Spring has arrived in Boston, and everything is blooming and greening up in time for Mother’s Day. With its public gardens, water views, cruises, museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, Boston is the ideal destination for Mother’s Day. Visit these top spots to show your mom the best of Boston this Mother’s Day and create amazing memories together.

Things to Do on Mother’s Day in Boston

1. Do yoga at Piers Park

Relax into Mother’s Day with yoga at Piers Park. East Boston boasts one of the most beautiful views of the city that Mom can enjoy between poses.

Where: Piers Park, 95 Marginal St, Boston, MA

2. Take a Boston Harbor Cruise

Head to the Long Wharf area of Boston to pick up one of the many boat trips offered by Boston Harbor Cruises. They offer a special Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise that serves delicious food as you cruise through the harbor on a leisurely tour. For something a bit more exciting, head out on a 4-5 hour whale watch into the deep waters of the Atlantic for the chance to see humpback whales, right whales, and other fascinating marine life. Enjoy a shorter cruise to end your day with a 90-minute sunset tour that passes by lighthouses, landmarks, and islands.

Where: One Long Wharf, Boston, MA

3. Brunch on Newbury Street

Take a Mother’s Day stroll down one of Boston’s classic streets. Stop by a few
shops on your way to brunch at Stefanie’s or one of the many other delicious spots along
this famous strip.

Where: Stephanie’s On Newbury, 190 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

4. Shop and Dine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

If your mother has trouble deciding where to eat or shop, head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace because it’s a one-stop-shop for great food and unique wares. To satisfy Mom’s hunger for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, head into the arched hallways of Quincy Market within the Marketplace to savor the sights and smells of the global cuisine available. Enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the restaurants in the market or take your food outside to eat at one of the benches beneath the trees growing up from the cobblestone walkways. Mom can shop her favorite chain stores or explore more boutique-style shops selling locally-made jewelry, crafts, and artwork.

Where: Situated between Historic Faneuil Hall to the north, Atlantic Avenue to the south, Chatham Row to the west, and Clinton Street to the east

5. Take a floral design class

Bond with Mom over flower arranging—something she will really love. S P A C E Boston is hosting a floral design class specifically for the occasion.

Where: S P A C E Boston, 423 West Broadway #300, South Boston

6. Stroll through Boston Common

Stroll through beautiful green grass and tall shade trees in the heart of Boston as you visit Boston Common for Mother’s Day. Mom can relax as she watches the Swan Boats cruise slowly by from a comfortable bench, walks the winding paths, views local baseball teams play on the fields, or sits by the Frog Pond listening to children’s laughter at the nearby playground.  The Boston Common provides amazing views of the city and if Mom’s lucky enough, she may even spot a hawk or two soaring amid the skyscrapers surrounding the park.

Where: 139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA

7. Visit the Boston Harbor Islands

To spend the day outside amid sun and sea, take mom on a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands National State Park for Mother’s Day. The Park consists of 34 islands and peninsulas in Boston Harbor, all of which are rich with history. The size of the islands depends on the tide and while some are rocky and tricky to navigate, others are large enough to host festivals and beachside fun. The peninsulas are home to the mainland parks of Boston Harbor Islands and reachable by car instead of a boat. There are plenty of spots to have a picnic, walk the trails, and enjoy scenic vistas with Mom on her special day.

Where: Ferries to islands leave from Boston Harbor Cruises, One Long Wharf, Boston

8. Plan a picnic in the Fens

Grab your little ones and your picnic blanket and enjoy the outdoors with an old fashioned picnic. The Fens are home to some of the most beautiful flower gardens around—take time this Mother’s Day to stop and smell the roses.

Where: The Fens, 100 Park Dr, Boston

9. Explore Boston’s North End/Little Italy

If you’re looking for a quieter section of Boston to explore with Mom on Mother’s Day, head to Boston’s North End aka, Little Italy. Located northeast of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, this neighborhood of Boston takes visitors back in time with its older buildings, narrow streets, and plethora of family-run shops and restaurants. Do some shopping with Mom in one of the boutiques and then enjoy expertly-prepared Italian favorites in a casual eatery or sit-down restaurant.

Where: Stretches east from Cross Street and north from Christopher Columbus Park out to Boston Harbor

10. Buy a Treat at Mike’s Pastry

Although the line for Mike’s Pastry might look long, it’s worth the wait, especially if Mom is craving one of their signature cannolis for Mother’s Day. Located Boston’s North End/Little Italy, Mike’s Pastry offers a huge assortment of freshly baked sweets daily. Their cannolis come in over 15 flavors and are big enough to serve as a meal. Their Italian cookies melt in your mouth and their cakes taste as amazing as they look. While you wait in line, have Mom step inside to look at all the baked goods behind glass so she knows exactly what she wants when you reach the counter.

Where: 300 Hanover Street, Boston

11. Make truffles at Taza Chocolate

Chocolate is something that everyone can get on board with—truffle making is sure to be a hit with Mom.

Where: Taza Chocolate, 561 Windsor St, Somerville

Spending Mother’s Day in Boston with Mom can give you a new perspective on the city. Venturing into the core of the city and then outward to the harbor helps you understand the full breadth of this unique metropolis. Exploring what Mom loves and/or what she’s never seen before breathes new life into Beantown anad creates a truly memorable experience.