Boston Bike Tour: Charles River & Charlestown Navy Yard

Ride the Charles River Path, See Old Ironsides & MIT in One Loop

You ride fitted bikes along mostly flat Charles River paths, pass MIT and the Museum of Science, see the USS Constitution at Charlestown Navy Yard, and roll through the North End and Rose Kennedy Greenway with a local guide. Helmets, water, and bike are included. E-bikes available for riders 16+. Arrive 30 minutes early for fitting and safety briefing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. 13th Arrondissementpass by
2. Charlestown Navy Yard5m
3. USS Constitutionpass by
4. Museum of Science Bostonpass by
5. Charles Riverpass by
6. MIT5m

Family friendly bike tour in Boston

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Sign waiver and get bike fitted
• Guide overview and safety tips
• Start ride in North End neighborhood
• Ride along Charles River Esplanade
• See Hatch Shell outdoor concert stage
• Ride by Museum of Science
• Ride through MIT campus
• Ride along Cambridge side of Charles River
• Visit Charlestown Navy Yard
• See USS Constitution from across water
• Pass by Rose Kennedy Greenway park
• Guide recommends local restaurants or pastry shops

The experience

So you're rolling through the North End and the garlic smell hits you before the guide even points out the Italian bakeries. That's when you know this isn't a race, it's a neighborhood tour that happens to be on bikes. The Tour de Boston starts at their shop where you get fitted on your own bike (or an e-bike if you're 16 and at least 5 feet tall), grab a helmet and water, and then head out with someone who actually knows the streets. The whole thing stays mostly on bike paths, which means no dodging traffic or white-knuckling it down a hill. Just steady pedaling along the Charles River and through some real Boston history.

You'll pass the Museum of Science, roll through MIT's campus to see the actual buildings instead of just reading about them, and end up at the Charlestown Navy Yard where you get a view of the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides", from across the water. The guide throws in random facts about the newer bridge design and points out the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, where the Boston Pops does their Fourth of July thing. Then there's Rose Kennedy Greenway, one of the city's newer parks that came out of the Big Dig, with art installations and gardens that actually make you want to stop and look instead of just pedal past. It's the kind of route where you see the Boston skyline from the Cambridge side of the river and it actually registers because you're moving slow enough to take it in.

The whole day is built around not having to figure anything out yourself: the bike fits, the helmet's there, the route's planned, and someone who knows Boston is telling you what you're looking at. You show up 30 minutes early to sign the waiver and get sorted, and then you're gone. If you've got kids or just don't want to spend the morning researching which neighborhoods are safe to bike through, this takes that off your plate.

What’s included

• Local guide leading the entire route.
• individually fitted bicycle matched to your size.
• helmet.
• water.
• local taxes.
• safety briefing and overview of the ride before departure.
• stops at the North End, Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution viewpoint, MIT campus, Museum of Science, Charles River paths, Esplanade, and Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour on a city bikeGuide in English · 10:00City bike

Tour on E-bikeGuide in English · 10:00E-bike: riders must be at least 16 years old and 5 ft tall

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to FridayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Urban AdvenTours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Boston's main neighborhoods and landmarks without planning the route, renting separate bikes, or navigating traffic: the guide and fitted equipment mean you show up and ride, and the flat paths keep the pace manageable for families and casual cyclists.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to bike to do this tour?

No. The route stays on bike paths and is designed for families and leisurely riders. The guide covers safety tips and rules of the road before you start.

What's included in the tour price?

A fitted bike, helmet, water, and a local guide. Local taxes are also included. You don't need to bring or rent your own equipment.

Can I ride an e-bike instead of a regular bike?

Yes, if you're at least 16 years old and at least 5 feet tall. You can select e-bike at checkout.

What if I need to reschedule?

Rebooked tours are subject to a $20 rebooking fee per person.

Is this tour accessible by public transit?

Yes. Public transportation options are available near the tour shop and along the route.