Summer weekend in Boston
How locals do summer in Boston — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Boston
Fenway Park
FamilyFenway
Catch a Red Sox game inside the country's oldest big-league ballpark.
Boston Common & Public Garden
OutdoorsDowntown
America's oldest public park + swan boats on the lagoon.
Charles River Esplanade
OutdoorsBack Bay
Bike, sail or picnic with the Hatch Shell skyline view.
North End
Food & DrinkNorth End
Boston's Little Italy — pasta, cannoli debates and Saint Anthony's Feast in August.
Where to eat
Mike's Pastry
$Italian bakery · North End
Cannoli to go in the white-and-blue box — Boston rite of passage.
Toro
$$$Spanish tapas · South End
Ken Oringer's grilled-corn classic and standing-room paella nights.
Neptune Oyster
$$$New England seafood · North End
Lobster roll (hot or cold?) — no reservations, 90-min wait.
Oleana
$$$Mediterranean / Turkish · Cambridge
Ana Sortun's mezze and back-garden patio.
Saltie Girl
$$$Seafood · Back Bay
Tinned fish bar and a fried-lobster BLT to dream about.
Live & on stage
Boston Calling
Harvard Athletic Complex · May 22–24 · Indie / Pop
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Hatch Shell · Jul 4 · Symphony / Free
First Night Boston
Copley Square · Dec 31 · New Year's
Newport Folk Festival (RI)
Fort Adams State Park · Jul 24–26 · Folk
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Boston Common & Public Garden, Fenway Park, North End. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Boston and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.