Learn to Sail on the Charles and other Boston, MA Things to Do Tips

If you're in Boston when it's warm, spend a day on the water. Take a sailing lesson at the Community Boating boat house on the Esplanade along the Charles River. You needn't be a resident to take advantage of Boston's great sailing program.

I believe they have a day rate, but I think it may cost almost as much as the 30 day membership, which is $80. It may be a little steep for some, but if you're here for a week or more, it's well worth it! Besides, some people spend that much on just dinner & drinks! Once you've joined, all instruction is free. You can also get a 2-day pass for kayak rental for $50.

You will meet the friendliest people at the boat house who are eager to teach you sailing skills. You can enjoy the skyline, and the beautiful Esplanade, or people-watch as walkers, joggers and roller-bladers glide along the river bank. You might even catch a concert at the Hatch Shell from the boat.

After completing orientation (takes about an hour), you can request informal instruction by putting your name in at the dock house. Experienced sailors voluntarily take students out to show them how to sail. Usually, it's only a short wait before someone agrees to take you out.

If you complete the Rigging class and Shore I class, you can take your solo test (an oral quiz) to sail by yourself on calm days. To sail by yourself when the wind is strong, you need the Shore II class and you need to take the Helmsman test (sailing on the water).

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Phone: 617-523-1038
Address: 21 David Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02114
Directions: On the Charles River, just east of the Hatch Shell.

Take the Red Line to Charles/MGH Station. Walk over the footbridge crossing Storrow Drive to the shore of the Charles. Community Boating will be right in front of you.
Website: http://www.community-boating.org/

If you have kids with you, Museum Wharf is a must. There you will find the Children's Museum and the Computer Museum. I had a hard time dragging my nephew away from the Children's Museum! Even if you don't have the kids with you, the Museum gift shops are great for gift ideas.

In addition to the museums, the Milk Bottle, Au Bon Pain and a deli on the same block on Congress St provide options for lunch on the Wharf. There are several picnic tables outside to enjoy the city skyline while you rest & refresh yourself.

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Directions: Museum Wharf is on Congress St in the Waterfront District. Cross over the Fort Point Channel via the Congress St Bridge, and you're there. You'll know you're there when you see the Milk Bottle.

Take a harbor cruise! There are a number of cruises in the Boston Harbor, departing from Long Wharf, Rowe's Wharf and Boston's World Trade Center.


Mass Bay Lines departs from Rowes's Wharf and has 'A Seafaring Adventure Through Boston's Past.' As you cruise the harbor, actors perform skits and reenact true stories from Boston's past.
For more info, call the Boston History Collaborative at 617-542-8000.

Boston Harbor Cruises departs from Long Wharf and has various cruises in the harbor. You can: Cruise the Harbor Islands; See the USS Constitution; Whale watch at Stellwagen Bank; Cruise at sunset, or choose another themed cruise.
For more info, see their web site at http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/.

One of the classic 'Booze Cruises,' the Spirit of Boston cruises depart from Boston's World Trade Center in the Seaport District. The wait-staff will sing and dance while you dine & drink the night away! See http://www.spiritcruises.com/boston/location.asp for more info.

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Granary Burial Ground

Sam Adams, the Franklin family and several other patriots are buried in this historic cemetary.

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Address: Tremont Street, near the corner of Park St.

Massachusetts State House

Designed by Thomas Bullfinch, the State House was long regarded an architectural masterpiece. Visitors are always welcome inside the building.

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Directions: The State House is located at the top of Beacon Hill, on Beacon Street across from the Common.

The swan boats have long been a tradition in the duck pond in the Public Garden. You can still get a ride for under a dollar.

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Address: Inside Boston's Public Garden.

Boston Common is a place to stroll or sit and relax under a tree. You'll often find preachers and political activists trying to attract an audience to sway their opinions on various issues.

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Directions: The Common is sandwiched between Beacon and Tremont Streets near the State House.

Chinatown is a thriving business district right downtown. There are Asian restaurants & shops galore! There is also a high concentration of textile shops with excellent prices.

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Directions: Between Beech & Essex Streets, adjacent to the Downtown Crossing area & South Station.

The Freedom Trail starts in the Boston Common and ends up at Charlestown near the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. You can walk self-guided by following the red line on the sidewalk or take a guided tour courtesy of the National Parks Service. Pictured here is one of the sights you will see, the Old State House, where the Boston Massacre occurred.

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Phone: 617-227-8800
Directions: Follow the red lines on the sidewalk. Sometimes painted, sometimes red brick. Starts in Boston Common.
Website: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market

The Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market area is a shopper's paradise. Get all of your Boston souvenirs here! The pedestrian shopping area contains four separate buildings filled with unique shops as well as chain stores. Inside the Quincy Market building, you'll find a plethora of ethnic and American foods to satisfy any appetite!

Street performers can often be found here in warmer months both in front of Faneuil Hall and in front of the Quincy Market building.

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