Great Things to Do in MA
Great Things To Do - Greater Boston & Cambridge MA Region
Boston, MA and neighboring Cambridge, MA, facing each other across from the bridge-sprinkled Charles River, has been called the Athens of America for its wealth of universities and museums. A trip here is a great vacation for couples of families; among the highlights are the grand food, music, and heritage-related festivals, from Fourth of July on the Esplanade to the Christmas lights of Faneuil Hall. Enjoy one of the city's modern boutique lodgings or a hotel with a lavish spa and delve into Revolutionary history, performing arts, and luxury.
Follow these links for : Sightseeing - Urban Walks - Family Activities
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Boston, MA
Meet Boston
Information Centers on Boston Common and Prudential Towers (Center Court) 888-733-2678With so much history, and so many activities, vibrant Boston has something for every visitor
You cannot be bored in Boston. See a show, catch a game at Fenway Park, take a film or foodie tour of the town, ride on a duck boat or Swan Boat, eat in a four-star restaurant with a harbor view or by a food truck in the gorgeous Greenway. Kids will love the Tea Party Ship & Museum and nearby Children’s Museum. Art-lovers will feast on the Monets at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Venetian courtyard in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Shoppers will enjoy perusing pop-up markets, the fashions and galleries along Newbury Street and the kiosks of Quincy Market. And history buffs will happily stroll the Freedom Trail from the Common out to the USS Constitution or the Black Heritage Trail.
Boston, MA
History of Boston on Display Along This Walk to the Sea
Boston is now home to a great, free activity that is ideal for families and people who love history, urban architecture, and the outdoors. The Walk to the Sea is a self-guided trail that encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Beginning at the State House on Beacon Hill, overlooking Boston's ancient Common, the Walk passes among historic landmarks and skyscrapers. The walk from summit to sea, spanning one mile and descending a hundred feet, brings Boston history to life. Large panels are situated along the walking trail to guide and educate walkers.
Boston, MA
Old Italy Flavors at Caffe Vittoria
617-227-7606You would expect a certain old-world ambiance in any of the Little Italy neighborhoods that bright American cities, and Caffe Vittoria, on Hanover Street in Boston does not disappoint. Established in 1929, Caffe Vittoria declares it was the first Italian caffe in Boston’s North End district. Coffee, Italian pastries and fine beverages are the specialties here. With four levels of seating and three full liquor bars, there is something for everyone. Taste the caffe’s grappa from its extensive collection. This is a sweet stop at any time of the year, with marvelous people-watching just outdoors in one of the liveliest ethnic enclaves in New England.
Boston, MA
Hug a Tree
617-524-1718In the Jamaica Plain section of Boston lies an oasis of meadows, forest, ponds, and wildlife. No, it’s not an urban mirage, it’s the Arnold Arboretum, where you can find thousands of different varieties of plants, hiking and biking trails, and world-renowned horticultural collections surrounded by 15,000 gorgeous trees. Arnold is the oldest public arboretum in North America. The extensive Bonsai collection, a cultivated Herbarium, majestic snow-covered cedars and pines in the winter, and nearly 200 different varieties of blooming lilacs in May are just a few of the reasons to spend a day here every day of the year.
Boston, MA
Boston from the Sidewalk
866-939-2557Boston calls itself the birthplace of the American Revolution, and you are likely to agree after taking an information-packed stroll with Boston CityWalks, which offers several walking tours that show off the old and contemporary beauties of this world-class city. The various walks may touch on the Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, Back Bay, and Copley Square. Walkers may choose to have lunch at an outdoor café on Newbury Street, shop in Copley Place and Prudential center, or visit one of Boston’s fine museums. Walks are held daily, year-round. See website for schedule and tickets. Call to confirm.
Needham, MA
Beautiful Marsh Welcomes Walkers
617-698-1802Cutler Park on Kendrick Street in Needham, at the Newton border, is the largest fresh water marsh on the Charles River. The marshland and small lake attract more than 100 species of birds. A trail goes around Kendrick Pond (also called Cutler Pond). A new trail extends from the pond trail and goes to Powell's Island canoe landing, doubles back and goes under the MBTA commuter rail and out to the Great Plain. A right turn leads to a boardwalk through a cattail marsh and ends up on Needham Street in Dedham. A left turn leads down the wide path alongside the elevated railroad line all the way to the Charles River. In summer, hiking, canoeing, and fishing are welcome.
Boston, MA
Come Aboard Old Ironsides
617-426-1812Visit Old Ironsides, AKA the USS Constitution, at Building 22 in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown for a deep dive into the fascinating history of the celebrated colonial vessel. Exhibits at the museum include "Old Ironsides in War and Peace," "All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812," and "Today's Crew." The museum is open year-round. The ship itself is owned by the U.S. Navy, which hosts tours Wednesdays through Sundays. Tours include the spar deck, gun deck and berth deck.
Cambridge, MA
Antiques Are Plentiful at This Cambridge Market
617-868-9655For general browsing and entertainment, or for a hard-target search for a special antique-purchasing need, Cambridge Antique Market at 201 Msgr. O’Brien Hwy. in Cambridge is a gold mine. More than 150 dealers on five floors are selling furniture, lamps, art, paper goods, sports memorabilia, glass, ceramics, photos, books, silver, textiles, tools, kitchenware, toys, dolls, advertisements, religious items, and costume jewelry, hats, gloves, and accessories. The market is across the road from the MBTA Lechmere Green Line Station. It also has a sister business in Provincetown.
Cambridge, MA
A Little Walk; a Little Chocolate; and Repeat
Off The Beaten Path Food Tours are a fun outing where you and friends can poke along at a walking pace through a historical neighborhood and taste local culinary treats, all under the care of a knowledgeable guides. One favorite, the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour, with stops at a variety of local eateries for chocolate tastings along the way. It’s about a mile of urban walking with five to six stops in about 90 minutes. A fee of $35 includes all the food and sights. Fine of all ages. Meet at Harvard Square.