Discover Boston in the summer: Best places to visit and eat in the Hub

The Boston skyline shimmers during the summer months. (Getty Images)

Boston might not have much in terms of vertical feet, and the city doesn’t offer any chairlifts — though a gondola through the Seaport would have been fun — but the Hub is a must-see over the summer. Just like the biggest ski resorts in New England, the region’s biggest city also can put a dent in the wallet.

From September through May, Boston essentially is the country’s largest college town. During the summer, locals and tourists flood the streets and sidewalks, whether it be for the waterfront, the North End, Quincy Market or Newbury Street. If you like to focus your attention a bit more, the Red Sox at Fenway Park, a show in the Theatre District or “Pops Goes the Fourth” and fireworks on the Esplanade are sure to please. A duck boat tour is a quick way to hit the highlights of the city, while a harbor cruise can cool you off on a summer scorcher.

Things to do

Boston Harbor Islands – This national recreation area contains 34 islands – Peddocks, Georges and Spectacle being among the more popular — and is accessible by ferry or private boat. There is a cruise specifically for lighthouses that includes Boston Light, the country’s first lighthouse, and Graves Light, at the entrance to Boston Harbor. www.bostonharborislands.org

Fenway Park – The oldest park in Major League Baseball should be on everyone’s must-see list, but be warned, taking in a Sox game is the most expensive ticket in baseball. A tour of the lyrical little bandbox is a cheaper alternative and a good option for when the team is out of town. www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark/tours

Freedom Trail – Bring your walking shoes and follow the red bricks in the sidewalk to step back in time to the 18th century, when the city was home to a bunch of rebels wanting to break free from England. The U.S.S. Constitution, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Common, the country’s oldest public park, are a few of the stops along the way. www.thefreedomtrail.org

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Home to one of the top private art collections in the world, this museum’s claim to fame is being the site of one of the largest property thefts in history when 13 pieces of work were stolen on the morning of March 18, 1990. If you can crack the case, there is a $10 million reward. The frames that the works of art were cut from remain hanging in place. www.gardnermuseum.org 

Where to eat

J.J. Foley’s – A South End staple since 1909, J.J. Foley’s is like taking a quick trip to Dublin. There is plenty of Guinness on tap and a pub menu with some interesting dishes like deep fried macaroni with a spicy cheese sauce. — www.jjfoleyscafe.com

Regina Pizzeria – Just a short walk from Hanover Street in the North End, at the corner of Thatcher and North Margin, this spot has been slinging thin-crust pies from the brick oven since 1926. www.pizzeriaregina.com

Sullivan’s – Located on the tip of South Boston at Castle Island, Sullivan’s has been serving hot dogs and burgers since 1951. Enjoying a dog and milk shake while relaxing on the beach or roaming around Fort Independence is a rite of summer for many. www.sullivanscastleisland.com

Sweet Cheeks – A fun barbecue place on Boylston Street, this is the perfect place to eat before heading to a Sox game or a concert at the nearby MGM Music Hall. Get the biscuits. www.sweetcheeksq.com