Boston Harbor

Marinas near Boston Harbor

Transportation

Boston Harbor is accessible by many means of transportation. Logan International Airport offers full commercial services and located just north of the harbor. If you prefer to travel by train or bus, South Station offers Amtrak train service and regional bus service.

Helpful Links

Guide to Visiting Boston

Boston Calendar of Events

Boston Transportation

Introduction

Boston Harbor, located just off the Massachusetts Bay is at the heart of New England’s largest city. Boston, the capital of Massachusetts offers famous historical landmarks, attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Most notable for its rich history, it was the scene of many important events including the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. The city’s landmarks and attractions bring in over 20 million visitors every year. Boston Harbor is the Western Hemisphere's oldest continually active port of commerce.

Boston is considered a world center for higher education with the top universities’ in the world including Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boston has also become a home for technology and engineering with large corporations and over 2,000 startup companies.

History

Boston Harbor was first home to Algonquian tribes including the Wampanoag, Massachuset, and Nauset. They survived hunting and fishing until Europeans came into the area and brought smallpox which led to 90% of the natives dying in the early 1600’s. Shortly after, Puritans seeking religious freedom from England settled around Boston Harbor in 1630. It was then that the area was named Boston after a town in England. Once the Massachusetts Bay Colony was formed, the harbor became an important and busy center of commerce.

Boston Harbor was a scene for many important historical events. In 1765, when the Stamp Act was introduced, the citizens of Boston destroyed the governor’s residence. Later in 1770, the famous Boston Massacre occurred where British soldiers killed city residents. Most notable in 1773, the Boston Tea Party when colonists dumped all of their tea into Boston Harbor and led to the American Revolution. In 1775. Paul Revere famously rode around Boston Harbor warning the area’s citizens.

Today, Boston Harbor has a reputation for economic strength and cultural diversity. Boston will always be America’s most historical city but it still continues to grow in all aspects every year.

Local Notices to Mariners

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Places to Visit

Boston Harbor has many fun and historical nearby attractions.

Here are a few of our favorites nearby Boston Harbor:

• Museum of Fine Arts - 465 Huntington Ave

• Boston Public Garden - 4 Charles Street

• Freedom Trail - 139 Tremont Street

• Boston Common - 139 Tremont Street

• Old Statehouse - 206 Washington Street

Annual Events

March

St. Patrick's Day - Parade, street food, live music & entertainment

July

Harborfest - Country’s largest 4th of July festival

October

Boston Wine Festival - World renowned wine series event with wine and food tastings

Head of Charles Regatta - The world’s largest rowing event

December

Boston Tea Party Reenactment - Annual reenactment of the Boston Tea Party

Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop in Boston

Boston Harbor is surrounded by some of the best shopping and restaurants in New England. Make sure to take full advantage of the local shops and eats during your stay!

Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop nearby Boston Harbor:

• The North End (Little Italy) - Hanover Street

• Newbury Street (Shopping) - Newbury Street

• Prudential Center (Shopping) - 800 Boylston Street

• Copley Place (Shopping) - 100 Huntington Avenue

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Shopping & Food) - 4 South Market Street

• Boston Public Market (Local Food Market) - 100 Hanover Street

• Samuel Adams Brewery (Drinks) - 30 Germania Street