Castle Island and Fort Independence
This historic fort and recreational area offers stunning harbor views and a fascinating glimpse into Boston’s military history. Walk the 2.2-mile harborwalk, explore the star-shaped fort, and enjoy picnicking with panoramic views of Boston Harbor. The fort has protected Boston Harbor since 1634 and offers guided tours during summer months.
Phone: (617) 727-5290
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Experience the famous Boston Tea Party through interactive exhibits and authentic replica ships. Participate in the historic event by throwing tea into Boston Harbor and explore the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts. This immersive experience brings American history to life with period costumes and dramatic reenactments.
Phone: (866) 955-0667
Carson Beach
South Boston’s premier sandy beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular city skyline views. The beach features a bathhouse, playground, and is part of the larger Dorchester Bay system. During summer months, it’s a popular spot for beach volleyball, jogging, and family gatherings with easy access via public transportation.
Phone: (617) 727-5114
Institute of Contemporary Art
This stunning waterfront museum showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in a architecturally striking building designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary artists, educational programs, and a dramatic cantilever that extends over Boston Harbor. The building itself is considered a work of art with its innovative design and harbor views.
Phone: (617) 478-3100
Boston Children’s Museum
One of the world’s most influential children’s museums, featuring hands-on exhibits designed for kids and families. Explore the three-story climbing structure, art studio, construction zone, and interactive science exhibits. The museum’s iconic Hood Milk Bottle landmark serves as both entrance marker and snack bar for visiting families.
Phone: (617) 426-6500
L Street Bathhouse
Historic bathhouse and beach facility dating back to 1931, famous for the L Street Brownies polar bear club. The facility offers changing rooms, showers, and beach access year-round, including for brave winter swimmers. This iconic South Boston landmark represents the neighborhood’s strong community spirit and maritime traditions.
Phone: (617) 727-5114
Boston Harbor Islands State Park
Access multiple harbor islands via ferry from Long Wharf, offering hiking trails, historic sites, and pristine beaches. Spectacle Island features swimming beaches and panoramic city views, while Georges Island houses historic Fort Warren. The islands provide a unique escape from urban life with camping, picnicking, and educational programs available seasonally.
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Seaport District
Boston’s newest neighborhood offers world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment in a modern waterfront setting. Explore high-end boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and contemporary architecture along the harborwalk. The district hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, making it a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists.
Phone: (617) 426-1000
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
One of the largest convention centers on the East Coast, hosting major trade shows, conventions, and public events year-round. The facility spans 2.1 million square feet and features state-of-the-art technology and flexible event spaces. Visitors can attend consumer shows, automotive exhibitions, home and garden shows, and various cultural events throughout the year.
Phone: (617) 954-2000
Boston Harborwalk
A 43-mile public walkway that connects Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods, parks, and attractions. The South Boston section offers spectacular harbor views, public art installations, and access to numerous restaurants and recreational facilities. Perfect for jogging, walking, cycling, or simply enjoying Boston’s maritime heritage and stunning skyline views.
Phone: (617) 482-1722
Boston Fish Market
Experience authentic New England seafood culture at this working fish market and restaurant complex. Watch fishermen unload their daily catch, browse fresh seafood vendors, and enjoy waterfront dining at multiple restaurants. The market represents Boston’s maritime heritage and offers visitors a chance to see the city’s fishing industry in action.
Phone: (617) 542-3474
Lawn on D
A vibrant seasonal outdoor space featuring interactive art installations, food trucks, and community programming. The space transforms into a winter wonderland with fire pits and warming stations during colder months. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts, fitness classes, art markets, and cultural events that bring together the local community.
Phone: (617) 292-0020
Harpoon Brewery
Tour one of New England’s pioneering craft breweries and sample award-winning beers in their waterfront taproom. The facility offers guided tours showing the brewing process, beer tastings, and a popular beer hall with harbor views. Their seasonal Oktoberfest celebration is one of Boston’s largest beer festivals, drawing thousands of craft beer enthusiasts.
Phone: (617) 574-9551
Boston Design Center
The largest design center in New England, featuring 50 showrooms of luxury home furnishings, fabrics, and interior design resources. Professional designers and design enthusiasts can explore cutting-edge furniture, lighting, and architectural elements. The center hosts design events, exhibitions, and educational seminars throughout the year for industry professionals and the public.
Phone: (617) 338-5062
Martin Richard Park
A beautiful memorial playground and park dedicated to Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombing. The park features innovative playground equipment, peaceful gardens, and inspiring messages of hope and unity. It serves as both a place of remembrance and a vibrant community space for families and children to play and gather.
Phone: (617) 635-4505
Boston Harbor Distillery
Experience craft spirits production at Boston’s first legal distillery since Prohibition, located in the historic Port Norfolk neighborhood. Tour the facility to learn about whiskey, rum, and gin production while sampling their award-winning spirits. The distillery emphasizes local ingredients and traditional methods, offering tastings and cocktail experiences in their waterfront location.
Phone: (617) 533-7717
Black Falcon Cruise Terminal
Boston’s primary cruise ship terminal welcomes major cruise lines and offers spectacular harbor views for visitors and cruise passengers. The terminal features modern passenger amenities and serves as the departure point for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Even non-cruisers can visit the waterfront area for harbor views and maritime atmosphere.
Phone: (617) 946-0000
Boston Fire Museum
Housed in a historic 1894 firehouse, this museum showcases Boston’s firefighting history with antique fire engines, equipment, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing major fires in Boston history, including the Great Boston Fire of 1872. The museum offers educational programs for families and special events highlighting the heroic traditions of Boston firefighters.
Phone: (617) 338-9700
South Boston Maritime Park
A waterfront park offering panoramic harbor views, walking trails, and recreational facilities for families and fitness enthusiasts. The park features playground equipment, open green spaces, and direct access to the harborwalk system. It’s an ideal location for picnicking, jogging, or simply enjoying Boston’s maritime environment while watching boats enter and leave the harbor.
Phone: (617) 635-4505
Boston Harbor Hotel
Experience luxury hospitality at this waterfront hotel featuring world-class dining, spa services, and spectacular harbor views from every room. The hotel’s Rowes Wharf area includes high-end shopping and fine dining options accessible to the public. Even non-guests can enjoy the elegant lobby, waterfront promenade, and seasonal outdoor events hosted at this iconic Boston landmark.
Phone: (617) 439-7000
World Trade Center Boston
A premier business and event destination hosting trade shows, conferences, and networking events throughout the year. The center features modern meeting spaces, exhibition halls, and waterfront dining options. Visitors can attend public events, business expos, and cultural exhibitions while enjoying panoramic harbor views from the building’s upper floors.
Phone: (617) 385-5000
Seaport Common
Boston’s newest public park in the heart of the Seaport District, featuring open green spaces, interactive fountains, and family-friendly amenities. The park hosts seasonal events including outdoor movies, farmers markets, and cultural festivals. With its modern playground and central location, it serves as a community gathering space surrounded by restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Phone: (617) 635-4505
Boston Light on Little Brewster Island
America’s oldest lighthouse station, dating to 1716, offers guided tours via special ferry service during summer months. Climb the 76-foot tower for spectacular 360-degree harbor views and explore the historic keeper’s quarters and museum exhibits. This National Historic Landmark provides unique insight into Boston’s maritime navigation history and lighthouse keeping traditions.
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Boston Tea Party Museum Replica Ships
Board authentic replica 18th-century sailing ships Eleanor and Beaver, the original vessels involved in the Boston Tea Party. Participate in interactive historical reenactments, meet costumed interpreters, and experience life aboard a colonial merchant vessel. The floating museum provides hands-on history lessons about American colonial trade and the events leading to the Revolution.
Phone: (866) 955-0667
Dorchester Heights Monument
This National Historic Site commemorates the strategic fortification that forced the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. Climb to the top of the 115-foot Georgian Revival tower for panoramic views of Boston Harbor, downtown skyline, and surrounding neighborhoods. The monument and surrounding Thomas Park offer peaceful green space and important Revolutionary War history.
Phone: (617) 242-5642
Boston Harbor Water Taxi
Experience Boston from the water aboard convenient water taxi services connecting various harbor destinations including Logan Airport, downtown, and harbor islands. The scenic boat rides offer unique perspectives of the city skyline, historic waterfront, and maritime activity. Regular service runs seasonally with special sunset and dinner cruise options available.
Phone: (617) 406-8584
Boston Harbor Sailing Club
Learn to sail or charter boats from this full-service sailing facility offering lessons, boat rentals, and harbor tours for all skill levels. The club provides ASA-certified sailing instruction, yacht charters, and social sailing events with experienced captains. Enjoy Boston Harbor from the deck of a sailboat while learning navigation skills or simply relaxing on the water.
Phone: (617) 720-0049
Louis Boston
Explore this iconic luxury fashion destination housed in a restored 19th-century building, offering high-end designer clothing and unique shopping experiences. The multi-level store features curated collections from international designers, custom tailoring services, and exclusive fashion events. Even non-shoppers appreciate the building’s architectural details and sophisticated retail atmosphere.
Phone: (617) 262-6100
Boston Harbor Cruises
Discover Boston’s harbor and coastline aboard narrated sightseeing cruises, whale watching expeditions, and themed boat tours. The company offers various cruise options including historic harbor tours, sunset cruises, and seasonal specialty trips to view fall foliage or holiday lights. Professional guides share maritime history and point out significant landmarks from unique waterborne perspectives.
Phone: (617) 227-4321
SoWa Art + Design District
Browse this vibrant arts district featuring galleries, artist studios, vintage markets, and creative businesses in converted industrial buildings. The area hosts regular art walks, pop-up exhibitions, and the popular SoWa Open Market with local artisans, food vendors, and vintage dealers. This creative hub represents Boston’s thriving contemporary arts scene and offers unique shopping and cultural experiences.
Phone: (617) 695-9200
Boston Harbor Marina
Visit this full-service marina offering boat slips, yacht services, and waterfront dining with spectacular harbor views. The marina provides boat rentals, fishing charters, and water sports equipment for harbor recreation. Visitors can stroll the docks to admire luxury yachts, enjoy waterfront restaurants, and experience Boston’s boating culture firsthand.
Phone: (617) 367-9292
Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina
Explore this historic shipyard and modern marina complex offering boat repair services, yacht storage, and maritime industry exhibits. The facility showcases Boston’s shipbuilding heritage while providing contemporary marina services for recreational boaters. Visitors can learn about ship restoration, observe marine craftsmen at work, and enjoy waterfront views from the marina’s public areas.
Phone: (617) 269-0044
Boston Harbor Walk Fort Point Channel
Stroll along this scenic section of the Harborwalk featuring historic bridges, waterfront parks, and unique views of downtown Boston’s financial district. The walkway connects the Seaport District to downtown Boston, passing through areas rich in industrial and maritime history. Perfect for photography, jogging, or peaceful walks while observing harbor traffic and urban development.
Phone: (617) 482-1722
Boston Fish Pier
Experience authentic working waterfront culture at this historic fish pier where commercial fishing boats unload their daily catch. Watch fishermen at work, browse fresh seafood markets, and observe the bustling maritime commerce that has sustained Boston for centuries. The pier represents Boston’s continued connection to the sea and offers insight into the city’s fishing industry traditions.
Phone: (617) 946-0000
Boston Harbor Park System
Explore the interconnected network of waterfront parks, beaches, and recreational facilities spanning Boston’s harbor neighborhoods. The system includes numerous small parks, playgrounds, and green spaces connected by the harborwalk, offering diverse outdoor activities and scenic harbor access. Each park within the system provides unique amenities while contributing to Boston’s comprehensive waterfront recreation network.
Phone: (617) 727-5290
Boston Harbor Ferries
Travel between harbor destinations aboard comfortable passenger ferries offering scenic routes to various waterfront locations and harbor islands. The ferry system provides convenient transportation while delivering spectacular views of Boston’s skyline, harbor landmarks, and maritime activity. Regular seasonal service connects downtown Boston with recreational destinations and provides unique sightseeing opportunities.
Phone: (617) 748-1428
Boston Harborwalk Art Installations
Discover rotating public art installations and permanent sculptures placed throughout the harborwalk system, featuring works by local and international artists. The outdoor gallery concept integrates contemporary art with historic waterfront settings, creating unique cultural experiences for walkers and visitors. Art installations change seasonally, ensuring fresh creative encounters along Boston’s premier pedestrian waterfront route.
Phone: (617) 482-1722
