Best of Boston

Best Neighborhood Diversion

Turtle Swamp Brewing

Gone are the days when Sam Adams was J.P.’s only claim to brewery fame. Opened in 2017, Turtle Swamp serves IPAs, porters, sours, and ales [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Union Square

Urban Axes

Feeling tense? Make your way to Urban Axes, where resident “axperts” will lead you in throwing honest-to-God weapons at a wall. Stress relief just got [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Washington Square

Jean B. Waldstein Playground

A couple of blocks down Beacon Street lies an urban paradise complete with a playground, baseball diamond, tennis courts, and lawn space for kiddos and [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, West Roxbury

Millennium Park

Six miles of walking trails, a canoe launch along the Charles, and a postcard-perfect view of downtown mean Millennium Park never disappoints. read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Ashmont

Ashmont Farmers’ Market

Come summer, live music emanates from this collection of tents in Peabody Square, where vendors peddle produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Allston/Brighton

Great Scott

The egalité at Great Scott is hard to beat: Snag face time with artists while photo-opping at the merch table, flagging down the bartender, or [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Back Bay

Boston Symphony Orchestra

From its historical digs on Mass. Ave., the BSO manages to cater to both Liszt fans and those who just want to hear what the [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Mattapan

Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary

A summer camp for kids and a natural oasis for everyone else, this 67-acre property boasts miles of trails and boardwalks, as well as the [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Fort Point

Boston Children’s Museum

Sure, it’s dominated by rowdy little ones most days, but keep an eye out for nights when the place rebrands as the “Grown-Ups Museum” and [...] read more»
2019 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Harvard Square

American Repertory Theater

Part storied dramaturgical institution and part experimental funhouse, ART delivers on its mission to bring cutting-edge theater to Cambridge. read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, North End

BCYF Mirabella Pool

Boston
Each summer, city dwellers of all stripes—sunbathing nonnas, bronzed Adonises, giddy teens—flock to this urban oasis, making it one of the top people-watching spots in [...] read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, South Boston

Castle Island

Boston
There’s only one sign of spring that matters: opening day at Sullivan’s. Once Castle Island’s venerable concession stand starts slinging fried clams, we know it’ll [...] read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Central Square

Central Square Theater

Cambridge
This intimate stage happens to be the only U.S. theater to enjoy a long-term collab with a research institution (MIT), hence such science-centric plays as [...] read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Charlestown

Charlestown Navy Yard

Charlestown
Historical sites can start to feel humdrum when you live in one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods. Rekindle the romance by exploring this marina and its [...] read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Fenway

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Boston
There’s always something new to discover at this Venetian palazzo in the Fens, whether it’s the nasturtiums blooming in the courtyard or the Rembrandt hanging [...] read more»
2018 Best Neighborhood Diversion, Seaport

ShowPlace Icon Theatre

Boston
There’s no better way to watch the latest summer blockbuster than from the extreme comfort of a vibrating, reclining seat at this cinema, which luxes [...] read more»