10 Best Things to Do in Seaport Boston

Seaport’s Leader Bank Pavilion is a large outdoor amphitheatre along the waterfront. Imagine seeing your favourite band in concert while overlooking city lights twinkling in the reflection of Boston Harbour. The outdoor summer concert venue has a seating capacity of 5,000.

One of the great features of the Leader Bank Pavilion is that it has a roof in case of bad weather. So, you get the best of both worlds for your concert experience. You’ll be covered from the rain, but still get to enjoy cool harbour breezes and stunning waterfront views.

One of the best ways to see all Seaport has to offer is to take a stroll on the Boston Harbour Walk, a 43-mile connected shoreline walk. The walk stretches from East Boston to Dorchester. The section of the walk in Seaport takes you to other top destinations, like the Institute of Contemporary Art and numerous restaurants.

Boston Harbour Walk is a pedestrian-only walkway for most of its 43 miles. It connects 8 areas – East Boston, Charlestown, North End, Wharf District, Seaport, Fort Point Channel, South Boston, and Dorchester. Walkers along the way can take a swim or fish at one of the many public beaches.

A trip to Seaport should include a walk along The Paseo, a covered corridor that connects Boston Harbour with Pier 4. The word paseo in Spanish translates to “leisurely walk,” and that is exactly the goal of those who walk the Paseo. Visitors strolling by can shop at one of the many shops lining the corridor.

As you stroll, you’ll be dazzled by the art installation PARADE by Tomislav Topic. The installation features coloured mesh fabric hung high above from steel girders. The 120 different colours reflect the diversity and vibrance of Boston’s culture.

The Boxes at the Boston Fish Pier offer a unique opportunity to learn about Boston’s fishing history, while also buying fresh food at the weekly seafood market. The Boxes are an installation featuring shipping containers repurposed into a mini-museum and a marketplace. Visitors can check out the informational murals daily. They describe Boston’s long fishing history, as well as information about the Fish Pier.

Local non-profits often have educational programming at this spot, focusing on the seafood industry. There are also regular musical performances. The Boxes host a weekly seafood market every Thursday.

If you are heading to Seaport to eat, Pier 4 will not disappoint. This spot is the former location of the famous Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant. The redevelopment of the property created a high-rise building, with stunning views of both the skyline and harbour. Locals and tourists alike dine at a wide range of high-end eateries with prime views.

Dining options are abundant at Pier 4, with many restaurants featuring fresh, local, and organic eats. Options include Mexican, Greek, Asian, Modern American, Italian, and surf and turf.

Another great place to shop in Seaport is at the Superette, a trendy outdoor shopping centre. It’s where old world charm meets New Boston. The public courtyard is European-inspired and has adorable bistro tables throughout the 1-block area.

While the vibe is charming, the shopping is high-end chic. Think trendy boutiques with must-have clothing and housewares. There are also a smattering of fine dining options at the Superette if you need to grab a bite to eat. You can even buy an electric car here, if you are in the market for a new ride.

The iconic Institute of Contemporary Art is open to all for free on Thursday nights. In 2006, the renowned art museum moved to Seaport, anchoring a rapidly changing area. The ICA is located on Harbour Shore Drive and overlooks the harbour. The museum often hosts outdoor concerts on Thursdays too, though they strongly encourage visitors to make advanced reservations.

The ICA is more than just an art museum; it’s also an exhibit space. Here’s where you can see cutting edge contemporary artists as well as those just emerging in the art scene. Be sure to also check out the museum’s permanent collection, featuring many works of contemporary women artists.

Even if you’ve never been to Boston, you’ve probably heard about the traffic. The Boston Water Taxi has found a way to get around all that gridlock, literally. The water taxi has stops all along the Boston waterfront, with 2 in Seaport. Book the 30-minute “harbour experience” to hop on and ride without a destination in mind.

Make no mistake – the Water Taxi is not a ferry. It’s an on-demand ride experience. Your furry friends are even welcome to ride along, as long as they are leashed. The Harbour Experience lets you ride along while others are getting picked up and dropped off. It’s a great way to see Boston from a whole new angle.

If you’ve already visited the ICA and still want more art, check out Eastport Park, a contemporary sculpture garden on the waterfront. The outdoor, open-air sculpture garden is located across from the Commonwealth Pier.

Eastport Park is more than an acre in size and has several lovely trails and areas to sit and chill on the lawn. There are also a few more secluded spots if you are looking for quiet. The park celebrates modern sculpture and features 17 sculptures by both local and international artists. The green space is a great spot to enjoy art and relax.