Newton MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newton, Massachusetts.
1. Crystal Lake
SCENIC WATER RECREATION SPOT
Crystal Lake is a popular body of water in Newton that offers swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful time engaging in various water activities while taking in the natural scenery. The lake serves as a refreshing recreational spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during warmer months.
2. Newton Cemetery
HISTORIC ARBORETUM CEMETERY
Newton Cemetery is an active cemetery that has been serving the needs of all faiths for more than 160 years and is also an accredited arboretum. The cemetery provides burial services for Newton and the greater Boston area as a private, non-profit organization. Its beautiful grounds combine historical significance with natural beauty, making it a peaceful place for reflection.
3. The Shops at Chestnut Hill
UPSCALE SHOPPING MALL
The Shops at Chestnut Hill is an upscale, two-level enclosed shopping center located in the Chestnut Hill area of Newton on Boylston Street (Route 9). The mall features the only Bloomingdale's in the area, making it a destination for luxury shopping. Visitors can enjoy a premium retail experience with a variety of high-end stores and boutiques.
4. Hammond Pond Reservation
NATURAL HIKING DESTINATION
Hammond Pond Reservation offers visitors easy hiking trails around a scenic body of water in Newton. The trails are well-maintained and accessible for hikers of all skill levels, with no obstructions along the paths. It's particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage creates a colorful backdrop for outdoor adventures.
5. Hemlock Gorge Reservation
WATERFALL PARK EXPERIENCE
Hemlock Gorge Reservation is a park in Newton featuring beautiful waterfalls and the impressive Aqueduct. Visitors can walk across Echo Bridge and marvel at the remarkable reverb underneath. The reservation offers a combination of natural beauty and historical architecture in a compact urban park setting.
6. Webster Conservation Area
PEACEFUL NATURE PRESERVE
Webster Conservation Area is a natural preserve in Newton offering walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The conservation area provides a tranquil escape from urban life with its diverse ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, and connecting with nature in this protected green space.
7. Durant-Kenrick House & Grounds
HISTORIC COLONIAL LANDMARK
Durant-Kenrick House & Grounds is a preserved historical home that showcases colonial architecture and history in Newton. The property offers visitors insight into the area's past through its well-maintained structures and grounds. Educational programs and tours help bring the colonial period to life for visitors of all ages.
8. Jackson Homestead and Museum
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM
Jackson Homestead and Museum is a historical site that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The museum preserves and presents Newton's history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programming. Visitors can learn about social justice movements, local history, and the role Newton played in American history.
9. Fenway Park
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Fenway Park is one of America's most historic and beloved ballparks where visitors can catch a Boston Red Sox game or take a guided tour. The stadium, opened in 1912, features the famous Green Monster left field wall and numerous other unique architectural elements. Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike appreciate the authentic baseball experience and rich heritage this venue offers.
10. Boston Common
AMERICA'S OLDEST PARK
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, serving as a stage for centuries of historical events and public gatherings. Today, it offers a perfect place to unwind with green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities like ice skating on Frog Pond. The park connects to the Boston Public Garden and marks the beginning of the Freedom Trail, making it a central point for tourists exploring the city.
11. Harvard University
PRESTIGIOUS IVY LEAGUE CAMPUS
Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States where visitors can walk in the footsteps of presidents and Nobel laureates. The campus features impressive architecture, museums, and the iconic Harvard Yard with the famous John Harvard statue. Campus tours provide insight into the university's rich history dating back to 1636 and its significant contributions to research, education, and global leadership.
12. New England Aquarium
MARINE LIFE SHOWCASE
New England Aquarium brings the ocean world to visitors' fingertips with exhibits ranging from sea lions to sharks on Boston's waterfront. The aquarium's centerpiece is the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef habitat teeming with hundreds of Caribbean marine species. Interactive exhibits, penguin colony displays, and educational programs make this a fascinating destination for marine enthusiasts of all ages.
13. Copley Square
CULTURAL URBAN HUB
Copley Square is surrounded by some of Boston's finest buildings, educational and arts institutions, and shopping venues. The square is home to architectural masterpieces including Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Visitors can explore the area's cultural offerings, attend events at the plaza, or simply find a patch of grass to relax amidst the urban landscape.
14. Gillette Stadium
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX
Gillette Stadium is a premier sports and entertainment venue where visitors can catch New England Patriots football games and other major events. Beyond sports, the stadium hosts concerts, international soccer matches, and other large-scale entertainment productions. The complex includes Patriot Place, a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination that makes it worth visiting even when there's no game scheduled.
15. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) immerses visitors in an atmosphere of academia with its architecturally rich, museum-filled campus. The university is known for groundbreaking research and innovation across numerous fields, particularly in science and technology. Visitors can explore notable buildings designed by famous architects, public art installations, and museums like the MIT Museum that showcase the institution's contributions to science and culture.