{"id":370,"date":"2019-10-11T10:59:24","date_gmt":"2019-10-11T14:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/?page_id=370"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:38:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T20:38:57","slug":"about-boston","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/high-school-programs\/admitted-students\/about-boston\/","title":{"rendered":"About Boston"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Summer life in Boston<\/h2>\n<p>The BU campus is perfectly situated for students to enjoy both the charm and beauty of Boston as well as its cultural and recreational attractions. BU stretches along the banks of the Charles River, with many beautiful spots for jogging or just relaxing\u2014yet it&#8217;s only minutes from downtown. A short ride on the train brings you to the elegant shops of Newbury Street and Copley Square, the sporting events and concerts at Fenway Park, or the endless diversions of the restored Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Below is a list of some activities you might enjoy.<br \/>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Events &amp; festivals<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Attend one of the many festivals in and around Boston, such as the Italian festivals or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonharborfest.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Harborfest<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Join the millions of people who have experienced the fireworks and free concerts that are part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bso.org\/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Fourth of July in Boston<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Discover what a dragon boat is at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostondragonboat.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Dragon Boat Festival<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Food<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Try some famous Boston clam chowder or enjoy a street magician&#8217;s show at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Faneuil Hall Marketplace<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Dine in the North End, Boston&#8217;s &#8220;Little Italy.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Indulge in something sweet at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mikespastry.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Mike&#8217;s Pastry<\/a> in the North End and Harvard Square.<\/li>\n<li>I scream, you scream, go for some ice cream! Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jplicks.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">J.P. Licks<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.benjerry.com\/newbury\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Ben &amp; Jerry&#8217;s<\/a> on Newbury Street.<\/li>\n<li>Experience the sights, sounds, and fresh fruit at the open-air market at Haymarket.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Historic Boston<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Walk part or all of the historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonusa.com\/things-to-do\/sightseeing-tours-trails\/freedom-trail\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Freedom Trail<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paulreverehouse.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Paul Revere&#8217;s house<\/a>, the last remaining 17th-century Boston house.<\/li>\n<li>Take a narrated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonducktours.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Duck Boat Tour<\/a> in a World War II amphibious vehicle, and make sure to quack.<\/li>\n<li>Ride a hop-on, hop-off <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trolleytours.com\/boston\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">trolley<\/a>; disembark at interesting stops, explore the area, and then re-board at your convenience.<\/li>\n<li>Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/jofi\/index.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">John F. Kennedy&#8217;s birthplace<\/a> in Brookline.<\/li>\n<li>Take a free art and architecture tour of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bpl.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Public Library<\/a>, the first major free city library in the United States.<\/li>\n<li>Take a tour of the impressive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sec.state.ma.us\/trs\/trsbok\/trstour.htm\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">State House on Beacon Hill<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/oldnorth.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Old North Church<\/a>, where two lanterns were hung to warn that the British were moving by sea on April 18, 1775.<\/li>\n<li>Find the gravestones for John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofboston.gov\/parks\/hbgi\/Granary.asp\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Granary Burying Ground<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Movies<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Catch the latest movies at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amctheatres.com\/movie-theatres\/boston\/amc-boston-common-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AMC Boston Common 19<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Catch a classic double feature at the <a href=\"https:\/\/brattlefilm.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Brattle Theatre<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy a free flick at the Hatch Shell, located on the Esplanade.<\/li>\n<li>Take in a film series at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coolidge.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Coolidge Corner Theatre<\/a>, a fully restored Art Deco movie palace.<\/li>\n<li>Attend an IMAX movie at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mos.org\/imax\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Museum of Science<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neaq.org\/visit\/simons-theatre\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">New England Aquarium<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Museums<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enjoy amazing artwork at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mfa.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Museum of Fine Arts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Interact with the hands-on exhibits at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mos.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Museum of Science<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Learn about marine life, including the amazing jellies, at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neaq.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">New England Aquarium<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Take in the films and exhibits at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jfklibrary.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">John F. Kennedy Presidential Library &amp; Museum<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Wonder at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marybakereddylibrary.org\/project\/mapparium\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Mapparium<\/a>, a three-story, stained glass globe at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marybakereddylibrary.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Baker Eddy Library<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Experience the beautiful, eclectic art and landscape architecture on display at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardnermuseum.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maah.org\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Museum of African American History<\/a>, where you can see the Abiel Smith School, the African Meeting House, and the Black Heritage Trail.<\/li>\n<li>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonteapartyship.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Tea Party Ship &amp; Museum<\/a>. Dump your own bale of tea into the harbor, and then enjoy a cup, tax-free.<\/li>\n<li>Cross the river and visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/mitmuseum.mit.edu\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">MIT Museum<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Music<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Catch a concert at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdgarden.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">TD Garden<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/redsox\/ballpark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fenway Park<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Outdoors<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonharborcruises.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Harbor Cruise<\/a> or go on a whale watch.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy a leisurely ride on the <a href=\"https:\/\/swanboats.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Common Swan Boats<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Go jogging, biking, or inline skating on car-free Memorial Drive in Cambridge (on Sundays during the summer, 1.5 miles are closed off for pedestrians).<\/li>\n<li>Walk along the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emeraldnecklace.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Emerald Necklace<\/a>, a scenic seven-mile stretch of green that connects nine Boston parks.<\/li>\n<li>See the stars during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/astronomy\/community\/open-night-observatory\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Public Open Night<\/a> at the BU Coit Observatory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Shopping<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shop for yourself or for your friends at Downtown Crossing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simon.com\/mall\/copley-place\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Copley Place<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston-discovery-guide.com\/newbury-street-shopping.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Newbury Street<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Watch a street performer in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harvardsquare.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Harvard Square<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Shop at Dollar-A-Pound in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garmentdistrict.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Garment District<\/a> on Fridays.<\/li>\n<li>Check out the original <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newburycomics.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Newbury Comics<\/a> on Newbury Street.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Sports<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sport a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/redsox\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Red Sox<\/a> baseball cap at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/redsox\/ballpark\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Fenway Park<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/redsox\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Red Sox<\/a> not in town or can&#8217;t get a ticket to the game? Take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/redsox\/ballpark\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">tour of Fenway Park<\/a> instead.<\/li>\n<li>Scale the 30-foot climbing wall at BU&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fitrec\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Fitness &amp; Recreation Center<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Check out one of the classes offered through BU&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fitrec\/what-we-offer\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Physical Education, Recreation &amp; Dance Department<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Cheer on the <a href=\"https:\/\/premierlacrosseleague.com\/teams\/cannons\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Cannons<\/a> at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Theatre<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take in an off-Broadway show at BU&#8217;s stunning, state-of-the-art Booth Theatre or at any one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bostontheatrescene.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">over 30 Boston theaters<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy an outdoor play on the Boston Common with <a href=\"https:\/\/commshakes.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Shakespeare in the Park<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueman.com\/boston\/buy-tickets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blue Man Group<\/a> at the Charles Playhouse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Weather<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Located in a region with distinct seasonal changes, Boston&#8217;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\u2014temperatures 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 along with your shorts and sandals.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/forecast.weather.gov\/MapClick.php?CityName=Boston&amp;state=MA&amp;site=BOX&amp;textField1=42.3583&amp;textField2=-71.0603&amp;e=0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">National Weather Service<\/a> is a reliable source for current weather conditions and forecasts.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer life in Boston The BU campus is perfectly situated for students to enjoy both the charm and beauty of Boston as well as its cultural and recreational attractions. BU stretches along the banks of the Charles River, with many beautiful spots for jogging or just relaxing\u2014yet it&#8217;s only minutes from downtown. A short ride [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16543,"featured_media":0,"parent":354,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/370"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16543"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=370"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/370\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18463,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/370\/revisions\/18463"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/summer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}