Hey, it’s summer and most of us have (for better or for worse) our whole summer planned out well ahead of time. But if you find yourself with some free time, and you want to explore Boston but avoid some of the typical tourist traps, we’ve got three hot tips you can add to your quiver this summer season. BJ, Beth, and Meredith were asked to write about a recent exploration AND to name their top three beaches. The beach conversation got a little heated, but in the end, we agreed that we have so many great beaches to choose from, it’s almost impossible to be wrong. Here’s what they had to say.

Lower Mills Thrills

by Beth Maguire

My husband, Greg, and I recently had a kid-free weekend and decided to explore Lower Mills in Dorchester on a Sunday. We started at the Bowery Bar, where we enjoyed brunch on the back patio. The enclosed space was adorned with lush plants and string lights, creating an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere. There were misters that went off intermittently creating a dreamy ambiance. I indulged in an obnoxiously delicious Reeses Pieces adult iced coffee. We shared the Mexi-cali Benny and brunch bowl.  They have a big menu and the food is solid.

After satisfying our appetites, we strolled along Washington Street, stopping by a few shops. As a lover of vintage clothing stores, I couldn't resist going into Streamline Antiques. The shop was filled with vintage clothes, hats, jewelry, and housewares. I found a stunning vintage dress, which the shopkeeper informed me came from an estate sale in Dorchester, where the owner had a deep closet filled with clothing arranged by decade.  This gem was in the 60’s section.

We also scored some cool vintage glassware before moving on to Dark Horse, although we weren't in the market for furniture or home decor, so we moved on. 

Feeling adventurous, we decided to rent BLUE bikes and explore the Lower Neponset River Trail. The $10 day pass allowed us to ride for two hours at a time. The trail led us along tracks with rumbling, old-school orange trolleys and offered scenic views of the Neponset River and I-93. It was a hot and humid day, and I fantasized about jumping into that cool river. We covered about eight miles and made a mental note to return with our kids in the future. There’s nothing like a bike ride to make you feel free and invigorated. 

Favorite Beaches:

1. Revere Beach.

2. Chapoquoit Beach (Falmouth)

3. Crosby Landing (Brewster)

Free Harbor Rides & Dining Waterside

by Meredith Smith

Despite living in a coastal city with a bifurcating river running through it, getting on the water can still feel like an elusive activity. And yet when you do find yourself on a sea-faring vessel with a view of the city, you remember, with a spark, what an incredible city we live in.

Last summer I was let in on a little secret of how to get that harbor cruise view for free by cruising between Charlestown and East Boston by boat. Boston Boat Launch runs a complimentary service from 11am-11pm daily (weather permitting) between Charlestown Pier 6, East Boston, Lewis Wharf and Fan Pier in the Seaport. The boat operation partnered with a restaurant group, Navy Yard Hospitality, that has drop offs to their waterfront venues Pier 6, The Tall Ship, and ReelHouse East Boston. Not only are you offered waterfront dining, a surprisingly limited offering in our fine city, but you can also avoid the rather cumbersome trek to East Boston car-free. Park your car in Charlestown and walk over to Pier 6. From there you can catch a ride on a skiff that loops around the harbor. There’s no requirement to patronize any of the properties, but a trip to the Tall Ship is a novel stop for harbor side corn hole and pina coladas!

Favorite Beaches:

1. Newcomb Hollow

2. Wingarsheek

3. Horseneck

40 Steps Plunge Bath

by BJ Ray

One of my favorite beaches in Greater Boston is Nahant’s Short Beach. Unfortunately, parking at the beach (or anywhere in Nahant actually) is limited to residents and guests of residents. But if you follow my simple plan, you can turn a day trip to Lynn into a cliff jumping adventure! There aren’t Blue Bikes currently available in Lynn, so you’ll need to supply your own bikes for this one. Either by car or by commuter train (Lynn’s stop is closed, but Swampscott is close enough), get yourself to Lynn. If driving, you can find a spot along Lynn Shore Drive or along any of the side streets between Lynn Shore Drive and Ocean Street. Using the promenade along Lynn and Long Beach, cruise into Nahant. Short Beach begins when you see the U.S. Coast Guard Station. There are bike racks at any of the entry points. At the far end, there are small restaurants and a convenient store (there’s also an outhouse in the parking midway along the beach).

Jump back on the bike and head up Nahant Road into the coastal hamlet until you arrive at stairs atop 40 Steps Beach. You’ll know when it you see it. Park your bike and head down the stairs. The small inlet is great for swimming and, if you’re feeling adventurous, there is a large rock formation across the inlet you can walk/climb or swim to. I can’t advise you to jump, but I can tell you that I brought a friend to 40 Steps a couple of weeks ago. We left our shoes, phones, and shirts on the beach and walked around the inlet to the small cliffs. We jumped in and swam back. It was a heavenly way to start the summer!

Favorite Beaches?

1. Short Beach (Nahant)

2. Devereux Beach (Marblehead)

3. 40 Steps (Nahant)

Happy summer!!