10 Things To Do In Boston When You Thought You’d Done Everything
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Juliet White
Author
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.
Fairbanks House, 511 East St, Dedham, MA 02026, USA
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.
Alibi, 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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.
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Nantucket Lighthouse School, 1 Rugged Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
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.
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Warren Anatomical Museum, Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, 10 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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.
Discover more about one of the most unique things to do around Boston in our previous coverage.
TreeTop Adventures, 200 New Boston Dr, Canton, MA 02021, USA
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.
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Haunted Boston Ghost Tour, 106 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
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.
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!
Urban Park (UP) roof garden, 325 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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.
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Island Creek Oysters, 403-9 Washington St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
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.
Natick, MA, USA
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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More to Explore
Unique Things to do Around Boston
What are some hidden gems in Boston to grab a bite to eat?
After you've checked out some of the best places to visit, take a look at these hidden gems in Boston when you want to grab a bite to eat.
- Galleria Umberto’s Rosticceria: Travel to Boston's North End for the legendary pizza sold in this charming Italian neighborhood.
- Grotto in Beacon Hill: You'll have to head underground to chow on a scrumptious meal served at this unassuming Boston restaurant.
- Clay Pot Café in Chinatown: This is the place to go for a hearty and authentic Chinese meal served with an array of meat and rice.
- Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe in South End: Although in a trendy neighborhood, this under-the-radar eatery has been serving hearty dishes since 1927.
Feel free to check out our Unique Restaurant & Local Hidden Gems in Massachusetts guide too.
What are some of the most unique places in Boston?
Along with what you just learned, here are some of the most unique places in Boston:
- The Skinny House: Located in the North End, this strange site stands at four stories. It's also the skinniest of its kind in Boston.
- The Ray and Maria Stata Center: The next you're on MIT's campus, take in this unique whimsical building designed by Frank Gehry.
- The Mapparium: Kids of all ages will delight in this three-story structure of the earth. Head to the Mary Baker Eddy Library to experience it for yourself.
Check out some of the weirdest places to visit in Massachusetts as well.