Seafood Trip

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great way to get a quick tour of the city (it goes by fast). When the captain of your tour asks, don't hesitate to volunteer to drive the boat in the Charles!

Description:

A fleet of Ducks, brightly colored, vintage World War II amphibious vehicles provide 80-minute, narrated, half-land, half-water tours of Boston. Do not be alarmed when your Duck abandons its wheels and lowers itself onto the Charles River! Tours depart on the half-hour and cover many of Boston's downtown tourist attractions. Keep in mind: Tour guides encourage quacking! Tickets, which may be purchased two days in advance, often sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends.

Description:

The Barking Crab sits along the edge of Boston Harbor; serves up seafood semi- al fresco in the warmer months and gives diners a clam shack style atmosphere in the heart of Boston. Super casual, and frequented by locals looking to dine or just drink outside The Barking Crab is a popular joint. The meals served here are basic, mostly seafood focused, and prices a bit on the high side ($29 for a naked lobster roll), but the atmosphere is not to be missed. If summer finds the Barking Crab too crowded for you to get through the door, no worries, it is open all year, and the indoor area is quite charming, even fitted with a cozy fireplace. 

-Jessica Polizzotti

88 Sleeper St., tel. 617-426-CRAB

www.barkingcrab.com

Description:

Take a tour of the Harpoon Brewery or enjoy one of their HarpoonFests (2 held in the spring and then again as an Octoberfest).  That is if you can find it. All but hidden along the South Boston waterfront, past the many happening spots along the way, you'll find this Boston original where good beer and good friends can come together. Tours and tastings happen daily.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
306 Northern Ave., tel. 888-427-7666
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Description:

The interior of this restaurant is as dated as the photos of proprietor Anthony Athanas with celebrities like Bob Hope and Dom DeLouise that hang on the walls. But there is no better place in Boston to enjoy fresh seafood in the summertime than on Anthony's patio, which has a view of Boston's inner harbor and skyline. If you like shellfish, order the clambake special, which gives you shrimp, steamed clams, mussels and lobster. This restaurant also prides itself on its steaks and wine list.

Description:

Locals often forget that the Sail Loft is not just a dive bar on the water in Boston's North End, but also a full service seafood restaurant. Diners are often seated while bar patrons enjoy a cocktail, and on a warm evening crowd onto the small deck that hovers over Boston Harbor. Small and loud, the Sail Loft can see lines of many waiting outside, especially on a warm weekend night. Well worth a stop, even if just to do like a local and enjoy a drink.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
80 Atlantic Avenue, tel. 617-227-7280

Description:

The landmark Marriott occupies an unbeatable location a stone's throw from the New England Aquarium. It attracts business travelers with its proximity to the Financial District and families with its pool and easy access to downtown and waterfront attractions. The hotel's terraced brick exterior encloses a seven-story atrium that gives the public spaces an airy feel. Rooms, which were renovated in 2008, are large and decorated in upscale-chain-hotel style. They have cherry furnishings, either one king-size or two double beds (with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters), and a table and chairs in front of the window. Without any neighbors in the way, the building gets more natural light than any other downtown hotel. Rooms close to the water afford good views of the wharves and the waterfront; units closer to Atlantic Avenue overlook the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Facilities: Restaurant (seafood); cafe and lounge; bar and grill; indoor pool; exercise room; Jacuzzi; game room; concierge; tour desk; 24-hr. business center; room service until 2am; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; executive-level rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.

Description:

There are other boat companies offering whale watches departing from Boston Harbor, but this one by the New England Aquarium is the only one run by an organization dedicated to preserving whales and the waters where they live. Trips last 3.5 to 5 hours. If no whales are sighted on your trip, you receive a voucher for a return free trip. All boats have a galley, souvenir store and interactive exhibits about whales.

Description:

This establishment is synonymous with good seafood in Boston and now offers several locations along the east coast. Boasting a traditional clam chowder that has been served at five presidential inaugurations, the restaurant also offers a "light" chowder for diet-conscious diners. Steamed lobster dinners are always a good choice. A selection of 30 fresh fish varieties is offered daily, served baked, broiled, steamed or fried. Raw shellfish, salads and vegetables are also available. Legal Sea Foods has a mail-order service, function space and catering. The restaurant has a full service bar. Other locations include the Prudential Center, Long Wharf, Copley Place, and Legal's Test Kitchen.

Description:

Boston Harbor is a beautiful retreat from the city in any season. It is also the departure point for ferries to Cape Cod and the South Shore, whale watches and moonlit cruises. The history of the harbor has not been forgotten; the Boston Tea Party took place here and is recreated annually. The New England Aquarium is located on the water's edge. As you walk by, peek at the large tank to the left of the entrance—sometimes there are harbor seals living in it.

Description:

The adventure begins before you step foot through the door. Watch the Harbor Seals swirl around in the outdoor tank while you wait for tickets, or linger when you finish and recount your time inside. A four-story tank spans the center of this aquatic marvel; filled with marine life this is a sight to be seen. Catch a show in the glass enclosed classroom, plunge your hands into the touch tank or pop by the children's room with your little ones. Whale Watch cruises are available seasonally and are a special way to enhance your day.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
1 Central Wharf, tel. 617-973-5200
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Description:

The best seafood in Boston can be found at Neptune Oyster. Neptune classics like their overstuffed Lobster Roll served hot with butter maintains the succulent tenderness of the meat while the clam chowder, thinner than most, gets a boost of flavor from a fresh herb (possibly chevril) that gives it an extra special kick. The raw bar is stocked with a fair share of east and west coast oysters, littlenecks, cherrystones, and razor clams as well as cooked cocktail favorites. The no reservations policy of this very cozy space make it imperative that you arrive early or are happy to wait-elsewhere.

-Jessica Polizzotti

63 Salem St., tel. 617-742-3474

www.neptuneoyster.com

Description:

Union Oyster House is a taste of Boston history. Opened in 1826, and holding the title of America's oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House still offers one mean oyster bar. Just outside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Union Oyster House is the perfect place to start your tour. Sit at the first floor raw bar to devour your oysters, or step into the past and explore the rest of the place. Cozy booths line this relic and the smaller scale helps transport diners to a time when things were not so "big".

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert

41 Union St., tel. 617-227-2750

www.unionoysterhouse.com