Boston is a harbor city that spent three centuries becoming a land city. Nearly every step along its vibrant waterfront rests on made ground-wharves filled, coves closed, and mudflats buried beneath modern parks, historic piers, and a world-class skyline. Going Coastal Boston invites you to step off the pavement and walk that fascinating seam between city and sea.
Through ten carefully crafted, self-guided journeys, this essential field guide leads you along the iconic Boston Harborwalk and well beyond. Explore the granite piers of Long Wharf, walk through the living naval history of the Charlestown Navy Yard, cross the Charles River Esplanade's footbridges, and navigate the bustling, working edges of East Boston and the Seaport. Extend your travels outward to the sweeping views from Castle Island, the scenic pathways of the Neponset River Greenway, and the peaceful shores of the Boston Harbor Islands. Each route is tailored for a single memorable outing on foot, by bicycle, or by ferry-complete with exact distances, seamless public transit links, and practical navigation notes.
Threaded throughout these walks are the rich echoes of 1776 and the shaping of American history:
• The authentic site of the Boston Tea Party
• The strategic landings at Moulton's Point
• The historic heights of Dorchester, where guns forced the British evacuation
Alongside deep historical context, Going Coastal Boston serves as a complete directory to the living, breathing modern waterfront. Dedicated sections cover everything you need to plan your shorefront adventures, including detailed guides for:
• Waterfront Experiences: Discover top spots for urban beaches, coastal dining, birdwatching, and annual harbor festivals.
• On-the-Water Recreation: Locate public kayak launches, rowing clubs, sailing spots, scenic excursion boats, and prime fishing locations.
• Coastal Heritage: Uncover historic light stations, harbor forts, museum ships, and Revolutionary War monuments along the shoreline.
Produced by Going Coastal and published in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, this guide serves as both a practical field companion and a quiet manifesto: the waterfront belongs to everyone. Whether you are a local resident rediscovering your backyard or a visitor seeking an authentic coastal perspective, lace up your walking shoes, hop on a ferry, and meet Boston from the water looking in.
