The city of Cambridge is a well-known Boston suburb that is home to two of the nation’s most popular educational institutions. Beyond boasting Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institution of Technology (MIT), Cambridge is also a pleasant area for families to enjoy, with lively nightlife, plenty of entertainment and shopping, and gorgeous outdoor areas.
Whether you’re looking at Cambridge, MA, homes for sale, or just looking for a quick weekend getaway, Cambridge has a lot to offer. Read on for some great ideas to make the most of your weekend in Cambridge.
Educational tours
Photo courtesy of Harvard Art Museums
While Cambridge may not have iconic attractions like the Liberty Bell or the Statue of Liberty, many people enjoy observing the architecture and scenery that makes up Harvard and MIT. Both universities offer unique architectural façades that resemble monuments, castles, and more.
Of course, Harvard offers much more than most other universities and encompasses multiple attractions. For example, you and your family could browse the Harvard Art Museums, Harvard Museum of Natural History, or Harvard Square.
While Harvard may offer the most noteworthy name in the area, there are other museums in the Cambridge area that could also be of interest. This includes the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Fogg Art Museum.
Go riverside
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While Cambridge is most well-known for its institutional prowess, there is also some beautiful scenery in the area. Of that scenery, the Charles River tends to be the most well-liked. Ironically, one of the more popular tour services in the Boston area is by boat on the Charles River.
If you’re a runner or bicyclist, the Charles River also has a lengthy bike trail that offers a scenic view while you get in your workout fix. This could be a great way to start your day before visiting the nearby universities and museums.
If you’re exploring Boston real estate with incredible views but wanted to look in Cambridge, too—you’re in luck. The Charles River lines much of the southern border of Cambridge and sometimes has waterfront properties available. Realistically, there aren’t many single-family homes along the Charles River, at least in Cambridge. The majority of houses for sale in Cambridge are a little further from the river, though many upscale apartments are usually available.
Exploring parks
The Charles River is an attraction all on its own, but it’s also lined by a number of small parks. Some examples of these excellent green spaces include North Point Park, Magazine Beach, Riverbend Park, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Each park has unique features and is found right along the Charles River.
Cambridge has a number of high-quality parks north of the Charles River, too. One of the most popular Cambridge parks is Danehy Park, which offers an abundance of room for activities alongside various sporting fields for children on 50 fun acres.
For those that like nature trails, the Alewife Brook Reservation could be an interesting visit. Most people mention that this wetland wildlife reservation is an excellent place to embrace the outdoors and escape the city noise. Otherwise, Cambridge offers numerous small playgrounds and fields for families with children. Most of the parks are in close proximity to other nearby attractions.
Enjoy excellent dining
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Cambridge might not have the reputation of Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod, but there are still plenty of excellent dining options in the area. Of course, the best dining options will depend on your food preferences. Cambridge has a number of restaurants that boast excellent Google ratings. The cuisine includes an abundance of options like Brazilian, Italian, Mediterranean, French, Latin American, American, and more.
Two of the top-rated restaurants are Pammy’s and Oleana. Pammy’s is labeled as a New American restaurant but offers many Italian dishes and fine wines to complement. Oleana is a unique Mediterranean restaurant with a pleasant outdoor patio.
Need to get a boost in the morning? Curio Coffee is one of the top coffee shops in Cambridge. The coffee shop is antique-themed and has popular waffles if you or your family are looking for a small bite.
At the end of the day, Cambridge has a plethora of restaurant options that can meet the needs of virtually anyone. They even have farm-to-table options like Urban Hearth for those who only want the freshest local table fare.
Venture to nearby cities
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One of the best parts about Cambridge is its close proximity to other nearby cities. Cambridge is as close to Boston as possible without being included within the city limits. Of course, Boston is one of the most popular areas to visit, but there are plenty of things to see outside of Boston real estate.
Depending on the amount of time you have while you’re in Cambridge, you could consider making the drive to Provincetown, Salem, or Concord.
Provincetown is about three hours from Cambridge and is a popular and diverse city on the point of Cape Cod. Provincetown has a busy downtown area with many different shops and restaurants all along the water.
Salem is about an hour away and is well-known for many different reasons. Salem is usually affiliated with the Salem Witch Trials from the 1600s. The eerie Witch House is still standing but is known as the Jonathan Corwin House. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the house for a modest fee.
For any war buffs, Concord could be a nice area to visit. Concord, which is just 30 minutes from Cambridge, was home to an important battle during the United States’ fight for independence. Located west of the major cities, Concord offers a much different landscape and environment than Boston and Cambridge. Ultimately, Cambridge and its surrounding attractions could make for a wonderful weekend getaway.
Ready to get started?
If you are interested in learning more or exploring houses for sale in Cambridge, contact RE/MAX Destiny to learn more about everything the area has to offer. With more than 30 years of experience, this is a skilled team of real estate professionals you can count on for insider knowledge of the region, and they are ready to help you find your next dream home.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
