5 Of Boston's Best Hidden Gems

There is so much to see and do in Boston; the sights and sounds of the city are electrifying. The city is rich in hidden gems, which include both inside and outdoor activities that are not to be missed by anyone visiting Boston. Native Bostonians also need to get out and experience these very special attractions, if they have not already done so.

Frog Pond Carousel
Boston Frog Pond
Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 635-2120
www.bostonfrogpond.com

The Frog Pond sits in the center of Boston Common, rich in history for all to enjoy. A leisurely walk, a jaunty jog or a picnic under a stately tree makes this park a true city treasure. Amid the busy streets and surrounded by towering buildings and the Massachusetts State House sits the Boston Frog Pond Carousel. The scenery is spectacular as the carousel takes you on a wonderfully adventurous ride. Interestingly, Frog Pond offers a skating rink in winter and becomes a reflecting pool during the warmer seasons.

Related: Boston History Lover's Guide The Boston Public Library

Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Shattuck Visitor Center
125 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 522-2700
www.emeraldnecklace.org

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is a unique 1,100 acre green space that runs from the Back Bay to Dorchester. It is a collection of six public parks, which offer endless possibilities for the million visitors each year. Walking, running, bike riding, photographing the scenery and picnicking are only a few of the wonderful options. The public parks that form this green space include Back Bay Fens, The Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park, which contains a zoo.

Castle Island
Castle Island Park
William J Day Blvd.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 727-5290
www.bostonharborwalk.com

Castle Island offers a unique outdoor venue, the Harborwalk, to walk, jog, roller blade or bike ride around a 3-mile stretch of Dorchester Bay that leads into Boston Harbor. The Harborwalk, which always has a wonderfully cool breeze, travels out and around the bay with the city skyline, Boston Logan Airport and Boston Harbor Island's in full view. Pleasure Bay Beach is a popular stop along the way, as is the playground and open spaces for kite flying and frisbee throwing. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Independence, which sits atop a hill in the middle of Castle Island. All of this fun is only 15 minutes from the heart of the city. 

SoWa
450-540 Harrison Ave.
South End
Boston, MA 02118
www.sowasundays.com

SoWa is an area in the South end of the city that is best known for the restaurants, art galleries and open markets. There is a unique collection of boutiques and galleries in the area but the Open Market, Vintage Market and food truck offerings make this a must-see attraction. The Open Market offers vendors selling handcrafted wares in an outdoor retail space on Sundays from May through October. There is a fresh produce and specialty food farmer's market in the next lot, which has over 60 vendors from around New England. The Vintage Market is a year-round indoor treasure trove of antiques and vintage clothing. After perusing the retail areas, visitors enjoy gourmet food truck overload with a parking lot full of delectable choices.

Related: Boston's Best Public Art 

Isabella Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 566-1401
www.gardnermuseum.org/home

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a patron of the arts and strove to provide a venue in Boston for everyone to enjoy important works of art. She traveled the world for thirty years to collect significant pieces of art to display in a unique museum, which represents a 15^th century Venetian palace and sits in the heart of the city for all to enjoy. Isabella Stewart Gardner was intimately involved with where and how her 2,500 piece art collection was displayed. There are concerts offered at the museum and an artist-in-residence program.