Although Boston is a big sports town, it’s not always just about sports.
Fenway Park may be the most well-known landmark in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, but it’s certainly not the only attraction in the area. The ballpark’s proximity to the Back Bay means there is plenty to see and do, especially if you have some time to kill before or after a ball game.
Want to do some tree bathing? The Back Bay Fens are just a few steps away. Soak up some culture? Nearby museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts have you covered. Or if you just want to grab a drink and a bite to eat, there are countless bars and restaurants in the area.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite parks and attractions near Fenway Park to explore, starting with the ones closest to the ballpark. Several are conveniently accessible from the Green Line and fun for kids, too!
On This Page
- Top Attractions and Parks Near Fenway Park
- Bleacher Bar
- Fenway Park Tours
- Back Bay Fens
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Boston Public Library
- Charles River Esplanade
- Newbury Street
- Swan Boats at the Boston Public Garden
- Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium
- Reflecting Pool
- Seaport District
- Quincy Market
- North End
- So Many Things To Do Near Fenway Park, So Little Time
Top Attractions and Parks Near Fenway Park
Bleacher Bar
82A Lansdowne St.
617-262-2424
Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Fri & Sat: 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Sun: 11:30 AM to 10 PM
If you’re looking for a nearby watering hole to get a drink before or after the game, you can’t get any closer than fan favorite Bleacher Bar. As the name implies, the bar is underneath Fenway’s bleachers, providing a fantastic view of the outfield which makes it one of Boston’s most popular sports bars. Outdoor seating is also available.
If it’s not too busy, it’s definitely worth filling up on food here before or after a baseball game versus buying overpriced offerings inside the ballpark. Try the loaded fries, clam chowder, and bleacher dog—washed down with ice-cold beer on tap.
Fenway Park Tours
4 Jersey St.
Fenway Park is an attraction in and of itself. There’s no better way to experience America’s oldest ballpark up close and personal than by going on a Fenway Park tour.
You’ll get to stand atop the green monster, visit the media booth, and walk in the footsteps of Red Sox legends. You’ll also learn a lot about Boston Red Sox history. There are several tours for everyone’s interests and budgets, but we highly recommend one of the general hour-long tours to see as much of the stadium’s features as possible.
Check out our insider’s guide to Fenway Park tours for some know-before-you-go tips!
Back Bay Fens
100 Park Dr.
It’s hard to believe this picturesque park was once described by developer Frederick Law Olmsted as “the foulest marsh and muddy flats to be found anywhere in Massachusetts.” Part of the Emerald Necklace chain of parks that form a loop through the city, the Back Bay Fens is a great place to escape the city bustle and do a little squirrel and bird spotting.
Wander the paths past several war memorials and look for the Japanese Temple Bell which dates to the 17th century. Stop and smell the roses literally at The Kelleher Rose Garden which features over 1,500 roses as well as arched trellises, statues, and a fountain.
While you’re here, don’t miss the Commonwealth Ave Mall which connects the Back Bay Fens to the Boston Public Garden (and which runs along Commonwealth Ave, of course.) During the holiday season, the trees lining this allée are lighted.
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave.
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10 AM to 5 PM
Closed Tuesdays
617-267-9300
Whether you’re into Egyptian mummies or contemporary art, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) has you covered. It’s the 20th largest art museum in the world, housing a collection of over 450,000 artifacts spanning several cultures, continents, and art movements.
Some of the most famous pieces on permanent display include Paul Gaugin’s “Where Do We Come From?” by Paul Gaugin, “Dance At Bougival” by Pierre Auguste Renoir, and “Mount Fuji Seen Below a Wave at Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai.
The building itself is a work of art, having been constructed in 1909 and representing a neoclassical style. Although the recommended time to visit the museum is two to three hours, no doubt you’ll want to return to soak everything in.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way
Mon, Wed, & Fri: 11 AM to 5 PM
Thurs: 11 AM to 9 PM
Sat & Sun: 10 AM to 5 PM
Closed Tuesdays
Isabella Stewart and her husband were quite the travelers and collectors. Her namesake museum, located just around the corner from the MFA, houses their finds from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Over 7,500 objects including paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and more can be found on display.
Even if you’re not into art, the museum’s courtyard garden—modeled after a Venetian palazzo—is worth the admission alone. The courtyard is refreshed nine times during the year with a new seasonal display using plants grown offsite in greenhouses.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also became infamous for the largest (and still unsolved) art heist in history, when 13 works were stolen from its walls in 1990.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
301 Massachusetts Ave.
Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was the first orchestra in the U.S. to perform live on the radio in 1926 and over the years has been led by the world’s most prestigious conductors.
Most concerts are held at Symphony Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and impressive architecture. But if classical music is not your thing, you can still tour the hall for a fascinating glimpse into the building’s history. Public walk-up tours are free and last up to 90 minutes long. While reservations aren’t required for a guided tour, they are recommended to secure a spot.
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Technically, the Boston Public Library has several branches stretched out across the city, but the central location in Copley Square is the one most people flock to. With its exquisite architecture, entrance hall, paintings, murals, and sculptures, it feels more like a museum than a library and you don’t have to be a book nerd to appreciate a visit here.
An interesting detail is that the library is actually made up of two buildings: the original, ornate McKim Building, and the starkly contemporary 1972 Johnson Building. It’s free to visit both, and each building has its own unique details to marvel at.
The McKim Building is where you’ll find the magnificent marble stairway, old school Bates Reading Room, courtyard, and John Singer Sargent murals. Rare books and documents are also displayed on a rotational basis. The 1972 Johnson Building is colorful, airy, and houses the children’s library and teen center.
It’s also one of the few libraries with its own bar. When you’re done, visit the Map Room Lounge for a craft cocktail.
Charles River Esplanade
Storrow Drive
During the warmer months, there’s always something interesting going on at the Charles River: sailboats, concerts, art festivals, and of course, the annual Boston Pops’ Fourth of July show at the Hatch Memorial Shell. But the spectacular scenery and general activity make it a great place to visit any time of the year.
Take a stroll along the paved path which also attracts runners and cyclists, or pack a picnic and people watch. The city skyline is gorgeous to photograph at sunset. Don’t forget to pay the Arthur Fiedler Memorial statue a visit.
Newbury Street
Even if you don’t have a lot of money to splash out in the shops lining this famous thoroughfare, Newbury Street is always fashionable for people-watching and window shopping. The mile-long stretch is an eclectic mix of luxury brand storefronts, independent retailers, cafes, and restaurants housed in historic brownstones.
You’ll find the most expensive stores at the eastern end of the street near the Boston Public Garden. The further you walk west, the more budget-friendly the offerings get in general. Afterward, venture over to Beacon Street to check out another beautiful brownstone-filled neighborhood.
Our list of the 25 best shops on Newbury Street breaks down the best stores and eateries to check out, no matter your budget.
Swan Boats at the Boston Public Garden
4 Charles St.
Also part of the Emerald Necklace and considered the crown jewel of the city, the Boston Public Garden features 24 acres of green space adorned with cobblestone pathways, flowers, trees, and a pond. It has the distinction of being America’s first public botanical garden.
It’s also known for its iconic swan boats which take passengers on a pleasure cruise around the pond from April to September. After your ride visit the Make Way for Ducklings bronze sculpture which is “dressed” for holidays and other special events. You may even spot the pair of resident real swans that make their home in the garden each spring and summer.
And if you visit in the spring, don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the tulips surrounding the George Washington statue. Then make your way into the adjoining Boston Common for even more park space to explore.
Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium
210 Massachusetts Ave.
Mon – Sat: 10 AM to 5 PM
Sun: 11 AM to 5 PM
617-450-7000
This is a library dedicated to Christian Science (and named for the woman who founded the religious practice.) However, you don’t have to have an interest in either libraries or religion to enjoy a visit to this unique building.
The coolest feature is the library’s Mapparium, a three-story high spherical globe made up of over 600 vibrantly colored stained glass panels. The globe’s construction gives it some interesting acoustic qualities. Stand directly in the center and you’ll hear your own voice in surround sound. Two people standing at opposite ends of the 30-foot bridge that runs through it can whisper a conversation and be heard perfectly.
The library also houses historical artifacts, photographs, and books that document the history of the church that Eddy founded. The unique architectural details of the library also make for a fascinating visit.
Reflecting Pool
Located at the Christian Science Plaza between the Prudential Center
and the Christian Science Center
Right around the corner from the Mary Baker Eddy Library is one of the city’s most unique attractions: a 690-foot-long reflecting pool. It was renovated in 2019 and features an infinity edge made of polished red granite that allows the water to continually spill over the edge. It has a therapeutic quality and walking or sitting alongside it is sure to melt your stress away.
On nice days you’ll find no shortage of food vendors on the plaza, making it a great place to grab a snack and, well…reflect.
Seaport District
Head west from Fenway Park to the waterfront and you’ll find a redeveloped vibrant neighborhood full of parks, shopping, eateries, museums, and art galleries. We’re talking about the Seaport district along the city’s waterfront. The area, which was once only known for its hotels, has been transformed into a playground for adults and kids alike.
The Harbor Way—a stretch of green space that opened in 2024—anchors the area with maple trees, a 22-foot-long community table, and the Stone Stack, a collection of large natural stone blocks to climb and explore. Do a little shopping at The Superette, a retail space featuring over 40 boutiques. Or test your driving skills at the F1 Arcade, Boston’s racing stimulation bar.
Quincy Market
206 S. Market St.
If you don’t mind venturing to the other side of the city via the Green Line, Quincy Market is worth the trip. Located in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, this bustling food hall features over 50 vendors selling souvenirs, clothing, and of course, food.
Grab a cup of chowder or ice cream cone here and people-watch. If you’re lucky you may be treated to live music from a street performer outside.
North End
If you visit Quincy Market you may as well continue into the North End neighborhood aka “Little Italy.” Some of the best Italian cuisine in the city can be found here for sure, but the small neighborhood also has much more to offer.
Follow the Freedom Trail to historical sites such as the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Stroll along the picturesque Harborwalk, check out the fresh offerings at the year-round indoor market known as the Boston Public Market, or catch a comedy act at Improv Asylum.
Then head to any of the numerous Italian restaurants for some fortification. You also shouldn’t bid this neighborhood arrivederci without picking up a few sweets at Mike’s Pastry or sipping a cappuccino at the city’s oldest Italian cafe, Caffe Vittoria.
So Many Things To Do Near Fenway Park, So Little Time
What we’ve listed is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do near Fenway Park. There’s also The Museum of Science in nearby Cambridge, the Freedom Trail tour (which starts in Boston Common), and batting cages, ping pong, and corn hole at the Game On sports bar in Fenway.
Need a Boston tourist pass to make the most of your visit to the city? Check out our guide to Boston discount cards and save on the most popular attractions.
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