Beyond the B Line

New to town? Let us show you around with these easy, but fun locations. Boston can be intimidating to anyone, whether you’re from a similar city or grew up surrounded by farmland. But our city is full of history, culture and people with stories to tell. Here are some activities to try and places to visit as you get more comfortable here. Venture out into the city and learn from the people you’ll meet.

Boston Beginner

First day in Boston? These are easy to get to, good-time-guaranteed spots.

Amory Park

As soon as the sun and warm weather come back, Amory Park must be your first stop. Take a nice walk through South Campus and Brookline and you’ll hit this wide-open space in no time. It is the perfect place for reading, completing homework, playing frisbee or taking a nap. There is no telling what you’ll see at the park. It could be a cricket match, some foosball, a toddler playing in the baseball diamond or some teenagers flying kites. But the best part about Amory Park? The dogs. There is no way you can go and not see a dog. You’re welcome.

Coolidge Corner Theater

Showing movies since 1933, the Coolidge Corner Theater is known for its selection of independent films, with the occasional blockbuster. An easy walk or T-ride to Coolidge Corner, students can get tickets for $13 to any show. The theater is fully accessible and could always use support, so patrons have the option of becoming a member or sponsor. It’s the perfect place for a movie night, as there are plenty of restaurants and local businesses nearby.

Freedom Trail

Even though the Freedom Trail is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Boston, it is far from overrated. The 2.5 mile walking trail is marked by an iconic brick path and stops at 16 historically significant sights from Paul Revere’s house to the site of the Boston Massacre. You can walk the trail yourself or take a guided tour from someone dressed up in 18th century clothing. It’s the perfect way to see the city for yourself and start becoming a real Bostonian.

Serious Tourist

These stops are meant for the professional tourist who might not know their way around, but are open to all possibilities (even if that means getting a little lost on the way).

Castle Island

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from the bustle of the city, Castle Island, located deep in South Boston, is a must see when visiting the city. Open seven days a week, the island offers more than just a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor; you can take a guided tour of the castle, fish, walk along the beach or have a picnic with some friends. This is one of the easier islands to get to (no ferry or boat required). All you have to do is hop on a MBTA train to South Boston and take a connecting bus to the island. You could be enjoying an afternoon in the sun in less than 40 minutes.

Museum of Bad Art

Boston is home to some of the most popular art museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art that hold some of the nation’s most beautiful pieces of artwork. The Museum of Bad Art, another popular destination, is home to some of the nation’s worst pieces of art. If you’re looking for a laugh and have a passion for critiquing art, you can stop by the gallery located in Brookline and spend an hour touring some of the worst art for free.

Little Armenia in Watertown

Foodies come from all over to taste the amazing dishes that come out of the food hubs of Boston (Little Italy in the North End and Chinatown in Downtown Boston). Little Armenia in Watertown can require a significant amount of travel effort (it takes about an hour to get there), but it houses some of the best Middle Eastern food in Massachusetts. You can find some of the most authentic Armenian baked goods at places like Sevan Bakery and Arax Market.

True Bostonian

Tourist who? If you’re visiting any spots on this list then you’re not a tourist, but a full-blown Boston resident.

Chestnut Hill Reservoir

Calling all nature lovers: within an hour on the MBTA (and a little walking), you could be enjoying a scenic view from the side of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Originally created to assist Boston in its water needs, you can now take a long bike ride or walk along the trails of the reservoir for a relaxing afternoon activity. You could also visit the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum that exhibits the engineering behind water systems, which is conveniently located right next to the reservoir and offers free admission.

T Ferry

When you think of MBTA transportation, you automatically picture a packed T train or a connecting bus. But, the T ferry is an underestimated mode of transportation that allows for a beautiful view of the city and harbor while taking you to other close by cities. It takes you to places like Salem, which is the Halloween capital during the fall, or Provincetown, which is located on the tip of Cape Cod, a popular vacation destination. Wherever you decide to let the ferry take you, you can experience a new city all within roughly an hour from Boston all while taking in the scenery.

Crane Beach

Contrary to the Boston reputation of living in 90 percent icy weather at all times, there are a few select beaches that allow for a sandy escape, although it does come at a cost of high transportation time. Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA is a sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, tanning and walking along the boardwalk. This seaside experience is not only for the water lovers; you can also enjoy the day hiking on one of the many trails at Crane Beach.

By Ariana Quihuiz and Emma Parkinson | Photography by Billy Bevevino | Design by Jami Rubin