Even people who’ve never been to Boston can list our city’s most popular attractions. But, after you’ve walked the Freedom Trail, watched a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, visited Faneuil Hall, and been for a spin on a duck boat, you may be wondering what else there is to do here in this historical city. Don't fret, we've got you covered. So, whether you’re a long-term resident or just passing through, here are 10 unique things to do around Boston when you're looking for something different to do.
1. Travel back in time.
If you’ve already reenacted the Boston Tea Party, try visiting the oldest wood-framed house in North America. The Fairbanks House in Dedham looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Dating back to 1637, it has none of the conveniences of modern life, like running water, heating, or electricity. This provides a more accurate picture of life in centuries gone by and hence makes it one of the
best places to visit near Boston.
2. Spend some time in the drunk tank!
This is probably one of the only drunk tanks where you don’t have to dry out! Alibi, a fun, jailhouse-themed bar, (and one of the most unique places in Boston) is located inside the Liberty Hotel. Before being converted into a hotel, this building was the Charles Street Jail, and Alibi was installed in the old drunk tank.
3. Climb aboard a floating lighthouse!
Lightships are vessels that function as lighthouses in places where it wouldn’t be practical to build a traditional lighthouse. The biggest of these, the Nantucket Lightship LV-112, served for 39 years and is currently docked at the Boston Harbour Shipyard & Marina in East Boston. See what living conditions were like on this National Historic Landmark by taking a tour (between April and October or by appointment during the remainder of the year). When you visit, I'm sure you'll agree that this is one of the best places to visit near Boston.
4. Marvel at the Warren Anatomical Museum.
When it's not so nice outside, you may be looking for indoor entertainment. If so, the Warren Anatomical Museum is definitely a thought-provoking place to visit. Harvard professor and surgeon Dr. John Collins Warren donated his collection of 15,000 specimens to the university, and this museum of medical oddities is the result. Exhibits include the skull of Phineas Gage, a railroad employee who suffered an accident in which a massive iron rod went through his head. Gage lived on for several years and his case helped us to better understand the functions of the human brain.
Discover more about one of the most
unique things to do around Boston in our previous coverage.
5. Climb to new heights at an adventure park.
TreeTop Adventures is an aerial park in Canton where you can climb and zipline your way through the forest. With varying levels of difficulty, this is one of the best places to visit near Boston and an experience that the whole family can enjoy.
6. Take a ghost tour.
You may think you know Boston, but you’ll see a whole other side of the city on a ghost tour. These tours blend creepy stories with actual history, giving you an engaging and informative experience. Haunted Boston Ghost Tours is one option for when you're looking for unique things to do around Boston.
7. Tour a chocolate factory
Have your very own Willy Wonka experience at the Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville. As one of the tastiest hidden gems in Boston, If you love chocolate as much as I do, I guarantee you'll have a sweet experience!
8. Unwind in a sky-high garden.
Have you heard of the Cambridge Center Roof Garden? Situated on top of a parking garage in Kendall Square, this hidden gem serves as an urban oasis, complete with benches and even ping pong! You can access one of the most charming unique places in Boston via an elevator at street level.
9. Drift away to an oyster farm.
You probably think of Island Creek Oysters as a delectable dining option, but did you know that the company also allows visitors at their oyster farm? If you love oysters as much as I do, head out to Duxbury Bay on a skiff and relax in the sun while an expert tells you all about oyster production. After that, the only thing left to do is to stuff yourself silly with oysters during your time at one of the best places to visit near Boston.
10. View a real Enigma machine and spy gear! - Editor's Note - This museum is now permanently closed.
The International Museum of World War II in Natick has the most comprehensive collection of World War II documents and artifacts on the planet! From Enigma machines and spy gear (pictured) to propaganda, you could spend hours absorbing information from the exhibits here. Visits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Fridays and Saturdays, and at other times by appointment. You’ll need to bring your ID and sign a waiver before you enter.
Do you have any lesser-known attractions to add to this list? What fascinating hidden gems do you love to visit in Boston? Let us know in the following comments section.
In addition to checking out the destinations you just learned about, take a look at our guide to unique staycation ideas. Here, you'll find helpful resources and suggestions for more fun things to do with your family.
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