Summertime in Boston: 25 Fun Things to Do This Summer
Author: Olivia Vantuno, Marketing Manager
Boston summers make every freezing New England winter worth it. The harbor fills with sailboats, the parks fill with people, and every neighborhood seems to throw a festival. What makes a Boston summer special isn’t just the weather — it’s the whole city coming alive. You’ve got world-class concerts on the Esplanade, whale watching straight from the harbor, beaches you can reach by train, and tons of summer events from Beacon Hill to Southie.
To help you make the most of the season, here’s my list of the best things to do in Boston in the summer, from the iconic to the wonderfully under-the-radar. Whether you’re a local Bostonian looking to shake up your summer or a visitor trying to make the most of each day, this list is for you.
1. Try New Foods at The Lineup
If you’re ever downtown during the summer in Boston, The Lineup is a must. It’s my favorite food hall in Boston, especially in the summer, because you can pick up great food and take it to picnics or whatever your plans for the day are. The Lineup brings together several concepts under one roof, all led by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, which means the bar is way higher than what you’d expect at a typical grab-and-go spot.
Whether you need a strong coffee and a pastry before a day of sightseeing, a pizza slice after a long bike ride, or a smash burger to fuel up for an outdoor concert, The Lineup has you covered. They also regularly host pop-ups and limited-time specials, so make sure to check out their menus to see the latest. It’s the kind of place you can visit every day for a week and never order the same thing twice.
2. Indulge in Summer Specials at Vermilion
For a more elevated night out, head to Vermilion inside the Winthrop Center (right upstairs from The Lineup). Led by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, this upscale steakhouse blends New England classics with creative seafood dishes, inventive cocktails, and one of the city’s most striking dining rooms. The massive bar sits beneath a dramatic Dale Chihuly sculpture, making it an especially memorable spot for after-work drinks, date nights, or celebratory dinners.
In the summer, it’s an easy stop before waterfront walks, concerts, or evenings spent downtown. They were the first steakhouse in Boston to offer Prime 850 cuts, including the top 5% of all Prime-grade beef, and dry-aged to perfection.
Tips:
Make sure to look through their famous Beverage Book, packed with unique cocktails.
Try the caviar sandwich. It’s one of their signature dishes and one of my favorites.
book your table in advance — spots fill up fast.
3. Watch Free Concerts & Movies at the Hatch Shell
The Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade is one of Boston’s best outdoor venues. From late June through August, the lawn in front of the Shell fills with Bostonians who bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers to enjoy free outdoor concerts, film screenings, and community events. The programming is pretty eclectic — you might catch a Latin music night, a Boston Landmarks Orchestra performance, or a classic movie under the stars all in the same month.
The vibe here is completely relaxed and unpretentious. Families spread out on the grass, couples share bottles of wine, and dogs trot through like they own the place. Keep an eye on the Hatch Shell events calendar to see the latest programming.
Tips:
Arrive 30–45 minutes early for popular events.
Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair (the ground is grass, but can be uneven).
Pack snacks and drinks. There are vendors nearby, but lines get long.
Keep an eye on the weather, events occasionally move or cancel in heavy rain.
4. Check Off All of Boston’s Best Beaches
Boston is one of the few major American cities where you can hop on the T and be on a beach in under an hour. Castle Island and nearby Pleasure Bay are local summer staples for harbor walks, swimming, and grabbing food from Sullivan’s. Carson Beach in South Boston is easy, walkable, and great for a quick afternoon dip, while Wollaston Beach in Quincy is one of the longest stretches of sand in the region.
If you're willing to go a little further Revere Beach — the oldest public beach in the United States — is a classic. It’s loud, lively, and full of character, with the famous Revere Beach sand sculpture festival happening every summer. For something quieter, head to Nahant or Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester.
Tips:
Carson and Pleasure Bay are reachable by the 7 bus from South Station.
Revere Beach is on the Blue Line.
Wollaston Beach and Quincy Shore Drive tend to have plenty of free parking.
Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than weekend afternoons.
5. Rent a Kayak or Canoe on the Charles
Renting a kayak or canoe is one of my favorite ways to experience Boston in the summer. Paddling under the bridges with the skyline on one side and Cambridge on the other is genuinely one of the most beautiful perspectives on this city that you can get. Community Rowing offers public rentals out of their boathouse in Brighton, and Charles River Canoe & Kayak has multiple locations, including Newton and the DCR boathouse near the Esplanade.
You don’t need to be a pro for flatwater paddling on the Charles. It’s calm, well-trafficked, and easy to navigate even for first-timers. I’d recommend going in the early morning when the water is glassy, or in the early evening when the light on the river is absolutely stunning. Make sure to book rentals in advance on summer weekends.
6. Explore the Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands is a state park that spans 34 islands and peninsulas, and a short ferry ride from Long Wharf gets you to some of the most peaceful, beautiful outdoor spaces in Boston. Georges Island is the hub, with Fort Warren dating back to the Civil War era. Spectacle Island has some of the best views of the city skyline you’ll find anywhere, plus a beach and hiking trails.
Peddocks Island has a fascinating abandoned military fort to explore, and Lovells Island has the only supervised swimming beach in the harbor. If you plan it right, you can island-hop in a single-day trip by taking the inter-island ferry. Here’s how to get your ferry tickets.
Tips:
Ferries depart from Long Wharf (near Aquarium T stop).
Bring food and water. Some islands have vendors, but options are limited.
Spectacle Island has the most amenities for day visitors.
Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the forts.
Check the inter-island ferry schedule before you go (it runs on a loop).
7. Go Whale Watching
Yes, you read that right — Boston has whales. This is one of the more touristy things to do in Boston in the summer, but it’s worth it. Nothing compares to being out on the open ocean watching a humpback whale thirty feet from your boat. In fact, the waters off the coast of Boston are among the best whale watching grounds in the world. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary draws humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale throughout the season.
Multiple operators run trips out of Boston’s Long Wharf, so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule. The New England Aquarium Whale Watch is one of the most popular, with naturalists on board to explain what you’re seeing. Trips run from April through October, but June and July tend to offer the most consistent sightings.
Tips:
Book your tickets in advance, especially for weekends.
Dress in layers. It gets much colder on the open water, even on hot days.
If you’re prone to seasickness, beware — it gets rocky out there.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
Morning departures tend to have calmer seas than afternoon trips.
8. Swim at Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is my insider’s, locals-only tip for you. It’s a small, pristine freshwater lake tucked into a residential neighborhood just a few miles from Boston. It has a proper swimming beach, lifeguards, and crystal-clear water that earns its name. It’s only a few bucks to get in, the crowd is relaxed and local, and it’s a completely different experience from the bustle of Carson Beach or Revere.
The lake opens for swimming in late June and runs through Labor Day weekend. Take the Green Line to Newton Centre and it’s about a ten-minute walk from there. That’s right — you don’t even need a car to get there. It doesn’t get more Bostonian than spending a lazy afternoon at Crystal Lake with a good book and absolutely nothing on your schedule.
9. Go Beer Garden Hopping
Boston’s beer garden scene is one of the best in the country, and the summer lineup is seriously impressive. Unfortunately, Trillium Garden on the Greenway closed after nearly a decade, so Boston Harbor Distillery is taking over the space with spirits, cocktails, and snacks. Don’t worry Trillium fans, they’re not getting rid of their famous beer garden — they just moved to the Winthrop Connector in downtown. From Tuesdays to Thursdays between 4 and 7 PM, you can grab your favorite brew, try different dishes at The Lineup, and then grab a drink at the iconic Vermilion bar.
You can also find the Night Shift beer gardens in several locations. The one on the Esplanade is my favorite, it’s got great vibes and great views. The Lawn on D in Seaport turns into one of the summer’s most reliably fun hangout spots with rotating programming and outdoor swings. Check out their events calendar to learn more.
10. Cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway
Summertime in Boston isn’t complete without spending at least one day gorging on hot dogs and beer at Fenway Park. It’s the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, and it lives up to its reputation with the Green Monster looming over left field, the smell of Fenway Franks wafting through the stands, and the roar of the crowd when the Sox get a runner on base. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, Fenway in the summer is a must.
If you can, I’d recommend splurging for seats close enough to actually see the action. The right field box seats give you a great view of the Monster, and the grandstand seats behind home plate have a wonderful sightline. Check the schedule and buy tickets here.
Tips:
Take the Green Line (B, C, or D trains) to Kenmore.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before first pitch.
The Bleachers in right-center are the most raucous section — up to you if that’s your vibe or not.
Standing Room Only tickets are your best bet if everything’s sold out.
11. Picnic Along the Esplanade
If you’re not a Bostonian and you’ve been reading this article not knowing what the Esplanade is, let me tell you. The Charles River Esplanade is three miles of waterfront parkland on the Boston side of the Charles, and in the summer it becomes the city’s favorite hangout. The combination of the river, the tree cover, and the views toward Cambridge is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Here’s my usual Esplanade itinerary: pack a blanket, pick up food from The Lineup, and find a shady spot to picnic along the water.
The Esplanade is a little quieter on weekdays and on summer evenings. The path runs from the Museum of Science all the way down to the BU Bridge, so you can make a full walk of it. Stop at the Hatch Shell, watch the sailboats, and take your time. It’s one of my go-to Boston summer activities that never gets old.
12. Ride the Carousel at the Greenway Artisan Market
The Rose Kennedy Greenway Carousel is a Boston original, especially if you have kids. It’s fun and educational — the animals on it are all species native to New England, from harbor seals to grasshoppers to blue herons. But even if you don’t have kids, it’s still fun no matter how old you are.
The Greenway Artisan Market runs alongside it on Saturdays and Sundays from late May through early November, with a mix of local artisans, food vendors, and live music. It’s one of the best places in the city to browse handmade goods and just experience the fabric of the city on a weekend morning.
13. Explore the Boston Mural Map on Foot
Boston’s art scene isn’t always in the museums. My favorite way to see it is on foot with a mural map in hand. The Greenway has its own rotating mural program, but the best pieces are in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston. Local artists have transformed these iconic Boston neighborhoods by turning entire buildings into stunning, story-driven works.
I’d suggest starting in Roxbury around Nubian Square, walking through JP, and ending up at one of the excellent neighborhood restaurants for lunch. It’s a half-day summer activity in Boston that doubles as an education in the communities that give Boston its character. Check out this public art map to guide your route.
14. Spend an Afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re looking for fine art, you can’t miss the MFA. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best art museums in the country, and in the summer, the outdoor courtyard opens up and they host special exhibitions. The permanent collection is packed with iconic Impressionist paintings, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a remarkable collection of Japanese art. Besides, the building itself is beautiful enough to justify going.
Spend a couple of hours in the galleries, have lunch at one of their cafés, and then head out into the Fenway neighborhood. On Wednesday evenings after 4 pm, admission is pay-what-you-wish.
Tips:
Don’t miss the Art of the Americas wing with John Singer Sargent’s massive murals and some of the museum’s most famous works.
The Japanese garden courtyard is one of the quietest and most beautiful spots in the museum, especially in the summer.
The ancient Egyptian collection is full of statues, sarcophagi, and temple pieces that feel almost Smithsonian-level.
If you only have time for one section, head to the Impressionist galleries with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh.
15. Bike Boston’s Scenic Trails
I get it — biking in a big city is intimidating. But Boston is packed with trail networks that don’t risk you getting hit by a car. Plus, the trails are extensive enough that you can spend a whole day cruising along. The Southwest Corridor Park runs 4.7 miles from Back Bay to Forest Hills through a green linear park. The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway stretches 11 miles from Cambridge to Bedford through some scenic small towns. And the Harborwalk gives you stretches of waterfront riding with some of the best harbor views in the city.
You don’t need to own your own bike to hit the trails. Blue Bikes, Boston’s bike share system, has hundreds of stations across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. A day pass is around $10 and gives you unlimited 30-minute rides.
16. Take the Ferry to Nantucket or Martha’s Island
If you ask a local what to do in the summer in Boston, they likely have at least one of these destinations already planned out. Both islands are quintessentially New England summer destinations with cobblestone streets, gray-shingled cottages, stunning beaches, and salty air. The fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket takes about an hour, while the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from Wood’s Hole is about 45 minutes.
You can absolutely do this as a day trip, though you might not want to leave when you get there. If you’re going for the day, arrive early, rent bikes as soon as you get off the boat, and cover as much ground as you can before the late ferry back. Popular places to book include Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises.
Tips:
Book round-trip ferry tickets at least a few weeks in advance in peak summer.
Renting bikes on the islands is the best way to get around.
A Vineyard day trip from Boston involves two legs: bus or drive to the Cape, then the ferry.
17. Watch the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
If you’re in Boston on the Fourth of July, stake out a spot on the Esplanade for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. It’s one of the largest and most beloved Fourth of July celebrations in the country. The Pops play a full outdoor concert on the Hatch Shell stage, complete with cannon shots during the 1812 Overture and an enormous fireworks display over the Charles River.
Fair warning: it’s an event that requires planning. The Esplanade gets packed (hundreds of thousands of people attend), and many regulars arrive early in the morning to claim their spots on the lawn.
18. Celebrate Pride with Parades & Block Parties
Boston Pride is one of the largest Pride celebrations in New England, and the whole month of June is packed with community-driven events. The parade through the city draws enormous crowds and the atmosphere is buzzing. The parade is fun, but my favorite part is the neighborhood block parties. If you’re not sure where to start, look in the South End, Boston’s historical LGBTQ+ community.
Many restaurants and bars around the city also lean into the celebration with themed menus, pop-ups, and limited-time drinks throughout Pride Month. Vermilion often features special Pride cocktails and festive additions to the bar menu, making it a fun stop before heading out to evening events or late-night celebrations. Check out their menu to see what they have this year. Prefer something fast and casual? The Lineup also usually has some great Pride specials, so make sure to see what they have cooking.
19. Catch Boston Harbor Hotel's Friday Night Music Series
The Boston Harbor Hotel’s Friday Night Lights music series is one of the best Boston summer activities. Every Friday evening from late June through August, the hotel’s outdoor waterfront space at Rowes Wharf becomes a venue for live music performances, cocktails, and food. Oh, did I mention it’s free?
The lineup tends to lean toward jazz, blues, and acoustic acts. Show up at golden hour, grab a drink from the outdoor bar, and find a spot near the water. If you don’t already live in Boston, a warm evening at the Friday Night Music Series might just convince you to make the move.
20. Hit BAMS Fest in Roxbury
The Boston Arts and Music Soul Festival (aka BAMS Fest) is one of the best summer events in the city. Held annually in Franklin Park, it’s a free, two-day festival celebrating Black arts, music, and culture. They also often have a lineup with nationally recognized artists alongside local talent, plus artisan goods and local vendors.
The festival draws tens of thousands of people to Roxbury and showcases the cultural richness of a neighborhood that visitors to Boston often skip entirely. Plan to spend a full day at BAMs and make sure to bring lawn chairs and snacks.
21. Explore the Emerald Necklace
The Emerald Necklace is a series of parks and parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park). It stretches from the Back Bay Fens all the way to Franklin Park in Roxbury, covering about 1,100 acres of connected green space. In the summer, it’s one of the best walking and cycling routes in the entire city, threading through some of Boston’s most beautiful and diverse neighborhoods.
I’d recommend starting at the Back Bay Fens, which has beautiful rose gardens that peak in June and July, and walking or biking through the Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, the Arnold Arboretum, and then into Franklin Park. It’s about seven miles from start to end. If you don’t want to bike, there are plenty of walking trails as well. You can check out the map here.
22. Shop Local at the SoWa Market
If you’re not sure what to do in Boston in the summer, I highly recommend heading to the South End. The SoWa Market runs every Sunday from May through October and is one of the best summer markets in Boston. Set up in a large parking lot off Harrison Avenue, it brings together over 100 local vendors selling handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, artisan food, ceramics, paintings, and about a hundred other things you didn’t know you needed.
It’s a great place to discover Boston-based entrepreneurs doing interesting things. Plus, the South End is the perfect neighborhood for a leisurely Sunday morning: grab coffee, browse the market, and take a walk through the stunning Victorian streets.
23. See Shakespeare on the Common
One of the more popular Boston attractions in summer is Shakespear in the Park. The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has been putting on free Shakespeare productions on the Boston Common every summer since 1996. The productions are completely free, professionally staged, and performed on a proper outdoor stage on the Common, with the city skyline visible in the background as you watch.
Bring a blanket, get there early for a good spot, and make a proper evening of it. The shows are family-friendly, the atmosphere is festive, and there’s something particularly moving about watching live theater in America’s oldest park. It is free, but donations are encouraged.
24. Take a Harbor Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for romantic summer activities in Boston, you can’t go wrong with a sunset cruise. Most operators who run out of Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf offer 90-minute to two-hour narrated cruises that take you past the inner harbor islands, under the Tobin Bridge, past the USS Constitution in Charlestown, and out toward the outer harbor. Trust me, the skyline views at the golden hour cannot be beat.
Several operators offer cocktail cruises and private charters if you want to make it a little more special. Boston Harbor Cruises is one of the more established operators and offers a range of cruise types throughout the season. Just make sure to bring a sweater — it can get cold on the water.
25. Take a Day Trip to Cape Cod
Chances are you’ve heard of Cape Cod. But did you know it’s basically right in Boston’s backyard? There are endless things to do in The Cape. You can go to the busy, touristy beach towns of Hyannis and Chatham, or push all the way out to the Outer Cape, where the National Seashore preserves miles of pristine, undeveloped Atlantic-facing beach that ranks among the most beautiful in the country. The towns of Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown are all worth the drive.
The drive from Boston to the mid-Cape is about an hour and a half, but be prepared for longer drives during summer traffic. I strongly recommend going on a weekday if at all possible. Once you’re there, rent bikes, eat as many lobster rolls as humanly possible, and stay for the sunset. Check out Cape Cod's website for planning resources and summer events.
Tips:
Avoid the Friday afternoon and Sunday evening traffic.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is one of the best bike paths on the East Coast, with 25 miles of traffic-free cycling.
Provincetown is particularly lively in summer and is one of the best small towns in New England.
Feed Your Summer Plans at The Lineup
Every summer day in Boston needs great food and good vibes. If you’re looking to fuel your summer in the city, Boston’s favorite food hall has everything you need. Whether you’re fueling up with coffee before a trip to the Harbor Islands, grabbing a salad after the MFA, or winding down with pizza and smashburgers after a Sox game, The Lineup is right in the middle of it all.
Led by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, The Lineup brings together several distinct culinary concepts under one roof, each designed with the same commitment to quality and craft that you’d expect from a Michelin kitchen — without the white tablecloths or the sticker shock.
Boston Summer FAQs
What are the best things to do in Boston this summer?
Boston’s summer calendar is packed, but some highlights include the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth of July, free concerts at the Hatch Shell, whale watching from the harbor, exploring the Boston Harbor Islands, catching a Red Sox game at Fenway, and hitting any of the excellent weekend open markets in the South End or SoWa arts district. There are plenty of Boston summer attractions and events — you’ll never lack plans for something fun.
What are the summer months in Boston?
Officially, summer in Boston runs from June through August, though the city’s outdoor event season typically starts in late May with Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day in early September. The peak of summer falls in July and August.
How hot does Boston get in the summer?
Boston summer weather is warm but not extreme. Average high temperatures in July and August typically range from the mid-to-upper 80s Fahrenheit (around 29–32°C). Heat waves do happen (a few days each summer will push into the 90s), but they’re not common. If you’re spending evenings out in Boston in the summer, the weather cools down, so make sure to plan appropriately. We do also get plenty of rainy days in the summer, so make sure to check out the best things to do in Boston when it rains.
Is Boston humid in the summer?
Yes, Boston has a humid continental climate, and summer humidity is real. July and August can feel muggy, particularly during heat waves or after rain. That said, the city’s proximity to the ocean means sea breezes frequently provide relief, and early mornings and evenings are almost always pleasant. The Harbor Islands, in particular, are noticeably cooler and breezier than inland areas.
What is there to do in Boston when it's really hot?
Boston's temperatures in the summer can rise into the 90s. So on the hottest days, head to the water. The Boston Harbor Islands have ocean breezes and swimming beaches. Revere Beach and Carson Beach are great options, and Crystal Lake in Newton offers pristine freshwater swimming. If you’d rather stay cool indoors, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the New England Aquarium are all excellent air-conditioned options. The Rings Fountain on the Greenway is a great free option for kids (and adventurous adults).
How should I pack for summertime in Boston?
When it comes to what to wear in Boston in the summer months, I’ll give you one word of advice: layers. Days can be warm, but evenings (especially near the water) cool down quickly, so a light jacket or long-sleeved layer is almost always smart. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Boston is a city for walking, and you’ll cover miles without realizing it. Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are non-negotiables, especially if you’re headed to outdoor summer events in Boston.