Boston is a wonderful city, and its gorgeous skyline and the vast waters undoubtedly make for an unforgettable sunrise viewing experience. You not only get to see the sun’s rays reflect off of the tall skyscrapers with glass exteriors but also get to see the water act as a mirror for the yellowish-orange skies.
Here is everything you need to know about sunrise in Boston:
Best Time to Watch Sunrise in Boston
When you should be getting ready to watch the sunrise depends on when you are visiting Boston. The sunrise timings vary depending upon the seasons, with it being slightly earlier during the warmer months than during the cooler months. The spring or summer months may be better if you are looking to enjoy some pleasant weather, and the autumn or winter months to experience the fall colors or even the snow.
- Sunrise in Spring: Normally, the sun rises anywhere between 5:30 am and 6:30 am during the spring months. It is a wonderful time to watch the sunrise since the weather is quite pleasant, and it would be ideal to be out and about in the city, enjoying the green trees and the soft winds.
- Sunrise in Summers: You’d find that sunrise during the summer months is usually between 5:00 am, and 6:00 am. It isn’t as hot that early in the morning as it is later in the day, so make sure to take advantage of the fact and go for a walk, perhaps to the waterfront. You would be able to catch a glimpse of the rising sun and the calm waters reflecting the sky's changing colors.
- Sunrise in Autumn: If you visit Boston during the fall months, you would need to be up and about anywhere between 6:00 am, and 7:00 am. There is a slight nip in the air, and as you make your way to your preferred destination to watch the sunrise, you’d most likely pass by trees changing colors and fall leaves lying around everywhere.
- Sunrise in Winters: When it comes to the winter months, you will find that the sun generally rises between 6:30 am and 7:30 am, with the exact timings changing based on the particular month. If you can’t brave the chilly mornings to go outside in the snow and watch the sun come up, you can always remain in the warmth of your residence and watch the skies change colors behind the skyline!
Places in Boston With an Excellent View of the Sunrise
To make your visit to Boston a memorable one, it doesn’t suffice to pay a visit to all the major tourist destinations; you need to do something different. Consider getting up early one day, or a few days, to watch the sunrise! Now you can always do so from your own residence, but it’ll be even more special to go to one of the following locations for the same:1. Seaport World Trade Center
Go down to the Seaport World Trade Center early in the morning if you wish to get beautiful views of the sunrise. Even though it is a center for commercial activities, the location is perfect since it overlooks the waters and the Boston skyline, assuring you of a memorable sunrise-watching experience. What’s more, you’d be able to see the few boats lined near the port.Address: Seaport Ln, Boston, MA 02210, United States
2. Walden Pond
A National Historic Landmark, Walden Pond in Concord is a great place to visit if you wish to watch the sunset and enjoy some greenery. 30 minutes from Boston, it is ideal for watching the sunrise by the water, swimming, boating, or walking amidst nature. You can also pay a visit to the famous replica of Thoreau’s single-room cabin.Address: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, United States
3. Revere Beach
A public beach located north of downtown Boston, Revere Beach is an ideal location if you wish to catch the sunrise while visiting the city. Given that the beach would be quite empty that early in the morning, you would be able to enjoy watching the sun come up as well as the calm waters in peace. If you stay at the beach long enough, you can go into one of the eateries around, which serve some tasty treats. Address: Revere Beach, Revere, MA 02151, United States
4. Peters Hill
Boston is synonymous with Harvard University, and with that comes the Harvard Arnold Arboretum known for its abundant natural beauty; the many trees, flowers, and bushes. Within the arboretum is Peters Hill, which serves as an excellent location to watch the rising sun. It provides a gorgeous view of the city’s skyline, which means that you get to enjoy watching the sky change colors against the backdrop of the many skyscrapers. Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130, United States
5. Boston Harbor
Want a unique sunrise watching experience? Rent a boat and go out into Boston Harbor for an unforgettable experience. Whether you know how to ride a boat yourself or not, there are several rental options available to you. Pack some early breakfast and set sail with family or friends to be not only able to see the sunrise but also the beautiful Boston skyline and other areas of the city. Address: Central Wharf Dock, Boston, MA 02110, United States (Boston Harbor Boat Rentals)
6. Old Scituate Lighthouse
What’s better than being able to experience the sunrise in the proximity of a lighthouse? Perhaps nothing! Old Scituate Lighthouse on Cedar Point happens to be a historic lighthouse, an ideal location to watch the sunset. If you can wake up about an hour before sunrise and drive down to this site, you’d find yourself looking at the sunrise, with the sky changing its colors and the water reflecting the same. It is a perfect location to click some pictures! Address: 100 Lighthouse Rd, Scituate, MA 02066, United States
7. Boston Harbor Hotel
If you are willing to book a stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel, a luxury hotel set overlooking the beautiful Boston Harbor, you would have the chance to see the sunrise. You cannot only book a room that faces the harbor, thus providing a gorgeous view, you can also make your way to the outdoor eating area, deck or rooftop if you wish to be outside at the time of the sunrise. Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, United States
8. Cape Cod
If you fancy a day trip from Boston and don’t mind leaving early, Cape Cod is the place to be. A little over an hour away, the peninsula provides you a view of the vast open skies during not only sunrise but also ample opportunities to have some fun. Walk along the shoreline, sit and whale watch, have some of the tasty ice creams, visit the Princetown Monument and maybe even stay long enough to catch the sunset! Distance from Boston: 1 hour 11 minutes (70 miles)
9. Deer Island
Deer Island isn’t actually an island but a peninsula that is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Its location means that you are almost surrounded by water and gorgeous views, especially of the sunrise. You can spend a decent amount of time here engaging in recreational activities like jogging, dog walking, fishing, walking, rollerblading, and so much more. Distance from Boston: 23 minutes (9.1 miles)
10. Fresh Pond
Situated in Cambridge, Fresh Pond is both a reservoir and park which overlooks a kettle hole lake. It is a great place to visit early in the morning if you wish to watch the sunrise in peace and amidst nature. Moreover, the area is also suitable for walking or jogging, if you prefer to get some morning exercise! Address: Fresh Pond, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Suppose you don’t mind waking up early in the morning while on your trip, do not miss out on watching the sunrise in Boston since it is a breathtaking site! There are plenty of locations in and around the city which provide remarkable views of the same, and you are likely to have an experience of a lifetime.