The Boston Harbor Islands Recreation Area is accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride that launches from downtown Boston. The recreation area is spread among 1,400 acres and it contains an intricate series of 17 islands that offer a variety of outdoor activities. Bikers, joggers, hikers and rowers flock to the area on a daily basis. The Boston Harbor Islands Recreation Area offers a special glimpse into New England's natural landscape and it provides a respite from the city.
For more touristy fare, the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail located in downtown Boston is a great way to take in a wealth of historical attractions. The tour starts in Boston Commons and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown; along the way, visitors will experience 16 historic sites. The Freedom Trail is generally very popular with tourists, but it does offer a great deal of interesting sights and a wealth of information.
If "Saturday Night Live" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" had a child, it would probably look like the Improv Asylum. Located in Boston's North End, the Improv Asylum is a great place to enjoy improvisational and sketch comedy performed by a number of talented people. The club has been featured on HBO and they have taken their show to major cities across the United States. The Improv Asylum is popular with locals and it is a great place to have a few laughs while hanging out in the city. It is conveniently accessible via public transportation.
Located adjacent to prestigious Harvard University, Harvard Square is a great place to enjoy culture and a variety of shopping options. The area is punctuated by business people and students moving along their daily routine. Watch chess players plan their next move and take a few minutes to enjoy the skateboarders having a blast in "the PIT". Saturday nights in Harvard Square are also noted for "Rocky Horror Picture Show" screenings that attract loyal followers that reenact the film. Harvard Square is accessible via the Red Line of the Boston Subway.
Massachusetts Ave is a popular 16-mile thoroughfare that cuts through a variety of Boston neighborhoods. Walking along Mass Ave is a different way to spend an afternoon meandering through the city's college campuses, industrial zones, shopping districts, upper middle-class neighborhoods and urban districts. Not only is it a great way to see the various locations that combine to make up this city, it is also a great place to people watch.
