Outdoor Activities
Biking :
One of the best ways to see the nooks crannies of Boston that are notoriously hard to get to by car is by bike. Cyclists can either rent a bicycle and see the sights on their own or opt for a guided tour. Landry’s Bicycles has tours that depart daily and bring cyclists through Boston’s quaint and historic neighborhoods. Landry’s City View tour includes Fenway Park, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Italian North End neighborhood. The Minuteman Bicycle Trail is 11 miles and starts at Cambridge’s Alewife Station. The 18 miles Dr. Paul Dudley White Trail runs along the St. Charles River. Another popular route includes Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the Government Center.
Walking/Running:
For a leisure stroll through 16 historic sites, the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail is a perennial favorite. Boston Back Bay is a beautiful neighborhood with history and ambiance that offers an easy walk through tree-lined streets. It’s no surprise that the home to the Boston Marathon would have a large running community and hundreds of miles of running trails as well. Castle Island/Pleasure Bay located at City Point in South Boston offers views of the Harbor Islands and Logan airport. The causeway located behind the beach is a great path for running or walking. The Charles River pathways are favorites for walking and running.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Boston ‘s proximity to harbors and waterways means ample opportunity to explore the city via kayak and canoe. The Charles River Canoe and Kayak Center offers rentals, lessons, and guided tours. Explorers can rent a 25-foot canoe that can seat up to 11 paddlers. Guides are available to steer the boat and discuss the history and wildlife of the area. The Boston Harbor Inner Islands are another popular kayaking area, offering fifty square miles and views of historic forts and lighthouses. Kayaking the Charles River offers the chance to enjoy nature in an urban environment. This route passes through the Charles River Dam, by the federal courthouse, through the Naval Yard, through Boston ‘s Inner Harbor, and on to Fort Point Channel.
Golf
There are 20 golf courses in the Boston area, including the second oldest public course in the U.S., the William J Devine Golf Course. Also known as the Franklin Park Golf Course, this is where Bobby Jones honed his golf game while attending Harvard University. The Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Municipal Golf Course at Fresh Pond is a nine-hole course that has been voted the number one public course in Boston. The George Wright Golf Course, another municipal course, was designed by famed architect Donald Ross and built-in 1931 and is a past recipient of the “Best of Boston Recreational Golf Facility.”
Fishing
The Massachusetts fisherman is an iconic American image, but visitors to Boston can also enjoy a taste of reeling one in at Boston Harbor. Fishing charters are plentiful, and most supply equipment. Other fishing areas include Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, where striped bass, tuna, and cod are plentiful. For fishers who prefer to stay in one place, Castle Island has a fishing pier, and Jamaica Pond offers freshwater fishing.
Boston Theatres
Boston’s Theatre scene is alive and vibrant, with music, theatre, opera and ballet performing all year round. Boston runs many pre and post-Broadway productions. Boston is home to the internationally recognized Boston Symphony Orchestra and the popular Boston pops, both regular stage performances in the Symphony Hall.
Berklee Performance Centre
This hall seats over 1200 patrons and hosts many international styles of music performances at good prices. 136 Massachusetts Avenue (617 747 2261)
Colonial Theatre
This elaborate, historic theatre is the cities oldest and is a popular venue for pre-Broadway productions. 106 Boylston Street (617 426 9366)
Jordan Hall
Not only does this historic venue host over 450 music concerts a year, but they are also free of charge. Jordan Hall is also famous for being home to the well respected Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. 30 Gainsborough Street (617 536 2412)
Opera House
The Opera House reopened its doors in 2004 after a renovation that restored it to its former glory. This venue not only hosts operas but also has musicals and dramas perform on its stage. 539 Washington Street (617 880 2442)
Shubert Theatre
This smaller theatre stages operas and plays and is home to Boston’s Lyric Opera Company. 265 Tremont Street (617 482 9393)
Wang Center
This palatial theatre has undergone a 10 million restoration in the ’90s and has hosted some of the largest most spectacular musicals ever produced. 270 Tremont Street (617 482 9393)
Boston cinemas
There are plenty of options for catching a flick in Boston. There are the huge multiplex type cinemas as well as some wonderful old world theatres screening cult, classic and foreign films. Most ticket prices are under $10 and some have discount days. Not all cinemas offer student discounts.
AMC Fenway
Modern cinema with surround sound and reclining streets, very popular with students. 401 Park Drive, Fenway (617 424 6266).
AMC Loews Boston Common 19
Features 19 screens showing all the new release blockbusters. 175 Tremont Street (617 423 3499)
AMC Loews Harvard Square
More of the same chain that shows mainstream releases as well as some independent films. 10 Church Street, Harvard (617 864 4580)
Brattle Theatre
You can catch some classic thrillers here and film noir. 40 Brattle Street (617 876 6837)
Coolidge Corner Theatre
An old theatre that screens classic films, independent movies and often has special event screenings. (617 734 2501)
Landmark Kendall Square Cinema
You can catch popular foreign films here and some independent movies as well as mainstream releases. 1 Kendall Square (617 499 1996)
Mugar Omni Theatre
Has Imax screening of space and science-related documentaries, and is located at the Museum of Science complex. Science Park (617 723 2500)
Simons Imax Theatre
If you like your movies on screens that are 6 stories high and are in scary 3D then this is a good option. Central Wharf (617 973 5200)
Somerville Theatre
A classic old theatre that even has a balcony often has special theme screenings. 55 Davis Square (617 625 5700)
Boston Nightlife
Nightlife in Boston is vibrant and varied. If you are looking for loud, headbanging clubs they are here or at the other end of the scale, folk and jazz clubs can be found as well. Most of the late night clubs and bars are in Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain and of course Downtown. Tremont Street and Boylston Street have many entertainment venues. Most live venues charge a cover fee and be prepared to be home tucked up in bed early as most venues close at 2am.
Alley Cat Lounge
It could be the coolest club in town if the lines outside are any indication. It offers Karaoke and music videos. 1 Boylston Place, Boylston. (617 351 7000)
Aria
This is an upmarket dance club, so dress up and expect to spend extra money. 246 Tremont Street, Downtown (617 338 7080)
Avalon
This club has the reputation of being the best dance club in Boston. It attracts the younger set and is often full of 2000 patrons. 15 Landsdowne Street Kenmore Square (617 262 2424)
Big Easy
New Orleans style of a nightclub that offers DJ dancing to the small hours. Boylston Place, Boylston (617 351 7000)
Caprice
Located in the middle of the theatre district, Latin is the theme in this cosmopolitan bar. 275 Tremont Street, Downtown (617 292 0080)
Club Passim
This is very popular due to it’s retaining the Boston mainstay of good live folk music. 47 Palmer Street, Harvard (617 492 7679)
Great Scott
This is a popular venue to catch rock and indie acts live. 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, (617 566 9014)
Liquor Store
If you have been longing to ride the mechanical bull you can do so here, as well as dance the night away on elevated dance floors with poles! 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Harvard (617 547 0759)
Mojitos
This large club has bands that play salsa tunes on one level and the basement caters to the hip hop crowd. 48 Winter Street, Downtown (617 988 8123)
Roxy
Saturday night is a highlight at this club, as it features the Cirque du Roxy complete with tents and a circus theme. 279 Tremont Street, Downtown (017 338 7699)
Sophia’s
Here you will find two floors of dancing, a lounge and a roof deck all with a Latino theme. 1270 Boylston Street (617 351 7001)