Boston’s Top 10 : Waterfront Areas – Top 10 Views

The Esplanade

Provided
the Charles River Basin has not frozen over, collegiate rowing crews,
canoeists, small sailboats, and the occasional coast guard patrol all
share the waters off the Esplanade. Find a bench facing the water and
take in the scene.

Castle Island Reservation

Connected
to the mainland via an earthen causeway and crowned by the c.1851 Fort
Independence, Castle Island is New England’s oldest continually
fortified site ). Aside from exploring the fort’s bunkers and tunnels, visitors can take in fine panoramic views of Boston Harbor.

• 38 Taylor St, Dorchester

• 617 727 5290

Constitution Beach

Views
of Downtown don’t get much better than those from this recently
revitalized beach and park area in East Boston. A clean beach, picnic
areas, and lifeguards make this a favorite with families.

• Bennington St, East Boston

Fort Point Channel

One
of Boston’s most intriguing areas, Fort Port has lured local artists to
the neighborhood with affordable studio space in old warehouse
buildings. Open studios in May and October and seasonal sales offer a
peek inside plus bargains on artwork. The artists’ buildings count the
$300 million Federal Courthouse among their neighbors.

Fish Pier

By
1926 – 12 years after its construction – the Greco-Roman style
Commonwealth Pier (aka Fish Pier) had become the world’s busiest and
largest fish market. The day’s catch is still brought to the
early-morning market here. Sample some of it in hearty chowders at the
legendary No Name Restaurant.

Long Wharf

The
modern Marriott Hotel masks Long Wharf’s near 300 years of
indispensability to Boston’s merchant industry. Given its deep frontage
and proximity to waterfront warehouses, the biggest ships of their day
could dock here. Today, ferry services and cruise vessels depart from
the wharf, creating a spirited dock scene.

Rowes Wharf

Framed by the colossal atrium of the Boston Harbor
Hotel, Rowes Wharf is a popular docking spot for the high-end harbor
cruise outfits and is a luxurious contrast to the city’s grittier,
saltier working docks. The hotel sponsors free concerts and film
screenings on summer evenings.

Christopher Columbus Park

Featuring
an Italian marble sculpture of the seafaring Genoan, Christopher
Columbus Park is among the North End’s best-kept secrets. Vine-encrusted
arches, manicured gardens, and sweeping harbor and skyline views make
this a place to linger.

Puopolo Park

North
End’s Puopolo Park boasts supreme frontage on the harbor, looking out
toward Charlestown. On warm days, the neighborhood’s old guard enjoy a
game of bocce (bowls). Nearby, kids play baseball or splash around in
the outdoor pool.

Charles River Locks & Dam

The
Charles River Dam controls water levels in the basin below and
maintains separation of the river from the harbor. An ingenious series
of locks permit boats to pass from one body of water to the other. Call
for tour schedule.

• 617 626 1250

Prudential Skywalk

Jaw-dropping panoramic views from a 50th-floor observatory. S

Longfellow Bridge

The entire Charles River Basin becomes your oyster on the “T” between Kendall and Charles/MGH stops.

Bunker Hill Monument

Climb to the capstone to see all of Charlestown, Cambridge, and Boston laid out before you. 

Spirit of Boston Cruises

Ply the harbor waters and enjoy unrivaled city views.

• World Trade Center

• 617 748 1499

Charlestown Bridge

Splendid harbor and Downtown vistas.

John J. Moakley Courthouse Park

This beautiful waterfront park has fine views of the towering Financial District.

Hyatt Regency Cambridge

Gaze across the Charles River from the hotel’s Zephyr Lounge.

• 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge

• 617 492 1234

Weeks Foot Bridge

Prime spectator spot during the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Dorchester Heights Monument

This colonial-style spire offers dizzying views of the city from its cupola.

Harborside Hyatt Hotel

The Hyatt’s Harborside Grill and Lounge boasts panoramic Boston views.

• 101 Harborside Drive, East Boston

• 617 568 1234