Charlestown Navy Yard Boston
Explore historic warships, admire striking public art, and enjoy waterfront views at Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free salsa dancing!
Charlestown Navy Yard Boston
Best Time
Free salsa dancing!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic warships, admire striking public art, and enjoy waterfront views at Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard.
"A must-visit spot in Charlestown for history, art, and stunning harbor views!"
🚢 Scenic Water Travel
Take the MBTA ferry or water taxi for a beautiful arrival and avoid parking hassles.
🎶 Free Monday Dance
Join free salsa and bachata lessons/parties at The Anchor on Monday evenings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Constitution
Charlestown Navy Yard
Step aboard 'Old Ironsides,' the world's oldest commissioned warship, and feel history come alive.
Navy Yard Garden Sculptures
Navy Yard Garden
Marvel at impressive public art, including a massive octopus sculpture, adding a modern artistic flair.
USS Cassin Young
Charlestown Navy Yard
Explore a historic destroyer from WWII, offering a different perspective on naval history.
Salsa & Bachata Nights
The Anchor, 1 Shipyard Park
Enjoy free outdoor dance parties with lessons every Monday evening in the summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the USS Constitution
Navigating the Navy Yard
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Scenic Water Travel
Take the MBTA ferry or water taxi for a beautiful arrival and avoid parking hassles.
🎶 Free Monday Dance
Join free salsa and bachata lessons/parties at The Anchor on Monday evenings.
🎨 Public Art Encounters
Discover impressive sculptures, like the giant octopus, scattered throughout the Navy Yard.
📜 Active Navy Guides
Engage with active Navy personnel on the USS Constitution for authentic historical insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Scenic Water Travel
Take the MBTA ferry or water taxi for a beautiful arrival and avoid parking hassles.
🎶 Free Monday Dance
Join free salsa and bachata lessons/parties at The Anchor on Monday evenings.
🎨 Public Art Encounters
Discover impressive sculptures, like the giant octopus, scattered throughout the Navy Yard.
📜 Active Navy Guides
Engage with active Navy personnel on the USS Constitution for authentic historical insights.
🚶♀️ Walkable History
Combine your visit with Bunker Hill Monument and explore nearby parks like Paul Revere Park.
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy waterfront views at Pier 6, though food reviews are mixed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Charlestown Navy Yard for its rich history, particularly the USS Constitution, and its beautiful waterfront views. The public art installations add a modern, engaging element. While parking can be difficult, the overall experience is considered worthwhile, especially for families and history enthusiasts.
"A very cool place. We could have spent more time there. Only toured uss constitution and visitor center. Shout out to active Navy answering questions inside the USS Constitution. Quick 10min walk to Bunker Hill too"
Joe Murphy
"The bronze octopus sculpture is an incredible work of art by Gillie and Marc. It is at the entrance to the Navy yard and is one of several sculptures by these artists in Boston.
It is entitled The Bridge of Friendship. It is 36 feet long and holds endangered species in its 8 arms.
Simply amazing work of art."
Mike Zito
"Beautiful historic area with stunning waterfront views. Great for a walk, learning about history, and relaxing by the harbor. A must-visit spot in Charlestown!"
Thanakrit Saetia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many visitors opt for the MBTA ferry or water taxi for scenic views and to avoid parking issues. The 93 bus also runs from Downtown Boston and stops within the Navy Yard. For those near North Station, the Navy Yard shuttle is a convenient option.
Parking is available but can be limited and challenging, especially during peak times. Some visitors have noted it's a 'storage yard' with limited close parking.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from nearby areas. You can also walk from the Bunker Hill Monument, making it easy to combine historical sites.
Yes, the MBTA ferry service provides a convenient and scenic route to the Charlestown Navy Yard from various points in Boston.
From North Station, you can take the Navy Yard shuttle run by MGB, which is very convenient. Alternatively, the 93 bus route (Sullivan via Navy Yard) stops directly on 13th Street. A Blue Bike rental is also an option for a short ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young is free. However, visitors over 18 need to show identification to board the ships.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check the official USS Constitution website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, general access to the Charlestown Navy Yard and its outdoor attractions like sculptures and parks is free and does not require advance booking. Specific events or tours might have separate ticketing.
Yes, Sabor Latino Boston hosts free salsa and bachata dance parties with lessons at The Anchor every Monday evening during the summer.
For visitors over 18, a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to board the USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the historic USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young, admire public art installations like the giant octopus, visit the USS Constitution Museum, and enjoy waterfront views. 
Yes, the museum adjacent to the USS Constitution is highly recommended, especially for families, as it offers fun, kid-focused activities and provides context for the ship's history.
Yes, there's a great playground next to Spaulding Hospital in the Navy Yard, and Menino Park playground is also nearby.
The Charlestown Bells are a public art installation by Paul Matisse, consisting of 30 tubular bells mounted on a railing, offering a unique auditory experience.
While specific pet policies can vary, generally, dogs are allowed in outdoor public spaces like parks and along the waterfront in Boston, but may not be permitted inside museums or on ships. Always check local signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Within the Navy Yard, options like Navy Yard Bistro are noted as good date spots. Nearby in Charlestown, Pier 6 offers waterfront dining with great views, and Ironside Grill is known for bar food.
The Golden Goose Market in the Navy Yard offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and pre-made meals and deli sandwiches.
Besides options within the Navy Yard, Monument Tavern and Warren Tavern are popular spots in Charlestown, with Warren Tavern being one of the oldest in the US.
Yes, The Anchor is a popular spot for drinks, especially during their Monday salsa nights.
While not a permanent fixture, food trucks sometimes appear during special events or festivals, like the Wicked Hot Fest mentioned in one TikTok.
📸 📸 Photography
The USS Constitution provides a historic backdrop, while the public art sculptures, especially the large octopus, offer unique photographic opportunities. Waterfront views of the Boston skyline and the Zakim Bridge are also excellent.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the decks of the USS Constitution, allowing you to capture the historic ship's details.
Absolutely. The waterfront area of the Charlestown Navy Yard offers stunning panoramic views of the Boston skyline, including the Zakim Bridge.
You can find impressive sculptures like 'The Bridge of Friendship' octopus by Gillie and Marc, and the Charlestown Bells by Paul Matisse, offering diverse artistic subjects.
The waterfront location provides beautiful sunset views over the harbor and city, making it a great spot for photographers looking for golden hour shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The USS Constitution Museum is a highlight, offering interactive exhibits designed to engage children. Exploring the public art, like the giant octopus, adds an element of fun and wonder. The open spaces along the waterfront are perfect for a family stroll, and the ferry ride to get there can be an exciting part of the day for younger visitors. Consider packing snacks or visiting the Golden Goose Market for easy picnic options.
🏛️ History Buffs
The USS Cassin Young offers a glimpse into WWII naval operations. The USS Constitution Museum provides deep dives into the ship's history and the broader context of maritime warfare.Beyond the ships, the Bunker Hill Monument is a short walk away, offering panoramic city views and a connection to another pivotal Revolutionary War site.
💃 Couples & Date Nights
Consider dinner at Navy Yard Bistro, noted as a great date spot, or enjoy drinks with a view at Pier 6.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Ships
The USS Cassin Young is a destroyer from World War II, offering a stark contrast in naval technology and design. Touring this vessel provides insight into the lives of sailors during a different era of conflict. Both ships are free to visit, though identification is required for those over 18.
Adjacent to the USS Constitution is its museum, which is highly recommended, particularly for families. It features engaging exhibits and interactive elements that bring the history of the ship and naval service to life.
Public Art and Waterfront Charm
This striking artwork serves as a powerful statement on conservation and adds a contemporary artistic dimension to the historic site. Another notable installation is the Charlestown Bells by Paul Matisse, a collection of tubular bells that create a unique soundscape. The waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Boston skyline, the Zakim Bridge, and the harbor. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, photography, or simply relaxing by the water. The area also connects to parks like Paul Revere Park, enhancing the scenic experience and providing opportunities to watch boats navigate the locks between the harbor and the river.
During warmer months, the Navy Yard comes alive with events like the free Salsa & Bachata dance nights at The Anchor, transforming the space into a vibrant social hub.
These events highlight the area's evolution into a dynamic destination that blends history with modern culture and recreation.Getting Around and Dining
For dining, the Navy Yard itself offers options like the Navy Yard Bistro, noted as a good date spot.
Just outside the immediate Navy Yard, Charlestown offers more culinary choices, including Pier 6 for waterfront dining with impressive views, and historic establishments like the Warren Tavern. For those looking for a quick bite or picnic supplies, the Golden Goose Market is a convenient stop. The area is also known to host occasional food festivals, adding to the culinary diversity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit