Following up on such a rainy June, Bostonians and the flowers are eager to bloom out and explore the outdoors. Whether you prefer a seaside excursion, camp retreat, or staying in the city and basking in the Boston sunshine we’ve rounded up the most exciting things to do in Boston this July!
1. Take a magical sightseeing tour of the Boston Harbor
Sail aboard the Adirondack III, an 80-foot ship circa 1890. You’ll tour everything from Seaport to Charlestown. Reserve your spot on board to catch that summer breeze on a historic vessel this July!
2. Take a mystery picnic foodie adventure in Boston
Unlock a series of clues that guide you to your final destination! An intimate picnic awaits you as your final prize for uncovering all the clues! Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and reserve your mystery picnic!
3. Escape to Italy at Eataly’s all-you-can-eat summer Block Party
If a European getaway wasn’t in the cards for you this summer, don’t worry! Eataly Boston is bringing the timeless spirit of Italy right to Boylston Street through its summer Block Party series. On Thursday, July 24, visitors can indulge in unlimited Italian bites, sip on refreshing beverages, enjoy live music, create flower bouquets, and more.
Ready to experience a lively, open-air evening? Get tickets here for Sunset Stroll at Eataly.
4. Enjoy a car-free stroll through Back Bay
Starting July 13 and lasting every Sunday through September 21, is Open Newbury! the popular street is closed off to cars and instead is filled with patio seating and vendor pop-ups to parous!
5. Head to Hotel Commonwealth For Limited Stunning Concerts This Summer
Simply Sinatra takes place at Hotel Commonwealth but only on July 24th! The incredible tribute concert will highlight chart-topping tunes including “Autumn Leaves” and “What A Wonderful World,” as well as some more contemporary hits. While Sinatra’s roots were in Jersey, his music whisks you away no matter what city and coast you’re on. Don’t miss this very limited show and get tickets here!
6. Dive into history with a Freedom Trail tour
With the Fourth of July coming up, it’s a great time to brush up on your high school U.S. history if need be. Learn more about Boston’s history on the Freedom Trail tour, which spotlights historic spots around the city.
7. Enjoy the sweet serenade of a Candlelight Concert
Sway to the soothing melody of a string quartet as they play some of your favorite tunes! Candlelight Concerts in Boston take place in stunning venues with decorated with thousands of glowing candles!
8. Soak up the sun on an outdoor patio
Lazy summer days are the perfect time to dig into some food and a cold drink at one of Boston’s many eminently Instagrammable patios. Check out some of our top patio picks here.
9. Ogle at fish at the New England Aquarium
Escape heat, humidity, or rain by spending a day exploring the New England Aquarium. A paradise for fish enthusiasts and the young at heart, the NEAQ is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Though you’ll need to reserve a time when you book your tickets, there’s no time limit for visits, meaning you can stare in awe for as long as you’d like.
Find it at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
10. Take a buggy or Arctic Adventure (and more!) at the Museum of Science
For an air-conditioned day of fun and exploration, take the science enthusiasts and kids in your life to the Museum of Science. This expansive science museum is chock full of interactive activities, including and Arctic Adventure to help you cool off. Experience the Arctic chill with an ice wall and try your hand a navigating a glacier!
10… and while you’re there, catch a 4-D film
Explore a world beyond 3-D, here all of the senses get to have fun! The 4-D films engage feelings and scent while sharing fascinating educational stories of different creatures and habitats. This summer enjoy films on sea lions, aquatic exploration, and forest critters.
Find the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114.
11. Dine on a floating ship in East Boston
Tall Ship, a floating restaurant housed in a 245-foot ship docked at Pier One is the premiere summer hangout for Boston. Feast on oysters, shellfish, and sushi. Find more information on The Tall Ship here.
Find The Tall Ship docked at Pier One, 1 East Pier Drive, Boston, MA 02128.
12. Pay a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo
For a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of downtown, make a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo to get a glimpse of some incredible animals. You’ll see everything from pensive barn owls to laughing kookaburras to stately tigers.
13. Check out Concerts in the Courtyard
The Concerts in the Courtyard weekly concert series welcomes a new artist to the courtyard of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square every Wednesday and Friday. These hour-long shows (running at unique dates and times) are perfect for lunch break entertainment or families with children.
14. … and treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the library
The Boston Public Library’s Central branch is an impressive Renaissance-style building with plenty of architectural merit, as well as being home to a staggering collection of books and other public amenities. Perhaps even more impressive are the sequestered Courtyard and Map Tea Rooms for an elegant tea at the library!
Find the Central Boston Public Library at 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116.
15. Play tourist and take a Duck Tour
We know this one isn’t exactly a secret, it’s a tourist favorite for a reason, and something to experience at least once as a Bostonian! This tour, which takes place on a unique amphibious vehicle that drives on land and floats on water, leads guests past the city’s key historical landmarks. After finishing the driving tour, the “DUCK” drives into the Charles River, giving its passengers uninterrupted views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Find more information here.
16. Captain your own boat on the Boston Harbor
Boston Electric Boats offers up an on the water experience unlike any other in the city! You can charter your own boat without a captain on board (aka you are the captain now)! Sail around and bring snacks on board for the ultimate summer excursion!
17. Take a helicopter tour of Cape Cod
Helicopter Tour Boston will fly you over the city or the Cape. The rides are an epic way to get a dazzling bird’s eye view. Plus, for the adrenaline junkie you can opt to fly “doors off.”
18. Take a yoga class on Nahant Beach
Waves of Peace is a local woman-founded yoga extravaganza that takes place on Nahant Beach every Sunday at 7 AM. The serene classes are directed by the instructor, Angela and are incredibly soothing. Learn more about the summer yoga series, Waves of Peace online!
19. Jam out at the Levitate Arts and Music Festival
Levitate celebrates over a decade of music and art at this year’s epic festival! Taking place by the surf and skate shop of Marshfield, MA, attendees can expect pro skate exhibitions amazing food, and bewildering art installations.
The festival runs from July 12-13 in Marshfield, MA
20. Attend a Patriots training camp at Gillette
Catch the team up close and personal beginning July 23 at Gillette Stadium! Cheer on your favorite players and meet Pat Patriot in person.
21. Make your weekend unforgettable
After diving into our definitive list of things to do in July, make sure you’re not missing out this weekend. Check out things you don’t want to miss in Boston for the weekend.
22. Take a trip to one of these quaint coastal towns
Nobody does summer like New England! From the Cape and islands to Maine and more, make sure to explore your backyard and beyond this summer. Find a full list of towns to explore here and some of our top picks below:
23. Celebrate National Caviar Day with these swanky spots
July 18 is National Caviar Day, and what better excuse to indulge. Check out these spots that serve caviar in creative and delicious ways around Boston.
24. Celebrate the Fourth in Boston
It wouldn’t be a true July without some fireworks! Check out some of the top spots to enjoy bedazzling Fourth of July fireworks in Boston!
25. Check out this rooftop ‘Sweat and Sip’ yoga series
Saturday summer mornings from June 21 through September 6 enjoy rooftop yoga at High Street Place from 10-11 AM! Classes are $20 and include a $10 voucher to grab a treat at one of High Street Place Food Hall’s amazing vendors like Mother Juice and Pennypacker’s! Learn more and reserve tix here.
26. Enjoy some French cuisine on Bastille Day
Bastille Day is on July 14 and Boston is celebrating an event that marked the beginning of the French revolution with special menus and festivities! Bistro du Midi will offer its beloved Grand Marnier Soufflé plus other specials! Rochambeau in Back Bay will also host a big bash from 5-8 PM on July 14!
27. Customize your dream souvenir tote on Nantucket
The iconic The Nantucket Hotel is hosting a tote customization bar in collaboration with Lands’ End and For Now. You can visit the customization bar hidden inside the hotel to add unique embroidery and bag charms to their bestselling Canvas Pocket Tote! Find it July 19-20 and again this August 9-10 at The Nantucket Hotel!
28. Head to Rhode Island for the annual Newport Folk Festival
Fort Adams State Park transforms into one of the region’s top summer music events. From July 25-27, legendary performers like Marren Morris, I’m With Her, Luke Combs, and more will take the stage. Tickets are currently sold out, but stay tuned for fan activations and more online. The Newport Jazz Festival returns the following week in August.
29. Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July is Disability Pride month and the Museum of Science is hosting a variety of events on Saturday, July 26! The museum welcomes speakers Tiffany Hammond, New York Times bestselling author; Dr. Mona Minkara, assistant professor of bioengineering at Northeastern University; and Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, professor of medicine at Harvard University. There will also be a free movie screening, musical and dance performance and more! Learn more and reserve your visit.
30. Practice your artistry at Seaport Sketch
Every other Tuesday this summer, SIDE Presents hosts a free outdoor sketching class at 5 PM at The Superette. This month’s classes are July 15 and July 29.
Everything including art supplies are provided, just bring your creativity! Advanced registration is available online as supplies are limited.