| Waterfront Activities
Boston Harbor is a unique urban
harbor that offers a wide range of opportunities for family fun, boating,
swimming, Harbor Island getaways, waterfront walks, sightseeing, and
observing marine life.
Check out The
Boston Harbor Association's "Best of Boston Harbor"
as selected by TBHA members and friends.
Traveling in and around Boston's
Inner Harbor
MBTA Inner Harbor Ferry: A
10-minute commute between Long Wharf, Boston and Charlestown Navy Yard
aboard a Boston Harbor Cruises passenger vessel. For additional
information on schedule and fares, call the boat operator at 617-227-4321,
or the MBTA Customer Service line at 617-222-3200 or visit www.mbta.com.
Boston Harbor Islands Service:
Short ferry ride aboard the Harbor Island Express passenger vessel to
the Boston Harbor Islands May through October. Visitors can enjoy camping,
hiking, and fishing, or just relax on one of Boston's closest and most
extraordinary national park areas. Trips depart from Long Wharf (beside
Christopher Columbus Park), EDIC Pier in South Boston, Quincy and Hingham.
For additional information, call 617-223-8666 or visit www.bostonislands.com.
City Water Taxi: On-call
water taxi servicing Logan Airport and ports in the Inner Harbor. Runs
year-round seven days a week; call as if you would call a land taxi. For
additional information, or for a pick-up, call 617-422-0392 or visit www.citywatertaxi.com.
Rowes Wharf Water Taxi:
The only on-call water taxi servicing Rowes Wharf. Other stops include
Logan Airport and other ports in the Inner Harbor. Available seven days a
week, seasonal schedules vary. For additional information, or for a
pick-up, call 617-406-8584 or visit www.roweswharfwatertaxi.com.
Boston Harbor Water Taxi:
Boston's largest on-call water taxi, offering service to and from Boston's
Logan Airport at a low price. The boat has a heated cabin with upholstered
seating as well as an open viewing deck. For additional information, or
for a pick-up, call 617-593-9168.
Courtesy Bus Service Between
Logan Airport Boat Dock and All Terminals:
Massport operates a free shuttle bus, the Route #66 Water Transport Bus,
which makes frequent and continuous trips between the Logan Boat Dock and
all airport terminals during regular Harbor Express and water taxi
operating hours. The ride between the terminals and the Logan Boat Dock
takes approximately 12 minutes. For additional information call
1-800-23-LOGAN (TTY: 1-800-262-2335)
South
Shore Connection
MBTA Harbor Express:
High-speed everyday service connecting Quincy and Hull to Boston's Long
Wharf and Logan Airport, provided by Water Transportation Alternatives.
For additional information on schedule and fares, call the boat operator
at 617-222-6999 or the MBTA Customer Service Line at 617-222-3200 or visit
www.mbta.com.
MBTA Commuter Boat: Weekday
year-round service between Hingham and Rowes Wharf, provided by Boston
Harbor Cruises and Mass Bay Lines. For additional information on schedule
and fares, call the boat operator at 617-227-4321 or the MBTA Customer
Service Line at 617-222-3200 or visit www.mbta.com.
Boston Harbor Cruises to
Provincetown: Travel between Provincetown and Long Wharf, Boston in 90
minutes May through October aboard a catamaran. Satellite TV, gourmet
snacks and cash bar available on board. For additional information, call
617-227-4321or visit www.bostonharborcruises.com.
Provincetown Fast Ferry: Access
Provincetown from the World Trade Center in 90 minutes May through
October. The terminal in Boston is easily accessible by the MBTA Silver
Line or the Seaport Express. For additional information, call 877-783-3779
or visit www.baystatecruises.com.
North
Shore Connection
Salem Ferry: High-speed
catamaran from Salem to Boston in about 45 minutes May through October.
For additional information, call 978-741-0220 or visit www.salemferry.com.
Starting May, 2009, weekday commuters on the 7 a.m. ferry from Salem can
get off at the World Trade Center in the South Boston Seaport District,
with return trips at 5:25 p.m. and 7:25 p.m. from a second departure
location at the World Trade Center.
For
more information and a map of transit options, visit www.bostonwatertransportation.com.
Boston Harbor Cruises: Boston
Harbor Cruises offers four different sightseeing cruises, including
historic and sunset cruises. Most run from May to October and depart from
Long Wharf, Boston. Boston Harbor Cruises also offers speciality cruises
that allow guests to experience theater on water or dance the night away.
For additional information please
call 617-227-4321 or visit www.bostonharborcruises.com.
Odyssey Cruises: The
Odyssey, Boston's premier dining cruise line of the Harbor and the Harbor
Islands, offers elegant sit-down lunch, brunch, and dinner cruises every
day of the week as well as seasonal moonlight cruises, festive holiday
season cruises, and a gala New Year's Eve cruise. The Odyssey can also be
chartered for private or corporate parties for up to 600 guests. Cruises
depart the dock at Rowes Wharf.
For more information call
866-307-2469 or visit www.odysseycruises.com.
Spirit Cruises: What
better way to see Boston’s remarkable skyline than from the Spirit of
Boston and the Seaport Elite vessels. Both depart from the World Trade
Center and offer lunch and dinner cruises with Boston Harbor views, and a
variety of live entertainment and dancing as well as cruises to Boston
Light and other historic sights in the Harbor. Holiday cruises offering
lunch or dinner, include Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's
Day, and 4th July cruises, group charters, and moonlight charter cruises
from 12am-2am are available. Also try their "Lobster Lunches"
from 12 noon to 2pm, Thursday through Sunday from June to October.
For more information call
866-211-3807 or visit www.spiritcruises.com.
For
a full listing of all sightseeing tours, cruises, and chartered
services available in Boston Harbor, please visit www.bostonwatertransportation.com.
Arts on the
Point:
Located on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, Arts on the
Point is the region’s first collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures
by some of the world’s leading artists. Founded in 1997, the collection
of contemporary art changes periodically. In January 2007, Roy
Lichtenstein’s colorfully painted aluminum sculpture “Brushstroke
Group” was installed in front of the campus Student Center. Other
sculptures in the collection include works by Dennis Oppenheim, Mark di
Suvero, William Tucker, Luis Jimenez, Seth Kane Kwei “Paa Joe” Joseph
Tetteh Ashong, Sol LeWitt, Tony Smith, and Willem de Kooning. All
University facilities are open to the public. For more information please
visit www.bostonharborwalk.com/art/location.php?nid=2&sid=10
Atlantic Works
80 Border Street in East Boston. The Atlantic Works Gallery displays works
from 29 members of the East Boston Artist Group. For a listing of
exhibits, please visit www.atlanticworks.org.
Boston Children's Museum
The first
“green” museum in Boston opened 14 April 2007! Families and the
general public are enjoying the newly renovated Boston Children’s Museum
along the Fort Point Channel. The New Balance Climb, a three story
climbing structure, and Kids Power, with bikes, basketball, wall climbing
and an interactive dance floor, are already favorites of many children.
Visitors can get lunch and snacks at the new Au Bon Pain café located in
the Museum and in the newly-renovated Hood Milk Bottle which is opened
seasonally.
As part of its
commitment to “green design”, the Museum has integrated roofs with
plantings into the new addition; storm water retention system to reduce
run-off into the Fort Point Channel; new infrastructure and fixtures to
ensure building efficiency; and use of recycled, local, low-emitting
building materials.
Special thanks to
Target for $1.00 admission Fridays 5:00-9:00 pm.
Exhibit:
Boats Afloat
Daily 10am - 5pm, Fridays to 9 pm
Come aboard and discover Boston’s urban marine environment. Kids can
sail an assortment of boats and barges while controlling the current in
an amazing 28 foot, 800 gallon tank that replicates the Fort Point
Channel at Children’s Wharf. You can try your hand as a marine
fireman, or strap on a life jacket with foul weather gear aboard the
Minnow, a small lobster boat, for a virtual ride around the harbor.
Location: Boston Children’s
Museum, 300 Congress Street
For further information,
contact 617-426-6500 or visit www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Like its neighbor the New England
Aquarium, the Boston Children's Museum on the Fort Point Channel is a
popular destination for families and visitors.
For more information call
617-426-8855 or visit www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.
Boston Marine Society
Located in Building No. 32, Charlestown Navy Yard, the Boston Marine Society’s collection of art and artifacts depicting maritime history and life on the sea is open to the public weekdays free of charge. Founded in 1742, the Society is the oldest association of sea captains in the world.
Boston Public Library - Copley
Square
Those who love Boston Harbor will appreciate the extraordinary collections
housed at the Boston Public Library. The Arthur Lane/Jane W. Mead Maritime
Industrial History Collection in the Rare Books Room of the Library was
unveiled summer, 2007. Donated and endowed by Arthur Lane, one of The
Boston Harbor Association’s founders and past presidents, the collection
includes vessel logs, stevedoring day books, photographs, and other
records of the daily life of Boston’s working port. Relying on his
contacts with maritime businesses, including Peabody & Lane, Boston
Shipping Association, Moran Shipping, its predecessor Patterson Wylde, and
Ports American (formerly P&O Ports), Mr. Lane was able to persuade
these companies to contribute invaluable records and materials about the
Port of Boston to the collection. Concerned about the future of the Port,
Mr. Lane has provided an endowment to give the public an opportunity to
learn about the Port’s past.
In September, 2007, Norman
Leventhal, one of Boston’s most respected business leaders and developer
of the much-admired Rowes Wharf complex on the waterfront, donated $10
million to the Boston Public Library for a permanent endowment of the
library’s map center. The Norman B. Leventhal Map Center contains
hundreds of historic maps of Boston, New England, and Massachusetts Bay
donated by Mr. Leventhal, whose collection is widely regarded as one of
the finest private collections in New England. Dozens of maps from the Leventhal Map Collection
are on permanent display in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes
Wharf.
The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA)
has remaining copies of "Mapping Boston: The City Takes Form and
Transforms" which describes an earlier exhibition of Mr. Leventhal's
maps. For a copy, please contact TBHA at 617-482-1722 or mail@tbha.org.
Fort Point Art Gallery
Located on the lower level of 300 Summer Street, in the Fort Point
Channel Area, the Fort Point Art Gallery displays innovative works by Fort
Point artists. The gallery is located in an artist coop-building with
artist's live/work space exclusively. While visiting the gallery, be sure
to leave time to eat at the popular Channel Café.
For more
information on exhibition schedules, call 617-423-4299 or visit www.fortpointarts.org.
Hull Life
Saving Museum
Dramatically situated at the mouth of Boston Harbor, with breathtaking
views of Boston Light and the Graves Lighthouse, the museum is located in
the restored 19th century Point Allerton U.S. Lifesaving Station, home of
Joshua James and his crews, the most celebrated lifesavers in the world. A
great family destination, as well as scholarly site, visitors of all ages
will delight in learning about storms, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and
rescues from our vibrant hands-on exhibits. The museum is open Wednesday
through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
For more
information, call 781-925-0992 or visit www.lifesavingmuseum.org.
Institute of
Contemporary Art
No visit to the waterfront is complete without a
stop at the new Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), the first art museum
to be built in Boston in nearly 100 years. Opened in December 2006, the
museum displays cutting-edge art in this magnificent building on the
Boston HarborWalk, designed by the renowned architectural firm of Diller
Scofidio + Renfro. Visitors can also enjoy harbor views while dining on
tasty entrees, salads, and desserts at famed chef Wolfgang Puck’s Water
Café.
Thanks to Target,
Thursday evenings after 5:00 pm is free. For additional information,
please visit www.icaboston.org
"Shepard Fairey: Supply and
Demand"
Featuring over 80 works that traces the artist's career over 20
years. Opens 6 February 2009 and runs through 16 August 2009. This will be the first museum survey of Shepard Fairey, the influential street artist who created the now iconic Barack Obama poster.
John F.
Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located on the Dorchester
waterfront with panoramic views of Boston’s skyline and Harbor Islands,
the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum pays tribute to our
nation’s 35th President. Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M.
Pei, the Kennedy Library houses a museum with twenty-five multimedia
exhibits and period settings from the White House, research archives, and
an education center. Noted public officials and leaders speak at the free
Kennedy Library Forums held throughout the year. The Library grounds are
well maintained, and during summer months, President Kennedy’s sailboat
can be seen near the HarborWalk. For more information, visit
www.jfklibrary.org.
Moon Shot – JFK and Space Exploration
Learn about President John F. Kennedy’s efforts to achieve success in the space race that occurred during his presidency. The display features a model of Friendship 7 Project Mercury, the space capsule and atlas booster rocket presented by astronaut John Glenn to President Kennedy; a Project Mercury spacesuit, helmet, and boots; and a lunar sample that was brought back to earth by the Apollo 15 mission, among other interesting displays and artifacts. For further information, please visit
www.jfklibrary.org. or call 617-514-1569.
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Home of the renowned Hart Nautical
Gallery with exceptional ship models and superb examples of ocean
engineering technology developed at MIT, the nautical collection is one of
the oldest and most important marine technology collections in the USA.
The museum also features exhibits on artificial intelligence and cutting
edge technologies. For additional information, please visit web.mit.edu/museum
Deep
Frontiers: Ocean Engineering at MIT
Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Formidable and sometimes inhospitable to terrestrial beings,
Earth’s oceans are home to ninety percent of our planet’s living
creatures. This multimedia exhibition offers a first-hand view of
state-of-the-art research and tools that MIT’s Ocean Engineering
Department has developed in its quest to promote the wise use and
preservation of the ocean environment. Free.
Location: Hart Nautical
Gallery, MIT, 55 Massachusetts Ave, Building 5, Cambridge.
For further information,
contact 617-253-4444 or visit http://web.mit.edu/museum/exhibitions/oceanography.html.
Ports and Ships: Photographs By Andrea Frank
MIT Museum Compton Gallery, Building 10-150
Opening 10 February 2009, this exhibit captures on film global trade moving by sea, as it has for centuries. “Ports and Ships” shows the global network of vessels crisscrossing the seas to deliver goods to ports throughout the world. Free, through 14 June 2009. For more information, please
click here.
Museum of Science
Boston
Green Trail
The Museum of Science's Green Trail offers a self-guided,
cell-phone/iPod tour of environmentally sustainable buildings in the
Boston area. You’ll find out about what some organizations around
Boston and Cambridge are doing to create great places for working,
living, and learning that incorporate sustainable development
principles. In the downloadable iPod/cell-phone guides, you'll hear
architects, planners, and builders describe their dreams, challenges,
and successes. Free.
Location: Audio tour includes
five locations in Boston and Cambridge.
For further information, please
visit www.mos.org/greentrail
New England Aquarium
Since its 1969 founding, the New England Aquarium has been a leader in ocean exploration, with a strong environmental mission and a deep concern for marine conservation. Not only does the New England Aquarium provide educational and entertaining exhibits to make the public aware of the most challenging problems facing our oceans today, but it also rescues endangered species of marine animals and works with scientists to develop new solutions to protect the oceans. The New England Aquarium features over 50 exhibits and thousands of marine animals.
Location: Central Wharf, Boston (Aquarium stop on Blue Line). For further information, please visit
www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5200.
Free Atlantic Harbor Seals Exhibit
Watch harbor seals frolic in their natural, rocky habitat—before stepping foot inside the Aquarium! This free exhibit is located outside next to the ticketing area. Watch the seals swim, play, and sleep, and learn more about them during a free training session.
New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center
Be sure to visit the New England Aquarium’s newest facility, the “New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center”, which opened 1 July 2009. The new $10 million facility is home to five Northern fur seals; there are only 15 fur seals in captivity in the world today. Visitors will be able to see and hear the seals and view informational panels. Seating is available during four seal shows daily.
Move It! Marine Animals in Motion
Learn from some of the most athletic animals in the world—marine mammals! Summer 2009, the New England Aquarium offers a new program in which visitors will be able to move like marine mammals. An interactive pathway runs through the Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center, which offers displays which teach visitors about simple activities that both people and seals use to stay fit. The program pathway includes swimming, calf stretch, toe touch, dancing, jumping, and spinning.
Giant Ocean Tank
In addition to the new Marine Mammal Center, be sure to visit the indoor 200,000 gallon “Giant Ocean Tank,” home of over 600 sea creatures, including endangered and threatened sea turtles, tiger sharks, sting rays, barracuda, eels, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. Don’t miss the top floor where you can look down into the water from above, participate in a Giant Ocean Tank Talk, or watch the divers feed the animals.
Penguin Exhibit
The Aquarium’s penguin exhibit surrounds the Giant Ocean Tank, and can be seen from almost everywhere in the Aquarium. See the many sights that surround the exhibit, look through the underwater periscope, play with the penguins at the penguin light station, and listen to penguin sounds at the Hear a Penguin interactive. See the Penguin Smart Station, a Penguin Presentation, or a penguin feeding to learn more.
Aqua Kids Family Day
Every Friday morning
Participate in a variety of activities created especially for families with young children. Hear stories, work on art projects, and see Live Animal Presentations that will make you wish you lived under the sea! No registration required.
Location: Curious George Discovery Corner, New England Aquarium. For further information, please visit
www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5200.
IMAX Theatre
The New England Aquarium’s 65-foot IMAX theatre is so big that it will take you to places where you’ve only dreamed of going! The screen is slightly curved, which makes it extend to the edge of your peripheral vision. Through the magic of IMAX and IMAX 3D, you can visit animals and habitats that are too large, too small, or too endangered to exhibit in an aquarium setting. Ever wished you could take incredible journeys to the bottom of the sea, outer space, or somewhere in between? Now’s your chance!
For a current list of shows, please visit
www.neaq.org
or call 866-815-IMAX.
The USS Constitution and the
WWII destroyer USS Cassin Young
Among the
best bargains on Boston's waterfront are visits to USS Constitution, WWII
destroyer USS Cassin Young, and the USS Constitution Museum.
Visit the
historic USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship still afloat in
the world.
Through October 31, the summer hours of the USS Constitution Museum are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The ship’s hours until October 31 are 10 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Free tours every half-hour from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Colors and Cannons ceremony, including cannon fire, is held daily at 8 a.m. and sunset in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Free tours of the Cassin Young are available daily at 10 am and 4 pm, weather permitting. Admission to the USS Constitution Museum is on a pay-what-you-want basis. For an easy trip from downtown and spectacular views of the harbor and Boston, take the MBTA water shuttle from Long Wharf for $2.
For additional information, please call the USS Constitution at 617-242-5670. For museum information, please visit
www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org
or call 617-426-1812.
All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812
This groundbreaking exhibit truly makes history come alive! Experience the War of 1812 as an actual crewmember aboard the historic battle ship “Old Ironsides.” Explore the harsh realities of life at sea by taking part in hands-on, traditional sea-faring activities. Swab the deck…hear cannons firing in the distance…furl a sail amidst gale force winds…and end the voyage by crawling into your hammock to get a few hours. Listen to and talk with sailors from 1812. Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free.
For further information about this exhibit, please call 617-426-1812.
According to our fishing sources,
striped-bass are the #1 catch in Boston Harbor these days. Try your luck
at these recommended spots: Worlds End in Hingham, the Washington Street
Bridge over the Charles River, and the Castle Island Pier in South Boston.
Neighborhood
Listing
Fort Point Channel • South Boston • North
End/Downtown
East Boston • Dorchester
• Charlestown
Fort Point Channel
Au Bon Pain
Café
300 Congress Street, Boston Children’s Museum. Visitors can enjoy lunch
or snacks while they visit the Museum and HarborWalk. Outdoor seating
available during the warmer months. For more information, call
617-542-0412 or visit the website http://www.aubonpain.com/.
Blue Wave Bar
& Grill
343 Congress Street. This sophisticated martini bar boasts multiple plasma
televisions, with DJ’s and live music Thursday through Saturday nights.
Popular for inexpensive lunches. For more information, call 617-790-0720
or visit the web site www.bluewavebar-lounge.com.
Daily Catch
Restaurant
2 Northern Avenue. Located next to the Harborwalk at the Moakley
Courthouse, the Daily Catch Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. While
taking in the views of the Harbor and downtown Boston, come and enjoy the
seafood offerings that include the famous fried calamari. Be sure to view
the free interactive displays of the Boston Harbor Islands during your
visit. For more information, call 617-973-5200 or visit the web site www.dailycatch.com.
Drink
348 Congress Street, Fort Point Channel Celebrated chef Barbara Lynch’s Drink has already become one of the most popular after-hour destinations since its October, 2008 opening. Drink puts a creative twist on the classic cocktail. Reservations strongly encouraged, particularly on weekends. Valet parking available.
Dunkin’
Donuts
330 Congress Street. Serving donuts, pastries, coffee and drinks. Located
near the Boston Children’s Museum. For more information, call
617-439-3179 or visit the web site www.dunkindonuts.com.
Flour Bakery + Café
12 Farnsworth St. near Congress Street. Fort Point Channel is now home to one of
Boston's finest bakeries. Noted pastry chef Joanne Chang's second Flour
Bakery + Cafe, which opened early 2007, has already been featured on the
Food Network Channel. Be sure to try the unique sandwiches on freshly-made
breads as well as the homemade soups, and leave room for the delicious
desserts. For more
information, visit www.flourbakery.com.
InterContinental Hotel
510 Atlantic Avenue. Located on the Fort Point Channel, the
InterContinental Hotel offers three different dinning experiences.
Miel Brasserie Provencal
Located off the main lobby, offers a variety of French dishes by
celebrity chef Jacque Chibois. Enjoy organic
ingredients, an extensive wine collection, a New England Raw Bar and
comforting and classy ambiance, with indoor and outdoor seating and
views of Fort Point Channel. Be sure to try Miel’s new summer/seasonal outdoor Terrace Wine Bar, the only outdoor wine bar located directly on Boston’s waterfront, beginning 1 June 2009. A live Jazz band will play on the terrace the last Friday of each month, weather permitting.
Rumba
Located off the hotel lobby, is a sophisticated international
cocktail bar specializing in Champagne and Rum. This small intimate bar
celebrates Boston’s history in the rum trade.
Sushi Teq
Located inside the hotel just off the HarborWalk, Sushi Teq offers a
creative fusion of Japanese and Spanish with a blend of sushi and tapas.
Trendy and techy iPod docks and salsa dancing create a unique
experience.
Lucky’s Lounge
355 Congress Street. On the corner of Congress Street and A Street,
Lucky’s Lounge offers visitors a “Den of Cocktail Cool” where they
can experience live music ranging from R&B to classic rock to Sinatra.
Enjoy the creative American cuisine of the regular menu or the Sinatra
Sunday Brunch. For more information visit www.luckyslounge.com.
Metro Café
332 Congress Street. A diverse take-out menu featuring sandwiches, wraps,
paninis, and pizzas. You can order ahead with their online ordering
option. For information and daily menu specials, please visit www.gometro.com/metrocafe/
Sebastians
Courthouse Café
1 Courthouse Way. Located on the second floor of the Moakley
Courthouse,overlooking Boston Harbor, the café has a varied range of
selections, from a salad bar to hot meals, sandwiches, and pitas. Open
during regular business hours Monday – Friday. For additional
information, please visit www.sebastians.com
Sleeper Street
Café
51 Sleeper Street. Located near the Boston Children’s Museum, the menu
offers paninis, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas and pastries.
Open during business hours Monday – Friday.
Sportello
348 Congress Street, Fort Point Channel. Savor the spirit of Italy from highly acclaimed chef Barbara Lynch’s newest restaurant. Enjoy delicious pastas, creamy polenta, and sumptuous soups or bring home a loaf of freshly-baked bread or sandwiches. Open daily for lunch and dinner; breakfast available weekdays. For further information, please call 617-737-1234 or visit
www.sportelloboston.com.
The Barking Crab
88 Sleeper Street. Stop in for fresh roasted chestnuts and board games by
the fire this winter at the Barking Crab! Enjoy casual waterfront dining
on Fort Point Channel. Favorite dishes from the menu include New England
clam chowder and fried clam platters. Non-seafood dishes are also
available ranging from pastas to curries. Live music is offered Tuesday
evenings during the winter months. Boaters are welcome to tie up free of
charge while dining. Please call (617) 426-2722 for more information.
The Channel Café
300 Summer Street. Located in the lower level this friendly neighborhood
cafe serves healthy, creative cuisine with an affordable selection of beer
and wine. For additional information, please visit www.channel-cafe.com.
Water Café
Located in the new Institute of Contemporary Art. Wolfgang Puck’s
Water Café on the ground floor features a new al fresco dining patio
located outside the café, overlooking the harbor and providing diners
with a spectacular view. Enjoy harbor views while indulging in this unique
dining Harborside experience. For more information please visit www.icaboston.org.
Yada Yada Bakery & Café
Quaint family owned
breakfast and lunch restaurant known for its quality, home-made
selections, including vegetarian selections and unique authentic
Mediterranean dishes featuring their famous “Yada” sandwich.
Reasonably priced, the café offers a friendly dining experience near the
Courthouse MBTA stop on the Silver Line Waterfront line.
South Boston
return to neighborhood listing
606 Congress
606 Congress Street, located at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Renowned chef Michael Schlow and Toby Hill offer modern American cuisine
with regional seafood influences at this Seaport District restaurant.
Outdoor seating available. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more
information, please call 1-617-476-5606.
Anthony’s Pier
4
140 Northern Avenue. Anthony’s Pier 4 offers fine waterfront dining with
a friendly and sophisticated atmosphere. Creative international and
regional seafood dishes, and a variety of quality wines are complimented
by the beautiful view of Boston’s harbor and skyline. Free parking is
available. For additional information, please visit, www.pier4.com/anthonys.cfm.
Atlantic Beer Garden
146 Northern Avenue. The Atlantic Beer Garden recently replaced Eastern Pier II along the South Boston waterfront at 146 Northern Ave. An upscale sports lounge offering traditional pub fare and a wide selection of beer, Atlantic Beer Garden also includes a seasonal rooftop deck overlooking Boston Harbor.
Au Bon Pain
Located in the Boston Design Center, Marine Industrial Park. Offering
fresh baked breads and made to order sandwiches.
Dry Dock Café
7 Drydock Avenue. Located in the North Coast Seafood building, Dry Dock
Café offers some of the freshest seafood in Boston. Be sure to try the
homemade baked goods and desserts.
Exchange
Conference Center
Located on Boston’s Fish Pier in South Boston and home to Legal Sea
Foods catering, the Exchange Conference Center is a great location for
your next event. Enjoy your event with panoramic views of Boston’s
waterfront. For additional information, please visit www.exchangeconferencecenter.com
Fresh City
2 Seaport Lane, located near the Seaport Hotel. Open Monday – Friday
6:30 am to 4 pm. Offers a fresh food alternative to fast foods, with
wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads.
Joe’s Southside Café
Located in Massport’s South Boston Maritime Park, this new café (opening 1 June 2009) will provide a range of lunch-time sandwiches, salads, and desserts which can be enjoyed in the park or elsewhere. Café is operated by J Pace & Sons.
J Pace & Sons
225 Northern Avenue. Opening June, 2009, J Pace & Sons’ newest store will carry prepared foods, bakery items, imported cheeses and Italian meats, natural foods, gelato, espresso, beer, and wines. Guests will be able to eat-in or take-out.
LTK
Bar & Kitchen
225 Northern Avenue. Legal Sea Foods Company’s newest restaurant
provides innovative technology including Wi-Fi access and table docks for
iPod. The menu offers an array of multi-cultural items including a variety
of ethnicities such as Asian, Indian, European, South American as well as
the United States. For more information, please visit www.ltkbarandkitchen.com
Morton's, The
Steakhouse
Two Seaport Lane. Opened in November, 2007, this is the second Boston
restaurant of the well-known Morton’s chain which began in Chicago in
1978. Enjoy lunch at this Seaport location, or have cocktails and dinner
near the South Boston waterfront. For additional information, please visit
www.mortons.com.
No Name
Restaurant
15 ½ Fish Pier. Open since 1917, the No Name Restaurant is a classic
waterfront destination on Boston’s Fish Pier. Fresh seafood, famous
seafood chowder, reasonable prices, and casual no-frills atmosphere are
hallmarks of this popular waterfront restaurant.
Saucity
Located in the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, Sauciety’s atmosphere is
social and classy just like their food. Meet friends for a cold beer or
cool cocktail, or sit down for dinner and choose from 15 unique sauces,
chutneys, dips and spreads to accent your entrée.
Salvatore’s
225 Northern Avenue. This casual upscale Italian restaurant opened June,
2007. The lunch and dinner menus will feature gourmet pizzas, calzones,
pastas and Northern Italian entrees. Featuring a traditional Tuscan-style
dining room and a seasonal patio. For additional information, please visit
www.sals-pizza.com
Seaport Bar &
Grille
150 Northern Avenue. This waterside bar and grille with a local feel
offers a roof deck dining with full menu in the summer and a variety of
draft beers to enjoy at the bar. There is free public access to the dock
overlooking Boston Harbor as part of the HarborWalk system.
Seaport Hotel and Seaport
World Trade Center
One Seaport Lane. Recently renovated, the hotel offers two unique
dining experiences.
Aura Restaurant
Located near the waterfront, Aura Restaurant is one of the Seaport
District’s most distinctive restaurants. Award-winning chef Rachel
Klein creates contemporary American cuisine with global influences,
introducing guests to a confluence of flavors and styles. Be sure not to miss the newest Friday-night feat, “Fine Dining, Family-Style,” where parents can enjoy excellent cuisine without having to worry about antsy two-year-olds and their messy table manners. Let the kids have fun with puppets, games, and a special kid’s menu at Aura’s play space while you relax and enjoy a romantic evening—along with a seriously tasty meal.
For additional
information, please visit the Seaport
Hotel website.
Tamo Bar
Newly reopened and redesigned, Tamo Bar in the Seaport Hotel offers
unique cuisine by award-winning chef Rachel Klein and innovative
cocktails. With three flat screen TVs, a fireplace, and bi-level seating
area, and decorated with Cracked Ice, an Asian art form of sculptured
wooden triangles, Tamo provides the perfect setting for small events or
casual dinners. For additional
information, please visit the Seaport
Hotel website.
Sebastians
157 Seaport Blvd. Newly-opened café in the West Office Building of the
World Trade Center complex. Open weekdays 7 am to 4 pm. Serving a wide
variety of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. For additional
information, please visit www.sebastians.com
Sebastians
Farmers Market
157 Seaport Boulevard. Featuring an assortment of seasonal local fruits
and vegetables as well as cooking demos. Open every Wednesday through
October from 11:00am to 3:00pm. For further information, please visit www.sebastians.com.
Starbucks Coffee
Located in the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Starbucks Coffee
601 Congress Street. Located in the lobby of the Manulife/John Hancock
Building.
Yankee Lobster
Fish Market
300 Northern Avenue. Located on Boston’s waterfront, Yankee Lobster
offers fresh seafood. You can also buy lobster or have them ship lobster
anywhere in the Continental US. For additional information, please visit www.yankeelobstercompany.com
North End/Downtown
return to neighborhood listing
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or
dinner at the new Rowes Wharf Sea Grille and waterfront terrace located in
the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel. For an elegant meal overlooking
Boston Harbor, be sure to try Chef Daniel Bruce’s Meritage Restaurant on
the second floor of the hotel.
Chart House
60 Long Wharf. Located on Long Wharf, the historic Chart House offers
creative and gourmet variations on seafood, steaks and chicken. Enjoy a
Harbor view from the outdoor patio in warm weather. For additional
information, please visit www.chart-house.com.
Emack &
Bolio’s
255 State Street. Located across from the New England Aquarium, locally
owned Emack & Bolio’s serve up some of the area’s best ice cream
and smoothies. Enjoy one of their creative ice cream flavors,
vitamin-charged juice smoothie, or soda floats (with their sodas from
their very own micro brewery).
Equal Exchange (Coffee)
Cafe
226 Causeway Street. Enjoy organically grown, fairly traded coffee and tea
from small farmers at this newly opened cafe near Boston Harbor and TD
Banknorth Garden. Pastries, muffins, bagels, and sandwiches also
available.
Harbor View Café
Located on the second floor of the New England Aquarium overlooking Boston
Harbor, the café has sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages for the
public and for families and visitors to the Aquarium. Don’t miss the
mural of the Neponset River Watershed created by 1100 middle school
students, as well as original paintings done by sea lions and harbor seals
on display in the cafe. The café and public rest rooms are accessible to
the general public from the lobby without paying the Aquarium fee.
Joe’s American Bar &
Grill
100 Atlantic Avenue. Offering American cuisine with an exceptional
view of Boston Harbor. In the warmer months, there is outdoor seating next
to the HarborWalk. Restrooms are available to the general public,
regardless of patronage.
The Landing/ Harborside Gifts at Long Wharf
One Long Wharf. Boston Harbor Cruises’ complex next to its water transportation facilities includes public rest rooms for the general public; ice cream stand featuring shaved ice, “Hawaiian Ice Treat” specialty, soft-serve ice cream and frappes; gift shop; and “The Landing at Long Wharf”, Boston’s only fully outdoor patio bar with plasma screen televisions and serving ice tea, lemonade, frozen drinks, and signature Fish Bowl cocktails.
Legal Sea Foods
255 State Street. Enjoy waterfront dining just steps from Quincy Market
and the New England Aquarium. Legal Sea Foods offers a wide array of
seafood and other classic regional dishes. Legal’s clam chowder is a
favorite of many.
Oceana
296 State Street. Located in the Marriot Long Wharf. While the panoramic
views distinguish this location, the plush, colorful maritime décor
recalls the glamorous age of classic cruise ships. Diners will enjoy a
relaxed atmosphere in our spacious dining room, shaped like a ship's bow.
Enjoy the harbor views while dining on the outdoor terrace.
Sel de la Terre
255 State Street. Enjoy the variety of the brunch, lunch, dinner and
late-night menus offering quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.
Look for the famous homemade breads available for take out. For additional
information, please visit www.seldelaterre.com.
Sensing Restaurant
Located in the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, Sensing Restaurant is
Boston
’s newest waterfront restaurant. Opened
in early 2009, the French-inspired
New World
cuisine is popular with visitors and residents alike. Try to get one of the seasonal
patio tables located next to
Boston
Harbor
. Cocktails and dining also
available in the lobby lounge. For
reservations, please visit www.sensingrestaurant.com or call
617-994-9001
.
The Reef
New England Aquarium Plaza. The Reef offers lunch, dinner, and
cocktails in a beautiful seaside setting overlooking Boston's waterfront,
near the Aquarium's outdoor Harbor Seal tank. For additional information,
please call 617-973-5200.
The Sail Loft
Located at 80 Atlantic Avenue, the Sail Loft’s nautical theme fits its
location on the North End Waterfront. A great menu includes fried shrimp,
burgers, and their house-made clam chowder (served in a big ceramic mug).
One of the Loft’s staples: Cookie jars filled with Oreos, a sure crowd
pleaser!
Tia’s on the Waterfront
Popular among the young professional crowd, Tia’s, located at 200
Atlantic Avenue, serves a wide selection of cocktails (try the signature
Flirtini) and beers (15 varieties). The 55 outdoor tables draw crowds,
especially during the warm summer evenings.
East Boston
return to neighborhood listing
Angelo’s Seafood Restaurant
297-299 Chelsea Street. Eat at the long bar with a family-friendly Italian
atmosphere or outside on a patio during the warm weather. Angelo's offers
a wide assortment of pastas and fresh, grilled seafood.
Belle Isle Seafood
1267 Saratoga Street, at the Winthrop Bridge. Like good seafood and cheap prices? Check out award-winning Belle Isle Seafood, a small, cash-only shack in East Boston. The restaurant starts getting its fresh seafood sizzling at 10 a.m. daily. Sample mouthwatering fried clam dinners, lobster pies, or a cup of delicious homemade chowder. Belle Isle Seafood even features a huge, tasty lobster roll (crammed with 4 lobster tails, according to The Boston Globe Magazine) for only 16.99! For further information, please call 617-567-1619 or visit
www.belleisleseafood.com.
Harborside Grill and Patio -
Hyatt Harborside Hotel
101 Harborside Drive. Enjoy elegant surroundings and spectacular food at
this restaurant with one of the most splendid views of downtown Boston.
For reservations, call 617-568-6060.
Meridian 155
155 Meridian Street. This trendy new coffee shop offers lattes, cappuccino
and Chai tea, as well as muffins, breakfast sandwiches, gelato and other
tasty baked goods. Sit down in the clean modern atmosphere with free Wi-Fi
or order your selections to go.
Santarpio Pizza
113 Chelsea Street. No trip to East Boston is complete without a taste of
Santarpio's quality thin crust pizza. Relax with family and friends, enjoy
the unadorned atmosphere and play a song on the jukebox.
Scup’s in the Harbor
Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, 256 Marginal Street, Building 16. Tucked into an industrial building in the East Boston Shipyard is a local favorite, Scup’s in the Harbor. Homemade pastries and entrees, sandwiches, and Sunday brunch specials including French toast and baked eggs make this a popular destination before or after a visit to nearby Piers Park. Open for breakfast and lunch, except Mondays.
Sonny Noto's Restaurant
22 Central Square. Sonny Noto's has been around forever and remains an
East Boston staple. Come for the friendly staff, a famous steak and cheese
sub or a variety of Italian and BBQ dishes with chicken, steak or sausage.
Taqueria Cancun
192 Sumner Street. This popular tiny taco stand in Maverick Square offers
sit down service with an extensive menu of authentic Mexican food for easy
prices. Try a hearty plate of steak tacos, guacamole, rice and beans, save
room for a strawberry milkshake.
Charlestown
return to neighborhood listing
Cold Stone Creamery
Nestled in 100 City Square in Charlestown is what some consider “the
highest quality ice cream available.” Stone Cold Creamery got its name
from its ice cream creations, which were made to order for each customer
by “blending in mix-ins on a frozen granite stone.” The ice cream is
made fresh in the store every day!
Max & Dylans
Located across from Paul Revere Park near City Square, Max & Dylans provides reasonably-priced comfort food, including mac and cheese, home-made soups, flatbreads, and sliders. Extensive cocktail selections available, making this a popular after-work destination.
For further information, please visit
www.maxanddylans.com.
Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar
If fine dining in a “relaxed atmosphere” is your thing, then you must
check out Navy Yard Bistro. Located on the corner of First Avenue and 6th
street (behind “Store 24”), this restaurant brings you fine French
cuisine “with an international twist.” The restaurant provides an open
kitchen atmosphere, an extensive bar with many wine and beer selections,
and indoor and outdoor dining.
Olives
10 City Square. Located adjacent to City Square Park, Olives offers a
quiet, chic atmosphere and a variety of handcrafted pastas, creative
appetizers, salads, and delicious selection of entrées. For additional
information, please visit www.toddenglish.com
Sorelle Bakery & Café
100 City Square. Sorelle offers a wide range of gourmet coffee shop
options including soups, salads, and made to order sandwiches. Enjoy their
selection of baked goods and hot breakfast option in a spacious modern
location. For additional information, please visit www.sorellecafe.com
Tavern on the Water
One Eighth Street, Pier 6, Charlestown. This casual dining and drinking spot offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor while guests enjoy burgers and seafood entrees. The second floor is particularly popular, with a feel of “a back porch”, according to a July 2009 Boston Magazine review. Tavern on the Water, like its sister restaurant Max & Dylan, is within walking distance of the USS Constitution and the Pier 3 water transportation dock. For further information, please call 617-242-8040 or visit
www.tavernonthewater.com.
Dorchester
return to neighborhood listing
Au Bon Pain
240 Mount Vernon Street. Enjoy fresh baked goods and the variety of
sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Bon Bon Pizza and Café
27 Harbor Point Boulevard. Offers a variety of pizza options along with
salads and pasta dishes.
C.F. Donovans
112 Savin Hill Avenue. This popular location offers an upscale yet relaxed
atmosphere while offering a variety of menu options ranging from steak
tips to pizzas. Enjoy you meal with live music in the evenings.
McKenna’s
109 Savin Hill Avenue. This local favorite serves breakfast all day long
with tasty options such as blueberry pancakes, hearty breakfast
sandwiches, and plenty of baked goods. McKenna’s offers a casual, family
friendly atmosphere.
Museum Café
John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Enjoy breakfast as well as reasonably-priced sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and light snacks in the cozy café of the Library and Museum. Be sure to get a table by the window for waterfront views.
Seapoint Restaurant
367 E Eighth Street. In addition to the extensive seafood menu, Seapoint
Restaurant offers video games and televisions to follow sports as well as
Trivia Thursdays at 8pm.
Venezia Waterfront Restaurant
20 Ericsson Street. The menu offers a large assortment of unique European
cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. A new HarborWalk segment and pier allows
for views of the waterfront. For additional information, please visit www.venezia-onthewater.com
- TBHA HarborWalk tours and
Harbor cruises: To increase awareness and enjoyment of Boston
Harbor, The Boston Harbor Association sponsors free HarborWalk tours
and Harbor cruises for the general public. Please visit our event page
for a complete list of upcoming tours and cruises. Free, but
reservations are required (call 617-482-1722, or email mail@tbha.org).
- TBHA Chelsea Creek Cruises:
Join The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) on free cruises to
Chelsea Creek and the Lower Mystic River. Speakers from port-related
businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies will
discuss Boston's Working Port, waterfront land use and planning, as
well as environmental restoration along the two waterways.
- Boston Children’s Museum:
Families and the general public are enjoying the newly renovated
Boston Children’s Museum along the Fort Point Channel. The New
Balance Climb, a three story climbing structure, and Kids Power, with
bikes, basketball, wall climbing and an interactive dance floor, are
already favorites of many children. Visitors can get lunch and snacks
at the new Au Bon Pain café located in the museum. Enjoy the museum
Friday evenings from 5:00-9:00 pm for only $1.00 thanks to Target.
- Institute of Contemporary
Art: Boston's newest museum displays cutting-edge art in a
magnificent building on the Boston HarborWalk designed by the renowned
architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Enjoy harbor views from
famed chef Wolfgang Puck’s Water Café. Be sure to check out Sergio
Vega’s parrot payphone sculpture on the HarborWalk. Special thanks
to Target for sponsoring free admission Thursday evenings from
5:00-9:00 pm.
- Leventhal Map Collection: The
Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor map collection in the lobby of the
Boston Harbor Hotel is just a sample of one of the world’s most
comprehensive collection of maps of the Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.
The collection shows exploration, development, and changes along the
Boston waterfront and New England coast from the seventeenth through
the nineteenth century. The rest of the Leventhal collection is on
display at the main branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley
Square.
- Arts on the Point: Besides
offering spectacular views of the Harbor and Islands, the University
of Massachusetts Boston campus is also home to Boston's first
contemporary sculpture park that exhibits large-scale outdoor
sculpture by some of the world's leading artists. Founded in 1997,
Arts on the Point includes both outside and indoor works of art on
display seven days a week for free. In January 2007, Roy Lichtenstein’s
colorfully painted aluminum sculpture “Brushstroke Group” was
added to the collection, and is located in front of the campus’
Student Center across from the shuttle bus stop.
- Commonwealth Museum:
When visiting the Kennedy Library, be sure to leave time for the
Commonwealth Museum at the Massachusetts Archives. A special exhibit,
"Highway to the Past," includes items excavated from
Charlestown, the North End, South Boston and a portion of
Massachusetts Bay during preparation for the Central Artery/Tunnel
Project. Also visit the ongoing exhibit, "Atlas of American
Independence,” which explores the political philosophy of John Adams
and Adams’ influence on national political culture. Free and open to
the general public.
- USS Constitution and WWII
destroyer USS Cassin Young: Among the best bargains on Boston's
waterfront are visits to the USS Constitution, WWII destroyer USS
Cassin Young, and the USS Constitution Museum. Free tours of the USS
Constitution are available 10:00 am to 3:50 pm Thursdays through
Sundays during the winter and Tuesdays through Sundays during the
summer. Free tours of the USS Cassin Young are available daily at
10:00 am and 4:00 pm, weather permitting. Admission to the USS
Constitution Museum is on a pay-what-you-want basis. For an easy trip
from downtown and spectacular views of the Harbor and Boston, take the
MBTA water shuttle from Long Wharf for $1.70.
- John Joseph Moakley
Courthouse: Enjoy a guided tour of the art (including
specially-commissioned paintings by Ellsworth Kelly) and architecture
of the Moakley Federal Courthouse and learn about the Federal Court
system. Offered by Discovering Justice: the James D. St. Clair Court
Education Project, these unique tours are offered year-round Tuesday
through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at no charge. Inside the
Courthouse, electronic devices must be checked with security, and two
forms of identification, including one with a photograph, are
required. In the Daily Catch restaurant next to the HarborWalk are two
free monitors which allow for a "virtual tour" of the Boston
Harbor Islands.
- MBTA Water Shuttle: For
an inexpensive way to see Boston Harbor, take the TBHA Water Shuttle
between Long Wharf and the Charlestown waterfront for only $1.70.
- Observation areas around
the Harbor which are free and open to the general public include:
- Fosters Rotunda at 30 Rowes
Wharf, open Monday-Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Independence Wharf at 470
Atlantic Avenue, 14th floor, 10 am to 5 pm
- John Joseph Moakley
Courthouse, 2nd floor seating area and from the Library on the 9th
floor, normal business hours
- Binoculars located on
the Boston HarborWalk free of
charge are at:
- Pilot House on Lewis Wharf
- Commercial Wharf
- Long Wharf
- 14th floor of 470 Atlantic
Avenue
- Castle Island
- International Cargo Port at
88 Black Falcon Avenue
- NSTAR site accessible from
1st Street near I Street
- Boston HarborWalk: Enjoy
Boston Harbor's waterfront from the Boston HarborWalk, over 47 miles
of free, public walkways along the Harbor. Currently, the HarborWalk
is about 80% complete. The newest way to experience the HarborWalk
is with a free podcast-style audio tour of the HarborWalk from
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park to the Fort Point Channel.
Download the audio tour to your MP3 player from the HarborWalk
website, www.bostonharborwalk.org.
- East Boston Greenway:
This three-mile linear park will soon connect East Boston's
waterfront to the rest of East Boston and is ideal for both walking
and biking. The completion of the Bremen Street Park extends the
East Boston Greenway from Marginal Street to Prescott Street with a
connection to the East Boston Memorial Park's playing fields. Plans
for the extension of the Greenway through East Boston all the way to
Belle Isle Marsh are underway.
- The Freedom Trail: One
of Boston’s most popular attractions, the Freedom Trail is a
2.5-mile walking trail that leads visitors to 16
nationally-significant historic sites, including some along Boston
Harbor. From Bunker Hill in Charlestown to the Boston Common, the
Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting
houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that
tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
- Neponset Trail: Along
the Neponset River Greenway are some of the most beautiful parks and
natural areas along Boston Harbor. The 60-acre Pope John Paul II
Park is the premier park along the Neponset waterfront, with areas
for active and passive recreation such as soccer playing, kite
flying, playground, and walking and biking trails. Neponset II Park
provides access to the Neponset River Salt Marsh, one of the few
remaining extensive salt marshes within the Boston area. The
Neponset Estuary and Marshes are designated as an Area of Critical
Environmental Concern. While providing ample opportunities to
observe wildlife, the marshes are important nursery habitat for
smelt and productive shellfish beds. Wide varieties of birds visit
these marshes during their seasonal migrations and some species nest
here. A fully-accessible public boat landing with nearby parking is
located in the Neponset II Park.
- South Bay Harbor Trail: A
work in progress, the South Bay Harbor Trail is a path and
recreation area that connects diverse Boston neighborhoods including
Lower Roxbury, the South End, Chinatown, South Boston, and Fort
Point Channel, to each other and to the expanding amenities of
Boston Harbor. Lively and inviting, the Harbor Trail is designed to
provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians, joggers,
bicyclists, and people of all ages and abilities. For additional
information, please visit www.southbaytrail.com
- Boston Harbor Beaches:
Boston Harbor Beaches are open to the general public for the 2007
season (life guard coverage begins in June).
2009 regularly-scheduled boat service to the Harbor Islands begins on 9 May to George's and Spectacle Islands. To view the schedule for Harbor Islands Express service as well as island activities, please visit
www.bostonislands.com.
For more than
three decade, The Boston Harbor Association has been promoting the Boston
Harbor Islands. In the mid-1970s, The Boston Harbor Association was the
first organization to organize trips for the public to the Harbor Islands.
TBHA actively participated on the Spectacle Island Park Advisory Committee
whose work resulted in the public opening of Spectacle Island in summer of
2006 with a visitor's center, dock, and beach. As a member of the Boston
Harbor Island Advisory Council, TBHA actively promotes affordable water
transportation to ensure access to the Islands for all. TBHA sponsors free
programs to the Harbor Islands every year that introduce the public to the
joys of the Boston Harbor Islands and provides background and information
about these local treasures.
Boston's Harbor
Islands were designated as a national park area in 1997, consisting of 32
islands and 2 coastal peninsulas. As close as 20 minutes from Boston's
downtown by ferry, the Harbor Islands provide the perfect escape for a
short day trip right in Boston's backyard. Activities by a number of
non-profit and public agencies present ideal ways to examine local
history, scientific research, archaeology, and architecture.
The Boston Harbor Island Alliance and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation have worked together to improve the facilities on both Spectacle and Georges this year. On Spectacle, a newly constructed structure near the beach offers improved full body showers and new changing space for bathers. Starting in 2009 and continuing over the course of the next few years, Georges Island will undergo a complete rehabilitation and expansion initiative. New exhibit spaces, additional rest room facilities, a new sheltered seating area with food concession, and the relocation of maintenance operations to a quieter area of the island will dramatically improve the visitor experience. As part of the commitment to environmental sustainability, a new photovoltaic solar energy system and other green technologies will be installed on Georges. Solar panels are also visible on Spectacle’s docks and on the roof of the Visitor’s Center.
For a listing
of activities and access for the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area,
visit our Boston Harbor Islands
page.
For more
information about Boston’s Harborwalk,
please visit www.bostonharborwalk.com.
Since 1984, The Boston Harbor
Association has been actively
working with local and state officials and waterfront property owners to
create a 43-mile HarborWalk in Boston featuring continuous public access
and amenities along the waterfront. When complete, the HarborWalk will be
an inviting public walkway along Boston's waterfront, with public parks,
seating areas, cafes, exhibit areas, water transportation facilities,
viewing areas, and other public amenities. Some special sites we recommend
on the HarborWalk include:
- Rowes Wharf offers a wide
range of options for anyone who is enjoying a walk along Boston's
waterfront. Enjoy scenic Harbor views from Foster's Rotunda, a
priceless map collection of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay in the
lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel, spectacular architecture, or people
watching while relaxing on a waterfront bench. Water transportation is
readily available, including to and from Logan Airport and the South
Shore.
- In the North End, view the
yachts at Yacht Haven Marina, see historical waterfront displays in
the lobby of Lewis Wharf, and enjoy the HarborWalk at Joe's American
Bar and Grill.
- One of our favorite quiet
places is the herb garden and small fountain at Lewis Wharf- an oasis
for reading and contemplation.
- While visiting the Boston
Children's Museum, children will be delighted with the various free
outdoor activities, along one of the newest segments of the HarborWalk
on the Fort Point Channel.
- Public access at 470 Atlantic
Avenue offers a 14th floor observation deck with a panoramic view from
the Blue Hills to Deer Island. This unique vantage point is open from
10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, including weekends.
- In Dorchester, look out from
the Harbor Point development, where on a clear day you can see the
egg-shaped digesters of Deer Island.
- Over in South Boston, stop by
International Cargo Port to make use of their mounted binoculars to
see ships unloading their cargo at Conley Terminal and planes landing
at Logan Airport.
- On East Boston's HarborWalk
next to the Hyatt Harborside Hotel, there is a bronze sculpture with
the skyline of Boston etched into it and locations identified.
- Fort Point
Channel has been touted as Boston's "next great place," and
if you visit its HarborWalk you will see why. The HarborWalk abounds
with energy and a vibrant mix of uses, with popular restaurants and
cafes, hotels, and museums. Its eclectic architecture ranges from
historic, brick warehouses to sleek glass towers. The Fort Point
artist community is one of the most active in the Greater Boston area.
- Award-winning Piers Park in
East Boston is a beautifully designed 6.5-acre park by Pressley
Associates of Cambridge. Located on the waterfront, the park has a
community boating facility and sailing club which provide sailing
lessons, an outdoor fitness system, walking paths, pavilions honoring
the memory of ship builder Donald McKay, and an amphitheater. Children
will enjoy the park’s climbing equipment and slides. Benches along
the paths provide visitors a place to sit and enjoy the beautiful
landscape and breathtaking views of Boston and the Harbor.
For more
information about Boston’s Harborwalk,
please visit www.bostonharborwalk.com.
Boston
Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf
Located on Boston Harbor, the Hotel’s distinctive architecture is one of
the most photographed landmarks in Boston. The archway is often referred
to as the Gateway to the City of Boston. The hotel is in the midst of a
$12 million renovation to the guest rooms. The newly-renovated Wharf Room
is one of Boston’s most beautiful function rooms. The Hotel is home to the
renowned Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor Map collection. Between June
and early September, visitors to Rowes Wharf can enjoy free summer events,
including swing dancing on Wednesday evenings, Blues concerts on Thursday
evenings, and movie night on Friday evenings. Enjoy outstanding waterfront
views while dining on fine food served at the new Rowes Wharf Sea Grille
Restaurant and waterfront terrace, as well as the hotel's award-winning
Meritage Restaurant. Connected to the Boston Harbor Hotel, the
Marina at Rowes Wharf can accommodate vessels up to 75 feet in length in
19 transient slips. The marina has electric and water hookups, pump-out
service, shower, ice and a laundry facility. For additional information,
please visit www.bhh.com.
Boston
Marriott Long Wharf Hotel at 296 State Street
The Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel is located on Boston Harbor at
historic Long Wharf near Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market. Enjoy the harbor
views from the hotel lounge and Oceana Restaurant with fresh seafood
cuisine. Overlooking Columbus Waterfront Park, the second floor lobby has
an art and historic collection, including porcelain artifacts recovered
from Spectacle Island and three multi-story paintings by William C.
Reynolds depicting Long Wharf as a major fishing and maritime trading
center. For additional information, please visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boslw-boston-marriott-long-wharf/.
Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel
Boston’s newest hotel, the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, is a much-welcomed addition to the North End waterfront. Located just off of Commercial Street, the 150-room hotel has one of the most attractive HarborWalk public access segments in all of Boston. Visitors and art lovers will appreciate the Rotunda Ballroom, with its glass ceiling and glass art work by noted artist
Nicholas Weinstein. Opened in July, 2009, a new maritime museum
highlighting the activities of the adjacent Coast Guard facility and free
second-floor observation deck make this one of the most visitor-friendly
locations on Boston Harbor. The hotel and its fine-dining restaurant, Sensing, are easily accessible by water taxi (passengers can wait in a well-designed water taxi waiting area). For reservations, please visit
www.fairmont.com/batterywharf
or call 617-994-9000.
Hyatt
Harborside at Boston’s Logan International Airport at 101 Harborside
Drive
Located along the Boston HarborWalk near Logan International Airport, the
hotel offers excellent views of Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline.
Located at the end of the HarborWalk segment is the Kim Zullo memorial and
an etched stone sculpture of the Boston skyline. The hotel’s Harborside
Grill and Patio offers inspired cuisine and striking views from the newly
renovated dinning area. For additional information, please visit http://www.harborside.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp.
InterContinental
at 510 Atlantic Avenue
Opened in December 2006, the hotel features sleek, modern architecture
along the Fort Point Channel. Miel Brasserie Provencal, open 24 hours, as
well as Rumba and Sushi Teq Restaurants offer visitor a variety of menu
items with beautiful waterside views. For additional information, please
visit www.intercontinentalboston.com.
Renaissance
Boston Waterfront Hotel
606 Congress Street. This hotel is the newest addition to the Seaport
District. The Renaissance Waterfront offers easy access to Quincy Market,
Faneuil Hall, Logan Airport, and the Financial District. For further
information, click here to visit their website.
Seaport
Hotel
The hotel is located near Eastport Park, an open-air sculpture garden with
over an acre of winding paths and lush greenery and a collection of public
art by noted artists Shingu, Judy Kensley McKie, and David Phillips. The
Seaport Hotel provides an inviting space with panoramic views of Boston
Harbor and the city. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available
throughout the hotel’s public areas. Aura Restaurant serves New American
cuisine, with an accent on fresh local seafood with its the lounge facing
the harbor. For additional information, please visit www.seaportboston.com.
Westin
Boston Waterfront Hotel at 425 Summer Street
Next to the Boston Convention Center, the hotel is accessible to many
Boston sites by MBTA Silver Line Waterfront or bus service. The hotel
restaurant Sauciety offers modern American cuisine. For additional
information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1528.
Rowes Wharf Events
Between
June and early September, visitors can enjoy free summer evening events
Tuesday through Friday at the Boston Harbor Hotel on Rowes Wharf. Summer
Soul, held Tuesdays, offers an array of R&B and soul singers, covering
hits from the 1950s to today. On Wednesdays, you can dance the night away
to the sounds of the Big Band era. On Thursdays, some of the best-known
local and national Blues artists will perform on the Blues Barge next to
the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing end to the week with Movies by Moonlight every
Friday evening. Activities are free, and cushions are available for
seating during performances. Outdoor dining is also available. For
additional information and a schedule of events, call 617-439-7000 or
visit www.bhh.com
Bank of America Pavilion
If you enjoy top-notch concerts combined with remarkable views of Boston's
skyline and Harbor, check out the Bank of America Pavilion. Pop, country,
jazz, and rhythm & blues are all represented here. For more
information and concert schedules, please call the Bank of America
Pavilion at 617-728-1600. Tickets can also be ordered through Ticketmaster
at 617-228-6000 or on the Ticketmaster website, www.ticketmaster.com.
The Barking Crab
Restaurant
Sunday,
Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, the Barking Crab Restaurant on Fort Point
Channel offers live music featuring rhythm & blues, jazz, reggae, and
rock 'n roll throughout the year. In the winter months, we enjoy sitting by the wood stove,
roasting chestnuts, and playing board games. Boaters are welcome to tie
up free of charge while dining. For more information and weekly schedules,
call 617-426-2722.
The Birch Bar, located in
the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, Seaport District, is a perfect spot
for drinks in a sophisticated setting. Patrons can also order entrees from
a full dinner menu. The bar is open from 4 pm – 2 am.
Blue Wave Bar & Grill,
343 Congress Street. This sophisticated martini bar boasts multiple plasma
televisions making a sports friendly hang out with DJ’s and live music
Thursday through Saturday nights. Also popular for inexpensive lunches.
For more information visit www.bluewavebar-lounge.com.
C.F. Donovans,
a community favorite, offers plenty of night-time fun with DJs to
dance to Friday and Saturday nights, occasional live entertainment and
cash-prize Trivia nights every Tuesday at 8:30 pm. For additional
information, please visit www.cfdonovansrestaurant.com
The Landing at
Long Wharf is Boston's only completely outdoor waterfront bar. Known
for its summery frozen drinks and famous fish bowl mixes, The Landing is
convenient to Quincy Market and to water transportation. For additional
information, please visit www.thelandingboston.com
LTK Bar and
Kitchen is located at 225 Northern Avenue. Besides freshly-prepared
seafood, this trendy spot offers live music Tuesday and Thursday nights
from 9:30-12:30. Performers include local Boston bands and artists like
Justin Beech, Second Chance and Joe Carson. There is no cover charge. For
additional information, please visit www.ltkbarandkitchen.com
Lucky’s Lounge, 355
Congress Street. On the corner of Congress Street and A Street, Lucky’s
Lounge offers visitors a “Den of Cocktail Cool” where they can
experience live music ranging from R&B to classic rock to Sinatra.
Enjoy the creative American cuisine of the regular menu or the Sinatra
Sunday Brunch. For more information visit www.luckyslounge.com.
Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. The
Marriott Long Wharf Hotel's lounge, "Waves," features a DJ
playing hits from the 1950's to 90's on Friday and Saturday nights. For additional information, please call
617-227-0800.
Murphy's Law,
located at 837 Summer Street, is a friendly neighborhood bar that offers
beer, wine and a full bar accompanied by pub snacks. Enjoy darts, video
games and live local bands in the evenings most Thursdays and every
Friday. There is no cover charge. See website for schedule. www.murphyslawbar.com.
Rumba, located off the
lobby of the InterContinental Hotel at 510 Atlantic Avenue, is a
sophisticated international cocktail bar specializing in Champagne and
Rum. This small intimate bar celebrates Boston’s history in the rum
trade.
The Reef, located at the
New England Aquarium Plaza, offers lunch, dinner, and cocktails in a
beautiful seaside setting overlooking Boston's waterfront, near the
Aquarium's outdoor Harbor Seal tank. For additional information, please
call 617-973-5200.
Sushi Teq, located in the
luxury waterfront Intercontinental Boston Hotel, is a chic new salsa bar,
pairing sushi with vintage tequila. Every Tuesday during the summer
months, Sushi-Teq hosts Tequila Tuesdays. Open 12-2pm for lunch, and from
5pm- 2am for dinner and drinks. For more information, call (617) 747-1000.
Tamo Bar, located in the
luxury Seaport Hotel. Newly reopened and redesigned, Tamo Bar offers
unique cuisine by award-winning chef Rachel Klein and innovative
cocktails. With three flat screen TVs, the bar is perfect for watching
Boston's local sports teams. Decorated with Cracked Ice, an Asian art form
of sculptured wooden triangles, and a fireplace, Tamo provides the perfect
setting for small events or casual dinners. For additional information,
please visit www.boston-hotel.seaportboston.com.
Water Cafe, Wolfgang
Puck's restaurant at the Institute of Contemporary Art, pairs great food
with enticing harbor views. Menu selections include fresh breads, grilled
panini, salads, and delicious entrees. Through September 11, the
restaurant is open until 11:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing
visitors to stop in after the ICA closes at 9:00 pm.
The USS Constitution Museum
One of the little-known jewels along Boston Harbor is the USS Constitution
Museum in Charlestown, with its excellent interactive exhibits devoted to
the history of "Old Ironsides." Visitors can swing from a
sailor's hammock, maneuver Old Ironsides into a firing position, try a
video battle, take a self-guided tour of the highlights in the Museum, and
watch volunteers from a Model Ship Building Club. Join the staff for
Gallery Talks at 1:30 and 2:30 pm each day and learn about topics ranging
from the construction of the USS Constitution to the War of 1812. The
visitor's information desk is staffed by knowledgeable staff/volunteers.
The Museum, located in Dry Dock One's Pumphouse, is free to the public
(donations accepted), and is handicap accessible. The Museum is open daily
from 9am-6pm, May through October and from 10am-5pm during the winter
months. For more information call 617-426-1812 or visit www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org.
The Charlestown Navy Yard
The USS Constitution Museum
and the USS Constitution are just part
of the National Park Service's offerings and attractions at the
Charlestown Navy Yard. The information center also provides daily program
schedules. Self-guided or ranger-guided tours can be arranged to explore
other sites, including Dry Dock 1, which is one of the first dry docks
constructed in the nation. Hours of operation are from 9am-5pm. For more
information, call the National Park Service at 617-242-5601.
At Yard's End on the Little
Mystic Channel, visit Building #114. Built in 1903 as the U.S. Navy's
joinery shop, Building 114 is now a state-of-the-art biomedical research
facility. The ground floor features an exhibit of the building's rich
history, old photographs, boat models, and a display of tools used in boat
making. Outside, a 25-foot bandsaw, once used to cut lumber for naval
vessels, is displayed next to the HarborWalk. The blade for the bandsaw
hangs from the ceiling of the building's lobby. Public restrooms and
vending machines are also available to the general public.
Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
Besides one of the best-designed Harborwalk segments, we
highly recommend a tour of the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. A
gem in the eyes of environmentalists and water-quality activists, this
secondary treatment facility serves as a model for engineers and public
works professionals around the world. The 140-foot-high, 3-million-gallon
egg-shaped digester tanks have even been hailed as an architectural
marvel. Available by reservation on the first Tuesday of each month, tours
include a chance to view the state-of-the-art facility that treats
wastewater from 43 communities to ensure that Boston Harbor remains one of
the cleanest harbors in the United States. Tours also include a visit to
the award winning Pump House building. By reservation, groups may also
arrange for tours Monday through Friday.
Please contact the MWRA at
617-660-7607 for more information or visit www.mwra.com.
Marriott Long Wharf Hotel
One of the best-kept secrets among Harbor goers is a series of
Harbor-related art on the second-floor lobby of the Marriott Long Wharf
Hotel. On display you will find a timeline of the development of Spectacle
Island, paintings by artist William C. Reynolds showing Long Wharf as a
major fishing and maritime trading center, a 19th Century model of the USS
Constitution, and porcelain artifacts recovered from a previous landfill
on the site.
Moakley Courthouse
On the South Boston
waterfront, stop by to enjoy a guided tour of the art (including
specially-commissioned paintings by Ellsworth Kelly) and architecture of
the Moakley Federal Courthouse and to learn about the Federal Court
system. Offered
by "Discovering Justice: the James D. St. Clair Court Education
Project", these unique tours are offered year round Tuesday through
Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at no charge. Inside the Courthouse, electronic devices
must be checked with security, and two forms of identification, including
one with a photograph, are required.
For more information, call
617-748-4185 or visit www.discoveringjustice.org.
History of Boston Harbor
The lobby of the Boston
Harbor Hotel is home to Norman B. Leventhal's renowned collection of
Boston Harbor maps. Nearly 90 maps show exploration, development, and
changes along the waterfront of Boston and the New England coast from the
seventeenth century through the nineteenth century. These priceless maps
are on permanent display.
For more information, contact the
Boston Harbor Hotel at 617-439-7000.
Arts on the Point
Besides offering spectacular views of the Harbor and Islands, the
University of Massachusetts Boston Campus is also home to Boston's first
contemporary sculpture park that exhibits large-scale outdoor sculpture by
some of the world's leading artists. Founded in 1997, Arts on the Point
includes both outside and indoor works of art on display seven days a week
for free. In
January 2007, Roy Lichtenstein’s colorfully painted aluminum sculpture
“Brushstroke Group” was installed in front of the campus’ Student
Center across from the shuttle bus stop. Other pieces throughout the campus grounds and buildings
include Willem deKooning's "Reclining Figure" and sculpture by
Luis Jimenez, Dennis Oppenheim, William Tucker, and Sol LeWitt.
Interpretive signage describes each piece.
For additional information,
please visit www.artsonthepoint.com.
Charles River Dam and Pumping
Station
One of the best places to see the transition between the Charles River and
the Boston Harbor is the Charles River Dam and Pumping Station. From this
vantage point, come and see pleasure boats negotiating the dam’s lock
system. The dam also includes a fish ladder that allows for passage of
anadromous fish (alewife herring, rainbow smelt and shad) during the
migration season in late spring. A pier overlooking Boston Harbor with
fish cleaning stations is a perfect spot for some friendly fishing.
Visitors can also create their own music by playing with the colorful,
interactive bells designed by local artist Paul Matisse (relative of
French impressionist Henri Matisse), or admire the nearby elegant Leonard
P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. An earlier dam, located beneath the Museum of
Science, was completed in 1910 with the purpose of creating a freshwater
river basin and riverfront park in Boston. The current Charles River Dam
and Pumping Station, completed in 1978, is located behind the Fleet Center
and houses six pumps that provide flood control protection. An
interpretive display and periodic tours describe the management history of
the Charles River Basin, water quality improvements, and background on the
dam and locks.
For a tour schedule and more
information, please call DCR at 617-626-1481 or 617-626-1483 or www.mass.gov/dcr.
You can enjoy wonderful vistas on
many of the green spaces surrounding the Harbor. A few include:
Deer Island Harborwalk
The HarborWalk at Deer Island
includes a 4.6-mile pathway lined with interpretive exhibits and is
perfect for walking, jogging, fishing, picnicking or simply relaxing. From
Deer Island's highest vantage point, there are sweeping views of the
Harbor and downtown Boston. The public can also visit and learn about the
Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Boston Harbor Project at
the award-winning Visitor Center, which was once the original pump house
on the island.
For more information, contact the
MWRA at 617-660-7607 or www.mwra.com.
Piers Park, East Boston
Enjoy stunning views of downtown Boston from the Massport-owned Piers
Park. One of the best-maintained parks in the City, Piers Park has a
well-lit promenade leading to two pavilions, which provide a view of the
city skyline across the water, and four smaller shade pavilions. One
pavilion honors the memory of Donald McKay, the noted builder of clipper
ships whose facility was located in East Boston. The park also features an
amphitheater, an outdoor fitness system, and a large playground. Piers
Park Sailing Center, located in the park, provides an affordable and
popular community-boating program.
For more information regarding
the Piers Park Sailing Center, call 617-561-6677 or www.piersparksailing.org.
Harborside Skate Park, East
Boston
Next to the Harborside Community Center and the Umana Barnes Middle School
is the City's first skateboard park. Dedicated by Mayor Thomas M. Menino,
the park offers access to basketball courts and a sports field for local
youths. In addition, the park provides excellent views of Bunker Hill
Monument in Charlestown. From the back of the Center and along the water’s
edge, one can observe tankers and ships as they enter and leave Chelsea
Creek and the Mystic River.
Belle Isle Marsh, East Boston
The 241-acre Belle Isle Marsh is one of the Boston area's largest
surviving salt marshes, and is a calming, natural oasis in the midst of
the city's bustle. With saltwater, freshwater, and meadow areas, this
coastal marsh is a critical habitat for diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Tall reeds provide cover for muskrats, opossums, snapping turtles, and
garter snakes, and the grasslands are home to meadow voles, monarch
butterflies, and songbirds. Visitors can stroll along Belle Isle Marsh's
winding pathways, sit quietly and enjoy the natural surroundings, or take
in the wide ocean view from the observation tower.
Condor Street Urban Wild, East
Boston
A former industrial site, the Condor Street Urban Wild on Chelsea Creek
has been redeveloped into a magnificent urban park. The restored site
features salt marshes, meadow grasses, and other coastal habitat elements,
as well as walking paths, a boardwalk, public art and sculptures, and a
viewing platform overlooking Chelsea Creek. Park visitors can observe
urban wildlife and sometimes during winter and spring, porpoises swimming
in Chelsea Creek.
Paul Revere Park, Charlestown
Located next to the Charles River Bridge where the Charles meets the Inner
Harbor, the five-acre Paul Revere Park features a large, grassy oval, a
great place for ball throwing or flying kites, with a stage for
performances and a large, fenced-in playground for toddlers and older
children. The Park also offers great views of the new Leonard P. Zakim
Bunker Hill Bridge. Paul Revere Park is one of the new parks along the
Charles River being developed as mitigation for the river crossing of the
Central Artery/Tunnel Project. When completed in 2007, these parks will
include more than 40 acres of new public space with over 7 miles of
bicycle, pedestrian, and ADA-accessible pathways. This significant
addition to the Charles River Reservation System will serve to "link
the river to the sea" when the new parks are completed.
For more information, please call
DCR at 617-626-1481,
617-626-1483 or visit www.mass.gov/dcr.
Shipyard Park, Charlestown
The award-winning Shipyard Park in the Charlestown Navy Yard provides a
quiet oasis in which to relax. With its many benches, green lawns, and a
fenced-in playground, the park is an ideal place to walk your dog or to
take your children. In hot summer weather, visitors can take advantage of
the intriguing fountain in the middle of the park as well as the wading
pool. The fountain was designed to incorporate the granite entrance of the
former building with pipes and plumbing to create the unique waterfall and
wading pool so enjoyed by visitors to the park.
Next to Shipyard Park is the Korean War Monument honoring Massachusetts
Korean War veterans and those killed in the War. A motion-sensitive short
oral history describes the monument and the War, and benches allow
visitors to sit and reflect. Other works by the monument's sculptor,
Robert Shure, include the Irish Famine Monument and the FAO Schwartz Bear
sculpture now located in front of the Floating Hospital for Children on
Washington Street.
Puopolo Park / Langone Park /
Mirabella Pool / Steriti Memorial Rink, North End
The North End waterfront has the most extensive network of recreational
facilities along Boston’s Harborwalk. Puopolo Park and Langone Park,
designed in 1894 by Frederick Law Olmstead's firm, are popular open spaces
along the waterfront. Puopolo Park has well used baseball diamonds and a
basketball court. Recently restored, Langone Park has a playground,
softball diamond, and three regulation bocce (Italian lawn bowling)
courts, where you can watch bowlers of all ages enjoy the game. The
Harborwalk along these parks has views of Charlestown and the Bunker Hill
Monument, and remnants of the promenade pier foundation provide terrific
fishing and viewing area. Mirabella Pool, open to the public during the
summer months, has a shallow spray pool for toddlers in addition to the
regular pool. Nearby, the newly renovated Steriti Memorial Ice Skating
Rink is a popular indoor skating rink, with two additional indoor bocce
courts. Public restrooms and a drinking fountain can be found on this
section of the Harborwalk.
Christopher Columbus Park,
Downtown/North End
Christopher
Columbus Waterfront Park is the City of Boston's first waterfront park. This 4.5-acre park is an oasis in the
North End and an excellent place to relax and enjoy the Harbor. The grassy
park features a play lot, a statue of Christopher Columbus, fountains, and
a rose garden. A wisteria-covered trellis provides shade and spray showers
are perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Joe’s American Bar and Grill
Restaurant next door has restrooms open for use by the general
public.
Fort Point Channel
Visitors to
Fort Point Channel will enjoy attractive open spaces built by the Central
Artery/Tunnel Project. These spaces and walkways, including Vent Building
1 Open Space, Binford Park, Cabot Cove, and Channelwalk, have seating,
lighting, and plantings, as well as a sculptural artifact consisting of a
refurbished and painted arm of the Old Colony Railroad Bridge that
formerly occupied the site. Special
features at the Vent Building 1 Open Space will include a refurbished arm
of the rolling bridge that formerly occupied the site. Also at this site,
stones arranged in a seating pattern mimic a circular configuration of
another bridge, which occupied a nearby site. Access to the open space at
Cabot Cove is via a pedestrian bridge built into the Old Colony Railroad
Bridge. New HarborWalk segments with benches and trees also opened along
Dorchester Avenue across from the Federal Reserve Bank at Tufts Wharf
immediately north of Congress Street. Other amenities by the Central Artery/Tunnel
Project include the 6,000 square feet Wormwood Park and the design and
construction of a new Fort Point Channel Water Transportation Facility at
500 Atlantic Avenue.
Eastport Park, Seaport Hotel,
South Boston
Eastport Park at the Seaport Hotel/ World Trade Center complex offers over
an acre of one of the most attractive outdoor public spaces on the
waterfront. Across from the World Trade Center, Eastport Park features
unique benches and sculptures from renowned artists, including David
Phillips’ whimsical sea creatures (Hermit Crab, Scallop Scuppers,
Shrimp, and Frog Guardians); Judy Kensley McKie’s Bird Chair and Fish
Benches; and abstract sculptures relating to astronomy, evolution and
navigation. Eastport Park has beautifully landscaped areas and sitting
areas for relaxing, and views of the Harbor and the Fish Pier. The Park is
located adjacent to a two-story atrium open to the general public.
Make sure to visit Wendy Ross’ “Leviathan” sculpture suggestive of a
fanciful sea serpent. The sculpture is located on the staircase between
the Seaport Hotel and the West Office Building.
South Boston Maritime Park,
South Boston
South Boston Maritime Park, next to Eastport Park, is one of the newest
park near the South Boston waterfront. Built by Massport, the park boasts
a sizeable lawn, shaded sitting areas, extensive landscaping, a fountain,
benches, public art focusing on the Working Port, public restrooms, and a
seasonal cafe serving breakfast and lunch. The South Boston Maritime Park
celebrates Boston's history as one of the oldest seaports in the Western
Hemisphere and once the busiest trading post in North America. Maritime
related elements and interpretive art adorn the park reminding visitors of
Boston's proud maritime past as well as modern day activities within the
Port of Boston. The park provides an inviting place to catch a glimpse of
the city's working waterfront including the historic Fish Pier and other
waterfront activities.
Park at the Moakley
Courthouse, South Boston
The open space on the waterside of the Moakley Courthouse provides
stunning panoramic views of Boston Harbor from Downtown to East Boston.
Along the HarborWalk, interpretive panels and ship silhouettes present the
history of Fan Pier and Boston Harbor. A large medallion next to the
HarborWalk shows the history of Boston Harbor and the Islands (popular
with visitors for stone rubbings). The area includes sitting areas, picnic
tables, public restrooms, and native plantings with informative plaques.
For those who would like to purchase food, The Daily Catch, a popular
seafood restaurant on the ground floor next to the Harborwalk, and the
second-floor cafe looking out onto the Harbor, provide a variety of
options. Be sure to visit the Island Alliance’s free “Virtual Tour of
the Harbor Islands” monitors in the Daily Catch Restaurant.
Interim HarborWalk at the Fan
Pier, South Boston
Visitors can
enjoy an interim HarborWalk, located between the Moakley Courthouse and
the Institute of Contemporary Art, with four examples of interpretive art
which describe the history of Fan Pier, and benches where visitors can
enjoy the Harbor. The site
offers one of the best panoramas of the city, with unobstructed views of
downtown to East Boston. From this location, visitors can walk along the newest
segment of the HarborWalk next to the ICA. This portion of the HarborWalk can be
accessed from either the John Joseph Moakley United State Courthouse or
from Northern Avenue next to Pier 4. A permanent HarborWalk will replace
the interim HarborWalk upon completion of development on Fan Pier.
Castle Island / Pleasure Bay,
South Boston
The jewels of the Boston Harbor beaches can be found on the South Boston
waterfront. Pleasure Bay is a calm, enclosed lagoon with a sandy beach for
swimming, and is one of Boston’s most popular swimming and sunning
beaches. Foot showers and water fountains are located on-site. The
causeway located behind the beach provides a great walkway for strolling
around Pleasure Bay and offers stunning views of the harbor. Originally
freestanding, Castle Island has been connected to the mainland since the
1930s. Fort Independence, located on Castle Island, is a five pointed
granite structure. Constructed between 1834 and 1851, the fort is open
during the summer months for visitors to explore independently or take a
free tour. The fort and the island are on the State and National Registers
of Historic Places, and Fort Independence is a National Historic Landmark.
There are views to Logan Airport and the Harbor Islands, and visitors can
observe boating activity in the Harbor. The area is excellent for jogging,
walking, picnicking, biking and hiking, and there is a fishing pier and
swimming area. Food service and restrooms are open to the general
public.
Pope John Paul II Park,
Dorchester
Pope John Paul Park II now re-connects area residents to the resources of
their unique and delicate river estuary by offering picnic facilities,
soccer fields, play areas, paths for walking, restored salt marsh, and
extensive plantings of native trees and shrubs. Pope John Paul II Park, on
the banks of the Neponset River, is a 65-acre park with walkways, scenic
open areas, newly designed visitor’s center, playing fields, and native
plantings. Formerly a landfill, the site has been restored to a place of
natural splendor. The Pope John Paul II Park is part of the three-mile
Neponset River Greenway walking and biking trail. During the summer, many
events are held here, including family movie nights, guided canoe trips,
and festivals.
For more information on these
events, call the Boston Natural Areas Network at 617-542-7696 or visit www.bostonnatural.org.
John F. Kennedy Library and
Museum, Dorchester
The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, designed by world-renowned
architect I.M. Pei, is poised on Columbia Point and features a glass
pavilion that serves as the main lobby, soaring 115 ft., with a huge 26' X
45' American flag. The presidential library and museum, with its exhibits
and programs honoring the nation’s 35th president, is set on a 9.5 acre
park landscaped with pine trees, shrubs and wild roses reminiscent of the
familiar landscape of Cape Cod. The HarborWalk offers a spectacular view
of the downtown skyline and connects to the long stretch of HarborWalk
along the UMass Boston campus. During the summer, President Kennedy's
sailboat, Victura, is on display outside on the grounds of the Library.
Old Harbor Park, Dorchester
Old Harbor Park is part of the Harbor Point residential development, and
is a welcoming, beautifully maintained portion of HarborWalk. Its many
amenities -- benches, shelters, and lighting -- make this portion of
HarborWalk one of the best along Boston Harbor. Old Harbor Park is well
situated, with a stunning view of the downtown skyline as well as a view
of the egg-shaped waste digesters on Deer Island. Interpretive signage on
this portion of the HarborWalk conveys tales of fishermen and shipwrecks.
A large medallion-map of Boston Harbor and the Harbor Islands is very
popular with children for stone rubbings.
UMass Boston / Arts on the
Point, Dorchester
The University of Massachusetts Boston campus, located on Columbia Point,
provides one of the city's longest uninterrupted portions of HarborWalk,
perfect for walkers and joggers, as well as a great venue for
photographing the Harbor and the City. Besides offering spectacular views
of the Harbor and Islands, UMass Boston is home to Arts on the Point, the
region's first collection of large-scale outdoor sculpture by some of the
world's leading artists. Founded in 1997, Arts on the Point is
conveniently located near the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum and The
Commonwealth Museum on the Red Line at the JFK/UMass T stop.
Boston Sailing
Center at Lewis Wharf
From complete beginner to experienced sailor, this comprehensive facility
in downtown Boston has lesson programs, memberships, day charters, racing
programs and cruising itineraries to suit every need. Voted "Best
Sailing Instruction in Boston" by Boston Magazine, the Center teaches
beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons on Boston Harbor using boats
ranging in size from 23 to 40 feet. Center members sail whenever and as
often as they want, without the need for boat ownership. Relaxed
sightseeing cruises aboard the Center's bigger boats are a popular way for
visitors to Boston to experience the Harbor firsthand. For additional
information, call 617-227-4198, or visit www.bostonsailingcenter.com.
Community Boating
Community Boating is the largest and oldest public sailing program of its
kind in the United States. Located on the Charles River Basin, the Club
offers a variety of memberships for adults and youths as well as race
nights, classes, windsurfing, special outings, children's field trips, and
a $1 summer sailing instruction program for Boston youths. Community
Boating is also the largest single site for high school sailing in the
U.S., serving more than fifteen teams from the Mass Bay League each
season.
For more information on Community
Boating, call 617-523-1038 or visit www.community-boating.org.
Courageous Sailing Center
Learn to sail in Boston Harbor! The Courageous Sailing Center at Pier 4 in
the Charlestown Navy Yard offers on-water sailing instruction for youths
and adults, recreational racing classes, and overnight sailing trips to
the Boston Harbor Islands. Winner of past "Best of Boston"
awards as the best sailing center in Boston, Courageous offers adult
memberships and runs a free summer sailing instruction program for Boston
youths. The summer 2007
sailing season runs through October.
For more information, call
Courageous Sailing Center at 617-242-3821 or visit www.courageoussailing.org.
Piers Park Sailing
Center
Located in Massport’s award-winning Piers Park, the Piers Park Sailing Center is a non-profit, community sailing center that uses Boston Harbor and the seas beyond to provide year-round recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. There are free sailing courses for Boston youths, as well as sailing lessons, weekly racing, social sailing activities, regattas, and special events for the general public for a fee. Piers Park Sailing Center has the only fully wheelchair accessible dock in the Boston area. The summer 2009 season runs everyday from 9 a.m. – sunset through October. For further information, please visit
www.piersparksailing.org
or call 617-561-6677.
You don't need to
drive to Cape Cod to enjoy the pleasures of the ocean. With ongoing water
quality improvements and extensive landside amenities upgrades by the
Department of Conservation and Recreation, Boston Harbor is fast becoming
one of the cleanest harbors in the country. Thanks to the $30 million “Back to the Beaches” Program, a
number of improvements have been underway to enhance Boston Harbor beaches
for visitors. To learn about the many Boston Harbor Beaches available
right in your own backyard, visit our extensive Beaches section. For water
quality information at area beaches, visit the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority’s website at http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/harbor/html/bhbeaches.htm
or visit Boston.com at http://www.boston.com/travel/newengland/beaches/summer/livereport/,
which maintains a live report from Massachusetts’ Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR) .
"Foster's Rotunda"
at Rowes Wharf
"Foster's Rotunda" at Rowes Wharf provides some of the most
beautiful and expansive views of Boston Harbor looking toward East Boston
and out to the Boston Harbor Islands. The rotunda is open to the public
11:00 am to 3:00 pm weekdays, and can be reached by entering 50 Rowes
Wharf and asking the building staff at the Concierge’s Desk to escort
you up the express elevator to the rotunda.
470 Atlantic Avenue
Another great observatory is located at 470 Atlantic Avenue. The 14th
floor deck offers dramatic views including the Fort Point Channel, East
Boston, Deer Island and Blue Hills Reservation. The observatory is open to
the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, including weekends, and has
restrooms, benches and free binoculars for viewing. Don’t miss the lobby
audio exhibit about Independence Wharf, the site of the Boston Tea Party.
Other views around the Harbor
For equally stunning but contrasting views of the Inner Harbor and
Boston's skyline, look through the two story windows in the lobby of the
Hyatt Harborside Hotel, East Boston; Piers Park, East Boston; and the Cafe
on the second floor of the Moakley Federal Courthouse on the Fan Pier,
South Boston. For a more panoramic view of the Harbor and South Boston,
visit the top floor Library in the Moakley Federal Courthouse.
Boston Harbor Cruises
Take a scenic whale watch with family or friends out to Stellwagen Bank in
search of Humpback whales. Boston Harbor Cruises offers 3-hour whale
watches departing from Boston Harbor on high-speed catamarans. You are
guaranteed a whale sighting; if you do not see a whale, you will get a
free ticket on another trip. The 2007 tour and whale watch season will
start in April and run through October.
For more information, call 617-227-4321 or 1- 877-SEE-WHALE or visit www.bostonharborcruises.com.
Massachusetts Bay Lines, Inc.
Beantown Whale Watch in association with Massachusetts Bay Lines and the
Boston Steamship Company offer daily whale watch trips from Boston's
downtown. The 4 or 5 hours journey provides a chance to see finbacks,
humpbacks, and minkes. The Summer 2007 season begins on Memorial Day
weekend in May and operates through the end of September.
For more information, call
Massachusetts Bay Lines at
617-542-8000
or visit www.massbaylines.com.
Boston Seaport
Boat Charters
Boston
Seaport Boat Charters offers
private group whale watch trips out to Stellwagen Bank, one of the busiest
feeding areas for whales. The Summer 2007 season runs from May through
October.
For more information, call Boston Seaport Boat
Charters at 617-261-6633 or visit www.accruiseline.com.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium offers whale watch trips in conjunction with
hands-on learning. Their special boat features interactive exhibits such
as microscope stations and meteorological instruments. Seasonal whale watching trips begin 7
April 2007 and generally last from 3.5 to 5 hours. On this fun family voyage, whale
sightings are guaranteed. In the unlikely event that whales are not
observed, passengers will receive a complimentary New England Aquarium
Whale Watch ticket.
For more information, call the
New England Aquarium at 617-973-5200
or visit www.neaq.org.
The salt marshes, estuaries, and
waters of Boston Harbor provide unique habitat and feeding areas for a
variety of wildlife including shore birds, shellfish, harbor seals, and
fish. Here are some common sightings:
- Snowy egrets, black ducks, and
a variety of shorebirds are often seen at Belle Isle Marsh in East
Boston...
- Black-crowned night herons
feeding along the Charles River at dusk...
- For wildlife sightings by
canoe, park at the Milton Landing on the Neponset River and canoe from
Lower Mills out to the Harbor. You will see a variety of birds and
maybe some small mammals along the shoreline...
- Harbor porpoises can sometimes
be spotted swimming in Chelsea Creek in the winter and spring
- Keep an eye out throughout
Boston Harbor for harbor seals; they have been making a strong
comeback in recent years...
The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA)
has recently published “Naturally Boston Harbor”, a brochure
highlighting places to enjoy nature in Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods
and the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. The colorful brochure,
written in English and Spanish, provides information about birds, native
plants, fish, mammals, and other natural features found in Boston Harbor. To request a free copy, contact TBHA at
617-482-1722 or mail@tbha.org or
download it by clicking
here.
For more information about
wildlife in and around Boston Harbor contact the Boston Natural Areas
Network at 617-542-7696 or www.bostonnatural.org; the Massachusetts Audubon
Society at 781-259-9500 or www.massaudubon.org; the Neponset River Watershed
Association at 781-575-0354
or www.neponset.org;
or the Charles River Watershed Association at 781-788-0007 or www.crwa.org.
History
return to top of Harbor Book List
Gaining Ground: A History
of Landmaking in Boston
Nancy Seasholes. 2003
Boston, one-sixth of which is
from fill, probably has the most human made land of any coastal city in
the US. Landmaking was spurred by the major economic and population events
that were shaping Boston. From the burgeoning China trade in the late 19th
century to the largest landmaking project of all, Logan Airport, the
author gives us the first account of the when, why, and how Boston was
created.
Walking Tours of Boston’s
Made Land
Nancy Seasholes, 2006
This guidebook was created as an
easy to carry travel size version of Seashole’s earlier book Gaining
Ground: A History of Landmaking in Boston. Seasholes guides the reader
through a dozen walks in areas where land was created over water,
including the neighborhoods of South Boston, the Back Bay and East Boston.
Mapping Boston
Edited by Alex Krieger and David Cobb, 1999
This exquisite book, based on
Norman Leventhal's extensive collection of maps, includes historical maps
of Boston, the Harbor, and Massachusetts Bay as well as seven essays that
explore the intertwining of maps and history. Each map is accompanied by a
description and short essay offering insights on local people, landmarks,
and events that were significant in shaping the landscape or life of
Boston.
Lost Boston
Jane Holtz Kay, 2006
Bringing history to life with
more than 350 photographs and prints, Kay traces Boston's evolution brick
by brick and block by block, creating an illustrated architectural history
of Boston.
Fort Warren, New England’s
Most Historic Civil War Site
Jay Schmidt. 2003
Built before the Civil War, this
National Historic Landmark has defended Boston for more than 100 years. It
achieved its notoriety mainly because of the many famous confederate
prisoners held within its walls.
A Short History of Boston
Robert J. Allison. 2004
This is a great concise book that
retells the history of Boston, from the founding of the settlement on
Shawmut Peninsula to the Big Dig. Robert Allison’s book introduces you
to the characters and events that shaped Boston and its people.
Shipwrecks and Nautical
Lore of Boston Harbor
Robert F. Sullivan, 1990
The lore of Boston Harbor is
captured in prints, maps, photographs, and details of wrecks in the Outer,
Middle and Inner Harbor areas dating from colonial days to recent times.
The book can also be purchased at the Hull Lifesaving Museum.
Official National Park
Service Guide to Charlestown Navy Yard (Handbook 152)
Division of Publications, National Park Service, 1995
Learn about the maritime heritage
of the U.S. Navy and the origins of the Charlestown Navy Yard, including
tales of ship building, the advent of iron and steam, a description of the
U.S.S. Constitution, the workforces employed in the Yard, and the role of
the Yard from WWII to its role today. This compact, well-written book can
be purchased at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston National Historic Park,
and the National Park Service Bookstore on State Street.
Political Waters: The Long,
Dirty, Contentious, Incredibly Expensive but Eventually Triumphant History
of Boston Harbor
Eric Jay Dolin. 2004
At one time, Boston Harbor was
known as the most polluted harbor in the country. Boston’s struggle to
deal with its sewage problem is a dramatic story of failure and success,
complete with legal, political, and bureaucratic upheavals, engineering
marvels, and dedicated citizenry.
Inventing the Charles River
Karl Haglund, 2002
Insightful history of the Charles
River in Boston, its uses as a transportation model, and as a central
piece of public activity and recreation. Haglund skillfully illustrates
the Charles’ industrial past and its transition over the years to an
important emblem of Boston’s public space.
The Good City
Edited by Emily Hiestand and Ande Zellman, 2004
Featuring fifteen of Boston’s
finest authors, this book is a rich collection of essays that celebrates
Boston’s past, present, and future. An illuminating profile of the city
that many people consider the birthplace of America.
Boston’s Fort Point
District
Michael J. Tyrrell, 2004
This jewel of a book presents a
collection of approximately 200 vintage photographs and drawings of the
Fort Point Channel from circa 1845 to today’s vibrant neighborhood. From
a landscape of mud and sea grass to a teeming hub of commercial activity,
Fort Point Channel’s proximity to Boston Harbor allowed the development
of a flourish of industries, from molasses distilling to the manufacture
of razor blades.
Waterfront Development
return to top of Harbor Book List
The Big Dig
Dan McNichol with photographs by Andy Ryan, 2000
Written by a former Big Dig staff
member, this book is an insider’s look at the Central Artery/Tunnel
Project, the largest and most complex highway construction project ever
undertaken in the United States. Interviews with many of the Big Dig's key
players and detailed photographs that capture the project's evolution make
this a must read for Boston-area residents.
The Big Dig at Night
Dan McNichol with photographs by Stephen SetteDucati, 2002
A companion to The Big Dig book,
this collection with its spectacular photographs taken from unique vantage
points allows the reader to learn about the work done on the Central
Artery/Tunnel Project day and night.
Waterfronts: Cities Reclaim
their Edge
Ann Breen and Dick Rigby, 1994
This review of urban waterfronts
showcases 75 award-winning waterfront design projects that have
transformed previously neglected downtown areas in recent years. This book
also includes discussions on the planning and design of waterfront parks,
housing developments, cultural facilities, marinas, boathouses, and
commercial mixed-use properties.
The New Waterfront: A
Worldwide Urban Success Story
Ann Breen and Dick Rigby, 1996
This book analyzes seven themes
of waterfront development over the last thirty years: commercial,
cultural, educational, historic, recreational, residential, and working
waterfronts. Complete with stunning photos and an illustrated gazetteer,
this book is a must for urban planners, landscape designers, architects,
and anyone with an interest in waterfront development.
Boston Harbor Islands
return to top of Harbor Book List
Discovering the Boston
Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City's Hidden Shores
Christopher Klein, 2008
From Fort Warren to the Boston
Light, from bird-watching to a jazz concert, this comprehensive book is an
indispensable guide to help you plan your island adventures. With activity
guides, historical backgrounds, beautiful pictures, and up to date
information, the book is a must for any Boston resident or visiting
tourist. Don't forget to look up The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA)'s
listing under resources and the special thanks to TBHA's Vivien Li.
The Boston Harbor Islands:
A History of an Urban Wilderness
David Kales, 2007
From pirate havens to military
fortifications, the Boston Harbor Islands have undergone innumerable
transformations. Learn how advocates, business, and governmental agencies
have worked together to make the harbor islands a National Park Area just
a ferry ride from downtown Boston.
Boston Harbor Islands
Sherman Morss Jr., 2005
This book beautifully documents
these extraordinary New England landmarks through photographs, and also
provides a narrative history of the islands from their discoveries to the
present day.
The Islands of Boston
Harbor
Edward Rowe Snow, updated by Jeremy D’Entremont and Foreword by William
M. Fowler, Jr. 2002
Learn about the history and
legends of every island to be found in Boston Harbor, including dungeons,
an under-the-harbor tunnel, the mysterious Lady in Black, and two famous
lighthouses, Boston Light and Graves Light.
The Boston Harbor Islands
National Park
Ken Mallory, 2003
With gorgeous color photographs,
maps, and informative text, this book guides you to each of the islands in
the park and describes what you can see and do on each one. Serving not
only as an information resource but also as a souvenir, The Boston Harbor
Islands National Park is sure to find a place on the bookshelf of everyone
with an interest in the Boston area.
All About the Boston Harbor
Islands
Emily and David Kales, 1993
Republished in 1993, this book
provides a wealth of information about the recreation, natural history,
geography, and amenities available on the Boston Harbor Islands.
Descriptions of the Boston Harbor Islands include historical accounts as
well as interesting tales about pirates, ghosts, and other nautical lore.
Cookbook
return to top of Harbor Book List
The New Legal Sea Foods
Cookbook
Roger Berkowitz and Jane Doerfer, 2003
The complete guide to buying,
cooking, and enjoying seafood—with more than 200 fresh, simple, and
delicious recipes from Legal Sea Foods’ kitchens. Much more than a
cookbook, this is the ultimate sourcebook from America’s seafood
specialists.
Guides
return to top of Harbor Book List
The Boston Harbor Association’s
publications are available by contacting us at 617-482-1722 or by email at
mail@tbha.org.
Chelsea Creek Activity
Guide
The Boston Harbor Association, 2003
This activity guide helps youth
learn what makes Chelsea Creek special. The fun games, fact sheets, and
pictures introduce concepts that help identify where the Creek is located
and the importance it plays in the economy and ecology of Boston Harbor.
The Boston Harbor
Curriculum Guide
The Boston Harbor Association, 2003
Designed for grades 6-8, this
Curriculum Guide contains fourteen lesson plans based on The Boston Harbor
Association’s "Adopt A Class" and "Harbor Mini-Camp"
programs. This unique collection of educational material and hands-on
activities focuses on aspects of Boston Harbor and the Harbor Islands
including marine life, geologic features, cultural history, current
maritime activities, and advocacy efforts. The Guide has been designed in
an easy-to-use format which outlines the objectives of each lesson,
suggests contacts at local agencies and organizations, and presents fact
sheets, supporting activities and background information. Each lesson
contains links to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.
Boston Harbor Youth
Activity Guide
The Boston Harbor Association, 2002
This activity guide provides an
excellent introduction to the many resources and opportunities available
throughout Boston Harbor and its Islands. The games, puzzles and other fun
and educational activities focus on efforts to improve the conditions of
the Harbor as well as the variety of marine life within the Harbor today.
Citizen's Guide to
Protecting the Natural Resources of Boston Harbor
The Boston Harbor Association, 1998
This bilingual Citizen's Guide
(English/Spanish) highlights ways that people can help make a difference
in Boston Harbor by taking action at home, on the water and in their
communities. Tools for effective citizen advocacy are highlighted.
Great Runs in Boston
Mark Lowenstein, 2009
Written by a local Brookline author, this 2009 book has the most comprehensive and up to date suggestions for runs along the HarborWalk, Deer Island, and Spectacle Island. Directions and maps are easy to follow. Also includes suggested runs along the Charles River and the Neponset River Greenway.
A Kid's Guide to the
Neponset River
Boston Natural Areas Network, 2000
This activity guide is a lively
introduction to the Neponset River for children in grades 3-5. It includes
word searches, puzzles, and drawing exercises on the plants and animals
found along the River, the history of the River's use, watersheds, tides,
human impacts, and pollution. Contact the Boston Natural Areas Network at
(617) 542-7696 or www.bostonnatural.org
for a copy.
return
to top
|