Thanks to its parks and proximity to the ocean, Boston has plenty of recreational opportunities, offering enough variety to keep active people happy year-round. Most Boston and Cambridge hotels provide maps of the best jogging routes in the vicinity. Jogging, in-line skating or biking along either side of the Charles River during daylight hours is wonderful. If you prefer to be on the water, consider boating on the Charles. Better yet, head out to sea for whale-watching or deep-sea fishing.
Beaches
Massachusetts is renowned for its coastline, with beaches both north and south of Boston, as well as in the city itself. If you have more than a day in town, head to either of the "Capes": the North Shore's Cape Ann or the South Shore's Cape Cod. Both are famous across the country for their beaches, sailing and especially seafood.
Bicycling
Bicycles can be rented for a ride along the Charles River or other scenic routes, but riding on the downtown streets is a challenge. Better by far for bicyclists are the quiet, leafy streets of adjacent Brookline, Cambridge and Newton.
Bird Watching
Some of the region's best bird-watching can be found within the city limits, easily accessible by the T. One exception is the Boston Harbor Islands, which are accessible by a ferry service that departs from Long Wharf near the Aquarium (operated by Boston Harbor Cruises).
Fishing
The most-popular deep-sea fishing boats leave from the North and South Shores. Try your hand at catching cod, flounder, pollack, haddock and the occasional bluefin tuna.
Hiking & Walking
The Esplanade along the Charles River is a favorite destination for walking, jogging and in-line skating, although it gets a bit crowded on weekends. Visitors to Cambridge should also try the paths around the green and lovely Fresh Pond Reservoir. There are also several great places to walk, jog and hike just outside of the city.
In-Line Skating
The Esplanade on the Charles River Basin is your best bet for in-line skating. In addition, a long section of Memorial Drive, on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, is closed on Sunday Memorial Day-Labor Day to allow skating, bike riding and skateboarding.
