Boston Harbour Guide and Things to Do

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Night Cityscape with Fan Pier Park in Boston
Credit: pexels.com, Night Cityscape with Fan Pier Park in Boston

Boston Harbour is a stunning waterfront area that offers a wealth of things to see and do. It's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.

You can take a scenic walk along the Harbourwalk, a 43-mile path that runs along the harbour's edge and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the water.

Boston Harbour is home to many historic sites, including the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world. It's a fascinating piece of history that's definitely worth a visit.

Be sure to check out the Institute of Contemporary Art, which is located right on the harbour and features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Boston Harbor Activities

You can take a scenic harbor cruise to see the city from a different perspective, with many tours departing from Long Wharf.

The Boston Harbor Islands offer a range of activities, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

City Cruises

Credit: youtube.com, 【4K】Boston: Massachusetts - Boston Harbor City Cruise - Trolley Bus

Boston Harbor offers a variety of city cruises, with Boston Harbor City Cruises being the largest private operator of passenger vessels in the nation.

They've been in operation for 84 years, with a family-owned business that's been manning the helm of their high-tech fleet of cruise boats.

One of the best ways to experience the city from a different perspective is to take a cruise with Boston Harbor City Cruises. They offer a range of options to suit different tastes and interests.

You can book a cruise by calling (617) 951-2460 if you're planning to depart from 60 Rowes Wharf, or (617) 227-1576 if you're departing from 60 Long Wharf.

Here are the departure locations for Boston Harbor City Cruises:

  • 60 Rowes Wharf
  • 60 Long Wharf

Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor is a famously complicated navigational harbor with shallow channels, many of the Boston Harbor Islands, submerged bars, and strong currents. It's a vital resource for inhabitants of the area, offering a diverse array of ecosystems and integral shelter.

Captivating view of the historic Boston Harbor Lighthouse against the serene ocean backdrop at sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Captivating view of the historic Boston Harbor Lighthouse against the serene ocean backdrop at sunset.

The harbor has a rich history, serving as a major trading port for the English colonies during the 1600s and 1700s. Ships carrying commodities often made their way through Boston before traveling down the coast.

Boston Harbor has played a significant role in the American Revolution, with skirmishes between British forces and colonial militia occurring across the islands. The harbor was closed to all ships in 1774 as punishment for the Boston Tea Party.

You can access Boston Harbor by many means of transportation, including Logan International Airport, which offers full commercial services and is located just north of the harbor. South Station also offers Amtrak train service and regional bus service.

If you're planning to visit Boston Harbor, you should know that some marinas near the harbor offer amenities like gas, diesel, and lift/crane services. Here are some marinas near Boston Harbor:

In the 1980s, Boston Harbor had a reputation as the "harbor of shame" due to its reputation as a dumping spot for detritus and human waste. However, a court-ordered cleanup in 1984 led to the establishment of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which oversaw the Boston Harbor Cleanup and the construction and operation of the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which maintains clean harbor waters today.

Harborwalk Benefits Map

Boston Light on Rocky Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Boston Light on Rocky Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor

The Harborwalk Benefits Map is a user-friendly tool that will make exploring Boston's waterfront a breeze. It's a one-stop-shop option for visitors to easily navigate the waterfront and understand the full inventory of public amenities offered along the Harborwalk.

The map and database are being created with funding from The Fallon Company, which developed the 21-acre Fan Pier project in the Seaport District back in 2007. This project included multiple waterfront parks and was surrounded by the Harborwalk on three sides.

The Harborwalk Benefits Map and public amenities database are being developed by Boston Harbor Now, in collaboration with the Boston Planning & Development Agency, private developers, residents, and other waterfront advocates and public agencies. They're working together to complete, maintain, and improve the Harborwalk.

The funding for the Harborwalk Benefits Map comes from The Fallon Company's Chapter 91 license agreement with MassDEP, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Chart House Restaurant

Chart House Restaurant is located on Boston's Long Wharf in the historical John Hancock Counting House, making it a unique dining experience.

Black and white view of Boston skyline featuring the Custom House Tower from the waterfront.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white view of Boston skyline featuring the Custom House Tower from the waterfront.

This historic setting combines perfectly with outstanding cuisine, which is why it's a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The restaurant's menu features famous entrées such as Macadamia Crusted Mahi and Miso Glazed Salmon, offering something for every taste.

You can also find a variety of dishes at Joe's American Bar & Grill, serving a fresh take on American classics and comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk around the Boston Harbor?

Yes, you can walk around the Boston Harbor on the scenic Boston Harborwalk, which offers a variety of shops, public art, and historical exhibitions to enjoy along the way.

What happened on Boston Harbor?

On December 16, 1773, Sons of Liberty activists dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into Boston Harbor. This infamous event, known as the Boston Tea Party, was a pivotal moment in American history.

Louis Becker

Senior Writer

Louis Becker is a seasoned writer with a deep passion for maritime transportation. His insightful articles have shed light on the complexities and challenges of global shipping, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the industry's dynamics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Becker has established himself as a trusted voice in maritime journalism.

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