Locals and visitors alike can attest to one thing: summer in Boston is unbeatable. The water, the food, the beaches, the views, the lively ambiance, the smiles on everyone throughout the city– there is truly nothing like it!
When visiting Boston this summer, make sure you have the absolute best time by following our guide to summer in Boston. Don’t forget to check out our guide for free things to do in Boston for the ultimate experience. Without further ado, here are our 9 wicked cool things to do in Boston in summer!
Watch the Sox Play at Fenway Park
Did you really go to Boston if you didn’t catch a Sox game? It’s no secret that Boston locals are huge supporters of their sports teams, just one of which being the Red Sox. So, when you visit, we highly recommend you “act like a local” and watch them play at Fenway Park (even if you aren’t a huge sports fan yourself)!
Don’t forget to hit the bars outside the park pre- and/or post-game! Try out Lansdowne Pub, Cask ‘n Flagon, The Bleacher Bar (found beneath the outfield bleachers of the stadium!), and Bullpen Kitchen and Tap (19-20 Jersey St.).
Stroll Through Boston Common and Public Gardens (with Coffee, Of Course!)
Found in the heart of downtown lies the oldest park in the United States: Boston Common. Built in 1634, this central public park is home to glorious ponds, historical monuments, well-kempt fields, and even some scrumptious food carts!
Stroll through Boston Common along with the Public Gardens to escape from the chaotic streets of the city and step into nature. While doing so, we highly suggest you grab and sip a cup of coffee like a true Bostonian. Bonus points if you get it from Tatte Bakery & Cafe, located right outside the Downtown Crossing T stop (the local subway train)!
Head on Up to the Rooftops
While in Boston, you would be remiss to not experience the stunning cityscape from above!
There are plenty of rooftops from which to admire the city throughout Boston. While there are indeed many options available (rooftop bar crawl anyone?), some of our favorites are Lookout Rooftop & Bar in The Envoy Hotel, The Liberty Hotel, Deck 12 at Yotel, Over the Charles Rooftop Bar in the DoubleTree Hotel in Cambridge, and Six\West. So order a delectable cocktail from any one of these rooftop bars and drink it all in–your beverage and the glorious views before you.
Bounce Around the Beer Garden Scene
That’s right– Europe isn’t the only place in the world with superb beer gardens. There are several stellar beer gardens to enjoy right in the heart of Boston.
At the very top of our list is Cisco Brewers Seaport Beer Garden pop-up, which is only open during the warmer months of the year. Enjoy being nestled between skyscrapers on the ground level and hopping around different stalls, which offer local brews, wines, other beverages, and scrumptious bites. They even have daily live music for visitors to get the full experience!
Sit and sip in other beer gardens throughout the city, like Notch Brighton Biergarten, Trillium Greenway Pop-up Beer Garden, Esplanade Owl’s Nest Beer Garden, and Aeronaut Brewing Pop-up Beer Garden. So many brews to try, so little time, right?
Walk Around SoWa Open Market
SoWa Open Market is an outdoor market that is filled with vendors who sell their homemade and/or homegrown goods, such as fruits, vegetables, apparel, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and much more. It only operates from May to October, so when you’re in Boston during the summertime, it’s the perfect time to visit and pick up some locally-sourced goods!
Oh, and the much-awaited food trucks have finally returned to SoWa on Sundays. So, if you’re a foodie, you’ll certainly need to hit this hot spot in Boston!
Try a Boston Duck Tour
This is an oldie but a goodie in terms of touristy “things to do” in Boston. During the sunny months in the city, you should absolutely give Boston Duck Tours a shot.
These unique sight-seeing tours provide visitors with an in-depth look at the impressive history of the city all the while riding in a vehicle that drives on land and on the water! You’ll learn more about the city and its history alongside a whole lot of laughter and good times.
Follow the Freedom Walking Trail
The Freedom Walking Trail is a 2.5-mile-long walking trail that weaves through the city, passing 16 historical sites that played a significant role in the history of the United States. Some stops along the way include the Paul Revere House, the Old State House, and Bunker Hill Monument.
This tour is especially unique because you can take yourself on it without guidance (and easily) because it’s red-lined and sticks out in the streets and sidewalks! Who doesn’t love a free tour once in a while? But if you’re not interested in taking yourself on a tour, no worries as there are plenty of guided tours available, too.
Cycle Around the City
Bluebikes, which is the official bike-sharing program of Boston, can be found all over the city and is a great option for cyclists of any level for exploring! Simply head to a station, rent one on the spot, and ride to wherever you’d like. When you’re done, simply return it to the nearest Bluebike station.
You can also rent them in various time increments: 30 minutes, an entire day, weekly, monthly, or annually. Either way, they’re safe, comfortable, and a healthy way of getting a real authentic taste of the city.
Have a Unique and All-Around Experience at the Tall Ship
All aboard for some seriously spectacular views and much more! In East Boston (also referred to as “Eastie”) you can find The Tall Ship, which is a waterside docked tall ship that offers dining and cocktails alongside spectacular views of the water and city.
But that’s not all. Right beside the ship are food trucks galore, a large outdoor space with several cornhole setups and picnic tables, and an area for a live band!
Summer in Boston is second to none, so when you’re in this effervescent city during the warmest months of the year, you’ll have to try your best to complete all nine of these wicked fun things to do in the city!
Want to upgrade your experience by exploring Boston alongside an expert guide? Join our Best of Boston food tour to discover even more local secrets and sample the city’s best bites!
