Boston Harbor Tours and Activities

Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor
HarborWalk featuring a square or plaza and a city


Adore Boston’s charming working harbour from the waterfront or head out by boat to get to know it more intimately.

Ever since Boston Harbor was discovered by John Smith of “Pocahontas” fame, it has been at the forefront of this proud city’s identity. A major and somewhat dirty port for centuries, Boston’s harbor had a massive clean-up in the late 20th century. Now you can enjoy its substance and style.

Stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, a public walkway winding beside the waterfront through the city’s great harborside districts. In Charlestown, explore well-groomed parks and maritime history attractions, while enjoying gorgeous city views across the water. Make your way along the wharves and piers of Boston’s downtown and North End, stopping at the New England Aquarium to greet resident harbor seals. 

Watch fishermen unload their catch at South Boston’s Fish Pier, a fascinating reminder that Boston Harbor remains a working port. Elsewhere in the area, visit the celebrated Institute for Contemporary Art and take a photo of its breathtaking design. Walk around South Boston Maritime Park and finish a near-perfect day with fresh local catch at nearby Legal Seafoods.

The Boston waterfront offers opportunities for jogging and cycling. Harborwalk paths feature spectacular views of the city, the water and the Harbor Islands beyond. As you look over the harbor, imagine the atmosphere in December 1773, when the Sons of Liberty threw an entire shipment of East India Company tea overboard, triggering a chain of events resulting in the Revolutionary War, leading to American independence. 

Several companies offer boat trips and cruises in the harbor, and sailing centers provide sailboat rentals and lessons. Just 45 minutes by boat from downtown Boston are the Boston Harbor Islands, a gorgeous set of islands and peninsulas that make up a state-administered recreation area. Enjoy picnics, bird-watching and sunset views here. On the lovely Georges Island, which is home to the Civil War-era Fort Warren, a range of guided tours and summer afternoon concerts are available. 

Boston Harbor’s various access points are well served by public transportation. Reach many of the Harbor Islands by commuter ferry. A number of attractions along the waterfront may have shorter opening hours in colder weather check in advance for details.

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Best Lodging Options Near Boston Harbor

citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

4 out of 5
185 State St, Boston, MA
Harborside Inn Of Boston
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street, Boston, MA
The Dagny Boston
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA
The Langham, Boston
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

4 out of 5
161 Devonshire St, Boston, MA
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
The Bostonian Boston

The Bostonian Boston

4 out of 5
26 North St, Boston, MA
The Bostonian Boston
Omni Parker House

Omni Parker House

4.5 out of 5
60 School St, Boston, MA
Omni Parker House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Boston Harbor

Boston Harbour offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including boating and sailing. A scenic harbour walk provides stunning views, while a sightseeing cruise allows you to explore the area's rich maritime history. Whether you're looking to relax on the water or enjoy picturesque views, Boston Harbour is a perfect destination for your vacation.

Shopping

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, located 483m from Boston Harbor, offers a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Boston Public Market, 805m away, features local goods in a bustling atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out the Boston Design Center, situated 1.6km from the harbour.

Recreation

At MGM Music Hall at Fenway, immerse yourself in vibrant concerts that uplift your spirit, only 4.8km from Boston Harbor. Agganis Arena, 6.4km away, offers exhilarating sports events for active enjoyment. For a tranquil escape, visit Larz Anderson Park, located 9.7km from the harbour, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

The Irish Heritage Trail offers a scenic hiking experience less than 0.6.4km from Boston Harbor, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. For water sports enthusiasts, the Courageous Sailing Center, located 1.3km away, provides thrilling adventures on the water, while the Deer Island HarborWalk, 8.0km from the harbour, invites you to enjoy picturesque outdoor views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Orpheum Theater, just 1.1km from Boston Harbor, showcasing captivating performances. For family-friendly fun, visit the Charles Hayden Planetarium, located 1.6km away, or enjoy a show at the Charles Playhouse, also 1.6km away, offering a mix of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including urban parks, historic colleges, and event venues, perfect for culture seekers and families alike. Highlights include exploring the historic Boston waterfront and enjoying the scenic beauty of the harbour. Whether you're interested in history or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, there’s plenty to see and do in this iconic area of Boston.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Fenway Park, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States. Located 4.8km from Boston Harbor, this iconic venue is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into American baseball culture.
  • TD Garden: Situated only 1.3km from Boston Harbor, TD Garden is a premier event venue that hosts everything from thrilling sports events to concerts. The modern design and energetic vibe make it a perfect stop for those wanting to soak in Boston's business and entertainment scene.
  • Boston Common: Just 1.6km from Boston Harbor, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the U.S. This urban oasis is ideal for families and outdoor lovers, featuring beautiful landscapes, walking paths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Best time to go to Boston Harbor

Visitor numbers around Boston Harbor is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Boston Harbor is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor provides various ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free access to the harbor and nearby attractions like Boston Common and Harvard University. To find the best deals, consider travelling between December and February when prices are lower, and aim for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel, flight, and activity packages, ensuring you sort by price for the best offers. Look for refundable bookings and special deals to maximise your savings while exploring this historic city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Boston Harbor are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Boston Harbor is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Boston Harbor is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Boston Harbour with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.