Outdoor Activities in Quincy, MA

Having lived in Quincy for the last 5 years, I have slowly got to know some wonderful places to visit no matter the weather. During the summer, for instance, there are quite a few places to go and enjoy nature without spending a dime. If you are into rock climbing, canoing, hiking, birding, swimming or just meandering down the beach at sunset, then Quincy has something for you.

Located in Squantum, just 5 minutes walk from North Quincy is Squantum Point Park . This small but beautiful park was once the home of a naval airfield and the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, but was later developed into a waterfront park. The park still retains traces of it's past, but blends these with natural bird habitats, picnic areas and magnificent views of Boston Harbor. Activities that can be done here include birding, fishing , running, canoing, inline skating or just relaxing and enjoying a picnic. Squantum Point Park is easily accessible by public transport or car. If you are traveling by public transport then take the Red Line (Braintree branch) to the North Quincy Station and then the the #211 bus route to the park. By car take US-1 South to exit 12, Rt 3A South. Continue over the Neponset Bridge onto Quincy Shore Drive and bear left on East Squantum Street. Turn left and take Victory Road into the Squantum Point parking lot.

Just south of Squantum Point Park is Quincy Shore Reservation. This 2.3 mile long reservation links the historical site of Moswetuset Hummock in the north to Caddy memorial Park in the South. In the middle of these 2 points of interest is Wollaston Beach, popular for it's jogging/bicycling trail and also for calm water swimming. To the north, Moswetuset Hummock, a one time summer campsite of Native Americans in the 1600's, offers gentle hiking through woodland trails and open marshland. To the south of Wollaston Beach is Caddy memorial Park offers 15 acres of marshland and fields as well as wonderful children's play area and picnic area. For lovers of seafood, Wollaston Beach also offers several seafood restaurants with views of the beach and bay. The north end of this park is accessible by the same route as listed above for Squantum Point Park, but Wollaston Beach is also easily accessible by taking the Red Line to Wollaston Station and then the 217 directly to the beach.

For the more adventurous among us there is Quincy Quarries Reservation. Quincy is well known for being the birthplace of the American Granite Industry and here in Quincy Quarries Reservation we can see a perfect example of this now closed industry. This 22 acre site that connects to the magnificent Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, is a perfect place for Rock Climbing and Hiking. For details about the Rock Climbing activities in the reservation call The Friends of the Blue Hills Reservations at the Rock Climbing Museum (617) 326-0079. To get to Quincy Quarries Reservation by public transport just take the Red Line to Quincy Center, then bus #215 to Copeland and Willard Streets, turn left on Willard, cross under the Expressway and take the first right onto Ricciuti Drive. Quarries are 1/4 mile on the right. By car take Route 93 (Southwest Expressway) to Furnace Brook Parkway (Exit 8) follow signs to Willard Street and cross under Route 93. Take the first right onto Ricciuti Drive at Mr. Tux. Quarries are 1/4 mile on the right.