Boston Summer

Things to Do in Boston When It's Hot Out

When things heat up, head for Boston's waterfront and its impressive array of museums
By Go City Expert

Boston can swing between hot and cold, but don't worry, we've got all the tips you need to beat the heat.

One of the most fascinating things about Boston, especially for tourists, is the extreme range in temperature. Fortunately, no matter the season or the weather, you’ll find plenty to do in the Hub with diverse Boston attractions that cover a wide span of entertainment. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Boston when it's hot out:

Go on a cruise or whale watch

female-photographer-taking-pictures-humpback-whale

It’s no surprise that the Harbor serves as a sort of sanctuary in the summer; the cool breeze comes off the water, you can enjoy watching the activity on the water, or get out and enjoy it for yourself aboard one of Boston's wonderful cruises. There, you'll find a ton of options for getting out on the water - the perfect hot day in Boston activity. A few of our favorites are:
 

  • The MBTA ferry out to any of the eleven Boston Harbor Islands, each with distinct geographical and historical features.
  • A Historic Sightseeing Cruise around the harbor is a great option if you want to be in the know. An hour round trip with a knowledgeable guide will tell you all about how Boston's vibrant harbor and port came to be what it is today.
  • A whale-watching cruise is a great way to get out on the water and learn about some of the local sea life. Be on the lookout for humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, white-sided dolphins, and numerous other marine creatures that live in the Atlantic.
  • The Boston Duck Tour is an iconic Boston attraction in itself. Hop onboard near the aquarium and enjoy a part-on-land, part-in-the-water guided tour of Boston - a fun and unique introduction to the city's history and culture!

New England Aquarium

african-penguin-swimming-new-england-aquarium

Located right near the departure point for the cruises mentioned above, the New England Aquarium is another favorite thing to do in Boston on a hot day. It's right by the waterfront and offers a temperature-controlled respite from the heat.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the touch tank feature right when you walk in. Pet stingrays as they glide by the edges of the tank and watch them swim around their habitat. Next, make your way into the main exhibit to see penguins waddling and diving into the waters. You might even catch them during meal time, which is always great fun.

Make your way up the massive coral tank in the middle of the aquarium where you'll see large fish, sea turtles, and more swimming around. Be sure to peel off from the main path and check out the many exhibits on the way up, including octopi, piranhas, amphibians, and more.

Visit an Art Museum

When it’s simply too hot to be outside, visit some of Boston's world-class art museums (and enjoy the AC!)

Museum of Fine Arts

boston-museum-fine-arts-465-huntington

The Museum of Fine Arts is a large museum that houses nearly half a million works of art from around the world spanning several centuries. You could easily get lost in this museum and spend hours exploring the many exhibit halls: American, European, and Asian Art, Art of Africa and Oceania, The Ancient World, Contemporary Art, Photography, Prints and Drawings, Musical Instruments, Textiles, Fashion Arts, and Jewelry.

However, if you only have an hour or two to spare, make sure you head to the Art of the Americas wing, featuring 53 galleries of American art from pre-Columbian times through the twentieth century.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

If you’re more interested in art and culture, head to the Institute of Contemporary Art, which provides an interactive environment where studio art, performing arts, film, music, and just about every type of media intersect. As part of the permanent collection, innovative and influential artists such as Frank Shepard Fairey have full galleries on display.

As an added bonus, the Institute’s award-winning architecture features a huge outdoor space that overlooks the waterfront and offers some of the best views of the Boston Harbor and skyline.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

One of the most unique Boston attractions, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a 1902 house-turned-art museum. It's a work of art in itself and provides the ultimate backdrop for viewing an impressive collection of work from the masters (Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Rafael, Botticelli, Degas, and many more). The galleries surround a stunning courtyard in the center of the house, which is lush with vegetation.

If the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum sounds familiar to you, it might be because it’s known as the site of one of the biggest art heists in American history! Back in 1990, thirteen pieces of art were stolen (including a Vermeer and a Rembrandt) by a pair of thieves disguised as police officers. Empty frames still hang in the galleries, in hopes they will someday be found and returned.

Skywalk Observatory

Skywalk Observatory

Learn a little about Boston's history and then take in sky-high views of its changing skyline from the 50th floor of the Prudential Center.

You'll get to explore hands-on exhibits and walk around to see 360-degree views of the city. Conveniently located among lots of popular shops, it's a fun activity to add to your Boston itinerary when it's hot outside. You can meander around famous Newbury Street before heading in for some skyline views, a little souvenir shopping, and an Italian-style lunch at Eataly.

How Do You See the World? & The MappariumTM Experience

One of Boston's most unique attractions, How Do You See the World? & Mapparium Experience lets you step into the center of the world (literally!) and walk across a bridge through a three-story stained glass mapparium globe.

Journey across the earth and learn how the world has developed since World War II in this incredible eye-opening exhibit, which explores significant events in human rights, scientific breakthroughs, and exploration. In addition to the mapparium, you can learn all about Mary Baker Eddy's fascinating life and see the historic Publishing House Lobby.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

harvard museum of natural history

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the perfect place to keep you out of the heat of the day.

Home to dinosaurs, insects, meteorites, minerals, and much more, you'll easily while away the hours at this fascinating museum. Located at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, you'll find over 12,000 species of plants and animals at this mind-blowing museum.

Be sure to check out which exhibits are on display during your visit. There's sure to be something new and exciting for you to explore!

Save on admission to Boston's top attractions

Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! 

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Things to do in Back Bay, Boston

Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent districts, with plenty of places to go and things to see. So, if you're visiting Boston and thinking of staying in the area, you'll want to know what's good. Well, we'll tell you what's good. Right here, right now. Read on, and discover the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston! Including: Trinity Church Boston Public Library The Mapparium Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial Places to eat and more! The Holy Trinity (Church) Let's start this shindig with something holy. If you want to explore a fascinating holy place, whether you're religious or not, check out Trinity Church. Even from the outside, its ornate design is mesmerizing. But step inside, and you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes. Practically every inch was handpainted, and the whole thing was overseen by prominent American artist John La Farge. From the pre-Raphaelite windows to the awe-inspiring murals, it's a great place to visit in Back Bay. The church itself does lots of community outreach, so if you're in the area on a Sunday, feel free to go to one of their services. Words are worth it Libraries are the spine of our nation. That was a book pun, and no, we won't apologize. Wordplay is one of life's many joys. And if you like wordplay, books, and libraries, then you'll love Boston Public Library! What a terrible segue! This labyrinthine monument to learning is a frequent hang spot for students and researchers. Visitors will often find students at their laptops, staring at empty word documents with tears in their eyes. But never mind them, they made their bed. Instead, get lost in its many, many aisles. You'll likely find any book you're looking for within its massive walls. But if that wasn't enough, there are also regular talks and readings held there throughout the year, and you can even get a tour of the place if you're too overwhelmed by all the learning. Map it out Mary Baker Eddy was a special person. Not only did she overcome the adversity that came with being a female academic in the 19th-century, but she wrote a groundbreaking book that kicked off the movement that we now know as Christian Science. So, why not find out more about this fascinating woman at The Mapparium? You'll walk across a bridge through the three-story, stained-glass Mapparium globe, enhanced with music and special lighting effects. It will give you a whole new perspective of Earth's geography, thanks to the concave, mirror-imaged view it offers. Explore the library, which has artifacts from her life you won't see anywhere else. You'll learn how The Mapparium was built and take a guided tour of The First Church of Christ. In the original 1894 church building, you'll find one of the world's largest pipe organs too! Image courtesy of Jesse Costa/WBUR To those we lost The Boston Marathon bombing was an event that shook the world. If you would like to pay your respects, you can visit the Boston Marathon Survivors Monument. The artist worked diligently with the families of the deceased in its design, ensuring it captured their spirit and personality. The two installations on Boylston Street are 20ft tall bronze spires that contain light-emitting glass tubes, ensuring the people taken in the bombing will be remembered forever. Where to eat You may need a bite to eat after all that sightseeing. Thankfully, Back Bay has some fantastic eateries that will welcome you with open arms. These are our favorites! If you're looking for interesting Far East dishes, then Uni will fit you like a Japanese glove. This contemporary izakaya restaurant offers a host of street food-inspired plates, as well as Japanese favorites like Sashimi and Nigiri. Take a seat beneath the dim lighting, explore the expansive menu, and find a new dish to add to your favorites! If American seafood dishes are more your thing, don't you worry. Select Oyster Bar brings New England Seafood to your table, with a Mediterranean twist to boot. While you're free to stop by for a glass of wine and some oysters, you'll be missing out if you don't hunker down for dinner. The Maine Lobster Salad is something else, and for a fish joint, they even do a mean rib eye! Speaking of rib eye, if steaks more you scene, Grill 23 is one of the best in the country. This award-winning steakhouse is the go-to site for local business meetings, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of heading there on a weekday. But never mind the white-collar hollering, sit down, stare at their table until they relent, and enjoy some of the juiciest steaks around. Where to drink Let's end this with a look at the nightlife. If you're looking for a drink or three to see out the evening, then Back Bay has many delightful watering holes, no matter your desire. Want something casual? Try The Pour House. This sports bar contains a whopping 17 TV screens, showing a variety of games throughout the week. You'll also find a wealth of affordable beers, bar food, and your standard cocktails. It may be a no-frills kind of place, but sometimes, that's exactly what you're looking for. In the mood for something slightly fancier? City Bar is an elegant watering hole located in the century-old Lenox Hotel. And, given the likes of Babe Ruth and John Travolta have graced its elegant tables at one time or another, it's the kind of pedigree that guarantees you a great cocktail and a great time. Combine that with a hefty wine list, romantic lighting, and swanky decor, and it's the perfect date spot if you're looking to impress that someone special. And finally, if you're looking for something a little louder, then you have to hit up the Bukowski Tavern. Named after famed author Charles Bukowski, who penned the likes of Factotum and Ham on Rye, among many other novels and poems, this is a Boston bar through and through. You'll find a huge selection of delicious beers, brewed both locally and abroad, some high-quality bar bites, and the kind of larger-than-life atmosphere that makes Boston the city it is! And that's our list of the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston!
Dom Bewley
best museums in boston
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Best Museums in Boston

Heading to Boston on vacation, or a resident looking for some sweet, unadulterated culture? You've come to the right place. We're all about culture here, and we've plucked the finest of the city's museums out of the ether. So sit back, tune your eyes to reading mode, and prepare for an information overload. These are our picks for the best museums in Boston! Including: Museum of Science USS Constitution Museum Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Harvard Museum of Natural History Salem Witch Museum and more! Museum of Science Science. The ongoing answer to life's many questions. For millennia, it's helped us uncover more and more about our world and the many worlds around us. So, why not get hands-on with over 700 fascinating interactive exhibits at Boston's Museum of Science? Have your brain tickled by humankind's many mind-blowing discoveries, and ponder the things we're still only glimpsing. Walk among the many awesome exhibitions, like the Hall of Human Life, where you'll journey into the human body itself, find out how we work from the inside out, and learn more about how our choices make us who we are. Or, spark your imagination at the Theater of Electricity, a shrine to the wondrous energy found in nature and how we've learned to harness it. Learn all about electricity, magnetism, and the mechanisms we use it for, such as conductors and insulators. All of that, and the world's largest Van de Graaff generator await you! USS Constitution Museum Want to learn more about the country's seafaring history? Do yourself a favor and immediately head to the USS Constitution Museum. This famous ship, completed in 1797, even served in the War of 1812 against those evil Brits. We showed them, didn't we! Inside, you'll find two historic American vessels to explore, interactive exhibits that give you a hands-on with history, and learn about how these vessels worked. How exactly do you unfurl a 200-year-old sail? How did they fire their cannons? What everyday issues did sailors face back then? Find out the answers to all these questions and much more at the USS Constitution Museum, easily one of the best museums in Boston for the nautically curious! Museum of Fine Arts, Boston We all appreciate the finer things in life, whether it's extravagant furniture, meticulously-designed clothing, or a cheeseburger adorned with lashings of bacon. So, why not go look at some fine things at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston? One of the world's most impressive and comprehensive art museums, a whopping 500,000 works are held within. Good luck seeing half a million artworks in one visit! This mammoth collection is housed within more than 100 galleries that include paintings, sculptures, and myriad artifacts from throughout human history, as far back as ancient civilizations and all the way through to 19th-century painters like van Gogh. And, when you've explored as much art as you can physically manage in one day, rest your weary legs at the New American Cafe, where you can pick up small bites, a drink, or a fully-fledged meal. Nice. Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston is known for many things; baseball, basketball, its unique accent. But one of the jewels in the state's crown is undoubtedly Harvard University. One of the world's most renowned centers of higher education, it's no wonder they expanded into the museum business. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, you'll find more than 12,000 natural artifacts, from dinosaur fossils to huge geodes. Given Harvard's renown as an education facility, it's no surprise you'll find so many amazing fossils and artifacts within. Explore the museum's many halls and exhibitions to learn all about Earth's natural history, from primordial ooze all the way to modern man. For inquisitive minds, this is easily one of the best museums in Boston! Salem Witch Museum Salem has become notorious in fiction for being a paranormal place where myths and monsters lurk around every corner. Really, all of this absolute make-believe stemmed from the sadly very real Salem Witch Trials. For those who don't know, here's a quick history lesson. Back in 1692, some bright sparks decided to accuse women of witchcraft, generally out of spite or petty disagreements. This idiocy soon snowballed into the trials themselves, where over 150 women were accused of being witches, resulting in 20 being put to death. It was a dark time in the nation's history, but an interesting one nonetheless. How did it happen? How could it happen? You'll find the answer to those questions and more at the Salem Witch Museum. Explore 13 life-sized sets that recreate the trials, learn about how the hysteria spread, and how perfectly normal people could be driven to such violent ends. Then, discover the fallout of the trials, the communities torn apart by them, and how colonists were left to pick up the pieces. One of the most fascinating and unique museums in Boston; it's best to see it yourself. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum How about seeing some inspiring art in an inspiring building? Look no further than the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Step inside this striking 19th-century building, and you'll immediately notice its Venetian influence. Within these historic galleries, you'll find works from world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The museum contains over 2,500 such works, so you'll be plenty occupied seeing them all! Then, when you're all art-ed out, make sure you wander the fantastic grounds around the museum. Maybe you'll find some inspiration to dig out the watercolors. Boston Children's Museum It's often said that the children are our future. And that was as true in the past as it is today, because the Boston Children's Museum has been delighting and teaching kids for over one hundred years. Inside, kids will get the chance to wall-climb, escape a giant maze, and create their own artistic 'masterpieces,' all while being stealth taught. The perfect way to get them educated is when they don't even realize they're learning. With a focus on science, the environment, art, and health, it's a great platform for your kids to ensure they're the best they can be. And, best of all, it's good fun too. They even have special events going on throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead before you travel and see what's available. For those of you with little ones, it's one of the best museums in Boston. And that's our list of the best museums in Boston!
Dom Bewley
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Getting Around Boston - How to Get Around Boston for Tourists

Get from A to B in no time with our extensive guide to traveling around the dynamic city of Boston!
Casey Makovich

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