7 Best Things To Do In Quincy, Massachusetts

1. Discover the history behind the old dusty ships at United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum

If you are a naval ship enthusiast, then your first stop should be United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum. This is a non-profit museum located in Quincy, Massachusetts. It showcases the USS Salem (CA-139), USS Newport News (CA-148), and the USS Saint Paul (CA-73). You can also find other smaller exhibits and a substantial ship collection within the museum. If you are looking to explore and learn about the military history of the country, particularly of Massachusetts, then the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum is the place to be.

United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum

Address: 549 South St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum

2. Soak in the tranquility of Quincy Quarries Reservation

The Quincy Quarries Reservation was originally produced over a century ago. This is located in an old site, Granite Railway, which we now know as the very first railroad in the entire United States of America. Currently, Quincy Quarries Reservation is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. If you’ve been paying attention, Quincy Quarries Reservation is the exact same site where they shot the movie “Gone Baby Gone,” which was first aired in 2007. It was also one of the locations where the movie “The Invention of Lying,” which was released in 2009, was shot. These quarries represent a nuclear waste dump in the post-apocalyptic game, Fallout 4. Whether you want to see this Quincy tourist destination because you like history or because of pop culture, visiting this location is always a must if you’re visiting Quincy.

Quincy Quarries Reservation

Address: Ricciuti Dr, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: Quincy Quarries Reservation

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Soothe your soul at the serene United First Parish Church

On another note, if you are visiting Quincy for a more religious purpose, then United First Parish Church should be first on your list. This is a must-see if you’re visiting Massachusetts. There are tours that talk more about the history and life of John and Abigail Adams, as well as their children and the children of their children. As part of the tour, you get to see the crypt where John Adams’, as well as John Quincy Adams’, ruins lie. Visiting the United First Parish Church is both moving and somber. Do keep in mind that since the United First Parish Church is separate from Adams Historical National Park, an amount will be asked as donation.

United First Parish Church

Address: 1306 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: United First Parish Church

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Price: Donations encouraged

4. Delve into the local history at Quincy Historical Society

The Quincy Historical Society is another travel destination that is filled with more historical facts about the city of Quincy, Massachusetts. Here, you get to learn everything there is to know about the events that happened in the United States of America about 400 years ago. The history of the Adamses, as well as their efforts to make and establish the country we now know today. Moreover, you get to learn about some of America’s richest and most powerful families centuries ago. There are a number of exhibitions in the Quincy Historical Society where you get to learn about the city’s history, home of John and Abigail Adams, as well as of John Quincy Adams, including their contributions to American life.

Quincy Historical Society

Address: 8 Adams St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: Quincy Historical Society

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 3 USD (suggested donation)

5. Tour the rejuvenating Hancock Adams Common

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If there is one thing you should never miss while visiting Quincy, Massachusetts, is that you must not miss the tours that the city offers, particularly, the tour at Hancock Adams Common. Hancock Adams Common is an amazing tribute to the history of the city. It pays homage to the Adamses and their contributions to the country. Here, you’ll find some statues, walkways, and fountains, each with historical facts inscribed on them. The best part about this is that it is a beautiful place located on a busy corner of the city. You can sit here on one of your lazy afternoons in the city.

Hancock Adams Common

Address: Unnamed Road, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: Hancock Adams Common

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Awaken the history buff in you at Adams National Historical Park

Adams National Historical Park was once a simple little farm. It begins at the foot of Penn’s Hill and it goes all the way to a gentleman’s country estate at the Peace field. Here, you’ll learn about the history of the city’s heroes and philosophers. As of now, you may have noticed that the people of Quincy, Massachusetts are very much tied to their origins. They highly regard their ancestors for being responsible for the current state of their city. They are thankful for their actions and how it transformed 13 colonies into a single unified nation. If you are planning to visit Adams National Historical Park, do note that you can buy your tickets from 60 days up to 24 hours before the day of your visit.

Adams National Historical Park

Address: 1250 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: Adams National Historical Park

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: From 15 USD

7. Gorge on American delicacies at Fat Cat

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

After those tiring tours around some of the city’s museums and historical parks, you must include in your itinerary a visit to Fat Cat. Fat Cat is one of the locals’ favorite places when dining in. They offer some of the best American delicacies, sinful mac and cheese platters, heaping plates of comfort food, and more. They also serve craft beers and the best of Quincy’s buffalo wings. Their most popular dish is the lobster and crab wrap. Some of their entrees include steak, fish, pasta, and other landmark dishes. The guests’ favorites include fried dill pickle slices and their seafood platter. Don’t forget to try their one-of-a-kind spicy sauce!

Fat Cat

Address: 1495 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02169, United States

Website: Fat Cat

Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)

Planning your trip to Quincy, Massachusetts

In planning your trip to Quincy, be sure to include the hidden gems on this list. There are a number of cool and unusual things to do here. Most of the attractions would feature the history of the city. With this, you get to truly be part of the locals and see how they have honored those who are responsible for setting the foundation of the city. By the end of the day, nothing beats dining and tasting some of the best dishes in Massachusetts with the company of your friends and family.