1. Take a stroll through the parks
This Memorial Day, visit the Boston Common to witness the Memorial Day Flag Garden, where each of the 37,000+ flags that are planted by the Massachusetts Military Heroes represents every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War. The flags are located at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
While you are visiting take a ride on Boston Common’s most popular summer attraction for young families, the Frog Pond Carousel, or take a walk across the street and take in the beauty of the Boston Public Garden and take a ride on Boston's Swan Boats!
You can also visit the flag garden at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in the Seaport District at 85 Northern Ave. The Memorial stands tall in Seaport Common and serves as a public space for reflection and remembrance of those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom in the Global War on Terrorism since September 11th, 2001.
2. Discover Boston's history with a self-guided walking tour
Take in Boston’s history by exploring America's Walking City! Begin with a tour of the Black Heritage Trail which explores the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community who primarily lived on the north slope of Beacon Hill. Or follow the route of Boston's first Gay Pride March, The Boston Equality Trail, that offers information about different services, community organizations, issues, and individuals related to this route. Learn about the Women's Heritage Trail, recalling the remarkable stories of women whose lives and achievements have enriched the city of Boston for almost four centuries or walk along the Freedom Trail, which covers 16 historical sites of the American Revolution. Walk in the footsteps of Irish immigrants and their descendants along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail. Learn about Irish-American sculptors, poets, veterans, and politicians - such as John F. Kennedy and James Michael Curley. Explore iconic neighborhoods and landmarks and discover why Boston is a hub of history, culture, and innovation.
3. Explore the Arts in Boston
Boston is filled with incredible art ready to be discovered. Explore outdoor arts in Boston on your next socially distanced walk around the city! Or visit one of Boston's many museums; timed tickets are still available at the Institute of Contemporary Art, where you can enjoy free admission on Memorial Day.
Discover why Boston truly is a music city this Memorial Day weekend at Boston Calling! The annual three-day music festival showcases more than 50 performances across multiple stages, including headliners like the Foo Fighters, The Lumineers and Paramore, and over 20 acts with local ties to New England.
For a more intimate music scene, check out live music at The Beehive, City Winery, Wally's, or Scullers.
4. Enjoy Boston by water
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Boston Harbor, the beautiful Charles River, or take a trip to Provincetown. Boston Harbor City Cruise offers several options for a memorable day. Choose from a romantic sunset cruise, a historic sightseeing cruise that takes you back to the Revolutionary War, or set sail for the ultimate whale watching experience.
Join a narrated sightseeing tour by land and water with Boston Duck Tours! This tour will take you by the Boston Common, around Beacon Hill, and into the Charles River where you can get a spectacular view of Boston and Cambridge. Or take a cruise outside the city and take a trip to Provincetown by Bay State Cruise Company, Inc. enjoy the beautiful beaches, tasty foods, and more!
5. Shop at outdoor pop-up markets
Photo Courtesy of Seaport
Explore your creative side by taking a stroll through SoWa Art + Design District a vibrant community of artist studios, contemporary art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and more. While you're in the area be sure to visit The SoWa Open Market, one of the largest open-air farmer and artist markets in Boston. Take a train ride to Cambridge and make a stop at Popportunity, where you can get to know Central Squares' newest small businesses.
If you are looking for locally sourced produce, we have plenty of Farmers Markets in Boston that will have what you need. Head to the Boston Public Market where everything sold is produced or originates in New England. For more fresh produce visit Copley Square Farmer's Market, one of the largest farmers markets in Massachusetts.
6. Explore Boston's diverse Neighborhoods
Each Boston neighborhood tells its own story, a tale of community, culture, and eclectic commercial areas. Spend a day discovering ethnic culinary offerings and the multitude of diverse storefronts and local businesses that collectively create an authentic Boston experience.
Boston’s Chinatown is one of the city’s smallest yet most vibrant neighborhoods. Chinatown’s location—at a geographic crossroads within Boston—has shaped its legacy and contributed to its character.
7. Foodie Fun
Photo courtesy of Lola42
Outdoor dining is back! Sidewalk, patio, and rooftop dining beckons all – all season long. Enjoy the expansive outdoor patio at Time Out Market Boston in Fenway where you can find 12 culinary favorites, a locally-inspired bar program, and cultural activities and pop-ups. High Street Place, another modern food hall with 17 high quality food and beverage vendors, also features outdoor patio dining.
Spring is a great time to visit a brewery, beer garden or wine garden as the weather warms up. Venture out to the North End, packed with Italian culture and outdoor options for authentic Italian cuisine.
8. Catch a game at Fenway Park
Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox
Enjoy a singular Boston experience by visiting the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Tour the ballpark and take in a game. No trip to Boston is complete without seeing the Boston Red Sox take the field in the Fens.
9. Nightlife
Indulge in the excitement of the stunning Encore Boston Casino and their outdoor Harborwalk. You can also visit Plainridge Casino which is located 40 minutes south of Boston. Laugh your way through the evening by catching a show at Laugh Boston, in Boston's Seaport District. While you are in the area, throw some darts at Flight Club Boston or knock some pins down at Kings Dining and Entertainment.
10. Go Beyond Boston
Head west of Boston by car or rail to visit to Lexington and Concord, charming colonial towns with rich literary and Revolutionary War Era history. The Lexington Visitors Center offers Liberty Ride tickets and Battle Green walking tours complete with costumed guides who share the events that occurred on this hallowed ground over 240 years ago, at the very start of the American Revolution. Or head north by car to Salem, the "witch city" of 17th-century lore, where you can also visit the Peabody Essex Museum and of course the Salem Witch Museum.
Top Memorial Day Events
- Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Boston Common
- Recurring daily
Home Base and Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund invite you to help create Boston’s iconic Memorial Day Flag Garden tribute. Each of the 37,000+ American flags planted at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument this Memorial Day will represent every brave Massachusetts service member…
Museums & Attractions
Home to world-renowned museums, storied sports stadiums, star-studded concert venues, and distinguished performance theaters, you'll find what you're looking for in Boston.
Walking Trails & Tours
Retrace the steps of Boston's first Gay Pride March, uncover the stories of a thriving colonial-era black community, walk in the footsteps of Irish immigrants, or discover Boston's innovative spirit. Check out Boston's top walking tours.