The most exciting things to do in Boston in July move outdoors as beaches, cruises, walking tours, outdoor dining, and Red Sox games define summer in the city.
And as a bonus, some of the best things to do in Boston in July are free...enjoy the greenery or a picnic in Boston's many gorgeous parks, catch the July 4th Boston Pops virtual concert and fireworks online, and soak up sun on a city beach.
Hot July days and warm nights make this one of the best months of the year in Boston to head to the beach or have a picnic in a park.
For more choices, check out the Boston Event Calendar for July and Boston's Best Summer Activities.
Top photo: Cooling off on a July day at the splash pool on Boston's Greenway near Faneuil Marketplace
1. Cruise around Boston Harbor
Tour Boston by boat - the best way to see the city! Check out these fun sightseeing, music, and entertainment Boston Harbor cruises on the Yacht Northern Lights and Schooner Adirondack III:
Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
- Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience! Refreshments are available for purchase at the bar
- Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
- Sunday Evening Jazz Cruise on Northern Lights - End your weekend on the perfect note by grooving to live jazz as you watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline
Sails on the Adirondack III
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors
- Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar
Labor Day Fireworks Cruises on September 1
- Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights - Watch the brilliant Labor Day Fireworks over Boston Harbor after a leisurely sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor - Sept 1 - Find out more
- Labor Day Weekend "Illuminate the Harbor" Fireworks Cruise Aboard Adirondack III - Get fantastic views of the Labor Day fireworks on this spacious tall ships-style schooner - Sept 1 - Find out more
2. Relax on a Boston Beach
Did you know that even though Boston's main waterfront is a harbor, you can reach several nice city beaches as easily as hopping on public transportation?
From Revere Beach where a huge sand-sculpting contest takes place this year in August (moved back a bit from its usual July) to Pleasure Bay Beach next to Castle Island, these beaches are perfect for a quick visit.
For a day trip from Boston, head to Rowes Wharf and board the fast ferry to Provincetown.
For other water adventures, check out Boston whale watching cruises.
More Fun Boston Activities for July
Whale Watching Cruise Tickets
Join one of the exciting 3-hour Whale Watching Cruises departing from the Downtown Boston Waterfront, and experience the thrill of spotting whales off the coast of Boston.
You'll see magnificent creatures such as Humpback and Finback whales close-up from the deck of your ship, and spot White-Sided Dolphins frolicking in the waters.
These cruises sell out quickly, so don't wait to get your tickets now for this iconic Boston experience!
3. Tour & Cruise Boston Inexpensively
A Boston tour or cruise gives you a fun way to see parts of Boston you might not see on your own.
A fun and inexpensive option is the 15-minute ferry ride to the Boston Harbor Islands. Once there, you can explore, hike, take photographs, swim, bird watch, go on free tours led by the Park Rangers, picnic, and much more. You can even take another ferry to several smaller islands. You'll feel like you're in a different world - and you are!
Check out more options for Boston cruises.
You can also do a self-guided Freedom Trail tour, or check out one of the popular city bike tours.
2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston
Find out more about Boston discount cards, and how they give you big savings on top attractions.
4. Watch the Red Sox
Winning or losing, the Boston Red Sox put on the best show in town. If you're visiting Boston and love baseball, attending a home game at Fenway is a "must do." No matter which team you root for, being in Fenway Park on a balmy evening is one of the best things to do in Boston in July.
If attending a game is the focus of your trip, you may even want to stay in one of the hotels near Fenway Park. You'll also find a great range of Fenway restaurants for a bite before or after the game, plus of course the famous Fenway bars and nightspots near the stadium.
Get Schedule & Tickets
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Find All Red Sox Tickets for Fenway Park during July
Find Red Sox Tickets for the rest of the season
5. Go to a Summer Concert
Concert venues have opened, but are scrambling to book acts. There's not much listed yet, but more concerts are being added daily, so keep checking back.
Concert Schedules & Tickets
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Boston Concerts during other months
More July Concert Information
- The free Boston Pops Independence Day Concert is taking place at Tanglewood this year, but you can see fireworks over Boston Common.
6. Enjoy Shakespeare on the Common
Boston's most popular free outdoor theater event is the annual production of Shakespeare on the Common.
Bring a blanket, buy something yummy to eat from one of the gourmet food vendors who arrive for the event, and enjoy the bard under the stars.
More about Shakespeare on the Common.
