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.

Since the events of 11 September, some activities, trips, and access may
be limited or altered due to new security measures. Before planning your
trip, please call ahead to re-confirm the information. 

• Bypass automobile traffic and get to your destination in style aboard one of Boston’s many passenger ferries.
   
• Start your workday on time and hassle free on one of the MBTA’s
  commuter boats to the North and South Shore.
   
• Get from Logan Airport quickly to many Boston destinations via water taxi or shuttle.

Traveling in and around Boston’s Inner Harbor

MBTA: Your first source for water transit. Services around Boston Harbor and the South Shore. For additional information on schedule and fares, call 617-222-3200 or visit mbta.com.

Boston Harbor Cruises Shuttle to Charlestown: Travel between Long Wharf, Boston and Charlestown year round in about 10 minutes aboard a Boston Harbor Cruises passenger vessel, in conjunction with the MBTA. For additional information, call 617-227-4321 or visit bostonharborcruises.com.

Rowes Wharf Ferry Service: Year round service between the New England Aquarium and the World Trade Center, Seaport District, for $1.70, in conjunction with the MBTA. Call 617-406-8584 or visit roweswharfwatertaxi.com.

Rowes Wharf Water Taxi: On-call water taxi servicing Logan Airport, South Boston, Charlestown and the North End. November – March: Runs daily between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. April – October: Runs Monday through Saturday between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, Sundays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. Call 617-406-8584 or visit roweswharfwatertaxi.com.

City Water Taxi: On-call water taxi servicing Logan Airport, South Boston, Charlestown and the North End. Runs year round Monday through Saturday between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, Sundays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Call 617-422-0392 or visit citywatertaxi.com.

Boston Harbor Islands Service: Take a short ferry ride aboard Harbor Express’ passenger vessel to the Boston Harbor Islands May through October and enjoy one of Boston’s closest and most extraordinary national park areas. For additional information, call 617-223-8666 or visit bostonislands.com.

South Shore Connection

Harbor Express to Hull and Quincy: High-speed year-round service connecting Quincy and Hull with Boston and Logan Airport in conjunction with the MBTA, and high-speed ferry service from Long Wharf, Boston to George’s Island. Trips from Quincy to Boston run approximately 45 minutes, and trips from Hull to Boston run about 30 minutes. For additional information, call 617-222-6999 or visit harborexpress.com.

Boston Harbor Cruises to Hingham: Year round service between Boston and Hingham in about 40 minutes aboard a high speed passenger vessel, in conjunction with the MBTA. For additional information, call 617-227-4321or visit bostonharborcruises.com.

Boston Harbor Cruises to P-Town: Get to Provincetown from Long Wharf, Boston in 90 short minutes May through October aboard a catamaran. Travel in style with satellite TV, gourmet snacks, and cash bar. For additional information, call 617-227-4321or visit bostonharborcruises.com.

Provincetown Fast Ferry: Departing from the World Trade Center, the Fast Ferry will get you to P-town in 90 minutes May through October. For additional information, call 877-783-3779 or visit provincetownfastferry.com.

North Shore Connection

Salem Ferry: Travel Salem to Boston in about 45 minutes May through November on Salem Ferry’s high speed catamaran. For additional information, call 978-741-0220 or visit salemferry.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" Thursday through Sunday from June to October. 

For more information call 617-748-1450 or 866-211-3807 or visit www.spiritcruises.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 & Beyond: A Bird’s Eye View of New England
Enjoy this collection of 19th century bird’s eye views of New England, shown in specialty maps, developed by Boston craftsman, portraying the region from an elevation of 2,000-3,000 feet. The exhibition, part of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, is supported by a lecture series, gallery guides, and curriculum guide. On view through June 2008. Free.

Location: Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Boston. For more information, please call the Boston Public Library at 617-859-2387, or email maps@bpl.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 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. The exhibit, “Boston and Beyond: A Bird’s Eye Perspective on New England Towns,” featuring maps from the Leventhal collection, will be on display at the library from January to July, 2008. 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

Bourgeois in Boston. Bringing together art pieces from public and private collections, this exhibition creates a unique portrait of Louis Bourgeois. The exhibition includes works from her entire career, presenting the artist’s varied styles and themes in sculptures, prints, and drawings. The exhibition runs through 2 March 2008. For additional information, please visit www.icaboston.org

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.

Special Exhibit: Jacqueline Kennedy Entertains - The Art of the White House Dinner.
Elegant entertaining was a hallmark of the Kennedy presidency. This special exhibit portrays the First Lady’s distinctive and innovative approach to entertaining in the White House, including gowns worn by the First Lady, seating plans, table settings and other examples illustrating her personal involvement and attention to detail in planning the events. Exhibit continues to April, 2008. For more information, please visit www.jfklibrary.org

Special Exhibit: Shaping Up America: JFK, Sports and the Call to Physical Fitness
From 27 September 2007 to fall, 2008, a special temporary exhibit on President Kennedy’s call for physical fitness will be on display. President Kennedy used his love of sports and athletics as a springboard to address the nation’s declining physical fitness, including re-invigorating the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and encouraging physical fitness for all Americans. On display will be the President’s golf clubs and golf bag, his VIP National League and American League baseball park passes, and the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Award given in recognition of the President’s dedication to competitive athletics and devotion to intercollegiate football.

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 www.mit.edu/musuem

Deep Frontiers: Ocean Engineering at MIT
Daily, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
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.

“MIT Professor Jerry Milgram: An Exceptional
Ocean Engineer.”
The Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum will honor the 50-year career of Professor Jerome H. Milgram in an exhibit entitled “MIT Professor Jerry Milgram: An Exceptional Ocean Engineer.” He has been a pioneer of computer-aided design of sails, ocean oil pollution control research, and an expert in advanced yacht design methods. Includes images, artifacts, and interviews that illustrate his yachting and ocean engineering accomplishments. Available through 3 February 2008. For more information, visit the web site http://web.mit.edu/museum.

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
In addition to the playful harbor seals that can be seen for free in the outdoor tank next to the ticketing booths and HarborWalk, the New England Aquarium's indoor 200,000 gallon "Giant Ocean Tank" is home to endangered and threatened sea turtles, stingrays, needlefish, and other animals in a Caribbean reef exhibit. A live penguin habitat and animal recovery center can also be viewed at the Aquarium. At the ”Amazing Jellies” exhibit, see the smallest and largest jellyfish, and learn how the jellyfish swim, eat, sting, and glow.

Aqua Kids Family Day
First and Third Monday of every month (excluding holidays)
A variety of activities created especially for families with young children which include stories, games and art projects that focus on favorite aquatic animals. No registration required.

Location: New England Aquarium

For further information, contact 617-973-5200 or visit www.neaq.org.

Ocean Detectives: Aqua Vets (ages 4-8)
In these monthly classes, children will work with parents and peers to unlock the secrets of the deep while developing math, science and literacy skills. Activities may include tracking turtles, studying crab movement, or looking for trends in penguin behavior. Fee per class: $15 for members, $18 for non-members.

Location: New England Aquarium’s Harborside Learning Lab.

For further information or reservations, contact 617-973-5206 or visit the Ocean Detectives Homepage.

The Simons IMAX Theatre, located next to the Aquarium, features a 65-foot screen. The slight curvature of the screen extends to the edge of your peripheral vision. Amazing IMAX films will take you where you've only dreamed of going! 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 or go on incredible journeys to the bottom of the sea, outer space, and almost anywhere in between.

For a current listing and schedule, please visit New England Aquarium web site at www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5200.

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, Thursday-Sunday 10:00 am- 5:00 pm. Free tours available every half-hour from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. 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 $1.70. For additional information, please visit www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org or call (617)-242-5670.

A Sailor’s Life for Me
This exhibit allows the public to experience the USS Constitution’s War of 1812 from the sailor’s point of view. The public will explore the 19th century naval battle ship through hands-on activities such as trying on the sailors’ uniforms, balancing on a footrope, and swinging in a hammock. Also enjoy watching a multimedia presentation about the ship’s most famous battle with HMS Guerierre during which the ship gained her nickname “Old Ironsides.” Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and is free to the general public.

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.

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.

Finagle A Bagel
303 Congress Street across from the Boston Children’s Museum. Visitors can enjoy freshly baked bagels and homemade flatbread pizzas, soups and sandwiches. For more information, call 617-439-3179 or visit the web site www.finagleabagel.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. Open 24 hours a day. 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.

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.

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

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

Au Bon Pain
Located in the Boston Design Center, Marine Industrial Park. Offering fresh baked breads and made to order sandwiches.

Aura Bar & Grill
One Seaport Lane. Located in the Seaport Hotel, Aura’s distinctive menu and worldly specialties make it a perfect destination near the waterfront. For additional information, please visit www.boston-hotel.seaportboston.com

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.

Eastern Pier II
146 Northern Avenue. One of Boston's few restaurants that has outdoor seating right on the water. With authentic Hong Kong and one-of-a-kind Szechuan cuisine, Eastern Pier II is popular among seafood-lovers and Chinese food fanatics alike.

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.

Kelly’s Seaport Café, South Boston Maritime Park
Start the day with breakfast from the outdoor café in South Boston Maritime Park while watching the fishing boats across the street at the Fish Pier. Besides breakfast, café has sandwiches, clam rolls, salads, and beverages at lunch time. Public restroom in pavilion.

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.

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.

Tamo Bar
One Seaport Lane, in the Seaport Hotel. Opening 13 May 2008, Tamo, a combination of modern chic and exotic Asian flair, is the newest bar destination in Boston’s Seaport District. For additional information, please call 617-385-5662.

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
Two dining facilities you must check out include the Meritage and the Intrigue Café. For fine indoor dining, go to the Meritage where chef Daniel Bruce provides seasonal dishes that include Kobe beef and Nantucket scallops. For a casual outdoor experience that provides views of the water, go to the Intrigue café. Both are located at 70 Rowes Wharf.

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).

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.

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.

Rudi's Bistro
30 Rowes Wharf at Atlantic Ave. Rudi's offers an array of tasty salads, pastas and made to order sandwiches, vegetarian options and organic snacks. You can stay and enjoy the casual atmosphere while enjoying a glass of wine or beer.

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

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
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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.

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.

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
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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!

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
Located within walking distance of the U.S.S Constitution, Tavern on the Water on 1 Pier 6, 8th Street in Charlestown provides views of the city from the Charlestown Navy Yard. The restaurant serves great meals in a casual environment, that include burgers and daily fish specials.

Dorchester
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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.

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 Walking Trails:

• 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).
  

Seasonal water transportation service to the Boston Harbor Islands for 2007 ended in October. Regularly-scheduled service will resume in late spring, 2008 for the 2008 season.

On occasion, groups such as the Island Alliance and the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands will charter boats to the islands during the off-season. Please check their web sites for additional information.

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. 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 the outstanding waterfront views while dining on fine food served at Meritage, Intrigue Café, or the Rowes Wharf Bar. 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 Marriot Long Wharf Hotel at 296 State Stree
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, three multi-story paintings by William C. Reynolds depicting Long Wharf as a major fishing and maritime trading center, and Rufus Porter’s “A View of Boston Harbor,” rescued from a New Hampshire tavern slated for demolition. For additional information, please visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boslw-boston-marriott-long-wharf/.

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
This 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
Located on Long Wharf, this 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
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
837 Summer Street. This friendly neighborhood bar 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 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.

Marriot 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. As you step off the escalator, note the 19th Century ship model of the USS Constitution. Turn left off the escalator, and see a timeline of the development of Spectacle Island and porcelain artifacts recovered from it. In the lobby area next to the registration desk, note the two-story paintings (a set of three) showing Long Wharf as a major fishing and maritime trading center done by artist William C. Reynolds. Across from the murals is a 19th Century painting by Rufus Porter entitled "A View of Boston Harbor," rescued from a New Hampshire tavern slated for demolition.

Highway to the Past – 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 excavated items from Charlestown, the North End, South Boston and a portion of Massachusetts Bay as part of the 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. The Commonwealth Museum is open to the public, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and on the second and fourth Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm during non-holiday weekends. Parking and admission is free. 

For more information please call 617-660-7607 or visit the website at www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/museum/. 

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. 

TBHA Display Windows
Finally, check out The Boston Harbor Association's display under the rotunda at Rowes Wharf for up-to-date waterfront information.

The current display is "Boston HarborWalk" featuring several wonderful sites around the Harbor. Click here for more information!

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. Newly redone, Langone Park has a playground, baseball diamond, and three regulation bocce (Italian lawn bowling) courts. 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 o