Long Wharf Boston
Boston's vibrant waterfront hub, offering stunning harbor views, ferry departures, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, reliable ferries
Long Wharf Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, reliable ferries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Boston's vibrant waterfront hub, offering stunning harbor views, ferry departures, and a lively atmosphere.
"A truly picturesque spot that blends maritime heritage with dynamic city energy."
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Ahead
Use the Boston Transit app for convenient booking and to check weekend schedules.
🅿️ Consider 'The T' for Parking
Save on parking by taking the MBTA. Park at a garage near you and ride into the city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boston Harbor Views
Along the wharf
Captivating views of sailboats, planes landing at Logan, and the elegant Boston skyline.
Ferry Departures
Long Wharf Ferry Terminal
A prime spot for catching ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands or P-Town.
Waterfront Strolls
The pier
Enjoy a peaceful walk, watch boats, and soak in the fresh sea breeze.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Ferry Fun
Parking & Transit Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Ahead
Use the Boston Transit app for convenient booking and to check weekend schedules.
🅿️ Consider 'The T' for Parking
Save on parking by taking the MBTA. Park at a garage near you and ride into the city.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Capture stunning cityscapes and harbor scenes, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Walkable to Attractions
Close to the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, and North End.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Ahead
Use the Boston Transit app for convenient booking and to check weekend schedules.
🅿️ Consider 'The T' for Parking
Save on parking by taking the MBTA. Park at a garage near you and ride into the city.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Capture stunning cityscapes and harbor scenes, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Walkable to Attractions
Close to the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, and North End.
🎶 Live Music by the Water
Enjoy talented buskers performing along the wharf.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Long Wharf is celebrated for its picturesque harbor views, offering a serene escape with sights of sailboats and planes against the city skyline. It's a highly walkable and family-friendly area, serving as a convenient hub for ferry departures and close to major attractions like the Aquarium and Faneuil Hall. While parking can be a hassle, the waterfront charm and photographic opportunities make it a beloved spot.
"Long Wharf was a breeze to navigate—ferries were easy to find, and booking tickets in advance through the Boston Transit app made things super convenient. The only downside was the weekend schedule; I wish there were more ferries running on Saturdays and Sundays. Still, Boston’s waterfront is stunning, and Long Wharf is a great starting point to soak it all in."
kim lue
"Long Wharf in Boston is a truly picturesque spot that blends the charm of New England’s maritime heritage with the dynamic energy of a modern city. Sitting by the water, you’ll be treated to a captivating view of sailboats gliding gracefully across the harbor and planes descending toward Logan Airport—a unique juxtaposition of serenity and motion. Behind you, the Boston skyline rises with striking elegance, providing a beautiful urban backdrop to this scenic waterfront. As the sun begins to set, the entire area transforms with golden hues reflecting off the water and buildings, offering a moment of pure tranquility. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a must-visit gem that makes you pause and soak in the city’s beauty."
Dr. Kshitij Patel
"We took a cruise ride from here to see Boston from another perspective. The cruise took us from South Boston all the way around. We saw impressive planes landing and taking off from Logan. Also got a chance to see the original shipyard. Overall, we had a good experience."
C Neon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MBTA's Blue Line to Aquarium station is a convenient option. Many visitors also find taking the 'T' from outer parking garages to be efficient. For those arriving at Logan Airport, a water taxi is a direct and scenic route to Long Wharf. +2
There are parking garages near Long Wharf, such as the Boston Harbor Garage or Dock Square Garage. However, reviews for some garages are mixed. Using apps like SpotHero can help secure discounted rates.
Yes, Long Wharf is easily accessible via the MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium station. It's also a central hub for various ferry services.
Taxis and rideshares can drop you off at Long Wharf. If you need a car seat for a child, booking a specialized car service in advance is recommended.
By water taxi, the journey from Logan Airport to Long Wharf is quick and scenic. Driving can take longer depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially for weekend travel, to ensure availability and a smoother experience. The Boston Transit app is a useful tool for this.
Long Wharf is a major departure point for ferries to destinations like Provincetown (P-Town) and various Boston Harbor Islands, including Spectacle Island.
Long Wharf itself is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for specific ferry rides or attractions located nearby.
Ferry schedules can vary significantly, particularly on weekends, with limited direct departures. It's crucial to check the specific ferry operator's schedule in advance.
While some ticket sales might be available on-site, booking in advance is the most reliable way to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Long Wharf is primarily a scenic waterfront area perfect for strolls, enjoying harbor views, and people-watching. It's also the departure point for many boat tours and ferries.
While there aren't many dining options directly on the wharf itself, you're steps away from numerous restaurants in the nearby Faneuil Hall Marketplace and North End.
Yes, Long Wharf is family-friendly. It offers open space for kids to move, beautiful views, and is close to attractions like the New England Aquarium.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Boston skyline, sailboats, and planes arriving at Logan Airport. Sunset offers particularly stunning golden hour vistas.
Yes, Long Wharf often features talented buskers and street performers, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dynamic interplay of boats, the city skyline, and planes against the water. Sunset provides a magical golden light.
Absolutely! The way the light reflects off the water and buildings during sunset creates a truly picturesque scene.
Landscape, cityscape, and street photography are popular here, capturing the maritime activity and urban backdrop.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy.
Both early morning for softer light and fewer crowds, and sunset for dramatic colors, are excellent times for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider taking a ferry to one of the Boston Harbor Islands for a more adventurous outing, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the harborwalk. While there aren't many direct dining options on the wharf, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End are within easy walking distance, offering a variety of family-friendly eateries.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hour around sunset is particularly magical, with the light casting a beautiful glow over the water and buildings.
Remember to bring your camera and explore different angles to capture the essence of this vibrant waterfront location.🚢 Ferry Travelers
If you're arriving from Logan Airport with limited time, a water taxi offers a direct and efficient transfer to the ferry terminal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ferries from Long Wharf
For those looking to venture further, ferries to Provincetown (P-Town) depart from here, providing a scenic journey to Cape Cod. Travelers often note that ferry schedules, particularly on weekends, can be inconsistent and may have limited departures. It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance through services like the Boston Transit app or directly with the ferry operator to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
When planning your ferry trip, consider the travel time and potential for delays. For those with tight connections, like arriving at Logan Airport and needing to catch a ferry, a water taxi offers a direct and often faster solution compared to traditional rideshares or public transport, especially when car seats are a concern.
Parking and Transportation Around Long Wharf
The 'T' offers various lines that can get you close to Long Wharf, with the Aquarium station on the Blue Line being particularly convenient. For those coming from further afield, parking at an MBTA garage outside the city center and then taking the train into Boston is a popular strategy to avoid downtown traffic and high parking fees.
If you're arriving at Logan Airport and need to reach Long Wharf, a water taxi is a highly recommended option. It provides a direct, scenic, and often faster transfer than other methods, especially if you have luggage or young children.
Experiencing the Waterfront Vibe
This area is a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunset when the golden light bathes the water and buildings in a warm glow.
While dining options directly on the wharf are limited, you're just a short walk away from the culinary delights of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the historic North End, known for its Italian cuisine. Long Wharf is also a family-friendly destination, providing open spaces for children and proximity to attractions like the New England Aquarium.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit