Discover Quincy’s Marina Bay
Discovering Quincy, Massachusetts is like opening up an exciting panorama of history, culture, cuisine and outdoor beauty that brings lasting memories and a desire to return again.
Located seven miles south of downtown Boston, this picturesque city of 100,000 residents is encircled by 7,000 acres of the beautiful Blue Hills Reservation and by 27 miles of beautiful coastline overlooking Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.
This summer, Quincy stands out as a perfect place to visit for tourists who are flocking to greater Boston for FIFA World Cup soccer matches, America 250 celebrations and the Sail Boston promenade of tall ships coming to Boston Harbor.
“Quincy always gives a warm welcome to tourists, sports fans, schoolchildren and group tours all through the year,” says Discover Quincy Director Dagny Ashley, whose office runs the Quincy Welcome Center across from Hancock Adams Common. “This summer in particular, we invite tourists from around the world to stop by and discover what Quincy has to offer.”
A convenient and relaxing way to get to Quincy is by water, thanks to the popular Marina Bay Ferry Service operated by the MBTA, the region’s transit authority. The Marina Bay Ferry runs from May to November, offering daily boat service between Quincy, Boston’s Seaport, New England Aquarium, Logan Airport, and Winthrop. The ferry is an efficient, affordable and fun way to enjoy the beauty of Massachusetts Bay, and to avoid getting stuck in highway traffic.
Marina Bay itself is the centerpiece of Quincy’s coastal glory, a stunning waterfront neighborhood with restaurants, gift shops and small businesses along the boardwalk and spectacular views of Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline. Strolling along the boardwalk is a summer pastime for families, couples, and groups out on the town. And the sunsets are remarkable.
Marina Bay is also popular with boaters, offering nearly 700 boat slips. New England Boat & Fishing calls Marina Bay the “Dock and Dine Capital of New England,” a welcoming stop that offers boaters a choice of upscale and casual restaurants in a relaxed setting after a day on the water.
A new attraction right off the boardwalk is the recently-opened Quincy Navy Park, which pays homage to the city’s navy veterans and maritime history. And finish up your coastal tour by visiting the US Naval Shipbuilding Museum and the USS Salem at Fore River in Quincy.
After visiting Marina Bay, definitely head to Downtown Quincy for an equally enriching discovery of historical sites, public parks, hip restaurants and cultural offerings. A good place to start is the Quincy Welcome Center across from Hancock Adams Common, where visitors can pick up literature on local landmarks, restaurants, hotels and more.
The Presidents’ Trail offers a self-guided trek around historical landmarks about John Adams, Abigail Adams and John Hancock, plus various churches, cemeteries and historic homes.
Take some time to explore Quincy’s great outdoors by visiting the Blue Hills Reservation in nearby Milton, numerous golf courses such the famous Granite Links or the Quincy Quarry and Granite Workers Museum, which pays homage to the city’s granite industry.
Finally, Quincy’s burgeoning restaurant scene is well worth the trip alone. It’s international cuisine ranges from Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Korean to Italian, Irish, Mexican and Brazilian fare, along with American steak houses, seafood restaurants and sports bars. Plus, you’ll find plenty of pubs, cafes and dessert shops for more casual snacks.
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