Boston’s Fort Point and Seaport district is an exciting area in the city, with a vibrant food scene, innovative galleries, and a great selection of craft beers.
Flour Bakery and Cafe
Located near the Boston Children’s Museum and just off bustling Congress Street, you'll find the delightful Flour Bakery and Cafe. Originally a management consultant, founder Joanne Chang traded in spreadsheets for cakes and cookies to become a pastry chef. In 2000, she opened her first bakery-cafe in Boston’s South End, followed by a second in Fort Point in 2007. The goal for each of these four locations is to become a beloved part of the neighborhood. The motto at Flour Bakery and Cafe is "Make life sweeter ... eat dessert first!" – a philosophy that's easy to embrace. With an array of tempting treats, like the famous sticky buns with caramel and pecans ($3.50), the delectable chocolate melt macaroons ($1.75), and the satisfying carrot cake with cream cheese frosting ($5.50), it may take a while to decide on just one. Trust us, they are all worth it!
12 Farnsworth Street, flourbakery.com. Open Monday-Friday 7am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm.
Trillium Brewing Company
Photo credit: Trillium Brewing Facebook page
At Trillium Brewing Company, a family-owned brewing company, you can enjoy the tasting hours by leaning against their impressively solid bar and savoring up to three samples of their superb ales, all brewed right on the premises. If you find a favorite among our recommendation – the Belgian-style house IPA, the tropical-slanted Dry Stack Batch, or the robust yet velvety Pot & Kettle porter – you can purchase a glass or take some home in bottles or growlers. This tasting room has been open for 18 months, even though the building was acquired four years ago. To make way for it, the site had to be cleared of soil leftover from Boston’s public works highway project. An interesting local touch is that the wood for the solid bar was donated by a nearby establishment.
369 Congress Street, trilliumbrewing.com. Tasting room hours are Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-7.30pm, Friday midday-7.30pm, and Saturday midday-6pm.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Photo credit: Robert Hull
For a family-friendly activity with some American revolutionary flair, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum situated on Fort Point Channel. After an impressive renovation, the museum reopened in June 2012, offering hour-long group tours led by actors dressed in 18th-century attire. The tour provides an entertaining yet informative portrayal of the city's frustration with "taxation without representation" under King George III. It vividly explains why, on the night of December 16, 1773, Bostonians expressed their anger by throwing crates of tea overboard from ships. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the museum's cafe and gift shop, which sell tea that remains undamaged from the historical event. As part of an annual re-enactment, the city has expanded the spectacle with a waterfront viewing area that now requires tickets. If you're interested, the InterContinental Boston hotel, which overlooks the museum, offers Tea Party packages starting at $299.
306 Congress Street, +1 617 338 1773, bostonteapartyship.com. Open daily during winter/spring from 10am-4pm, and during summer/autumn from 10am-5pm. Online tickets cost $22.50 for adults and $13.50 for kids.
ograph: Alamy
When it opened in December 2006 in a prime Seaport spot with views of the harbour and the financial district skyline, the ICA was the first new art institution built in the city in nearly 100 years. The gallery/museum – designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro – keeps a fresh focus, too, with exhibitions and projects from artists including Ragnar Kjartansson, Adriana Varejão and Christina Ramberg, and in displaying work in a range of media. It organises group visits, offers regular free tours and film nights, puts on music events and talks, and has a superb resources room with a superlative view. Inside and out, its clean lines and fresh feel give freedom to the art to express itself and for the public to enjoy a relaxing space to take it all in afterwards.
100 Northern Avenue, icaboston.org. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Admission $15 adults, under 17s free
Where to stay in Bost
If you're looking to make a splash during your Boston visit, consider staying at one of the many hotels with pools. Dive into relaxation and enjoy the rejuvenating amenities these hotels have to offer. For a curated selection of Boston Hotels with pools on choosebostonhotel.com, find the perfect place to cool off and unwind after a day of exploration.
For travelers seeking affordable and comfortable accommodations, Boston's motels provide a convenient and budget-friendly option. These charming establishments offer cozy rooms and essential amenities, allowing you to make the most of your travel budget. Explore a range of Boston motel on choosebostonhotel.com
If you prefer a more luxurious stay, Boston boasts an array of Boston 4 star Hotels that provide exceptional service and upscale amenities. Indulge in the sophistication and comfort offered by these elegant establishments, ensuring a memorable and pampering experience throughout your visit. Discover a collection of Boston's finest 4-star hotels and elevate your stay to new heights.
Fort Point Arts Community and Grand Circle Gallery
Summer Street Bridge and wharfs. Photograph: Robert Hull
Fort Point has a rich artistic heritage that is being kept alive by the many galleries in the area. One of these is the Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC) gallery on Summer Street. In addition to its exhibition space, FPAC also organizes public art displays, such as the recent Shimmer piece on the Congress Street bridge. FPAC has a store called Made in Fort Point, which showcases and sells the work of local artists in its new location on A Street. If you're interested in travel-inspired art and photography, the Grand Circle Gallery has an extensive collection of vintage travel posters that will captivate you. The gallery staff are friendly and happy to explain the artwork on display, as well as offering local tips. Don't miss these fantastic art destinations!
FPAC Gallery: 300 Summer Street. Open Wed-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat midday-4pm. Made in Fort Point store: 315 A Street. Open Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun midday-4pm. Visit their website at fortpointarts.org. Grand Circle Gallery: 347 Congress Street. Open Wed and Fri midday-6pm, Thurs midday-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Admission is free for all.
Stroll the Harborwalk – or take a water taxi
Boston's Harborwalk is a scenic path that winds along the shoreline, beaches, and wharves, showcasing the city as a walkable metropolis. The section of the Harborwalk that runs through Fort Point and the Seaport waterfront was opened in 2005. Along this route, you'll pass by the Children's Museum and the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse. The walk will lead you to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, a venue with a capacity for 5,000 people. You'll also find the impressive Legal Harborside restaurant, which serves as the flagship location for Legal Sea Foods. If you prefer not to walk, you can explore the rest of the harbor area by taking a water taxi. Simply call from your mobile phone or use the public phones at pick-up points around Fort Point, including the Inter Continental Boston hotel and the Seaport World Trade Center. For more information, visit bostonharborwalk.com. Water taxis are available, with fares starting at $10.
Sportello
Chef and restaurant owner Barbara Lynch, a well-known figure in the local and national food scene, brings her South Boston roots to the forefront at Sportello. This unique dining spot combines an Italian-inspired menu with a design aesthetic that puts a modern twist on the classic diner experience. The atmosphere at Sportello is inviting and approachable, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is bursting with creative flavors. Sit at the counter and watch as your meal is prepared right in front of you. The Heirloom Tomato Salad with mozzarella, basil, and corn relish ($15) is a refreshing delight, and the potato gnocchi with mushroom ragu, peas, and cream ($22) is a velvety treat. Before leaving, make sure to check out another one of Barbara Lynch's establishments, Drink, a cocktail bar that doesn't have a menu. Simply describe your preferences, and the talented mixologists will create a customized drink just for you.
Sportello: 348 Congress Street, +1 617 737 1234. Visit their website at sportelloboston.com. Open daily from 11.30am to 11pm.
Boston Children’s Museum and the Hood Milk Bottle
Photograph: Alamy
Boston's Fort Point/Seaport district is not only trendy right now, but it's also home to the Children's Museum, which has been entertaining kids and families since 1979. In fact, the museum has a fascinating history that dates back to 1913 when it first opened its doors. The current property underwent an impressive $47 million renovation in 2007, ensuring that it boasts both a sleek design and interactive exhibits. The museum focuses on a wide range of topics, including science, culture, environmental awareness, health, and the arts. However, the real highlight of the experience is the emphasis on hands-on engagement and learning through experience. In other words, it's all about having fun while you learn. And as a little treat on your way out, make sure to stop by the Hood Milk Bottle, a towering 40-foot milk bottle that sells delicious ice creams and snacks.
Located at Museum Wharf, Congress Street, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm (Fridays until 9pm). Admission fees are $14 for adults and kids aged 1-15, with free admission for kids 0-12 months.
Row 34
Photograph: Lane Turner/Boston Globe via Getty Images
When it comes to seafood in Boston, opinions can be fiercely divided. However, when you mention Row 34, you're likely to see nothing but satisfied smiles. This oyster house has earned a reputation for its exceptional offerings, with oysters taking center stage, of course. Make sure to try the lettuce cups ($12), a delicious Asian-inspired dish that wraps the oysters in leaves with pickled vegetables. The warm buttered lobster roll ($24) is another must-try, guaranteed to leave you purring with pleasure or lost in contemplation. The restaurant's name, Row 34, is inspired by the farm that provides the bivalves, a farm that proudly boasts 34 rows of oyster racks.
Located at 383 Congress Street. You can reach them at +1 617 553 5900 or visit their website at row34.com. Opening hours are from 5pm-10pm from Sunday to Thursday, 5pm-11pm on Fridays, and 4.30pm-11pm on Saturdays.
Harpoon Brewery
Photograph: Alamy
If you venture out to the more industrial-looking fringes of the Seaport area, you'll find Harpoon Brewery, a haven for beer enthusiasts. This beer-hall-style brewery and bar offers an impressive array of brews that will leave you spoiled for choice. From IPAs to rye IPAs, white ale to seasonal beers, fruit beers to ciders, and even a Boston stout, there's something for every palate. To make your decision-making process a bit easier (at least initially), consider joining one of their brewery tours, which cost $5 and last around 50 minutes.
Located at 306 Northern Avenue. You can find more information on their website at harpoonbrewery.com. The beer hall is open from 11am-7pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, with extended hours until 11pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. The brewery tours run from midday to 5pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, midday to 6pm on Thursdays to Fridays, 11.20am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 11.30am to 5.30pm on Sundays.
