20 ways to still have an amazing summer in Boston

One of the best ways to take in the city in all of its glory, especially in the summer, is by getting out on the water. From a sunset dinner affair to the traditional duck tour, check out this list of the best Boston cruises around. This summer, some of these cruise companies are offering additional private options, letting you secure a sail for only you and your family or friends. 

The Public Garden is America's first botanical garden, a beautifully-designed park with pathways meant for promenading, formal flower beds, and a willow-fringed lagoon with a wrought-iron bridge and graceful swan boats. It's a great spot for summer picnicking and whiling the day away, especially this summer, when you can be certain there will be ample space to distance from others.

Join the hordes on the river in summer. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board to get out on the water. There are a few different rental and launch locations, check the website for more info. This summer, reservations are required.

This living collection of thousands of trees, shrubs, and woody vines is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and best documented of its kind in the world. Take a summertime stroll and see bursts of green, blooming flowers, and plenty of birds. While the indoor areas are closed this summer, the grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.

If you've been putting off going on a whale watch, there's never been a better time to get out on the water. After all, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best spots for whale watching in the world. Each summer, around 50 individual humpback whales, identified by researchers, return to this hotbed of biological activity. Take a whale watching cruise to learn more about the whales and their habitat. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoise, and dolphins too. Check out the Massachusetts Whale Trail site for more info.

Now is the perfect time to catch up on some movies filmed in Boston, learn a bit more about the city, or check in on some recent shows from local chefs and celebs you may have missed the first time around. 

Enjoying ice cream is a popular Boston pastime year-round, and in the summer it's nearly essential. Fortunately there are plenty of ice cream shops serving flavors both classic and innovative, and many delicious options for sundays, floats, and other frozen treats.

From the Emerald Necklace — the nation’s oldest linear park system — to the Rose Kennedy Greenway (a gift of the Big Dig), Boston has a slew of beautified greenspaces. Stroll, relax, picnic, and enjoy a little bit of nature at one of the best parks in Boston.

There's just something about getting a pint fresh from the source. Fortunately, several of the area's top breweries are offering delivery service and curbside pickup this summer. Boston’s local brewers are making some of the best beers in the country, and scoring new releases at these breweries is a must for beer aficionados. Newer upstarts are gaining attention by incorporating innovative ingredients (local herbs, rare fruits), historic techniques and funky experiments.

When you want a meal from one of the best eateries in Boston but can’t leave the house — maybe you're working from home or practicing social distancing — delivery is the answer. Many of the best Indian restaurants and best Thai restaurants have been in the delivery game for a while, but now some of the best sushi eateries, vegetarian joints, and even bagel shops will deliver. Get ready to chow down on a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home, without all the effort.

For the first-time visitor to Boston, the Freedom Trail provides a useful starting point before checking off the best attractions in Boston. For locals, it's a chance to brush up on everything you should know about your city's history. The two-and-a-half-mile trail is easy to follow for a self-guided tour.

Who among us couldn't use a classy, calming dose of fine art? Next time you find yourself uncertain of what to do, click around and enjoy these top Boston museums and attractions from the comfort of home.

Summer means lobster, whether steamed or stuffed in a roll. There are a slew of delicious lobster rolls in the city, as well as spots that serve a classic seafood shack preparation. Many of Boston's chefs prepare the beloved crustacean in a myriad of creative ways. For this summer favorite, work your way through the best lobster dishes in Boston.

Adventurous types may head farther afield to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail, but when you just need a little bit of nature, there are plenty of quality hikes near Boston that are easy to get to. Whether it’s climbing a lung-busting hill or exploring trails through scenic wooded reservations, these Boston hikes offer relaxation and a healthy dose of fresh air.

Good weather normally equals good moods, and when New England’s notoriously fickle weather allows, locals revel in alfresco drinking and dining options. If you’re up for taking your fun to a higher level, check out our list of the best rooftop bars in Boston where you can get a bite and a great view of the city.

Given how we've all been social distancing at home, it's easy to make excuses for skipping out on a workout, especially when we can lounge around and binge-watch our favorite shows. Fortunately, many Boston gyms and fitness studios are offering online alternatives to their typical workouts, so there's no excuse for not working on your beach bod this summer. From real-time classes via Zoom to downloadable instructional videos, keep up your fitness routine with these online options. 

Boston loves seafood, and the waters from which it came, so it's no surprise that waterfront dining is always in-demand come summertime. Seafood lovers who have enjoyed all of the best seafood restaurants and best oyster bars in Boston can indulge further with fresh seafood by the seashore.

Escape rooms offer a portal out of our everyday lives and into the one of strategy, puzzles and make believe. While some escape rooms might have facilities for youngsters, themes and challenges are usually adult-oriented. An escape room brings the fantasy world of online gaming into three dimensions, while adding old-time puzzle game elements and immersive, interactive theater. This summer, several of the city's best escape rooms are offering private experiences and extra sanitizing between every group.

The Greenway is one of the most celebrated results of the now-infamous Big Dig, formed when I-93 was sunk underground. The mile-long ribbon of green is a great place toget a dose of the outdoors while keeping distance from others. With plenty of nearby restaurants, the Greenway is a great spot for an urban picnic.

Given how intense life can often be in our humble metropolis, every Bostonian gets a little stir crazy now and then. Fortunately, all one has to do is hit the road — or hop on a train, bus or ferry — to explore any number of nearby wonders.