Rich in rebellious tradition, Boston is a haven for history buffs, adventure seekers, and food lovers. From architectural tours to whale watching cruises and gourmet food trucks to elegant brunches, the city is a revolutionary melting pot of culture. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Boston is the perfect place for a May getaway. Here are our top picks for local attractions and May events you don't want to miss.
Boston Whale Watching Cruises
Set sail on the whale watching adventure of a lifetime! Aboard a high-speed catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, you'll see white-sided dolphins and several magnificent species of whales in their natural habitat. Learn about their fascinating behaviors on this exciting excursion!
- - Cruises depart from One Long Wharf by the New England Aquarium
- - Cruises run daily from 9:00AM to 2:30PM
- - Cruises last 3.5 - 4 hours
- - Tickets: Adult (12 and up) $74.21 // Child (3-11 years) $51.21 // Infant (Under 3 years) FREE
Get Into the Groove at Boston Calling Music Festival
Experience the ultimate outdoor, multi-day, multi-stage music festival featuring the biggest live music acts, DJs, and more. Enjoy over 50 performances. Ride a 100-foot Ferris Wheel. Play life-size games and taste some of the best food in Boston.
- - Children under 10 are FREE
- - Ticket prices vary depending on GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum
- - Held at Harvard's Athletic Complex
- - Memorial Weekend: May 26-28, 2023
Rollin' in Flavor: Boston's Unique Gourmet Food Trucks
What started as one gourmet food truck has now become a Boston tradition. The Rose Kennedy Greenway Food Truck Program now offers 15 diverse cuisines, from sandwiches to fresh baked cookies to vegan and vegetarian delights, there's something to please every palette.
- - Visit the Food Truck Schedule
- - Prices vary per truck.
Eat, Shop, and Dine in the SoWa Open Market
Immerse yourself in the creative vibe of SoWa as you stroll down the pedestrian-only Thayer Street on Sundays and take in Boston's largest open-air farmer and artist market. With art studios, galleries, and unique shops, this trendy, bustling district features local farmers, artists, and food and beverage trucks.
- - SoWa Open Market is every Sunday, May 7th – October 29th
- - Hours are 11:00AM – 4:00PM
- - Admission is FREE
- - Located at 500 Harrison Avenue
April Showers Bring May Flowers on Lilac Sunday
Celebrated since 1908, Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum is a May tradition in Boston. Experience the beauty of 403 blooming lilacs, representing 175 different types. Picnic amid the blossoms and relax in the fresh aromatic air or enjoy a guided tour of the lilac collection.
- - May 14, 2023
- - 10:00AM – 3:00PM
- - Located at the Arnold Arboretum on Bussey Hill Road
- - Tours depart every half hour between 10:00AM – 2:30PM from Arborway Gate and the Ponds.
Art and Architectural Go Hand-in-Hand at Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is a landmark in Copley Square, featuring dynamic architecture that spans more than three centuries. Opened in 1852, the library displays treasured art and historic artifacts beneath soaring mosaic ceilings, and vibrant vaulted archways.
- - Tours are FREE
- - Tours run Monday - Tuesday 2:00PM, Thursday 6:00PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00AM
- - Tours last approximately one hour and start in the McKim Building Vestibule
A Mother's Duckling Day Parade
There's no sweeter Mother's Day treat than seeing your own adorable baby duckling, dressed in yellow, fuzzy attire, march in Boston's annual Duckling Day Parade. Celebrating the classic children's book, "Make Way for Ducklings," this parade is sure to be a fun family experience.
- - Ducklings line up in Boston Common at 10:00AM
- - Mother's Day, May 14, 2023
Mother's Day Brunch at Rebel's Guild
Indulge in a special Mother's Day brunch at Rebel's Guild, the fun and spirited English-style pub located in Revere Hotel Boston Common. Enjoy savory and sweet brunch classics with a few surprises from Executive Chef Sunny Chopra.
- - Sunday, May 14, 2023
- - 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Your Place to Stay for a May Getaway
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Boston at the Revere Hotel Boston Common. In the heart of the Back Bay, our hotel puts you near Copley Square and the Boston Library, close to the SoWa Art District and Boston's largest open-air market, and steps from the Mother's Day Duckling Parade and the Mother's Day brunch at Rebel's Guild. Plus, our hip, sophisticated Rooftop@Revere lounge re-opens mid-May. It offers the perfect high-rise setting to overlook the city while you relax and enjoy New England cuisine, creative cocktails, wine, and local craft beer.
Plan your May getaway with the latest packages and specials from Revere Hotel Boston Common. Our luxury suites surround you with Boston's metropolitan flare while immersing you in comfort. Come enjoy our hospitality as you explore our beautiful city. For the best last-minute hotel deals in Boston, sign up for our newsletter.