10 Things to Do in Boston in July

The month of July, in the middle of summer, is ideal to enjoy dozens of outdoor activities that take place annually in the city of Boston, from concerts to gastronomic events.
10 Things to Do in Boston in July

More about: 10 Things to Do in Boston in July

If you're visiting Boston in July, you're in luck, because it's one of the best months to visit the city, not only because of the wonderful weather but also because of the large number of events available.

In July, you'll find activities for all tastes, from concerts to pizza festivals, because Boston never ceases to amaze its visitors. There are many things to see and do in Boston throughout the year, but July is, in my opinion, the best time to visit the city.

1. Enjoy one of the many free concerts at Hatch Shell

Concert at Hatch Shell| ©Garrett A. Wollman
Concert at Hatch Shell| ©Garrett A. Wollman

Throughout the summer, Boston hosts a series of wonderful concerts at the famous Hatch Shell, along the Charles River Esplanade. Every Wednesday in July, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra offers free concerts at Hatch Shell for everyone to enjoy.

Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy a family picnic, as the city of Boston has everything ready for you to have a wonderful evening of entertainment and excellent music on the banks of the Charles River.

The Landmarks Orchestra's July concert schedule in Boston is not to be missed.

Details of interest about this event

  • When: Every Wednesday in July.
  • Where: on the banks of the Charles River at Hatch Shell.
  • Price: free.

2. Take part in one of over 200 events during Boston Harborfest

Boston Harborfest| ©Robert Kendall
Boston Harborfest| ©Robert Kendall

Boston Harborfest is an annual festival celebrating Boston's maritime and colonial history.

You can enjoy more than 200 different events taking place throughout the week in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts, as well as the main events held in City Hall Plaza.

The event usually begins at Faneuil Hall with a giant patriotic cake and continues throughout Independence Day weekend at historic sites in Boston with hundreds of different activities.

These events are suitable for the whole family and are part of one of the largest Fourth of July festivals in the country. Choose which Boston Harborfest activities you want to participate in.

Activities vary from year to year, so be sure to visit the official event website to find out about the different options being announced.

Book a guided tour of Boston

3. Take advantage of the good weather to take a guided walking tour of the city of Boston

Beacon Hill Street| ©Javi D
Beacon Hill Street| ©Javi D

Boston is a very easy city to explore on foot, and there are things to do in many areas for all tastes, ages, and budgets. July is the ideal month to explore the city on foot, as the weather is very pleasant.

You can choose from one of the many guided tours available in the city to get to know it in depth. If you don't know where to start looking, you can begin by checking out the 10 best guided tours of Boston and choosing the one you like best.

Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the weather is pleasant but the sun is also very strong at this time of year.

Book a guided tour of Boston

4. Attend the Chinatown Main Street Festival

Chinatown Main Street Festival| ©Leonardo March
Chinatown Main Street Festival| ©Leonardo March

The annual festival on Chinatown's Main Street in Boston takes place in early July. This event is fun, festive, family-friendly, and free to attend.

This initiative has been going on for several years and was started by Chinatown merchants in response to a crisis in the neighborhood. The aim of this festival is not only to promote Chinese culture in the city, but also to attract tourists and boost trade in the area.

During this festival, you will have the opportunity to enjoy martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese dances, and Asian crafts. You can also indulge in delicious Chinese food.

Follow Chinatown Main Street on Facebook to find out about all the activities available for the month of July.

Details of this activity

  • When: First week of July.
  • Where: Chinatown, Boston.
  • Price: free

5. Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park

At Fenway Park| ©Joe Passe
At Fenway Park| ©Joe Passe

To understand the fanaticism that Bostonians feel for their local baseball team, the Red Sox, there's nothing better than going to a game at their stadium, Fenway Park.

Season tickets sell out quickly, so it's best to secure yours and buy them online in advance.

During the month of July, the weather is ideal for attending games, usually at night when temperatures are neither muggy nor cold, making the experience much more enjoyable.

Buy your ticket to see the Red Sox

6. Have a nighttime picnic and enjoy a movie

Boston by Night| ©Robert Kendall
Boston by Night| ©Robert Kendall

During the warm summer months, Bostonians make the most of outdoor activities and often have picnics while watching free movies.

In July, outdoor movies are shown at night in different locations throughout Boston. This is an ideal activity for couples if you are a romantic person.

There's nothing better than sitting on a blanket in a park under the moonlight watching a movie. If you're traveling with children, this is also a great way to spend some relaxing time with the family.

You can watch movies outdoors in Boston in several parks and squares. Check out the outdoor movie calendar in Boston and choose the one you like best.

You can explore other activities to do at night in Boston and have different experiences.

7. Pick your own blueberries at a local farm

Blueberry Farm| ©Fernando Z
Blueberry Farm| ©Fernando Z

With the summer heat, there's no better and more refreshing way to keep kids entertained than picking fruit. It's the perfect season to pick fresh, juicy blueberries at one of the many farms around Boston.

Taking a trip to a farm is a great way to teach kids where their food comes from while keeping them active and entertained.

There are many great places to pick blueberries near Boston with children in the summer. See how much fun a visit to a farm in Boston can be when picking fruit with your children.

If you're not convinced about going to a farm to pick this fruit, there are many other activities to do with children in Boston, but if you're up for it, here are some places where you can do so.

Boston Hill Farm

Lookout Farm

  • Address: 89 Pleasant Street South Natick, MA 01760.
  • Phone: (508) 745-3697

8. Cruise on the Charles River

Cruise on the Charles River| ©Brooks Payne
Cruise on the Charles River| ©Brooks Payne

One of the favorite activities for locals and tourists during the month of July in Boston is to embark on a cruise and enjoy the day sailing on the Charles River. The weather in July is the best of the year for sailing, the waters are calm, there is not as much wind as in other months, and the temperature is ideal.

You can spend a few wonderful hours in a natural and peaceful environment while observing the city of Boston and its surroundings from a different angle.

Cruises on the Charles River are a great experience for families and a way to introduce children to nautical activities.

Book your Charles River cruise in Boston

9. Fridays in July are free fun days in Boston

MIT Museum| ©John Phelan
MIT Museum| ©John Phelan

In July, the Highland Street Foundation offers you the opportunity to visit more than 100 places in the Boston area for free, including museums, theaters, shows, etc., through its popular Free Fun Fridays program.

Every Friday, you will have the opportunity to visit up to 10 of these places for free.

Thousands of visitors have already taken advantage of this program to discover interesting places in the city. Learn about the mission of the Highland Street Foundation and participate in the activities it offers for free during the month of July in Boston.

10. Delight in the Boston Pizza Festival

Eating Pizza| ©Fatima Akram
Eating Pizza| ©Fatima Akram

The Boston Pizza Festival is much more than just eating all the pizza you can; you can also enjoy live shows and games.

This event is a two-day outdoor festival with live music, food, and prizes. Vendors serve all kinds of pizzas, including gluten-free, vegan, Neapolitan, and more.

If you're not in Boston during the two days of the festival, don't worry. If you love pizza, you can still try it on an exclusive food tour of Boston.

Useful information

  • Where: City Hall Plaza
  • When: usually held during the first or second weekend in July, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Price: starting at around $15 (or $20 if you buy your ticket at the box office)

Book a tour to discover Boston's pizzas

Temperatures and weather in Boston during the month of July

Summer in Boston| ©Harry Lipson III
Summer in Boston| ©Harry Lipson III

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Boston. Temperatures can exceed 26 degrees Celsius during the day. While it is true that temperatures drop sharply at night, to around 16 degrees Celsius, it is also true that, on occasion, the heat can be scorching during the day.

When planning your trip, check the weather in Boston during the summer to find out what the weather will be like during your visit to the city.

Tourist traffic in Boston in July

New England Aquarium| ©Beyond My Ken
New England Aquarium| ©Beyond My Ken

July is one of the busiest months of the year in Boston. It can be difficult to get tickets to attractions if you don't book in advance.

It can also be difficult to find a table at the most popular restaurants if you don't book ahead. If you want to secure your place at some of the main attractions, such as the Boston Aquarium, it's a good idea to buy your tickets online.

Another great advantage of buying your tickets in advance is that in many cases you will be able to skip the lines and save not only a lot of money but also a lot of time.

Buy your tickets to the Boston Aquarium

Prices in Boston during the month of July

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

July is not only the busiest month in Boston, but also the most expensive. There are many free activities to do in the city during July, but the main attractions still require payment.

To reduce the cost of traveling to Boston in July and enjoy the city in one of the best months of the year, it's a great idea to purchase one of the city's tourist passes.

Both the Boston CardPASS and the Go Boston Card will save you a lot of money during your trip. Many tickets are free if you have one of these cards, and in other cases, you can get discounts of around 50% on tickets. You will also get discounts at restaurants, transportation, and stores.

Purchase your Boston tourist pass

What to pack for a visit to Boston in July

Packing your luggage| ©Marissa Grootes
Packing your luggage| ©Marissa Grootes

If you are visiting Boston in the middle of summer , don't forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sandals to enjoy a day at the beach or your hotel pool.

To explore the city, make sure you pack cool clothes and comfortable, breathable shoes if possible.

Remember that, even though it's summer, temperatures drop significantly at night, so bring a jacket as well.

If you plan to go out at night to a restaurant, theater, or concert, it's a good idea to bring slightly more formal clothing, as this is what Bostonians tend to wear to these venues in the evening.

Tips for visiting Boston in July

Comfortable shoes| ©Bran Sodre
Comfortable shoes| ©Bran Sodre
  • Plan your trip in advance and prepare your itinerary ahead of time, buying as many tickets as you can online. During July, many activities are sold out at the box office due to the massive influx of visitors. Take advantage of the fact that buying tickets online often gives you the option to skip the lines.

  • It is advisable to have your transportation from the airport to the hotel and vice versa already arranged to avoid carrying your luggage during the transfer and to be able to come and go without worrying about driving. Check out the options for transportation to Boston Airport and book in advance.

  • If you plan to eat at one of the city's most famous restaurants, such as those with Michelin stars, keep in mind that many of them have a waiting list of several months to get a table, so make reservations as soon as possible.

  • Always carry sunscreen, after-sun balm, and UV-filtered lip balm with you when participating in outdoor activities, especially if you plan to go sailing. The sun can be very intense in July in Boston.

  • If you are traveling with children, avoid the hottest hours of the day for outdoor activities and bring a bottle of water for them, as well as something to entertain them if they get bored. It is also advisable to bring a snack in case the little ones get hungry between meals. As the weather is very hot, fruit and juices are the best options.

  • If you plan to walk a lot, in addition to comfortable shoes, bring several bottles of water for yourself and your group.

  • If you are traveling to Boston for the first time, avoid separating from the group, and if you do, make sure you have all the hotel information with you so you can find your way back.

  • As in all large cities in the United States, there are neighborhoods that are not a good option for sightseeing. Ask your hotel which areas of the city are dangerous and avoid going there.

  • Opt for public transportation. The subway and bus networks are excellent in Boston and will save you not only money on gas but also the stress of having to drive around the city.

  • Purchase the Boston CardPASS or the Go Boston Card. These are two different types of tourist passes that give you free access to many places and significant discounts at others. It is estimated that holders of either of these two passes save an average of 47% on their activities in Boston. Add to that the discounts you get at various restaurants and stores, and the savings can be even greater.

  • Prepare your camera, cell phones, laptops, and all their accessories in advance. Often, in the rush before leaving, we forget our chargers, and it can be a considerable setback to go out and find compatible chargers.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 4404 Reviews
  • F
    F. J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Great tour. Lots of fun. Sam was a great guide!
  • P
    P. S.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was well conducted
  • C
    C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I went with my family during the school vacations and it was a good mix of learning about the history of Boston and eating doughnuts.
  • D
    D.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This experience was very fun, delicious and informative. Our tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable about the history of donuts.
  • F
    F.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Our tour guide was amazing. His energy made it a great experience. We also enjoyed trying donut flavors that we wouldn't normally pick out.