Cityscape of Boston, Massachusetts photo courtesy of Bert Kaufmann on Flickr
When the long New England winter finally lets up, the city of Boston comes alive seemingly overnight. Here are 25 awesome things to do in the city when summertime finally arrives.
#1: Tour Boston Public Library
Built in 1848, the Boston Public Library was the first free municipal public in the country. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of its massive collection of more than 23 million items, including rare books and manuscripts, maps, musical scores and prints.
Fenway Park photo courtesy of Charlie Walker
#2: Bleacher Bar at Fenway Park
If you can’t bring yourself to shell out big bucks to take in a game at America’s most beloved ballpark, visit Bleacher Bar for the next best thing. Arrive two hours before game time and put your name in at the front desk. If you’re lucky, you’ll be dining at the front window, overlooking center field.
#3: Tour the City by Segway
Sure, it’s totally nerdy, but it’s also totally awesome. On this 1-2 hour Segway tour of Boston, you’ll see some of the city’s best highlights, like Boston Harborwalk, Boston Common, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Rowes Wharf and more.
Kayaking Boston photo courtesy of Isaac Kulka on Flickr
#4: Amble Along the Charles River
Spend a few hours along the Charles River. Walk or bike alongside it or rent a kayak for a unique way to see this city.
#5: Shop Newbury Street
Boston’s answer to Fifth Avenue is Newbury Street. With eight blocks packed with restaurants, upscale boutique shops and salons, there’s enough here to keep any shopaholic traveler busy for the day.
#6: Catch a Show at Paradise Rock Club
Among the oldest and arguably most premiere live music venues in the city, Paradise Rock Club is the place to take in a concert. Since 1977, some of the world’s greatest bands have played “The Dise”, including U2, R.E.M., AC/DC and The Police.
#7: Shop the South End Open Market
This open air market which is part flea market and part art fair has set up shop every week for more than a decade. Visitors can find everything from local arts and crafts, fresh farmer’s market foods and food trucks.
Codzilla Thrill Boat photo courtesy of Tony Hisgett via Flickr
#8: Cruise Boston Harbor on Codzilla
The Codzilla Thrill Boat is a purpose-built jet boat that takes adventurous guests on a 40-minute blast around Boston Harbor at speeds up to 40 mile per hour. It’s wet, loud and insanely fun!
#9: Peruse the Stacks at Trident Booksellers
Trident Booksellers and Cafe bills itself as Boston’s “last independent general bookstore”. After thirty years, they still offer one of the best selections and most knowledgable staffs in the city. But the real win here is the cafe which serves one my favorite breakfasts in all of Boston!
#10: Stroll The Institute of Contemporary Art
The list of ICA‘s exhibits on display at any one time is somewhat limited, but the quality is second to none. The stunning glass architecture and view overlooking the harbor are almost worth the admission alone.
Whale watching photo courtesy of Jose Antonio Navas
#11: Search for Whales
Jump aboard a high speed catamaran for a three-hour whale watching excursion. Guests are whisked to nearby Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary to search for not just whales, but also dolphins, sea birds and more.
Cocktail photo courtesy of John Morgan via Flickr
#12: Have a Drink at Drink
Enjoy a classic cocktail at the aptly named Drink. In lieu of a drink menu, patrons simply share with the bartender their personal preferences for the general type of libations they enjoy. The professional mixologists then whip up a personalized concoction just for them.
#13: Tour the World’s Oldest Commissioned War Ship
Dating back to 1797, the appropriately named USS Constitution holds the title as the “oldest commissioned war ship still afloat in the world”. In fact, every Fourth of July, she’s ceremoniously launched into Boston Harbor in order to maintain “commissioned” status.
Fireworks photo courtesy of Bill Damon via Flickr
#14: Celebrate Independence Day in Beantown
And if you happen to be visiting Boston in July, be sure to head to the banks of the Charles River for one of the country’s greatest Fourth of July celebrations. Patrons gather by the tens of thousands to take in the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
#15: Go Under the Sea at New England Aquarium
One of the best and most modern aquariums in the world is located right in downtown Boston. New England Aquarium boasts a massive collection of marine exhibits, with the centerpiece being a recently renovated, 360-degree, four-story tall Caribbean coral reef.
#16: Dine at “America’s Oldest Restaurant”
While some may argue their claim, Union Oyster House bills itself as “America’s Oldest Restaurant”. Whether that’s literally true, they’ve still been serving Beantown patrons since 1826!
Bell in Hand Tavern photo courtesy of Todd Kulesza on Flickr
#17: Drink at “America’s Oldest Tavern”
Just a hop down the street from Union Oyster House is Bell in Hand Tavern – allegedly America’s oldest continuously operating tavern since 1795.
#18: Get a Bird’s Eye View of Downtown
Head to the 50th floor of the Prudential Center for a stunning view of downtown from inside a glass-enclosed skywalk with panoramic views of downtown Boston and nearby Cambridge.
Boston skyline photo courtesy of Bill Damon on Flickr
#19: Smarten Up at MIT Museum
Head to MIT Museum for an interactive, inside look at the latest projects from some of the smartest science and engineering minds in the world.
Widener Library photo courtesy of Will Hart on Flickr
#20: Tour America’s Oldest University
Founded in 1636, Harvard is officially the country’s oldest college. Take a free campus tour to fully appreciate its long history, past graduates and modern day influence.
#21: Bike the City
Rent a bike downtown and cycle the length of the city’s nine-mile path, beginning in Alewife and ending in suburban Bedford. It offers a great mix of urban and rural scenery!
#22: Enjoy Classic New England Cuisine with a Twist
It’s not difficult to find good seafood in New England. But visit B&G Oysters for traditional New England dishes with a contemporary flare.
The Beehive photo courtesy of Bing on Flickr
#23: Step Back in Time and Groove at The Beehive
Someone had the wild idea of turning the basement of the Boston Center for the Arts into an early twentieth century Parisian night club. The Beehive is a self-described “wildly popular Bohemian eatery and bar” that’s funky, eclectic and a must-visit.
#24: Get Lost at Ward Maps
Travelers will appreciate Ward Maps – a mecca to all things cartography, including antique maps and atlases, map-related gifts, and vintage transit memorabilia.
#25: See (Almost) All of Boston in One Day
Can’t make up your mind? Hop aboard a narrated coach tour of Boston to take in the city’s best highlights in just one day. You’ll visit Beacon Hill, the Seaport District, Rowes Wharf, the West End and much more.
-Contributed by Mike Richard
25 Awesome Things to Do in Boston This Summer from Boston Things to Do