Boston in the Summer
Boston in the Summer
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Today, Boston is a vibrant, dynamic metropolis—and one of the most exciting destinations in the country. During the summer, Bostonians make the most of the warm weather, taking advantage of the city's wide variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, neighborhood events, and nightlife.
To help you learn about the city and get you started in enjoying its possibilities, we have provided a general guide to the many activities and attractions that Boston has to offer. You'll find links to information on everything from sporting events to shopping to sightseeing. We're sure that you will discover many additional things to enjoy as you explore the city for yourself. For subway and bus maps, visit the MBTA website.
Historical Sites
Museums
Music, Theatre, Movies
Parks
Shopping
Sports
Additional Resources
Historical Sites
There are countless places of historical interest in Boston and its environs. We have highlighted just a few of the most popular destinations. Click on the destination for information about hours of operation, special exhibits, and directions.
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a walking tour of Boston's most historic sites, and is easily identified by the red lines on the sidewalk. Begin the walk from the Visitor Center at 15 State Street, Boston. Put on your walking shoes: this tour covers three miles and 16 historical sites.
Faneuil Hall Market Place
A market and meeting place since 1742, Faneuil Hall is often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty." This well-known stop on the Freedom Trail consists of North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market, and is now a popular destination with many shops and restaurants.
The Paul Revere House
The oldest building in downtown Boston, this landmark is known for being the residence of Paul Revere when he left for his famous "Midnight Ride" to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that British troops were preparing to march into the countryside to arrest them.
The USS Constitution
Known as Old Ironsides, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the world (that is still afloat). Launched in 1797, Old Ironsides saw many naval victories in the War of 1812.
Museums 
Below is a listing of just some of the museums in Boston and Cambridge. The Museums of Boston website offers additional links to museums of interest in the greater Boston area. Click on the name of the museum for information about exhibits, hours of operation, and directions.
Boston Center for the Arts
The Harvard University Art Museums
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Institute of Contemporary Art
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The MIT Museum
Museum of African American History
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Science
New England Aquarium
The Nichols House Museum
The Old South Meeting House
The Sports Museum
Music, Theatre, Movies
Whether you love performing arts, consider yourself a movie buff, or enjoy listening to live music or readings, Boston offers a wealth of entertainment.
For a full listing of performances and activities, visit Boston.com. Another resource for complete listings is the Boston Phoenix newspaper, free at newsstands every Thursday.
Bostix offers half-price tickets on the day of performance for many performing arts events.
The Boston area has many movie theatres. For mainstream fare, the Regal Fenway 13 is close to the BU campus in the Fenway neighborhood, and AMC Theatres are located throughout Boston and the surrounding area.
If you're more interested in restored classics, art house features, foreign films, limited release movies, documentaries, or cult classics, check out the Coolidge Corner Theatre, Kendall Square Cinema, Brattle Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Harvard Film Archive.
Outdoor Activities
Greater Boston has an extraordinary wealth of green space. Whether you want to visit one of Boston's city parks, or explore further afoot, here are a few options that are easily accessible. Click on the name of the park for information about special events and directions.
The Arnold Arboretum
The Blue Hills Reservation
Boston Common
Boston Harbor Islands
The Charles River Reservation and Esplanade
Dorchester Shores Reservation
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Forest Hills Cemetery
Franklin Park
Franklin Park Zoo
Jamaica Pond
Lynn Woods Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Mt. Auburn Cemetery
Public Garden
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Shopping
Click on the name of the shopping area for more information. MBTA directions are from any above-ground stop on Commonwealth Avenue.
CambridgeSide Galleria
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound to Government Center. Disembark and wait on the same platform for the Green Line "E" train to Lechmere Station. Disembark at Lechmere, walk to 1st Street, take a right, and continue to the Galleria.
Copley Place
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound to Copley Square.
Downtown Crossing
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound to Park Street. Exit station and cross Tremont Street to Winter Street. Walk down Winter Street to Washington Street.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace/Quincy Marketplace
Directions: Take any Green Line Inbound to Government
Center.
Harvard Square
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound to Park Street. Change to Red Line outbound and go four stops to Harvard Square.
The Landmark Center
Includes: Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Blick Art Materials, cinemas, REI, Staples, and others.
Directions: Starting at Marsh Chapel, walk down St. Mary's Street. After crossing the bridge make a left and walk along Park Drive. Cross Beacon Street and continue over the bridge. The Landmark Center will be on your left.
Newbury Street
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound
to Hynes Convention Center.
The Prudential Center
Directions: Take any Green Line inbound to Hynes Convention Center or Copley Square. The mall is located in the Prudential Center on Boylston Street.
Sports
Click on the team name for information about tickets, venues, and directions.
Boston Red Sox
Boston's professional baseball team—and 2008 World Series
Champions—play at Fenway
Park, located in Kenmore Square just steps from the Boston University
campus.
New England Revolution
The Revolution is Boston's professional soccer team. They play at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Boston Cannons
Boston's lacrosse team plays Harvard Stadium.
Additional Resources
The following links will be helpful for learning about various city neighborhoods, summer festivals, restaurant listings, sightseeing around the city, and more.
www.bu.edu/visit/boston/index.html
www.boston.com
www.bostonusa.com
www.cityofboston.gov
www.boston-online.com
boston.craigslist.org
www.thephoenix.com
