Known as “Eastie” in East Boston, Massachusetts, this neighborhood has over 40,000 residents and offers plenty of attractions to everyone. Life here is a celebration, people are always out bowling, watch the game, grab a beer, spending time with family, or go see some live music - in other words, East Boston prioritizes quality time. Perhaps, this town is one of the best places if you are planning for a family reunion or a get-together with friends. Tons of family-friendly parks are available here like Piers Park and LoPresti Park, and of course, you will never truly enjoy real water escapade without visiting the famous New England Aquarium. There are so much on the list, read more as we have listed the best things to do in East Boston, Massachusetts! There are also Vrbo rentals available near Boston Common and along the Boston Waterfront if you feel like staying the night.
1. Move your body at Piers Park
Boasting great views, fitness and wellness area, playground and access to community sailing center area, perhaps, Piers Park is one of the best parks in town. This place is one of the good spots in East Boston to have your morning routines like walking and jogging together with your buddies or your favorite dog. A picnic with your family is a nice idea too, as this place is a wide space for the children and provides a lot of fun-filled activities you can try with them.
Piers Park
Address: 95 Marginal St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: Piers Park
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
2. Wonder and stroll along Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
If you want to relax in the beautiful scenery and experience wildlife, then, a stroll along Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is what you are looking for. It features a green and wide space where you can tag along with your dogs. If you feel hungry, worry not, there’s a superb cafeteria, which serves a selection of good food.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Address: 1399 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
3. Beat the heat at Constitution Beach
Situated in the Harborview section of East Boston, Constitution Beach is a good spot to have some fun with your honey or friends as water escapades here are waiting. This is a “wow” place as this is a man-made crescent-shaped and sandy beach, plus the water is not so cold and has a lot of space for parking. It features a playground, tennis court, and gazebos too.
Constitution Beach
Address: 799 Bennington St Boston, Massachusetts 02128
Website: Constitution Beach
Opening hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm
4. Admire the beauty of Madonna Shrine
Renowned as Boston’s “Madonna, Queen of the Universe Shrine”, faithful Catholic pilgrims all over the world keep on visiting this wonderful shrine. It was built into a hillside, which features a gift shop and great view of Boston skyline, North Shore and Boston Harbor. Yes, this is New England’s tallest statue, which is massive and majestic.
Madonna Shrine
Address:120-150 Orient Ave, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: Madonna Shrine
Opening hours: 24/7
5. Do the slam dunk at LoPresti Park
Call out your buddies and together conquer the ring at LoPresti Park. It is a harbor-front park, which has skyline views, a playground, and a well-spaced basketball court. With more than 2,300 acres (930.8 hectares) of parkland throughout Boston, this place creates a safe, clean, green, and accessible open space to all. If you go for soccer, good news, it has also a soccer field.
LoPresti Park
Address: 33 Sumner St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: LoPresti Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11:30pm (daily)
6. A blast from the past at The Watershed
Experience a large-scale art and discover the interesting shipyard’s history at The Watershed. Situated in a vibrant art scene, this spot in East Boston is really cool for children, as it features video and photo exhibit by ICA teens. What’s more, admission to the Watershed is always free and ferry transportation was included in the admission.
ICA Watershed
Address: 256 Marginal St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: ICA Watershed
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
7. Indulge in a free brewery tour at Downeast Cider House
For those who haven’t tasted cider, great news for you! A free brewery tour at Downeast Cider House is here, which offers a superb brewery tour and sample tasting for free! The staff here is very friendly, plus you’ll get to know the cider process in town. So if you happen or planning to be in East Boston, this must be included in your list.
Downeast Cider House
Address: 256 Marginal St #32, East Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: Downeast Cider House
Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 80 USD onwards
8. Enjoy learning at the Museum of Science
Getting up close and personal with Triceratops fossil, witnessing the Tesla electricity and lightning show, walking among butterflies, and taking a journey inside the human body, yup, what an exciting and learning day you can have, only at the Museum of Science. What’s more exciting, this museum is jam-packed with 700 interactive exhibits, activities, displays, experiment - actually, the list goes on and on.
Museum of Science
Address: Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Website: Museum of Science
Opening hours: Sat -Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm
Price: 23 USD onwards
9. Take sailing lessons at Piers Park Sailing Center
Situated on the waterfront in East Boston, Piers Park Sailing Center is a nonprofit charitable community center, which aims to provide 100% access to educational, recreational, and personal growth opportunities for everyone. And yes, sailing lessons are included. If you aim to feel like a pirate even just a day and enjoy one of many fun outdoor activities you can do here, then, go to Piers Park Sailing Center.
Piers Park Sailing Center
Address: 95 Marginal St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Website: Piers Park Sailing Center
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
10. Explore true water adventure at New England Aquarium
I bet, this tour will not only get you to experience a true water adventure but this tour is the highlight of your East Boston escapade. How do you like a three-hour whale-watching cruise around Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary? Then, you’ll get the chance to discover more than 800 marine life up close and fascinating marine exhibits under one roof at New England Aquarium.
Best things come to those who visit East Boston
With plenty of world-class attractions, parks, culinary scene, friendliest local, and everything you could ask for a memorable getaway, East Boston is the place to be. Offering not only a lot of things to do but also various accommodations like lofts for rent and various Airbnb rentals like luxury Airbnbs and those in and near Jamaica Plain. Yup, best things come to those who visit East Boston.