Looking for the top things to do in Boston? The renowned seaside city sparkles this time of year with outdoor concerts, must-see museum displays, and delicious seafood (best experienced on an outdoor terrace). After the biggest Independence Day celebration in the country, enjoy the nice weather in SoWa, sail around the port, and see Shakespeare on the Common.
Classic summer activities such as Fenway Park, strolling (or splashing) on Boston Common, and kayaking in the Charles River remain popular, but there is so much more to see and do in Boston. Each month, our on-the-ground editor and reporters scour the metro region for the finest of the best to compile this comprehensive guide to things to do in Boston. So plan your eating itinerary—from morning fuel to unforgettable dinners and the tastiest desserts—and enjoy Boston at its finest.’
1. View the city from the water
What is it? There are several options to cruise about Boston Harbor, including expert-led boat excursions and yachting adventures with supper and beverages.
Why go? Many Bostonians think that the city skyline is best seen from Boston Harbor. Have you recently sat in traffic? Some day adventures are significantly better by boat. From Boston, take the boat to Salem, Hingham, or Provincetown.
Don’t miss: The Spirit of Boston, a famous harbor vessel, had a complete refurbishment with more modern fittings and finishes. Boston Harbor City Cruises offers a range of breakfast, supper, and nighttime activities on this and other vessels.
2. Go for an ice cream crawl
What is it? Summer’s essential sweet is taken seriously in Boston, with renowned and crave-worthy creameries in every neighborhood. Choose your favorite by going cone-by-cone this summer.
Why go? We have numerous local frozen food establishments, including J.P. Licks with locations across the city, Christina’s in Inman Square, Toscanini’s with two locations, and Pico in the South End, where you can eat gourmet pizza followed by handcrafted ice cream.
Don’t miss Far Out Ice Cream at Time Out Market, where fresh fruit is swirled into icy twists of soft serve.
3. See an outdoor movie
What is it? Thus, instead of expanding upon the indoor Coolidge Corner Theatre, this summer, the theater’s talent for curating films will be transported and shown in 35mm for free at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Charles River Speedway, and other sites.
Why go? Though the Coolidge is one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world (according to Time Out’s worldwide editors), it’s quite fantastic that they’re bringing their work straight to the public.
4. Catch the international premiere of Gatsby at A.R.T
What is it? The movie Gatsby, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will premiere in the summer of this year at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Mass with a group of celebrities associated with the movie to include Florence Welch as the world-famous rock artist.
Why go? The A.R.T. has a strong track record of debuting must-see shows.
5. Visit a new beer garden in the area
What is it? Roundhead Brewing and Fresh Food Generation’s Alianza Park Series provides a varied range of beer and food products to Boston’s public parks. This month, two-week periods are scheduled in Fenway and East Boston on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Why go? Roundhead, one of Boston’s best new brewers, serves four draft beers and non-alcoholic choices such as Peruvian chichi Mirada. To commemorate the Aliana Park Series, Fresh Food Generation delivers a signature blend of Caribbean and modern American cuisine, as well as menu items particular to each community.
Don’t miss Hyde Park’s Ron’s Ice Cream, which is also available at the beer garden on weekends.
6. Hit the beach
What is it? This summer season, there are several beautiful, windy beaches within the city and the outskirts that one can decide to visit.
Why go? Some of the nicest expanses of sand are accessible by public transportation. Singing Beach and Good Harbor Beach are also easy to get to by the commuter train Besides, there is a shuttle car from the Ipswich commuter rail station to Crane Beach that runs all summer. Wollaston Beach on the opposite side is the largest public beach of Boston Harbor accessible by the Red Line.
Don’t miss: If you are at one of Southie’s beaches, try Sullivan’s Castle Island which is a snack bar that offers fried seafood, lobster rolls, & hot dogs.
7. Cheer for the home team at Fenway Park
What is it? Watching a Red Sox game at Fenway park has been and continues being a tradition of the people of Massachusetts since the park started in 1912.
Why go? The home team for the Red Sox, Fenway Park, is characterized by many as the oldest baseball stadium and among the smallest. Tickets are not a problem this season, and the home club has been impressive since the onset of June. Let’s go!
Don’t miss: If possible, walk up to the highest point of the FENWAY park, the left-field wall that stands 37 feet tall, famously dubbed the Green Monster. Before or after the game, explore the Fenway neighborhood’s wonderful restaurants, pubs, and other attractions.
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8. Sunbathe (or watch the sunset) on the Esplanade
What is it? This magnificent greenspace and path network is a public park that runs adjacent to the Charles River and is ideal for catching some sun.
Why go? With a constant wind from the ocean, the Esplanade draws runners, bikers, and anybody seeking a stroll. If you’re lucky, you might get one of the much-sought-after benches that dot this pedestrian paradise. Otherwise, you may seek shelter under one of the numerous trees and bring some packed picnic items.
Don’t miss the Boston Public Dock, where folks sprawl out on towels and try to tan.
9. Stroll the Greenway
What is it? This green, mile-long ribbon of botanical parks and outdoor rest areas connects Chinatown with the North End.
Why go? Among these, facilities include water fountains and splash pads, food trucks, and beer gardens. It also hosts several events among which the reader can mention Greenway Artisan Market every weekend, summer jazz on Thursday, and a free Plenty of Flavor vegan food festival on July,14th.
Don’t miss it: In addition to the ever-popular Trillium on the Greenway, Night Shift Brewing is opening a Greenway beer garden this summer. It is located at Dewey Square, near South Station.
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10. Enjoy the freshest local oysters
What is it? Boston is famous for fresh seafood and raw bars; therefore, get a dozen local oysters at the best bar in the city.
Why go? Served directly from beds, oysters are Boston’s classic dish, believed to have been available since 1826 in Union Oyster House. Now, these salty and succulent sea mollusks can become a dish on the menu of restaurants in the city. Locally obtained types include Wellfleet, Cotuit, and Glidden Point, as well as popular imports such as Tuamotus. Oyster happy hours are a terrific opportunity to try these treats at a lesser cost.
Don’t miss: Island Creek Oysters’ farm is a must-see day excursion near Duxbury, approximately an hour south of Boston. The outside raw bar offers views of the waterfront, where these delectable delicacies develop and flourish.