Boston is a beautiful city that blends the past and the present. As you stroll through the city, you will discover a mixture of old architecture and modern developments. If you are a thrill seeker, an art lover, a history lover, or a food connoisseur, Boston has lots of fun places you can visit.
The city is well known for sites such as the Boston Public Garden, the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Common, the Beacon Hill, and the North End. However, Boston also offers other fun experiences that only a few people are aware of. Below, we will cover the unique experiences in Boston that you should discover.
1. Stargazing at the Boston University Observatory
Since 1967, Boston University has held the Public Open Night at the Observatory. This event allows people to observe the night skies through advanced telescopes and learn more about astronomy.
The event is held on Wednesday evenings throughout the year. To attend the Public Open Night, you need to get a ticket. Fortunately, the tickets are free.
2. Exploring Maritime History at the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum, a non-profit institution incorporated in 1972, is located at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. When you visit the museum, you experience a journey into American maritime history.
You will also encounter the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest naval vessel afloat today, and learn about the adventures of the sailors who spent their time in it.
3. Taking a Thrilling Boat Ride in Boston Harbour
If you are an adrenaline enthusiast, the thrilling boat ride in Boston Harbour is a must-do. In this activity, you will board a high-speed boat called Codzilla and be taken around Boston Harbour.
Codzilla’s well-trained crew allows tourists to enjoy fast and intense manoeuvres. If you have an underlying health condition that the ride could aggravate, this activity may not be for you.
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4. Taking Sailing Lessons with a Group
If you and your friends have been admiring the sailors’ lifestyle for a long time, Boston will offer you an opportunity to experience what it’s like being a sailor. Various institutions around Boston offer sailing lessons. The institutions provide beginner and advanced courses and allow you to rent a boat for your adventures.
If you are looking for something rarely found in other places, then this is most definitely one of the most unique experiences in Boston at your disposal.
5. Visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is not your ordinary museum. It is a unique art museum showcasing an eclectic collection of fine and decorative arts, including paintings, sculptures, and rare books. The facility lacks conventional labels, as the founder intended you to find your own meanings as you stroll through it.
You are required to download audio guides and maps that you’ll use during your time in the museum. You can ask the volunteers with “Ask Me” tags for directions if you are lost.
6. Dining on a Sunset Lobster Clambake at Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island offers a public park with a beach, panoramic views of the Boston Harbour, and hilly hiking trails. The island is accessible by boat and ferry all year round. If you enjoy trying out new food, you can take on the island’s lobster clambake as you watch the sunset. After the meal, you can play lawn games, walk on the beach, or just sit and enjoy the ocean breeze.
7. Discovering Unique Art at the Museum of Bad Art
The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) is home to a collection of art that may not be welcomed in conventional art museums. You will find what art critics may consider bad art in this museum.
This means that the art pieces you’ll find in this museum may not be found in any other art museum. Since the museum is located in the Dorchester Brewing Company, visiting the museum offers you an opportunity to try homemade wine, cider, craft beers, and seltzer.
8. Exploring the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library
If you enjoy learning about history and stories from different places around the globe, you should definitely visit the Mary Baker Eddy Library. Inside the library, you’ll find the iconic Mapparium globe that walks you through stories about people around the world who have made a difference in their communities.
9. Camping Under the Stars at Peddocks Island
Peddocks Island offers multiple sites for camping. All you need is your camping gear and good company. During your camping trip, you can light a fire and share stories with your friends while enjoying the open skies.
10. Reliving History at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offers a history lesson like no other. In the museum, you will get an opportunity to relive the moments that changed American history through a unique experience that involves interactive exhibits, live actors, and replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. During your time here, you will get to observe and be part of the tradition of tossing tea into the harbour.
11. Taking Lighthouse Tours on Boston Harbour Islands
In this two-hour cruise, volunteers from the United States Coast Guard and the Boston Harbour Islands park staff will take you through history and teach you about the maritime traditions of Boston Harbour. During the tour, you will encounter three iconic lighthouses: Graves Light, Long Island Light, and Boston Light.
12. Joining Whale Watching Cruises
If you enjoy watching videos about deep sea creatures, this is an opportunity for you to have a first-hand experience of sea life. During the cruise, you will encounter different whale species, sea birds, dolphins, and many other marine animals very few people have had a close encounter with.
13. Attending a Live Performance at the Wang Theatre
The Wang Theatre allows you to experience live dance, opera, comedy, Broadway musicals, family entertainment, and more. Grab your favorite snacks and prepare to be fully entertained.
14. Visiting Fenway Park for a Historic Baseball Experience
If you are not a baseball fan, Fenway Park’s baseball experience will turn you into one. Fans flock to this century-old ballpark to cheer their favorite teams as they enjoy beer and hot dogs. Apart from games, you will also get a guided tour around the stadium.
15. Exploring Boston’s Hidden Gardens on a Walking Tour
Boston’s hidden gardens thrive in places with limited space and sunlight, making them unique. These gardens enhance Boston’s architecture, making it look outstanding. Besides experiencing the unique gardens, the walking tour allows you to explore Boston’s lovely neighbourhoods.
Takeaway: Discover Unique Experiences in Boston by Engaging in Fun Activities
Boston is a lively city with plenty of lovely places to visit. Whether you like watching the stars, exploring marine life, learning about history, or camping, there are a lot of unique experiences in Boston that you will live to remember.
If you are a high school student who wants to spend more time in Boston learning about its history and culture, you can enrol in our Boston Summer School. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to expand their network, visit historic landmarks, explore renowned museums and galleries, take boat tours, and visit world-famous universities.