the Supreme Court, Capitol Hill Hotel gives riders plenty of room to kick back (and store cycles and cases): the property boasts some of DC’s largest guest rooms and suites.
Annapolis, MD
Cyclists around Annapolis will find plenty of terrain to explore, as local trails connect directly into major multi-state networks spanning from Maine to Florida and coast to coast.
Major Corridors:
Find a new way to ride the rails by pedaling along the one-time Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad. The 13.3-mile Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail allows riders to do just that in a route that spans Boulters Way in Annapolis to Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Earleigh Heights Rangers Station: The station and railroad museum—an excellent example of Second Empire-style commercial architecture—originated as a general store in 1889.
Looking for more road to cover? The Broadneck Peninsula Trail may cover just eight miles of ground now, but the project is planned to connect with the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail, which will extend from Point Reyes, California to Cape Henlopen, Delaware, and the East Coast Greenway trail that runs from Maine to Florida.
If you still have energy to burn, the 12-mile BWI Trail Loop Connection is a paved route that circles BWI Airport and affords front-row seats for takeoff and touchdown.
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Where to Stay:
Steeped in nautical-inspired design and positioned right on the edge of Annapolis Harbor, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel serves as an ideal base for strolling downtown’s historic red-bricked streets, but it’s also located 15 minutes by bike to the B&A trailhead at Jonas Green Park.
Frederick, MD
Both cyclists and mountain bikers can find plenty of action in and around Frederick, MD.
Major Corridors:
With biking corridors that include the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop and regional access to the C&O Canal Towpath, there’s plenty of terrain for cyclists to discover in and around charming Frederick, MD.
But for bikers of another breed, it’s the Catoctin Mountain that offers mountain bikers and trail riders the ultimate thrill. There, find dozens of miles of biking trails within Frederick Watershed (or what locals dub “The Shed”), some of which lead into Gambrill State Park.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
- USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships
- National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race
- Tour de Frederick
- Civil War Century
Where to Stay:
Visitation Hotel Frederick provides the ultimate place to unwind and fuel up. In addition to housing Wye Oak Tavern by celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Visitation makes for a rewarding point of return after climbing the rugged Catoctin Mountain trails: rooms are stocked with 400 thread count bed linens, Egyptian cotton terry and bathrobes, Malin & Goetz bath amenities, and ample soaking tubs.
Southern Gateways
Delray Beach, FL
Delray Beach proves Florida beach towns aren’t all sand and sun: The region offers ample biking routes away from the shore.
Major Corridors:
Paralleling more than 40 miles of Florida’s north-south running State Road A1A is A1A Urban Trail, a paved, touring cycling route that’s perfect for those with an aversion to steep climbs. Some parts of the trail are still in development, but distance riders can enjoy a 22.75-mile stretch in Indian River County, just north of Delray Beach.
Ten miles south of Delray Beach in northern Boca Raton, find the paved El Rio Trail. The tree-lined path winds alongside 4.8 miles of the El Rio Canal and is easily accessible from the Tri-Rail. Lock into your pedals and keep an eye out for blue herons, Florida Atlantic University’s football stadium, iguanas, and well-appointed (and shady) rest areas along the way.
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Where to Stay:
The Ray Hotel in South Florida provides a robust variety of wellness amenities will keep any cyclist moving, even when on foot. The property features a 1,800 square foot fitness studio that’s soaked in natural light and a 22,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck. What’s more, it partners with local fitness studios that provide of-the-moment toning and boot camp classes and a celebrated med spa, where IV nutrient therapy, peptide optimization, and functional medicine services can be booked.
Fort Worth, TX
With routes that connect neighborhoods, parks, and geocaching sites, cyclists can see a whole new side of the Fort Worth area when exploring by bike.
Major Corridors:
Looking for a path less traveled? Find options upon options in Trinity Trails, a 100-plus-mile network of paved and unpaved multiuse trails throughout greater Fort Worth. Cyclists can choose from routes that run through some 31 neighborhoods and 21 parks, all while eyeing trail art and geocaching along the way (thanks to 42 geocaches hidden along the Trinity River, Marine Creek Lake, and Eagle Mountain Park). Looking for a nature-soaked ride within the trails? Try Crest of Benbrook Dam.
Another local favorite is the DFW Discovery Trail, a paved regional trail that’s projected to connect Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas by 2029.
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Where to Stay:
Just a five-minute ride to Trinity Trails near the Tarrant County College Trinity River campus is Kimpton Harper Hotel, a luxe, historic hotel adorned with handcrafted furniture and local art. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for those riding in the Trek 100, a charity bike ride that raises funds for childhood cancer.
El Paso, TX
Whether pedaling near iconic waterways or protected land, cyclists on El Paso’s trails benefit from unbeatable views.
Major Corridors:
El Paso offers ample scenic beauty for cyclists. Ease into the local trail scene by riding the paved, 4.4-mile Pat O’Rourke Memorial Hike & Bike Trail before embarking on the more rugged terrain of Franklin Mountain State Park.
Connecting northeast and northwest El Paso, Transmountain Road takes road cyclists through the protected land of Franklin Mountain State Park and provides an excellent vantage point from which to catch El Paso’s stunning sunsets. Along the southeastern side of the mountains, find McKelligon Canyon Road, a stunning biking destination surrounded by canyon walls.
Prefer to pedal near iconic waterways? Take a ride along the Rio Grande on Rio Grande River Trail, a five-mile, paved trail that connects the towns of Vinton and Canutillo.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Cyclists going up against the arduous elevation of Transmountain Road (known as Smugglers Pass) will find an A-list respite in The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park. As El Paso’s only Michelin Key hotel, the boutique property—which has welcomed the likes of Elizabeth Taylor —offers personalized butler service, Le Labo bath products, and Matouk bathrobes.
West Coast
Monterey Bay, CA
Monterey County’s iconic roads aren’t just for driving: Expert and novice bikers alike will find marquee rides in the coastal region.
Major Corridors:
Monterey County boasts some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country. Most celebrated is the coastal road that runs from Monterey County’s Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach and passes sites that include The Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, Stillwater Cove and Pebble Beach Golf Links. The route may be called the 17-Mile Drive®, but serious cyclists know to leave vehicles in the parking lot and ride the coastal route instead. Expert riders can also take to Highway 1/Big Sur, which teeters alongside the cliffs of the Pacific and reopened this year following three years of road repairs.
For a ride less punishing, try the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, an 18-mile waterfront path that passes Monterey’s marquee attractions, including downtown Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Located just minutes from the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail and Highway 1/Big Sur routes is The Sanctuary Beach Resort. The oceanfront property features guest rooms, suites and villas, all appointed with private patios or terraces (along with other luxury amenities aimed at rejuvenation). Where better to rest your head (and feet) after a coastal ride or long days at the world-famous cycling festival, the Sea Otter Classic?
San Diego, CA
One way to dodge SoCal traffic: take to car-free bicycle paths that connect San Diego’s beach towns.
Major Corridors:
Skilled cyclists take to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for challenging rides in San Diego, but just as compelling is the paved road climb at Torrey Pines State Reserve, the home of the nation’s rarest pine tree and one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.
Riders can also complete the 24-mile loop of the Bayshore Bikeway: the route includes 13 miles of car-free bicycle paths and moves through Silver Strand State Beach and the communities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and Downtown San Diego.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
With no-fuss access to Bayshore Bikeway and PCH, Carté Hotel (located in San Diego’s Little Italy) features a massive, state-of-the-art fitness center, access to instructor-led classes at Fit Club, and a lively rooftop pool.
Santa Monica, CA
Whether pier-hopping through LA’s beach towns or taking to the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s plenty of prime cycling to be had within LA County’s west side.
Major Corridors:
Covering 22 miles of terrain from Will Rogers State Beach and Torrance Beach is the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. The paved bicycle path snakes past the famed Santa Monica Pier (and end of Route 66), and piers in Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
If mountain biking is more your thing, find killer rides in one of the many trails of the Santa Monica Mountain Fire Roads or “Dirt” Mulholland, an unpaved segment of Mulholland Drive. The ridgeline road was constructed in the 1920s as a way to showcase real estate in the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood Hills, but the real million-dollar views can be found in the surrounding canyons and Pacific Ocean.
Bike Like a Local at These Area Events:
Where to Stay:
Want to experience LA like a local? Skip staying in massive towers and instead opt for a boutique experience in a coveted Santa Monica residential neighborhood. The Ambrose Hotel combines all the comforts of chic, Cali living (think: vaulted ceilings, limestone bathrooms, furnished terraces, and a Peloton studio) with an unbeatable location for cyclists: the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is less than a 10-minute ride away.
Exploring America by bike offers an unmatched perspective on its most iconic cities and coastlines. When you’re ready to hit the road, browse our destinations and check out our latest special offers to start planning your route.