Boston Area's Top Hidden Destinations To Visit

Some of Boston's hidden scenic destinations offer a special place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the area. There are hiking or walking trails, ponds and streams and nature's bounty to behold. Travel to each lookout or scenic destination does not require much strenuous activity, a walk or a light hike carries the traveler to another world. The natural surroundings, woodlands and water views are spectacular at all of these hidden destinations.

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden St.
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 369-3254
www.mass.gov

The author, Henry David Thoreau, resided at Walden Pond in the mid-1800s. This National Historic Landmark features a 102-foot deep glacial kettle-hole pond amid almost 2700 acres of undeveloped woods. During the summer, the pond is a popular place to swim while others enjoy hiking the trails that surround the pond. There are guided walks on the property or visitors can explore the reservation on their own.

World's End
250 Martins Lane
Hingham, MA 02018
(781) 740-7233
www.thetrustees.org

Spectacular views of Boston Harbor and Hingham Harbor abound at Worlds End, a 251-acre secluded park just 15 miles south of Boston. The park is described as a figure eight with pebbled paths and water access where the loops converge. The trails have rolling hills providing a good place to hike, walk, jog, cross-county ski or picnic. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Worlds End, from the rocky shoreline to the hillsides and the open, manicured fields, which are edged by thick woodlands. The varied landscape is magnificent.

Leisurely climbing to the summit of Chickatawbut Hill to experience the Lookout Tower provides a great view of the spectacular Blue Hills Reservation landscape, flora and fauna. The Skyline Trail, which passes close to the summit of Chickatawbut Hill, offers the best view of Buck Hill and Great Blue Hill. This natural, open air venue makes visitors feel like they are in the mountains, not just a short 15 mile ride from the city of Boston.

Related: Best Free Attractions Near Boston

Pemberton Point
Nantasket Peninsula in Boston Harbor
Nantasket, MA 02045
www.hullchamber.com

Located in Hull, which is at the tip of the Nantasket Peninsula in Boston Harbor, Pemberton Point Pier is a popular place for summer fishing expeditions. The water views of Boston Harbor from Pemberton Point are spectacular and expansive. A travel bonus to getting to this waterside venue is the fact that there is public transportation provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Boston's public transportation system, from Pemberton Point to Boston's Long Wharf and Logan Airport. There is an energy-generating wind turbine on the property, as well.

Washington Tower
Mount Auburn Cemetery
580 Mount Auburn St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
www.waymarking.com

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a historic, seasoned venue which opened in 1831. Washington Tower, named for the first president of the United States, George Washington, sits atop the highest hill in Mount Auburn Cemetery, which is located in the Cambridge and Watertown neighborhoods of the city. When visitors climb to the top of Washington Tower's spiral staircase, there are two observation decks from which they can enjoy unobstructed, magnificent views of Boston, Cambridge and surrounding neighborhoods. The panoramic views include the nearby Blue Hills from one side to Boston Harbor from the other side of the tower.

Related: Boston's Best Secret Bars