Trips that Go Beyond the Beach

Find trip ideas that let you explore the coast in a whole new way, from the best beach biking and flightseeing to amazing snorkeling and road trips.

Best Coastal Bike Trails

From the simple, sandy shores of Nantucket to the volcanic paths in Maui, these bike trails range from easy to exhilarating, but all reward with sweeping views of the water.|Writer: Jacquelyne Froeber

Photo: Kindra Clineff

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Nantucket, Massachusetts

You don’t have to be an expert cyclist to enjoy the miles of bike trails that lead to sandy beaches on this island; wheelsheelsandpedals.com.

Try our favorite paths:

• Dionis Beach: 3.4 miles northwest via Cliff Road to see America’s second-oldest light station at Brant Point.

• Surfside Beach: 3.5 miles south via Surfside Road. Once on shore, look for seals and unique shells.

• Madaket Beach: 6.2 miles west via Madaket Road. Most of the trail weaves inland around sweeping landscapes, flowering shrubs, and homes.

• ’Sconset Beach: around 18 miles round-trip via Polpis Road past the Nantucket Life-saving Museum, Sankaty Lighthouse, and cranberry bogs.