10 Things to do for the Best Staycation in Boston
Oh, what to do in the summer? Short of grand vacation plans, might we suggest a stay-cation? We love stay-cations because it's not only great for your budget, but it also allows for a truly low-stress and refreshing break.
Here are 25 cool things that we would do if we were having a stay-cation. And just so you know, 'we' are a team of locals who knows how to have fun without ever leaving town:
1. The Museums! Even for locals, the MFA, Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, the New England Aquarium and deCordova Sculpture Museum are all great to visit on the regular for their changing exhibits. Why travel if the world comes to you? Also, your local library will likely have free museum tickets if you book ahead.
2. Enjoy Nature! Boston is home to some beautiful walking and easy-hiking trails. Take a stroll in the Boston Public Garden, then keep going along the Esplanade to enjoy the view by Charles River. Another gorgeous patch of nature is in the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Not only are the gardens meticulous, but their orchid and bonsai houses are open year round. You can even bring your dog or your bike to the Arboretum! Check out The Minuteman Park and read the plaques along the paths to learn about the Revolutionary War. Dogs and bikes are welcome here as well!
3. Do the touristy things! Why not see the town from the viewpoint of a tourist? Duck tours, Charles River Boat tour and fresh seafood are great fun, for locals or tourists alike. Walk along the bustling Newbury street and check out the latest eateries or fashion brands. If you like window-shopping, Newbury street on a weekday (without the weekend crowds), is quite a treat! Besides high fashion, Newbury is also dotted with ice-cream parlors, bubble tea shops and bakeries. Our latest favorite is Beard Papa, a cream puff destination. Make sure you get multiple flavors because they're all great and the light puffs don't feel heavy so you can down as many as you like!
4. Go on water! Boston is home to many small and large waterways. The Charles River is dotted with boat rentals for kayaking, paddle boarding, pontoon boats, electric boat or go big and rent a sailing boat with a crew and captain. You also don't have to travel far to get to a proper beach at Revere Beach, or take a ferry and check out Spectacle Island, Castle Island or the Boston Harbor Islands.
5. Learn something new. Always wanted to learn how to arrange flowers, knit, crochet, or sew? Do you miss doing a favorite art like watercolor, air-dried clay? Perhaps you'd like to try something new like basket weaving, tufting, resin art, pressed floral art? Head over to Studio by Garden Streets, Boston's largest arts & crafts studio at the CambridgeSide mall (2nd floor). They have lots of workshops (make sure you book at least 24 hours in advance). Or plan a leisure day dedicated to creativity and hang out at their Walk-in Studio where lots and lots of fun projects and board games await! Their friendly staff is always on hand to help. Go with friends and ask for the Table Rate (good for up to 4 or 6 depending on activity).
6. Go on a world culinary tour! Boston has some amazing offerings for the worldly eater. Check out North End for authentic Italian cuisine, Pho Pasteur (Vietnamese) in Chinatown, Ariana's (Afgani), Oliviera's Steak House (Brazilian BBQ) in Somerville, Wori (Korean) in Arlington and Sichuan Gourmet (Chinese) in Burlington.
7. Historic Boston. Boston is home to many historic sites that are worth checking out if you haven't yet. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum has interactive exhibits, live reenactments, and a tour of authentically restored tea ships. Tour the USS Constitution Museum which honors the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Walk the Freedom Trail.
8. Local Breweries. Boston is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering tours and tastings. Samuel Adams (beer) is headquartered in Jamaica Plain and gives regular tours. Lamplight brewery (beer) in Cambridge is packed regularly. There are also quite a few distilleries!
9. Music, shows and theatre! The Boston Symphony Orchestra is renowned and so is the Symphony Hall that they perform in. Blue Man Group is always entertaining. Check out the Citizens Bank Opera House for live musicals and plays! Improv Asylum has live screenings of standup acts and open mic nights!
10. Spend time with friends and family. Have a picnic, catch a movie, attend a crafting workshop or simply go for a walk. Spending time with friends and family is free yet priceless!
We hope you have a wonderful summer and that you'll come to visit us at Studio by Garden Streets!
