Things to do in Boston Harbor and the Seaport

Boston's waterfront splits into two moods: the Seaport, a rebuilt district of glass-front restaurants and the Institute of Contemporary Art, and Long Wharf, where ferries leave for the Boston Harbor Islands and for whale watching out toward Stellwagen Bank, roughly a half-day trip that runs from April to October.

The harbor islands ferry is seasonal too, generally late May to early October, and several islands cut services or close entirely once autumn arrives. The Harborwalk connects this stretch on foot to the North End and downtown, no ticket needed.

Reach the Seaport by the Red Line and Commuter Rail into South Station, or the Blue Line to Aquarium for Long Wharf.