Boston Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to get away and log some family time in a brand new city. To celebrate this year, pay a visit to one of the most historic cities in America - Boston! Packed with activities and events, Boston is perfect for a family-friendly weekend away. If you’re looking for Boston Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Boston in May, including...

  • Walk the Freedom Trail
  • Visit iconic Fenway Park
  • Picnic in the Boston Common
  • Take a Trolley Tour around town
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Boston attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Boston attractions – learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass.

The Freedom Trail & Other Historical Attractions

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A history buff? Immerse yourself in the glorious past of Boston with a guided stroll along the Freedom Trail. You can choose to take a tour led by costumed re-enactors or walk the trail at your own pace. Pay a visit to the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House Museum, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the many other historical landmarks that populate downtown Boston and the North End. Explore American heritage on a holiday designed to commemorate our past! Getting In: Freedom Trail Guided tour tickets - and tickets to many of the above attractions - are included with the Go Boston pass.

Check out the Art Scene

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If you're interested in the arts, visit the Museum of Fine Arts and explore their impressive permanent collections and exciting special exhibits. Summer is often a time when new exhibits come into town, so be sure to check out their catalog of what's new before you visit. As a bonus, admission to the MFA is free on Memorial Day itself! Looking for more art in an unconventional space? Enjoy the warm weather and the arts with a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: part art gallery, part historic house, part gorgeous garden. The Gardner Museum is quickly becoming a favorite among young adults for it's beautiful synergy of art and nature. If you're a fan of really avant garde and contemporary art, then the ICA is a must-visit for you. Bonus: they've got an awesome gift store that offers Memorial Day Weekend sales. For those of you who enjoy more indie art (or may be looking to purchase some pieces), be on the look out for the many pop-up arts festivals that occur throughout Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge throughout the summer - all of which are free to explore! Getting In: MFA tickets, Gardner Museum tickets, and ICA tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Tour the City on a Trolley

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If you're just come to Boston for the first time, or if you're a repeat visitor who'd like to see more of the city, why not check out a Boston trolley tour? Choose a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the flexibility to decide what you want to see when, and you're all set to explore the city at your own pace. Staying on the trolley for the whole loop is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the city's top neighborhoods and attractions. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Boston Trolley tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Tour Iconic Fenway Park

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Tour the legendary Fenway Park - a thorough, behind-the-scenes tour that's a must for any fans of baseball (or of sports in general!). Some of the highlights you sports lovers will see on this tour include the Green Monster, Pesky's Pole, the lone Red Seat, and more. Walk in the footsteps of Red Sox greats and really feel the history as you walk around Major League Baseball's oldest stadium. Insider Tip: If you're interested in attending a game, check out the schedule while you're in town - you can often score inexpensive tickets. Or, use your premium attraction option for a ticket through the Go Boston pass! The Red Sox do happen to be in town this Memorial Day Weekend, too. Getting In: Fenway Park Tour tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Get Out on the Water

Soak up some sun this Memorial Day and discover Boston's most beloved landmarks on the Charles Riverboat Cruise -- after all, you’re in the Bay State! A scenic sail along this popular Boston waterway will escort you past top sites, as well as local sailboats, rowers, and paddleboaters. Another fun option is the USS Constitution Cruise, a delightful cruise that showcases the famed 'Old Ironsides'. This 45-minute cruise also includes informative narration of the inner harbor and a survey of popular historical and contemporary landmarks visible from the water. If you'd rather enjoy the waterfront from land, there are tons of places to catch awesome views of the ocean. Rowe's Wharf is a great place to take in the salty air and is centrally located near downtown.

Embark on a Whale Watch

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You might also consider a Boston Whale Watch, one of the most popular summer things to do in the whole city. Sail out to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where you'll find a rich feeding ground that attracts ocean creatures of all shapes and sizes. Snap photos of the amazing wildlife that flocks to this sanctuary, from sea birds and dolphins to the magnificent whales - of which you'll see a wide variety, too. Whale watching season lasts about six months, so be sure to see them while you can! Getting In: New England Aquarium Whale Watch tickets are available as a premium attraction option with 3, 5 and 7-Day Go Boston pass.

Stroll the Boston Common

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If you'd like to be outside but are on a tight budget, there are plenty of outdoor Boston activities that are just perfect things to do this Memorial Day Weekend. Spend some time on the Boston Common or in the Boston Public Gardens. Play frisbee, pack a picnic, or just people watch! While you're there, you can also take a brief turn on the famous Swan Boats. During Memorial Day Weekend, the common features the Garden of Flags to commemorate Veterans. You should also save some time to check out the street performers at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, who always put on a good show. Getting In: Boston Swan Boat rides are included with the Go Boston pass.

Take a Bike Ride

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The start of summer is the perfect time to snag two wheels and pedal this rather bike-friendly city. Whether you want to use your bike to get around from attraction to attraction, or prefer to leisurely explore Boston's many beautiful parks and trails, there are plenty of options. A favorite and long trail is the waterfront Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path, where you'll also find runners and families with strollers. If you haven't got a bike, renting one couldn't be easier. Rentals come with maps, helmets, and bike locks, so you're all set to go! Getting In: Boston bike rentals are included with the Go Boston pass.

Take a Brewery Tour

There are few things that say the start of summer more than a good cold beer. Tour some of the area's best local breweries for a chance to sample the new seasonal brews. Some of our favorites include Sam Adams, Harpoon, Trillium and Night Shift. If you're more into cider, you'll be pleased to find out that Downeast Cider is opening an outdoor bar in Dewey Square, near South Station. The bar opens in late May through October and will be serving up cider, beer and wine every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and of course at the weekend. Insider Tip: If you want a free glass with your brewery tour at Sam Adams, use your Go Boston pass! Please note that the tour itself is free. Getting In: Sam Adams Brewery glassware is included with the Go Boston pass.

Shop the Sales

Don't forget about the shopping! Memorial Day is a time for some of the best sales of the year and Boston has no shortage of great places to shop. Head to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, or Cambridgeside Galleria for the best shopping in town. Don't forget about all of the small businesses across the city, either!

Memorial Day Parade

The Somerville Veterans Memorial Parade is usually on Memorial day in May. The parade begins at Somerville City Hall and continues down Highland Ave. through Davis Sq. with the conclusion at the intersection of Holland and Broadway in Teele Sq. Getting In: This Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public.

Boston Calling Music Festival

One of the most popular local music festivals falls on Memorial Day - Boston Calling. Some of the most acclaimed artists in contemporary music will come to the Harvard Athletic Complex (in Cambridge) to play to the adoring masses. It's a favorite event with locals, so tickets can sometimes go fast. For more information about line-ups and to purchase tickets, visit the event website. Getting In: Boston Calling is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Boston in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, Boston
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Boston Airport to City Travel Options (Logan)

Baked beans, the Boston Red Sox and thr bar ‘where everybody knows your name’: Massachusetts' lively state capital offers all this and more. Known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, this is a city that’s thoroughly steeped in history. Follow the Freedom Trail to immerse yourself in 250 years of US heritage, step inside the former home of legendary revolutionary Paul Revere, and take a trip to Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, where her literary masterpiece Little Women was both written and set. With all this on offer, you’ll no doubt want to get to the heart of the city (and those umami, smoky platefuls of sweet-savory beans) as quickly as possible after touching down at Logan Airport. Read on for our guide to all the transit options from Logan to downtown Boston… Boston Logan International Airport in Brief There’s only one international airport in Boston. So the chances of getting yourself lost are fairly slim. Unless of course you accidentally boarded a flight to Boston in England, but that’s for another blog… In-keeping with Boston’s proud history, Logan is named for local son Edward Lawrence Logan: judge, lawyer, politician and military officer. Indeed, the airport’s full name is General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport. A bit of a mouthful, we’re sure you’ll agree, which is why it’s commonly known as plain Logan. The airport serves as the primary global gateway for Massachusetts and New England, with over 100 domestic and international routes. Around 40 million passengers pass through every year. Best of all, Logan lies just 5km east of downtown Boston, straddling the border between East Boston and the town of Winthrop. In light traffic, the cab ride into town can take as little as 10 minutes. So, without any further ado, here’s how to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Public Transport On-Airport Shuttle System It’s likely you’ll make use of Logan’s free shuttle system, which serves all four terminals and shuttles excited new arrivals to the Rental Car Center and parking garages. The shuttle also serves the airport's subway station and water transportation dock for onward travel to downtown Boston, via Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) services. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Subway Having shuttled your way successfully to Airport station, it’s just a hop and a skip along the Blue Line to downtown Boston. The Blue Line connects to the Green Line at Government Center station and to the Orange Line at State Street.  Going anywhere near Back Bay, Fenway Park or Boston University? The Blue Line out of Logan is your friend. A one-way ticket costs just $2.90, and you can transfer between subway and Silver Line, Express and local bus services twice on your ticket, paying only the one-time cost of whichever service costs more. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Bus Bus enthusiasts rejoice! There are multiple ways to get from Logan to downtown (and beyond) on four wheels. The MBTA’s Silver Line connects all terminals at Logan to South Station and beyond. Hitch a free ride on SL1 as far as South Station if you want to transfer to the subway’s Red Line here. Services SL2, SL3, SL4 and SL5 continue to other areas of Boston and a one-way ticket costs $1.70. Alternatively, the Express buses speed visitors to downtown and beyond for $4.25 one way. There are also multiple private bus services covering much of New England and New Hampshire, from reputable companies including Concord Coach Lines, Boston Express Bus and more. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Ferry Ok, it ain’t Venice, but arriving in Boston by sea is certainly the most scenic of all the airport transit options. Take the short trip across Boston Harbor to Long Wharf for rapid access to downtown, taking in panoramic views of the skyline from up on deck as you go. The On-Airport Shuttle connects terminals to the water transportation dock and the terminals, and a one-way ticket on the MBTA ferry costs $2.40 Top Tip: CharlieCards and CharlieTickets Charlies are reusable cards or tickets that can be preloaded with cash and used to tap in and out of MBTA subway, bus and ferry services. They’re a good option if you plan to use public transport a fair bit while you’re in town, as there are savings to be made over buying individual tickets for every journey. CharlieTickets are particularly convenient for visitors. You can pick yours up at vending machines in the airport and most stations. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Private Transfer Cabs are readily available outside arrivals at terminals A, B and E and on the ground floor of the terminal C parking garage. It’s only around 5km from the airport to downtown Boston but travel times and prices can vary wildly depending whether you’re traveling in rush hour traffic or not. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $40-50 one way. Ride apps like Uber and Lyft will usually cost a little less, but you’ll have to arrange these yourself and organize a suitable pick-up point. Alternatively, make like your favorite Bond villain and charter your own pre-booked private limousine. Or hop in a water taxi: one-way tickets from companies including Red Top Boats and the Boston Water Bus start from around $15. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Rental Vehicle Boston’s walkable downtown and excellent public transport system means you’ll have little need for your own wheels unless you’re planning out-of-town day trips to the likes of Salem, Portland and the Gilded Age mansions of beautiful Newport. You’ll find all the usual suspects at Logan’s Rental Car Center (RCC): everything from Alamo to Zipcar. The On-Airport Shuttle whisks passengers to the RCC via routes 22, 33 and 55, with services running approximately every 5-6 minutes. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Flower Memorial for Memorial Day
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New Year's Eve in Boston - Things to do

Rich history and a fine party scene means there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Boston on New Year’s Eve. From heritage trails to winter wonderlands, magnificent museums to the city’s beloved sport team stadiums, Boston has it all. New Year is a great time to visit, with plenty going on to keep kids and grown-ups entertained all day long, not to mention the buzzy bar scene and epic firework displays that define this great city’s end-of-year celebrations. Read on for our guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston and the best things to do while you’re in town! Morning: Boston Highlights Crisp winter mornings are made for sightseeing and, as you happen to be in Boston for New Year, well, why the heck not? There’s a glut of activities here – from the historical to the futuristic – that will take up just one or two hours of your New Year’s Eve in Boston. And boy, are some of Beantown’s attractions worth checking out. Take a whistle stop guided tour of the Freedom Trail led by actors in period costume for a deep dive into Boston’s most historic sites, including the golden-domed Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, 17th-century King’s Chapel cemetery and Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is where it's at for culture vultures. Here’s where you can explore 100 galleries of eye-popping art from across the centuries, including ancient Egyptian sculptures, early musical instruments and paintings by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Kahlo. Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, and the elaborate mural by John Singer Sargent that adorns the rotunda ceiling. Alternatively, get your sports fix on a guided tour of the Sports Museum at the TD Garden arena, legendary home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins; say hey to the seals, snakes, sea turtles and funky rockhopper penguins at the New England Aquarium; or nip just out of town to unleash your inner Jo, Meg, Amy or Beth at the 17th-century former home of Louisa May Alcott, where her novel Little Women was set. Sticking around beyond New Year? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Boston, including top attractions, tours, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Boston If you’re looking for things to do in Boston on New Year’s Eve, rejoice! Many of Beantown’s Christmas fairs and festivals continue through New Year and there are even a few brand-new dedicated NYE events to check out. Better yet, many of the afternoon and early evening activities are family friendly, meaning kids can join in the fun too. Zoolights at the Stone Zoo is a magical festive extravaganza, where tree-lined walkways are festooned with thousands of twinkling lights and Yukon Creek – home to black bears, bald eagles, arctic foxes, Canada lynx, reindeer and more – has been given a fairytale festive makeover. Sponsored (perhaps unsurprisingly) by the National Grid, this electrifying experience is sure to give kids (and adults) of all ages a real buzz. Mosey on down to Boston’s Waterfront winter wonderland, where dozens of frozen masterpieces line the Ice Sculpture Stroll, spanning North End, Downtown Waterfront, Charlestown End, and South Boston Waterfront. Follow the trail to the Seaport neighborhood to find a veritable fiesta of fun at Snowport. There are soaring, twinking Christmas trees, an iceless curling rink, après ski lodges, fire pits, a beer tent, street-food stalls, local crafts and more. Eyes peeled for the Snowport mascot, a huge fluffy pink yeti that’s your kids with love. Or be absolutely terrified by, depending on their disposition. As the light begins to fade, make for Copley Square, where the annual First Night Boston Celebrations includes eminently danceable holiday-themed tunes and illuminated ice sculptures. Once you’ve shimmied yourself warm, join the procession to Boston Common for the spectacular early evening firework displays, which kick off around 7PM. Evening: The Best of Boston’s Party Scene The fireworks at Boston Common are repeated periodically throughout the evening, right up to the main event at midnight, but there are plenty more ways to spend  the final hours of New Year’s Eve in Boston. Party your little heart out at suave Rochambeau in the Hynes Convention Center. This one is strictly for over-21s only. And rightly so. After all, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres, speciality seasonal cocktails and dessert bars that groan with sweet treats galore are wasted on the young. There’s a live DJ spinning floorfillers throughout the evening, and a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. You’ll want to book tickets in advance for this popular annual party. Wrap up extra warm for Boston’s legendary Bow Market Ball Drop. This one is held partly indoors and – shiver – partly al fresco, although patio heaters should help to stave off the worst of the winter chill. A bit of fancy footwork to the live tunes being played by the DJ should also help stop hypothermia setting in. Again, book well in advance if you want to join the party. The price of admission includes a couple of free drinks, some nibbles and other surprises throughout the evening, ahead of the hotly (or should that be coldly) anticipated ball drop at midnight. If it’s heart-swelling romantic firework views that top your New Year’s Eve wish list, the Boston Harbor show is unlikely to disappoint. Get yourself over to Christopher Columbus Park for this awesome midnight extravaganza of colorful pyrotechnics and booming, spirit-lifting music. Entry to the park is free. It commands some of the best views in town, so we’d recommend getting there early to ensure your Boston New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang! Save on activities and attractions in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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