Boston in the Summer

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. A vibrant, dynamic metropolis, Boston remains 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 subway and bus maps, visit the MBTA website.

• Historical Sites

  There are countless places of historical interest in Boston and its environs. We have highlighted just a few of the most popular. 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. Wear comfortable 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 (including the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Fogg Art Museum)
  • 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
  • Peabody Museum

• Music, Theater, 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 magazine, 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 nearby, the Regal Fenway 13 neighbors the BU campus at the Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, and the AMC Loews Boston Common 19 theatre is located at 175 Tremont Street.

  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, 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 & the Public Garden
  • 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
  • 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. Walk past City Hall and down the stairs leading to Congress Street.

  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, Regal Fenway 13 cinema, REI, Staples, and others.

  Directions: Starting at Marsh Chapel, cross Commonwealth Avenue and 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 2007 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.

• Weather

  Located in a region with distinct seasonal changes, Boston's weather is rarely predictable. While summer is typically ruled by blue skies and warm coastal breezes, June can be more like spring than summer—temperatures can range from very hot to quite cool. July and August can be very hot and humid, with sudden thunderstorms bringing a bit of relief. Be sure to pack a light sweater and an umbrella with your shorts and sandals.

  For an overview of weather typical to the area, visit the City of Boston website. The National Weather Service is a reliable source for current weather conditions and forecasts.

• 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.boston.com
  • www.bostonusa.com
  • www.cityofboston.gov
  • www.boston-online.com
  • boston.craigslist.org
  • www.thephoenix.com