Located on a sheltered bay of the Atlantic Ocean, south of Boston and east of the majestic Blue Hills, the city of Quincy enthralls visitors with adventures of the mind and all the senses.
To start briefly with geography, a walk or drive along Quincy Shore Drive or Wolleston Beach or the boardwalk of Marina Bay presents wonderful vistas of the bay, the Boston Harbor Islands, and the Boston skyline. Stepping out of the city for a moment, enjoy stunning views of the ocean and sunsets from the Blue Hills Skyline Trail and Chickatawbut Road in the Blue Hills Reservation, which rises behind the city.
American history is on display in Quincy (QUIN-zee), the birthplace of the second and sixth U.S. presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Maritime history fans will love the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum, where the USS Salem is docked. Museum explorations in this city run wide and deep,, so take breaks to recharge yourself at the great restaurants that are becoming more prolific as the city’s dining culture grows.
First among equals, the 13-acre Adams National Historical Park describes the lives of the men and women of the Adams family who did much of the heavy lifting in creating the government of the United States. In addition to a helpful Visitor Center, the park includes birthplaces of two presidents, the "summer White House," Stone Library, the Adams Carriage House, the United First Parish Church and Adams Crypt. Entry to the houses is via guided tours. Be sure to visit the home of the formidable Abigail Adams, wife of John and mother of John Quincy and one of the most influential women of the early Revolutionary period of America.
The U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum is where people may visit the USS Salem, the world's only preserved heavy cruiser. USS Salem was launched on in March 1947 and served as flagship of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and the Second Fleet in the Atlantic. She is now docked at the Quincy Fore River Shipyard, at one time one of the country’s largest shipbuilding enterprises. History-minded kids are enthralled by the vast size and heroic stories in this place.
One of the hot spots for strolling, relaxing, drinking and dining is the city’s Marina Bay, a large marina with an incredible view of the Boston skyline and wonderful sunsets. Marina Bay has several restaurants offering outdoor and indoor waterfront dining as well as a variety of retail shops. It is perfect for visitors itching for some creature comforts and gifts to take home. Here’s a dining tip for which you’ll thank us: the restaurants of Granite Links, a public golf course with several restaurants, and – you’ve heard this before -- breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. Many more restaurants flesh out the big and growing world of creative cooking and dining in Quincy.
The Blue Hills Reservation, just west of Quincy, covers 7,000 acres and crates provides a green oasis for walking, hiking, biking and scenic drives. For beach lovers, Wollaston is the largest of several area beaches, and it is right in the center of town. Wollaston has 2.5 miles of clean sand, swimming, lifeguards, free parking, a bathhouse with public restrooms. The Boston harbor Island National Recreation area is 34 islands (not all open to the public) in Massachusetts Bay and very close to Quincy as the crow flies. On the islands, which people may reach via ferries out of Boston, Hingham, and Hull, people can explore a Civil War-era fort, climb a lighthouse, hike through salt marshes, camp under the stars or go fishing, picnicking or swimming. Quincy is an easy launching point for private boaters.
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