Things to Do in Boston's Seaport District

Throughout the years, Boston's Seaport District has evolved into a hotspot for culture, food, and activities. Gone are the parking lots, and in their place are beautiful hotels, great shops, delicious restaurants, and so much more. This area, in the south part of the city, along the Boston Harbor waterfront, is officially called the South Boston Waterfront (although it is more frequently known as the Seaport).

Disclosure: We've received a complimentary stay at a few hotels in the Seaport and complimentary admission to the ICA. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Where is the Seaport District?

The Boston Seaport District is located in the Southeast part of the city. It's very convenient to Boston's South Station (which is just down Congress Street), the Flynn Cruiseport Boston Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, and Boston's Logan International Airport. The Seaport is serviced by the MBTA Silver Line.

Within the Seaport District, you'll find the Boston World Trade Center, the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The area also has many family-friendly tourist attractions. See our favorites below.

Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art, located on 25 Harbor Shore Drive along the waterfront, offers both permanent and temporary visiting exhibits. It's a fun museum to visit if you are a fan of modern art - there's a lot to see. Be sure to check out the views from upstairs.

The Institute of Contemporary Art offers ticket reservations on its website, and they are highly recommended. The museum is closed on Mondays. On Thursdays, it offers free Thursday nights starting at 5 p.m. Advanced recommendations are available starting at 10 a.m. on the day of your visit.

You can find more information and make your reservation on their website.

Boston Children's Museum

If you are traveling with younger children, the Boston Children's Museum is a must-visit. It's located at 308 Congress St.

Popular exhibits include the New Balance Foundation Climb, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Kid Power, and Arthur and Friends. You can easily spend a good part of the day at the museum. When my kids were younger, we preferred to visit in the mornings.

Advance tickets/reservations are highly recommended - they can be purchased on the website.

Boston Harborwalk

The Boston Harborwalk, a 43-mile linear park along the Boston shore, runs through the Boston Seaport District. It's a nice place to walk, whether to explore the local area or just enjoy the views.

You can find out more information on their website.

Activities at the Boston Seaport

While you won't want to spend all of the time on your Boston vacation at the Seaport (there are so many other neighborhoods and attractions to visit during your stay), there is a lot right in the area you'll want to see.

Museum of Ice Cream, Boston

The Museum of Ice Cream, a popular museum with interactive exhibits, has several locations in the United States. The Boston museum is located at 121 Seaport Blvd.

Filled with interactive installations, this museum is explored at your own pace. They recommend that you plan for about 90 minutes to go through everything. There are lots of photo opportunities, and you'll also can have unlimited ice cream samples from various treat stations.

Reservations/advanced tickets are highly recommended, and variable pricing is based on demand. There's also a VIP ticket option where you can arrive anytime (even when general admission is sold out).

Leader Bank Pavilion

The Leader Bank Pavilion is an outdoor music venue offering shows throughout the summer. Like all concert venues, you'll want to check the schedule and purchase tickets well before your vacation.

Spirit of Boston

Want to explore the area from the Boston Harbor? The Spirit of Boston, which leaves from the Commonwealth Pier in the Seaport, is a ship offering several different types of sailings. These include sunset jazz cruises, lighthouse cruises, dinner cruises, and specialty cruises.

Purchase tickets online here.

Lawn on D

The Lawn on D is an outdoor space open in the summer. It offers lawn games, pickleball courts, and concessions, and also hosts special events and concerts. Check its schedule before visiting, though, as it is sometimes closed for corporate events.

Holiday Market at Snowport

Exclusively open during the holiday season, the Holiday Market at Snowport is one of the most popular activities in the Boston Seaport District. This open-air holiday market offers food and merchandise vendors, perfect for purchasing gifts for the season.

The Holiday Market at Snowport is very popular, and lines to get in can be long, especially on the weekends. Admission is free, but new in 2024, timed tickets were available on the weekend for a fee. It's worth purchasing these tickets so you won't have to wait in the long line.

Nearby Boston Activities

Remember to explore beyond the Boston Seaport area. There's so much to see in Boston. If you don't have a car (which you don't necessarily need in the city), you can take public transportation or ride shares.

There are also many nearby activities and attractions, including the New England Aquarium, Boston Tea Party Museum, and Faneuil Hall. These are not right in the Seaport, but are within a longer walking distance.

Where To Stay

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