Boston has plenty of new attractions, renovations and events to visit this year. Since there is a direct flight to Boston from San Diego on Alaska Airlines and we’re heading there for a family vacation (based out of the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel Boston), I’m excited to be writing more in the weeks to come about things to do in Boston.
Off to Boston’s Museums
Museum of Science
Boston’s riverfront science museum will debut Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River, a new $11 million, 3-story gallery, exhibit space and special event space to open in late 2015. The 5,000 San Francisco space designed by legendary Cambridge Seven Associates will feature 50-foot windows, fish and animal habitats, plant exhibits and outdoor garden space. Construction began in 2013. Online: Museum of Science
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
The Earth & Planetary Sciences Gallery was recently renovated and features a spectacular array of stunning minerals and intriguing rocks from the collections of Harvard’s Mineralogical and Geological Museum, some of which will be on public display for the very first time. Visitors will come face to face with rock and mineral specimens that date back to beginning of our solar system and trace the dynamic history of Earth. Online: The Harvard Museum of Natural History
Traveling to and around MA
Traveling Green
A new LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified $310 million Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRac) project at Logan International Airport will open late September making it easier and faster for visitors to pick up their rental car and improving overall traffic at the airport. The new unified shuttle bus system includes fuel-efficient hybrid buses to drop shuttle bus vehicle miles and airport-related emissions.
Straight to Boston’s South Shore
Seastreak ferry service has developed a new, daily motor coach connection from Boston’s South Station to the Seastreak terminal in New Bedford. The service is available mid-May through mid-October. Check out where else you can ferry to and from Boston. Online: Seastreak
About Town
Assembly Row
Assembly Row will open in the spring as part of a $1.2 billion project. Assembly Row is Boston’s newest premiere-brand outlet retail, dining and entertainment village including over 50 premiere outlet stores, a hotel, residences and a waterfront amphitheater. It looks like it’s going to be awesome. Online: Assembly Row
Bringing out your inner child at LEGOLAND
Assembly Row is also now home to the $2.8 million LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a 44,000-square foot indoor facility. LEGOLAND broke ground last October and just opened in May 2014. Kids ages two and under are free. The center includes plenty of opportunities to play with LEGOs, two rides, a Miniland, 4D cinema, soft play area and more. Online: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston
Castle Island Brewery
Boston’s Castle Island started making craft brews in 2011. In 2014, they will make a new home for their brewery with a production facility, visitor and touring center complete with sampling, event space and store in South Boston. Online: Castle Island Brewery
Laugh Boston
Laugh Boston is a new 297-seat comedy venue that has opened at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in South Boston. It will specialize in stand-up comedy on a grand scale and showcase both local and national acts, as well as offer unique corporate training opportunities. Online: Laugh Boston
Tasty Bites in Boston
Bastille Kitchen
A French restaurant from Mistral co-owner Seth Greenberg will open in Boston’s new hottest neighborhood, Fort Point. This 11,000-square-foot Parisian bistro will have 240 seats over two floors including a private function space, bar area and intimate dining room. Online: Bastille Kitchen
Wink and Nod
Upcoming craft cocktail speakeasy will open in early February in the South End of Boston. This new nighttime venue will feature a craft cocktail program and dinner menu that encourages sharing. Online: Wink and Nod
Have you been anywhere new in Boston lately? We’d love to hear about it. *Photo credits in order of appearance: Tim Graft,
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
Explore More in The United States
20 Fun Things to Do in London with Kids the Whole Family Will Love
Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
10 Best Day Trips from London by Train
The London Pass vs. London Explorer Pass: Which Is Better?