Boston's Best

Five Reasons To Visit Boston For Spring Break

March 7, 2015 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS Boston

When college students are dreaming of places to visit during spring break, Boston is probably not at the top of the list. It is not exactly a tropical location with lots of spring break parties on the beach. However, the city has a lot to offer both students who want a quiet spring break and those who want to party. With Boston spring breaks ranging from late February to early April, spring break in Boston goes on long enough for students from around the country to make it in time.

Boston Public and Other City Gardens
69 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov

While the gardens of Boston are not quite in bloom for the majority of most spring break weeks, things are starting to warm up by the beginning of April. Boston Public Garden, the first public garden in the country, becomes less frigid and the hidden gems of the space easier to enjoy. The famous Back Bay Fens also become less harsh, so students on vacation can stroll along its many paths and enjoy some of the best landscaping in the city. Spend some time catching up on studies, listening to books while walking or even photographing the scenery.

Winter Carnival In Harvard Square
18 Brattle Street #352
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 491-3434
www.harvardsquare.com

It is hard to believe that a winter festival is still happening during spring break, but spring does not come as early as March in Boston. Spring breakers who make it to Boston by March 8, 2015 can enjoy shopping, food and more in Harvard Square. One of the biggest draws is the chili tasting, which will warm any cold student up. There is also a Chinese New Year celebration to end the festivities on March 8.

Pub Tours By Trailblazer Tours
1 Westinghouse Plaza, Building D
Boston, MA 02136
(617) 653-8373
www.trailblazertoursboston.com

Spring break has always been a popular time for students to relax and have a few drinks before heading back to college. Boston's pub tours are a great way to do that. Trailblazer Tours offers one that is inspired by the popular television series set in Boston, "Cheers." It includes pick up at a hotel in a luxury vehicle and a tour of bars and Boston history before a drop off at a hotel or yet another pub. This will help visiting students get a feel for the city, so they can find their own way to the best bars for the rest of the week.

Whisky Saigon
116 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-7799
www.whiskysaigon.com

If it is starting to sound like the biggest party that is going to happen in Boston may be in a pub, have no fear. Boston has some of the best clubs in New England, such as Whisky Saigon. Combining luxury with popular music has made this club a great place to drink and dance the night away. Great special effects and a very intimate dance floor ensure that spring break will mean some up close and personal fun for anyone who parties at Whisky Saigon. There is even an attached restaurant, so it is easy to catch dinner before hitting the dance floor.

Free Learning Experiences
Boston, MA
www.cityofboston.gov

Not everyone wants to drink and meet new people on spring break and that is fine. Boston has plenty of free museum time and interesting sites to keep even the most academic-minded student busy on a college budget. Take a tour of the State House, use the city's self-guided iPod tours, see the USS Constitution, visit the MFA, see the stars at the Coit Observatory or simply walk the Freedom Trail. It is possible to fill much more than a week paying only for lodging, food and transportation.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.