Watertown MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Watertown, Massachusetts.
1. Armenian Museum of America
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Armenian Museum of America is the largest Armenian Museum in the Diaspora, serving as a major repository for all forms of Armenian material culture. Visitors can explore exhibits that illustrate the creative endeavors and cultural heritage of the Armenian people. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Armenian history, art, and traditions through its extensive collections.
2. The Plumbing Museum
UNIQUE INDUSTRY HISTORY
The Plumbing Museum offers a fascinating and entertaining look at the history of plumbing and its importance to public health and modern civilization. Visitors can view historical fixtures, tools, and equipment that showcase the evolution of plumbing technology over time. This unique specialty museum has become a fixture in the community, providing educational insights into an often overlooked trade.
3. New Repertory Theatre
LIVE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
New Repertory Theatre presents high-quality theatrical productions ranging from classic works to contemporary plays. Theater enthusiasts can enjoy professional performances in an intimate setting with excellent production values. The venue has earned praise for its engaging productions and has featured notable plays with occasional appearances by playwrights and directors.
4. Charles River Greenway
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PATH
The Charles River Greenway offers scenic paths that stretch along the Charles River, connecting Watertown to Cambridge, Brighton, and Waltham. Visitors can walk, run, or bike along the riverside trails while enjoying natural scenery in an urban setting. The greenway provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
5. Central Rock Gym
INDOOR CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Central Rock Gym features numerous climbing routes at varying difficulty levels, including challenging features like chimneys and overhangs. Climbers can enjoy top rope climbing and bouldering in a well-designed indoor facility. The gym caters to both beginners and experienced climbers, providing equipment rentals and a supportive environment for developing climbing skills.
6. Edmund Fowle House & Museum
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
Edmund Fowle House & Museum preserves not only the history of this historic home but also significant aspects of American history. The house served as a meeting place during the American Revolution, hosting important historical figures and events. Visitors can learn about both local Watertown history and broader Revolutionary War context through the museum's exhibits and guided tours.
7. Watertown Square
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HUB
Watertown Square serves as the town's main commercial and transport hub, situated in a picturesque setting on the Charles River. The pedestrian-friendly downtown area features diverse dining options along Mt Auburn Street, offering Persian, Sichuan, Mexican, Greek, and many other cuisine types. Nearby Saltonstall Park hosts community events including the popular Outdoor Summer Concert Series and Faire on the Square in September.
8. Watertown Dam
HISTORIC RIVER STRUCTURE
The Watertown Dam spans 180 feet across the Charles River, standing as a remnant of the town's industrial past with history dating back to the 1630s. The current structure, built in 1900, has become a popular fishing spot for various bird species including herons, gulls, and cormorants that feed on the abundant fish below. Visitors can observe wildlife while contemplating the ongoing debate about whether the dam should be removed to restore the river's natural flow and improve fish migration.
9. Launch Trampoline Park
INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Launch Trampoline Park offers a variety of entertainment options including trampolines, obstacle courses, and other active attractions. Families and friends can enjoy bouncing, playing dodgeball, and testing their skills in a high-energy indoor environment. The facility provides a fun venue for birthday parties, group outings, or active recreation regardless of weather conditions.
10. Arsenal Yards
MODERN SHOPPING DESTINATION
Arsenal Yards is a revitalized shopping and entertainment complex featuring retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can shop at various retailers, enjoy dining options ranging from casual to upscale, and experience entertainment attractions in this modern development. The complex represents Watertown's blend of historic preservation and contemporary urban renewal.
11. Mount Auburn Cemetery
HISTORIC GARDEN CEMETERY
Mount Auburn Cemetery is America's first rural garden cemetery, established in 1831 and located near Watertown. The 175-acre landscape combines serene natural beauty with significant historical monuments and the final resting places of numerous notable figures. Visitors can explore the scenic grounds with its diverse plant collections, picturesque ponds, and Gothic architecture while appreciating both its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere.
12. Gore Place
FEDERAL PERIOD ESTATE
Gore Place is a historic early 19th-century country estate featuring a grand Federal-style mansion often called the 'Monticello of the North.' The property encompasses 45 acres of grounds with historic outbuildings, gardens, and walking paths just a short distance from Watertown. Visitors can tour the elegantly preserved mansion to learn about the life of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore and experience the refined living of Boston's early aristocracy.
13. Mosesian Center for the Arts
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTS VENUE
The Mosesian Center for the Arts serves as Watertown's cultural hub, offering visual arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, and educational programs. The center houses gallery spaces, a theater, and studios where visitors can experience various art forms and community events. Local artists and performers showcase their talents alongside regional and national acts in this vibrant community arts center.
14. Afri-root Collective
AFRICAN ART GALLERY
Afri-root Collective showcases authentic African art, crafts, and cultural items in a gallery setting in Watertown. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring works from various African regions and diasporic communities, highlighting traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. The gallery serves as a cultural bridge, offering insights into African heritage through visual arts and occasional cultural events.
15. John A. Ryan Skating Arena
COMMUNITY ICE RINK
The John A. Ryan Skating Arena provides year-round ice skating facilities for recreational skaters and hockey players in Watertown. The arena hosts public skating sessions, hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and learn-to-skate classes for all ages and skill levels. This community venue serves as an important recreational facility that brings together local residents for winter sports activities regardless of the season.