WATERFRONT AREAS
1.The Esplanade
Provided the Charles River Basin has not frozen over, collegiate rowing crews, canoeists, small sailboats, and the occasional coast guard patrol all share the waters off the Esplanade. Find a bench facing the water and take in the scene.
The Esplanade
2.Castle Island Reservation
2010 Day Blvd, South Boston • 617 727 5290 Connected to the mainland via an earthen causeway and crowned by the c.1851 Fort Independence, Castle Island is New England’s oldest continually fortified site (for further details see Pleasure Bay). Aside from exploring the fort’s bunkers and tunnels (in season), visitors enjoy fine panoramic views of Boston Harbor.
3.Constitution Beach
Bennington St, East Boston Views of Downtown don’t get much better than those from this tastefully revitalized beach and park area in East Boston. A clean beach, picnic areas, and lifeguards make this a favorite with families.
4.Long Wharf
The modern Marriott Hotel masks Long Wharf’s 300 years of indispensability to Boston’s merchant industry. Given the wharf’s deep frontage and proximity to waterfront warehouses, the biggest ships of their day could dock here. Today, ferry services and cruise vessels depart from here, creating a spirited dock scene, and there’s excellent waterside dining at the restaurant Legal Sea Foods.
5.Fish Pier
By 1926 – 12 years after its construction – the Greco-Roman style Commonwealth Pier (aka Fish Pier) had become the world’s busiest and largest fish market. The day’s catch is still brought to the early morning market here. Sample some of it in hearty chowders at the legendary No Name Restaurant.
6.Fort Point Channel
Fort Point has lured artists to the neighborhood with affordable studio space in old warehouse buildings. Open studios in May and October offer a peek inside and a chance to bag a bargain on artwork. Where artists go, gentrification is sure to follow: the neighborhood now boasts the $300-million Federal Courthouse and trendy cafés and restaurants.
Fort Point Channel
7.Christopher Columbus Park
Featuring an Italian marble sculpture of the seafaring Genoan, Christopher Columbus Park is among the North End’s best-kept secrets. Vine-encrusted arches, manicured gardens, and sweeping harbor and skyline views make this a place to linger.
8.Rowes Wharf
Framed by the colossal atrium of the Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf is a popular docking spot for the high-end harbor cruise outfits and is a luxurious contrast to the city’s grittier, saltier working docks. The hotel sponsors free concerts and film screenings on summer evenings.
Rowes Wharf
9.Puopolo Park
North End’s Puopolo Park boasts supreme frontage on the harbor, looking out toward Charlestown. On warm days, the neighborhood’s old guard enjoys a game of bocce (bowls). Nearby, kids play baseball or splash around in the outdoor pool.
10.Charles River Locks and Dam
This dam controls water levels in the basin below and maintains separation of the river from the harbor. A series of locks permits boats to pass from one body of water to the other.
TOP 10 VIEWS
1.Prudential Skywalk
Jaw-dropping panoramic views from a 50th-floor observatory (for further details see Prudential Skywalk).
2.Longfellow Bridge
The entire Charles River Basin becomes your oyster on the “T” between Kendall and Charles/MGH stops.
3.Bunker Hill Monument
Climb to the capstone to see all of Charlestown, Cambridge, and Boston laid out before you (for further details see Bunker Hill Monument).
4.Spirit of Boston Cruises
World Trade Center • 866 310 2469Ply the harbor waters and admire unrivaled city views as you enjoy brunch, lunch, cocktails, or dinner.
5.Charlestown Bridge
This bridge offers splendid harbor and Downtown vistas.
6.John J. Moakley Courthouse Park
This beautiful waterfront park has fine views of the towering Financial District.
7.Hyatt Regency Cambridge
575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge • 617 492 1234Gaze across the Charles River from the hotel’s Zephyr Lounge.
9.Dorchester Heights Monument
The park around this commemorative spire offers broad views of the harbor.
10.Hyatt Boston Harbor
101 Harborside Drive, East Boston • 617 568 1234The Hyatt’s Harborside Grill and Patio boasts panoramic Boston views.
