Hello May
The spring flowers in Boston are in full bloom and can be found throughout the city. I love seeing Boston so full of color! It is such a stark contrast to the grey winter months. Lucky for locals and even tourists, there are plenty of things to do in Boston during the spring.
However, not everything has to be structured or expensive. Sometimes just taking a stroll along a historic street while enjoying a coffee can set the stage for a beautiful day in the city. So if you just want a relaxing day let’s get into the simple ways to enjoy spring in Boston, MA.
Want more spring posts?
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Goodness knows we get our fair share of rain in New England. This is necessary for all those gorgeous tulips you can now find in the Boston Public Garden. They have quite an array of tulips for visitors to enjoy. For a nice and simple activity, throw a blanket down on the grass and take in the view.
Not to mention that May is also the best time to see lilacs at the Arnold Arboretum. Both of these locations are completely free to visit. Learn more by reading my post on 7 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces in Boston. Enjoy a pleasant exploration of the arboretum trails while snapping pictures of the stunning lilacs.
People Watching and Boutique Shopping
There is nothing quite like spending a spring afternoon people watching on Newbury Street. One of the very few pleasant upsides to the pandemic is the emergence of outdoor dining options. You can easily find a lovely café to relax at and observe the bustle of the street. Some of my favorite current outdoor dining spots are Sonsie (for brunch) and Joe’s On Newbury.
When you are done eating and people watching, take your time and stroll the length of Newbury Street. Many cute local boutiques, such as Lit Boutique or Lipstick & Lure Boutique, are local Boston businesses. It’s imperative to keep local businesses alive during the pandemic. You can learn more about shopping at small businesses in Boston online for mother’s day by checking out my previous post.
Even if you don’t want to spend a dime in these stores, it is still quite fun to window shop as you walk further into the city. The brownstones on this street are iconic and beautiful.
Try Some Spring Themed Drinks
Do you love coffee? Then in the spirit of spring, I’d recommend trying out a lavender latte! I know lavender can sometimes have a powerful scent, but it is very subtle and delicious when mixed with coffee. You can find lavender lattes at cafes such as Tours Les Jours, Jonquils Cafe, Render Coffee, and Broadstreet Coffee Roasters.
Not a fan of coffee? Don’t worry; you can always try lavender lemonade at The Well Coffee House or Pavement Coffeehouse. Plus, many bubble tea places in Boston carry drinks such as rose tea or jasmine tea. You can find several options at LimeRed Teahouse, Vivi Bubble Tea, or my personal favorite, Tea-Do!
Pick up a spring themed drink and just walk through the city. The best way to truly experience a city is to simply explore it without an itinerary.
Get Into the Charles River
May is the beginning of some of the ideal weather to get out on the water in Boston. No, you don’t have to be a boat owner to enjoy water activities. For example, Paddle Boston offers some nice rental options to enjoy the Charles River. If you’ve never seen the Charles, it is very scenic with views of the city and nearby Cambridge. This is a budget friendly activity for a full day of fun on the water.
Paddle Boston 2021 Rates: (Website)
| Available Boats | Day Rate | Evening Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single Kayak (1 adult) | $38 | $20 |
| Single Sea Kayak (1 adult) | $45 | $25 |
| Double Kayak (2 adults) | $49 | $26 |
| Kid’s Kayak (age 6-12) | $20 | $12 |
| Paddleboard (1 adult) | $40 | $25 |
| Canoe (3 adults or 2 adults & 2 kids ) | $49 | $26 |
| XL Canoe (up to 5 adults) | $75 | $45 |
| Paddleboat (up to 4 adults) | $70 | $35 |
| Rowboat (3 adults or 2 adults & 2 kids ) | $60 | $30 |
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Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
GWT says
‘April showers bring May’s flowers.’
It’s actually the first time I’ve heard that, like it.
A bit of people watching at an outdoor cafe trying a new brand of coffee. I’m told on Boston in spring. Gorgeous flowers too.
Jaya Avendel says
I love the idea of kayaking down the river, especially in the glorious weather of spring when the water clears a little. Boutique shopping is also a lovely way to find something to wear and cherish for the rest of the year. 🙂 I love that tote bag!
Thanks for sharing!
Jenna B says
I love these ideas! And honestly, now you have me craving a spring-themed drink, haha. So happy that warmer weather is on the way.