A part of Boston's maritime story, the Rowes Wharf development updated an historic battery, which was renovated in the 1980s. The renewed expanse of downtown waterfront boasts hotels, shops, and eateries with Boston Harbor views. There's easy ferry access, and several sailboat tours start here; it's an ideal jumping-off point for a cruise.
Located on the Downtown Boston waterfront and developed during colonial times, Rowes Wharf today is a pedestrian stretch busy with bars and restaurants. The wharf is just a short walk from several of the city's top attractions—including the kid-friendly New England Aquarium—and offers quick access to the airport via water taxi. It's easy to walk from here to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Old State House, and other famous Freedom Trail sights.
You can easily reach Rowes Wharf by ferry. You can buy tickets aboard the ships, or online before your trip. The metro—known as "the T" to locals—is also a convenient option. Take the blue line to the Aquarium stop. When you're walking from the stop, keep an eye out for the arched passageway along Atlantic Avenue that serves as the gateway to Rowes Wharf.
Though you can visit anytime, the Boston waterfront is quite chilly—and breezy—in the late fall and winter months. If you stop by in summertime, you can enjoy seasonal concerts, dine alfresco at one of the nearby eateries, or stop by for family-friendly movie nights. Plan a visit before the weather turns, between mid-May and mid-October.
Rowes Wharf is a short walk from several sights included on the Boston Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch comprising key sights of importance in the American Revolution. You can easily walk to the Boston Massacre Site and Faneuil Hall, while Boston Common and the Granary Burying Ground aren't far. Learn more as you go with a guided walking tour, which typically include rich stories for each of these famous landmarks.
