Nantucket Bike Paths > Biking To Cisco

Why bike to Cisco?

Cisco is a classic Nantucket destination for a few reasons:

  • Cisco sits on the south shore of the island and is the home of some of the best surf breaks we've got, so you're likely to see surfers on a good wave day.
  • When you ride out to Cisco you spend less time on roads with cars than you do when you ride to Surfside and other south shore beaches.
  • There are several establishments where you can wet your whistle and fill your belly that make a perfect pre or post beach stop.
Cisco beach Nantucket

Logistics

📍 How far is it:

~7.6 miles roundtrip

🕘 How long does it take?

1-2 hours roundtrip

🚽 Bathrooms:

Public restrooms are available in-season at Cisco Beach

🚰 Water:

There are three water fountains on the Hummock Pond Road bike path that operate in-season

🍽 Food:

Food can be purchased in Cisco at the market at Bartlett's Farm. Cisco Brewers often has food trucks in-season.

Points of interest

Young's Bicycle Shop map of Cisco

Download our famous map of Nantucket

Cisco is mostly residential but there is still plenty of fun to be had. Here are some of the must-do's in 'Cisco:

  • Cisco Beach is the best place on the island to watch local surfers ride waves. In peak season you can rent a board and try it yourself!
  • Cisco Brewers offers great beer, wine, and spirits with an atmosphere to match. If you're lucky you might even catch some live music.
  • Bartlett's Farm is Nantucket's oldest and largest family owned farm, and their well-stocked market is packed with all kinds of delicious goodies and fresh produce.

How to get to Cisco on a bike

Via Hummock Pond Road (4 miles, 1 hr)

Cisco is an easy ride from Town. Once you get out of Town and hop on the Hummock Pond Road bike path it's a straight shot to the beach. If you don't end up embarking on a tasty side quest, that is.

Directions to Cisco via Hummock Pond Road Bike Path

  1. From our shop, head up Broad Street and take your second left onto Federal Street.
  2. Turn right on Chestnut Street, cross Centre Street at continue up Hussey Street heading in the same direction.
  3. Follow Hussey Street as it veers left and at the end of the road go left onto Gardner Street.
  4. Gardner Street will lead you to a four way intersection with a Civil War monument, where you'll continue straight onto Milk St.
  5. Milk St. will take you out of the tight homes and trees of Town and you can pick up the Milk St bike path on the corner where the cemetery starts.
  6. That bike path will take you to the intersection with Hummock Pond Road. Just cross the street and stay on the bike path and it'll take you all the way to Cisco.

 

Recommended stops and quick detours on this route:

  • Mariah Mitchell Museum and Observatory - A great stop for science enthusiasts. Mariah Mitchell was the first female astronomer in the United States.
  • Old Gaol - The old jail, open to the public and accessible during daylight hours.
  • Loines Observatory - You'll have to come back at night to see the stars, but it's a nice stop with a pretty view during the day.
  • 167 Raw - When the food truck is open you won't be able to beat these fish tacos.
  • Cisco Brewers - A famous destination for drinks, music, and good times.
  • Bartlett's Farm - The best farmer's market on the island, full of delicious and fresh food.

Ready to ride?

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