Boston, Massachusetts

"The best raw bar in Boston. Worth the line."

A tiny North End restaurant with a legendary oyster selection and a lobster roll — served warm with butter or cold with mayo — that has won more best-of awards than any other in New England. Cash only. Lines start before opening. Get there early or expect a wait.

"The North End cannoli argument starter. You have to try it."

A North End institution famous for its cannoli — massive, filled to order, available in dozens of flavors. The ricotta filling is house-made. You'll see everyone walking the North End with a white box tied with red string. This is why.

"Union Oyster House: America's oldest restaurant. Eat here at least once."

Union Oyster House has operated continuously since 1826, making it the oldest restaurant in America. The chowder, clam cakes, and whole belly fried clams are the moves. It's touristy, yes — but genuine. Daniel Webster had his own booth here.

"A chain of harbor islands with forts, camping, and views back at the skyline."

A 34-island archipelago accessible by ferry from Long Wharf. Spectacle Island has a beach and hilltop views. Georges Island has Fort Warren — a Civil War-era fort with self-guided tours. Peddocks Island has camping. Most Bostonians have never gone; it's completely underrated.

"Harvard's living plant museum. 281 acres of manicured trees and walking paths."

Part of Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace park system, the Arnold Arboretum is a free public park managed by Harvard with labeled specimens from around the world. Lilac Sunday in May draws 35,000 people. The rest of the year it's peaceful and beautiful.

"A Victorian garden cemetery with sculpture, ponds, and famous graves."

A 19th-century garden cemetery in Jamaica Plain with elaborate Victorian monuments, a lake, and the graves of e.e. cummings, Anne Sexton, and Eugene O'Neill. Boston's garden cemeteries are legitimate parks — people jog, picnic, and bring their dogs.

"Frederick Law Olmsted's masterpiece. A chain of parks across the city."

A continuous chain of parks designed by Olmsted running from the Back Bay Fens to Franklin Park — 1,100 acres woven through Boston's neighborhoods. Running, cycling, picnicking, and walking are the activities. The Fens has community gardens. Jamaica Pond is a jewel.

"A 10-mile rail trail connecting Cambridge to Lexington. Historic corridor."

A paved multi-use trail following the route of the Minuteman commuter rail right-of-way through Arlington and Lexington. Passes Lexington Battle Green — the site of the first shots of the Revolution. One of the most historically layered bike paths in America.

"The closest ocean swimming to downtown Boston. A causeway-connected peninsula."

A narrow peninsula north of the city accessible by causeway with a long sand beach facing the open ocean. Not the prettiest beach in New England but dramatically convenient — 20 minutes from downtown. Parking is the challenge in summer.

"2.5 miles, 16 sites, 250 years of American history."

A marked walking trail connecting 16 revolutionary-era sites across Boston — Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, the Granary Burying Ground. The trail is marked with a red brick line through the sidewalk. Do it once, do it with visitors, and appreciate that you live here.

"One of the top five art museums in the US. Military gets in free."

A world-class collection spanning Egyptian, Impressionist, American, and contemporary art. The MFA has one of the best Egyptian collections outside Cairo and an American collection that's unrivaled. Military members get free admission on Veterans Day; check for regular military discount programs.

"The oldest active major league ballpark. See at least one game."

Built in 1912 and continuously operational, Fenway is both a functioning stadium and a living museum of baseball history. The Green Monster, Pesky's Pole, the manual scoreboard — take the stadium tour and see a game if at all possible. The atmosphere is unlike any other park in baseball.

"A world-class aquarium on the harbor. The penguin colony alone is worth it."

The central harbor aquarium has a massive four-story ocean tank, a penguin colony, harbor seal exhibit, and excellent programming for children. Adjacent IMAX theater. One of the best things to do with kids in Boston.

"One of the best children's museums in America. Three floors of hands-on."

A landmark children's museum on the waterfront with interactive exhibits across three floors — construction, science, culture, and play. The Arthur exhibit (yes, the cartoon) is a permanent fixture. Kids wear themselves out here.