Things To Do
Charles River Sightseeing Tours
One of our favorite "tourist in our own city" activities! Enjoy a 70-minute, fully-narrated sightseeing tour along the Charles River. Your captain and crew will both entertain and educate while pointing out the historic and cultural sights of Boston and Cambridge. Sights include Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park, the Back Bay, Boston University, M.I.T., Harvard and countless sailboats and rowers!
Boston Public Garden
A must visit park when you're in downtown Boston. The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. Its beautifully landscaped grounds, seasonal flower displays and attractions like the Swan Boats make it a standout destination.
Harvard University
A few stops away on the red line, Harvard campus is one of our favorite places to walk, or run, around. Offers a perfect blend of upscale charm and historical character. Harvard Square also has many cafés, restaurants, and small shops. Running lore may take you the "tempo loop" and you never know who you may spot!
Newbury Street
Newbury Street is a historic one-mile-long street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, famous for its high-end and independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and 19th-century brownstones. We love walking around in the summer and some of our favorite stops include: Pavement Coffee, New Balance, Trident Bookstore, Levain Bakery, Le Labo, Arc'teryx plus many more.
Freedom Trail
A great way to see historic Boston on foot if you are up for it! The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path in Boston that leads visitors to 16 historically significant sites, including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the Paul Revere House, connecting locations of the American Revolution and American history. Can be self guided and as short or long as you want by following the red line on sidewalks or using a map.
The North End- Italian Neighborhood
The North End, Boston’s Little Italy, is a maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings. Italian restaurants, coffeehouses, pastry shops and old-school delis pack the area, especially on lively Hanover Street. One of our favorite restaurants is Tony & Elaine's. We recommend planning ahead and making reservations for any dinners in the North End.
Charles River Running Path
It’s no secret that Boston is one of the best running cities. The Charles River Path is one of the greatest runs in the United States. The river divides Boston and Cambridge, with paths on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. The path runs from Science Park in Boston, all the way to Watertown, Waltham, and Newton. The heart of the path is from Science Park to Harvard University (JFK Bridge). The best way to experience running on the Charles River paths is to plot a “loop”, using one of the many bridge options to cross back over.
Local Museums
Boston offers a rich museum scene, from world-class art at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the unique Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to interactive history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and science at the Museum of Science, plus presidential history at the JFK Library, and unique spots like the MIT Museum, catering to diverse interests in art, science, and American history.
Bluebikes
From Cambridge to Chelsea. Beaconsfield to Beacon Hill and beyond. With more than 5,000 bikes and nearly 600 stations across Metro Boston, riding is a breeze.
Fresh Pond Golf Course
Up for a quick 9? A rather decent municipal course close to the city that we frequent for mid week twilight after work. Rental clubs available. There are MANY more courses in Boston so if you really want to venture outside the city, ask Paul and Jenn!
Restaurants and Cafes
Below is just a sampling of some of our favorite places around Boston and in Cambridge.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
One of our favorite coffee shops for lattes and almond croissants. Great place for a quicker breakfast or lunch. Multiple locations in the area.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
We always find ourselves ordering lunch to go from here on the weekends. This has also become a New Balance office favorite for catered lunches. Worth noting, the breakfast menu is great as well! Multiple locations in the area.
Shy Bird
Our favorite dinner spot when we want something casual and comforting. Additional locations in Southie and Fenway.
Brothers Marketplace
Good range of groceries, prepared meals, and daily necessities.
KAVA neo-taverna
A must if you can. An intimate, sophisticated neighborhood spot for Greek small plates & imported wine & spirits.
MIDA
An Italian-influenced neighborhood restaurant with a focus on wine, Scratch-made plates of pasta, and warm service in a casual setting.
Parish Cafe & Bar
Gourmet sandwiches & craft cocktails invented by local chefs & bartenders, plus ample beer choices.
Life Alive Organic Cafe Kendall Square
Multiple locations in the area. An all-day urban oasis serving organic whole food artfully prepared from scratch.
Si Cara
Good cocktails, wine, wood fired pizza, and salads.
Fresh Boston - Cambridge
Searching for focaccia sandwiches we found this place and added it to our lunch rotation!
More of our favorite places
Pop Up Bagels (Harvard Sq.), Union Square Donuts (many locations), George Howell Coffee, Bluestone Lane Cafe, Sulmona, Gigi, Trillium Fenway...