Location: Cambridge
Top Things to do in Cambridge
The 9 Best Outdoor Activities in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA)
Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.
Restaurants in Cambridge
1. Memorial Drive
2. Charles River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
A nature reservation covering 950 acres along both sides of the Charles River offers bicycle and jogging paths, 12 tennis courts, six swimming pools and the popular Hatch Memorial Shell with live concerts.
Reviewed By McHopper - Tallahassee, United States
We go every year to see the Head of the Charles River Regatta, a "world event" that attracts thousands from all over the globe to compete and watch this adrenaline pumping exciting event. The Charles River is filled with the long skinny boats of one, pairs, fours and eights with coxswains wailing at the rowers to give it their all toward the finish line. The banks and bridges of the Charles River stream with crowds of college students and families who enjoy several days of boat watching and races and shouting encouragement to their favorites. Booth after booth offer everything from seafood, hotdogs and hamburgers, wraps, and more to free samples of new products like fizzy maple drinks and healthy veggie snacks. Being outside and gathering at the Charles River, sitting in the trimmed grasses to view the shimmering river and the races or walking down the tree-lined paths with the sun shining down through sprinkles of yellow leaves is the epitome of feeling happy.
3. Charles River Bike Path
4. Fresh Pond Reservation
5. Charles Riverboat Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Charles Riverboat Company offers our guests the best views of Boston and Cambridge on our Sightseeing Tours, Sunset Cruises, and Architecture Cruises. Our tours depart daily from the CambridgeSide Mall from May through October, with special prices for children, seniors, and groups. Join us aboard our riverboats for an interesting and relaxing local experience on the Charles River. We also offer private events specializing in weddings, corporate events, cocktail and dinner parties and much more! Give us a call or view more information here: https://charlesriverboat.com/events/.
6. Charles River Canoe & Kayak Cambridge at Kendall Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Paddle in the heart of Boston and Cambridge from our location in Kendall Square! Treat yourself to a phenomenal view of the Boston skyline and the Esplanade, as well as other nearby landmarks like the Zakim Bridge, M.I.T., the Museum of Science, and Boston University. This nine-mile stretch of river has no current, allowing painless round trips. However, renters can also enjoy one-way trips to or from our Boston location in Allston/Brighton — a unique way to see the city! Experienced paddlers can even venture into Boston Harbor for an unforgettable adventure! Our Kendall Square location also hosts our spectacular Skyline Tours, Harbor Tours, and Barbeque Tours — a wonderful way for anyone to see the river.
7. Crimson Sailing Academy
Crimson Sailing Academy is an institution dedicated to enabling young sailors of all levels to progress and enjoy the lifelong sport of sailing. Our racing clinics give scholastic racers the chance to further develop and refine their skills, and raise their game to the next level. Through our summer camp, beginning and intermediate youth will be introduced to the sense of freedom and independence that comes from harnessing the energy of nature and controlling one's own vessel. We are located on the Charles River between Cambridge and Boston, and the Longfellow and Harvard (Massachusetts Ave) Bridges.
8. Olympia Fencing Center
Olympia Fencing Center is New England’s largest and most successful fencing club, the gathering place of fencing enthusiasts from Boston area and its suburbs. Our center offers a variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for all ages and skill level. First class is always free. We welcome all fencers who travel to Boston area, Olympia is the premier choice of foreign fencers.
9. Fresh Pond Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By larryjaytish - Cambridge, United States
That's what I want to say, but unfortunately the word is out on this mini gem that wraps around the Cambridge Reservoir. The holes are fun, challenging and it is consistently in the best shape of any public course I have ever played. And it’s $25 for non-residents/$22 for residents during the week. In Cambridge! You can’t get a coffee and a scone for that in the Republic! Kudos to the head pro Bob, and course superintendent Alex. Now stay away! So I can get on. Ha. See you there. Have a wonderful pandemic golf season.
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