Last updated: August 2025

Boston is one of America’s most vibrant cities year-round, but summer is when it truly comes alive. From historic landmarks and waterfront adventures to rooftop dining and free outdoor concerts, there's no shortage of things to do in Boston during the summer months. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or you're a local looking for fresh inspiration, this in-depth guide covers the best summer activities in Boston.

Start your summer adventure at Boston Common, America’s oldest public park. During the summer, the green space is bursting with flowers, picnics, and free events. Right next door, the Public Garden is a serene escape known for its iconic Swan Boats, which glide across the pond from April to September.

For history lovers, summer is the perfect time to explore the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile red-brick path weaves through 16 historic landmarks, including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Boston Massacre Site. Guided and self-guided tours are available, but walking it on a sunny day offers the most freedom and photo opportunities.

Cool off with a Boston Harbor cruise—a must-do summer activity. Options include sunset dinner cruises, sailing tours, and the high-speed Codzilla thrill ride. Get ready to enjoy skyline views, harbor islands, and even a chance to spot marine life.

Top picks include:

• •◦Boston Harbor City Cruises - Head out onto the water for a look at history. Landmarks and points of interest stand on the water’s edge, along with picturesque ports that connect to the Harborwalk and beyond.

• •◦Tall Ship Arabella - A variety of Boston cruise lines offer tall ship tours, like the Grand Tour of New England from American Sailing Vacations.

• •◦Codzilla Thrill Boat - Meet the need for speed with a speedboat tour. Music and thrills accompany Codzilla boat rides, along with high horsepower and even higher vibes.

If you want a more relaxed afternoon, head to the Charles River Esplanade. Rent a kayak, jog along the river, or bring a picnic and watch the boats sail by. The Hatch Shell also often features free concerts and movie nights in the summer.

While Boston isn’t known as a beach town, it’s surrounded by coastal escapes perfect for a summer day. Enjoy coastal escapes just minutes from the city:

• •◦Good Harbor Beach: As part of a collection of picturesque beaches, Good Harbor Beach lives as another Gloucester staple. Crystalline waters highlight the terrain, with tours available for booking.

• •◦Wingaersheek Beach: Aesthetic rock formations and clear water make up the expanse of Wingaersheek Beach. With trees backing the sandy expanse, every angle invites a viewing for a sunrise that won’t soon be forgotten.

• •◦Plymouth Long Beach: This popular camping spot continues to be the premier spot for watching prime wildlife and unique foliage on the water’s edge. Plymouth Long Beach contains lines of rock and lush greenery, inviting hours of relaxation.

• •◦Carson Beach - Gorgeous foliage and easy accessibility define this Boston beach. Travel to Kennedy Island and the Boston Harborwalk from this Dorchester Bay essential spot.

• •◦Crane Beach - A salt marsh and dunes define the expanse of Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA. Between hikes and water activities, Crane Beach serves as a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.

Boston's museum scene moves outdoors in the summer. While the Museum of Fine Arts and ICA Boston are always worth a visit, check out:

• •◦SoWa Open Market – This art, food, and makers’ market is open Sundays in the South End. Perfect for a stroll with a food truck treat, SoWa features local vendors from a variety of industries, ranging from art, jewelry, trinkets, and other wares.

• •◦Roxbury and Jamaica Plain murals – Take a walking tour to explore Boston’s street art scene. Historic Roxbury installations join the stretch of Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood favorite with vibrant shopping, dining, and art.

Experience a summer night at Fenway Park, complete with hot dogs, crowd chants, and unforgettable energy. Stadium tours are also available daily. There's nothing more Boston than spending a summer evening at Fenway Park. Grab a Fenway Frank, sing “Sweet Caroline,” and root for the home team.

• •◦Rooftop at the Envoy - Atop the Envoy sits one of Boston’s hottest rooftop bars. Gorgeous harborside views back a loaded anniversary cocktail list, beer and wine, with snacks and small plates for enjoyment.

• •◦Legal Harborside - Fresh seafood is as Boston as it gets. Go harborside with fresh raw bar delights like littleneck clams, specialty sushi rolls, and hearty seafood bowls.

• •◦Contessa at The Newbury - The crowning glory of the Newbury Hotel demands elegance to match its ambiance. If one of the 6,000 bottles of wine is off the table, choose brunch and dinner drinks to pair with the Italian-dominant menu.

• •◦Seamark Seafood & Cocktails – Staying on trend with Boston heritage means that an establishment like Seamark Seafood & Cocktails checks every box. A blend of standby selections and creative concoctions makes up the list, with martinis and an Admiral’s Dram with a spiced blend mixed into grog by way of rooibos tea. Seafood-forward dishes delight at mealtimes starting as early as 4 p.m. and lasting late into the night, all served in a dining room with nautical nuances and a cool atmosphere.

Summer is packed with live outdoor entertainment, much of which is free and recurring:

• •◦Boston Calling Block Parties – Watch for this famous weekly summer event with popular bands. Boston Calling kicks off at the Harvard Athletic Complex, meaning that there’s nothing more local. (Returns in 2027)

• •◦Shakespeare on the Common – As a true conduit of local talent, Shakespeare fans can take in free performances of the Bard’s classics. The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company nonprofit produces the classics, along with other shows and plays for theater aficionados.

• •◦Levitate Music Festival – A mix of folk, reggae, and indie acts brings live music fans just outside the city for Levitate. This groovy getaway has been on the scene for well over a decade and continues to introduce more variety and vibes each year. (Returns in 2026)

• •◦J.P. Licks - Coffee and ice cream make a beautiful pair — something that J.P. Licks recognizes through its ice cream parlor, bakery, and coffee shop combination. Recipes made from scratch extend to baked goods, cakes, and other treats, all made with love.

• •◦Toscanini’s - Rich and decadent ice cream equates to “the world’s best ice cream” at Toscanini’s. This family-owned favorite opened its doors in 1981 with efforts from several entrepreneurs, and still makes its scoops in-house daily.

• •◦FoMu - No FOMO (fear of missing out) danger when enjoying FoMu. This plant-based ice cream caters to a wide palate range and is produced in small batches to ensure exclusivity and care.

Need a break from the city heat? Boston offers easy access to summer escapes:

• •◦Arnold Arboretum - Hailed as a local treat for all seasons, the Arnold Arboretum remains a lively epicenter for education and ambiance. Simply being surrounded by hundreds of foliage types brings the heat down and the spirits up.

• •◦Blue Hills Reservation - This forest retreat brings thick, wild foliage to the Massachusetts landscape. All four seasons bring the best in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and skiing at Blue Hills Reservation.

• •◦Boston Harbor Islands - That famous lighthouse guides the way to Boston Harbor Islands, the signature state and national park. Thirty-four peninsulas and islands create the area, all a short distance from downtown Boston.

• •◦Newbury Street - Fresh and interesting wares await on Newbury Street, along with a stacked calendar of events from brunches to sip and shops. Discover deals from well-known brands across apparel, accessories, beauty, and beyond.

• •◦Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Shopping and retail therapy famously take place at Faneuil Hall, along with a market supportive of small businesses and unique vendors. 

• •◦Seaport District - Boston’s most beautiful visit the Seaport District, and for good reason. This sleek and trendy area houses businesses and services alike, all built with leisure in mind. Download the Seaport app for more information.

Boston is the perfect summer destination, offering a balance of history, culture, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re cruising the harbor, catching a Red Sox game, enjoying al fresco dining, or exploring outdoor markets, there’s always something exciting to discover around every corner.

Pack your sunscreen, walking shoes, and sense of discovery — summer in Boston is truly unforgettable.