Waterfront

You won't hear the sound of crashing waves thanks to Boston's protected and relatively calm inner harbor, but the lean stretch of coastline running from South Station to the North End is one of the prettiest, most serene escapes you'll encounter in this city. And, it manages to slow the pace of the bustling, driven Financial District behind it.

Along the Waterfront, you'll encounter wharf after wharf of harbor activity: private vessels, luxury yachts, harbor cruises, ferries, and more. Long Wharf, Central Wharf with the New England Aquarium, Rowes Wharf, and Atlantic Wharf are the most prominent. Other attractions in this neighborhood include the Boston Harborwalk, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the lesser-known gems just offshore, the Boston Harbor Islands. Many upscale hotels and restaurants make the most of the expansive water views.