Things To Do
in Quincy
Quincy, Massachusetts is a historic coastal city on the South Shore of Boston known as the “City of Presidents” for being the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams. It blends New England maritime character, waterfront development at Marina Bay, and dense urban neighborhoods with tree-lined residential areas. Quincy offers easy access to Boston via the MBTA Red Line while retaining local parks, beaches and a growing dining scene.
Visitors will find a compact, walkable downtown, scenic shoreline parks and nearby outdoor destinations like the Blue Hills Reservation.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Quincy Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the region. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and unique storefronts. Grab a coffee at a local café to energize yourself for the adventures ahead.
After lunch at one of the charming bistros, head to the Quincy Public Library, a stunning building that offers not only literature but also a glimpse into the city's past. Spend some time at the nearby Washington Park, where you can relax amidst the lush greenery and perhaps enjoy a picnic. The afternoon also provides the perfect opportunity to visit the Log Cabin Village, a unique collection of historic log structures.
As the sun sets, make your way to the historic district for a delightful dinner at one of the local restaurants featuring regional cuisine. Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Mississippi Riverfront, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and serene views. End your evening with a visit to a local theater or a live music venue to experience Quincy’s vibrant arts scene.
Begin your morning with a visit to the Art Center in Quincy, where you can appreciate local artists' work and perhaps even participate in a workshop. Stroll through the nearby Quincy Riverfront and enjoy the scenic views of the river, taking in the tranquility of the area. Stop by a local bakery for a delicious pastry and coffee to fuel your creative spirit.
In the afternoon, explore the Quincy Community Theatre, where you can take a backstage tour and learn about the productions. Afterward, visit the nearby historical sites, including the John Wood Mansion, to gain insight into Quincy’s historical significance. Spend some time at the local art supply shop to gather materials for your own artistic creation.
For dinner, treat yourself to an exquisite meal at a renowned restaurant that showcases local flavors and ingredients. Attend a live performance at the Quincy Community Theatre, where you can enjoy a play or musical put on by talented local actors. Wrap up your night at a cozy pub, enjoying craft beers and mingling with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Cappuccino / coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi / ride-share short trip | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Boston with easy transit access (MBTA Red Line).
- Historic sites and presidential heritage at Adams National Historical Park.
- Coastal scenery, beaches and waterfront parks like Marina Bay and Wollaston Beach.
- Good launching point for Blue Hills outdoor activities and South Shore exploration.
- Limited late-night nightlife compared with Boston—some visitors may need to travel to the city for more options.
- Traffic congestion during commuter peak hours on routes into Boston.
- Winters can be cold and snowy, which may limit some outdoor activities.
- Some neighborhood-to-neighborhood variation in amenities—car or transit may be needed to reach all attractions.
Places to Visit in Quincy
Visit one of these nice places.
Well-preserved historic houses, gardens and colonial architecture—excellent for portrait and heritage photography.
Waterfront promenades, marina piers and skyline views—great at golden hour and for capturing boats and reflections.
Broad sandy beach with views across the bay, ideal for sunrise/sunset seascapes and people-watching shots.
Panoramic vistas of Boston and the South Shore from rocky summits—perfect for landscape photography and seasonal foliage.
Dramatic former granite quarries with steep rock faces, graffiti art and reflections in quarry ponds—offers unique urban-nature compositions.
Salt marshes, birdlife and sweeping views of Boston Harbor—great for wildlife and long-exposure shoreline shots.
Food in Quincy
Quincy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, savory chowder made with clams, potatoes and onions; widely available at waterfront restaurants and seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
Chunks of lobster tossed in butter or mayo and served in a toasted roll—best at seafood counters or harborfront eateries.
Fresh local shellfish lightly battered and fried—classic seaside fare found at casual seafood joints around Quincy.
Hearty pasta dishes, pizza and antipasti from long-running family restaurants in several Quincy neighborhoods.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local produce, baked goods and prepared foods in Quincy Center during spring–fall; a good place to sample seasonal specialties and artisanal products.
During festivals and summer evenings, food trucks and pop-up vendors gather near Marina Bay for seafood, tacos and street-food favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Quincy are generally polite and direct—greet with a friendly hello, make eye contact and respect personal space.
Stand in line and wait your turn in shops and transit; noisy or aggressive behavior in public is frowned upon.
When visiting historic homes and parks (like Adams National Historical Park), follow posted rules, don’t touch artifacts and be respectful during guided tours.
Safety
Tipping in Quincy
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary for good service; $1–2 per drink at a bar is common. Taxis and ride-shares are typically tipped 10–15%, and leave a few dollars for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Small vendors or some food trucks may prefer cash—carry a small amount for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with temperatures typically in the 70s–80s°F (20s–30°C); beaches, boating and outdoor events are in full swing—bring sunscreen, swimwear and a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Crisp, cool weather with beautiful fall foliage from late September through October; great for hikes in Blue Hills and scenic drives—pack layers and a windbreaker.
Cold and snowy at times with temperatures often below freezing; be prepared for snow, icy conditions and shorter daylight—dress in warm layers, waterproof boots and check transit/road updates.
Variable weather with cool mornings and milder afternoons; flowers and trees bloom and outdoor markets start up—bring flexible clothing and a light rain jacket.
Quincy at Night
Hiking in Quincy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Large state reservation with dozens of trails, varying difficulty, scenic overlooks and the Great Blue Hill summit—close to Quincy and popular year-round.
Stone quarries turned open-space park with unique rock faces, trails and viewpoints—easy to explore and great for short hikes and photography.
Gentle coastal walks along the beach and promenade, ideal for leisurely strolls, birdwatching and sunrise/sunset views.
Short trails and accessible boardwalks through salt marsh and coastal habitat with good birdwatching and skyline views.
Airports
How to reach Quincy by plane.
Primary international airport serving Boston and the South Shore, about 10–20 miles from Quincy depending on route; accessible by car, taxi, ride-share or MBTA (Red Line to South Station, then Silver Line or direct taxi).
Providence’s airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, roughly a 50–70 minute drive depending on traffic; offers domestic flights and some international connections.
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, about 60–90 minutes by car; useful for some domestic carriers and lower-cost options depending on routing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Established neighborhoods with multigenerational residents, often of Irish, Italian and other European descent.
Growing Asian-American population, including Chinese and other East and South Asian communities, contributing to diverse dining and cultural options.
Professionals and families who commute to Boston for work, attracted by transit access and relative affordability compared with the city.
A mix of immigrant communities adding cultural variety to neighborhoods, businesses and places of worship.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is very popular—many locals follow the Boston Red Sox and community youth leagues are active throughout the area.
American football (both high school and professional fandom for the New England Patriots) is widely followed and played recreationally.
Boat-based sports take advantage of the harbor and river access—sailing, rowing and powerboating are common recreational pursuits.
With Blue Hills and coastal trails nearby, hiking, trail running and outdoor fitness activities are popular among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quincy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian mains and salads; specialty vegetarian or vegan-only options are more limited than in central Boston but available nearby.
Vegan choices exist at a handful of cafés and some modern bistros; call ahead for full vegan menus or options and expect to find more selection by heading into Boston.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free bread/pasta); always inform staff about celiac disease to avoid cross-contamination.