Best Boston Staycation Spots: Where To Eat, Stay And Relax

Boston is arguably one of the greatest cities in America — and it's not just because of its cobblestone streets or picturesque brownstones. It's the fact the city oozes with rich history, undeniable charm and a genuine camaraderie — not to mention it's literally known to locals as the "Hub of the Universe."

If you're lucky enough to call the city home, ask yourself this: When was the last time you planned a date night at Deuxave or indulged in a shopping spree on Newbury Street? Or, how often do you wander around Boston Common or head to Fenway to catch a Sox game?

If the answer is "not often enough," then you're due for a staycation in Boston! That's right — it's time to show your city some love by exploring the spots you typically don't get the chance to admire. Luckily, Boston is brimming with tons of destinations that are sure to impress, even if you've lived here all your life.

Instead of shelling out tons of cash to travel the globe, opt for a more local retreat at one of Boston's waterfront hotels like the Boston Harbor Hotel. When it comes to dining, here's your chance to eat and drink like the true Bostonian you are at fine establishments like The Hawthorne or Yvonne's. And a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum might just give you a new perspective on the city.

If we haven't sold you yet, check out these destinations and attractions that are more than worthy of a spot on your staycation checklist in Boston:

Enjoy Some Delectable Dining

It's not every day you get to eat like a tourist — so why not indulge in some classic New England cuisine during your staycation? Head to Island Creek Oyster Bar for some top-rated seafood selections like oysters, lobster rolls or clam chowder. If you're hoping to brunch in style, check out Little Donkey, or hit up the old-school joint Santarpio's for some of the best pizza in the city.

Island Creek Oyster Bar — Seafood restaurant with a farm-fresh raw bar, serving imaginative cocktails in a sophisticated setting, in Kenmore Square

Deuxave — Chic spot offering modern French and American meals in a romantic atmosphere with a bar and fireplace, in Back Bay

Uni — Lively, contemporary hotel eatery with a menu highlighting global, street food-inspired small plates, sashimi and sushi, as well as cocktails and sake, in Back Bay

Coppa — Intimate Italian spot specializing in Italian small plates, pizza, pasta and charcuterie, in the South End

Little Donkey — Restaurant and raw bar with a cool vibe, serving global-inspired small plates, a popular brunch menu, cocktails and more, in the heart of Cambridge's Central Square

Santarpio's Pizza — Old-school, no-frills pizza joint in East Boston known for its classic NY-style pies and grilled-meat skewers (Pro tip: It's cash only)

Modern Pastry — Iconic North End pastry shop, serving Italian and American baked goods like cakes, pies and biscotti

Yvonne's — Upscale, speakeasy-like supper club in Downtown Boston, serving New American cuisine and carefully curated cocktails

Tiger Mama — Funky spot with a tropical oasis vibe offering Southeast Asian–inspired eats, in Fenway

Indulge In Crafty Cocktails

Whether you're into eccentric craft cocktail bars or you're a brewery buff, Boston has plenty of watering holes for every type of boozy beverage-lover. Belly on up to the bar at Drink, where you can enjoy both fancy and quirky libations, or sit back and relax in the cozy cocktail haven that is The Hawthorne. If you're in the mood for a beer, check out what's brewing at Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall — and while you're there make sure to take the guided tour!

Drink — Stylish cocktail landmark curating both quirky and fancy libations, in the Seaport District

Backbar — Union Square cocktail bar serving eclectic bar snacks and creative cocktails in a hip art-filled space

The Hawthorne — Award-winning cocktail haven in a snazzy hotel setting serving signature craft cocktails, in the heart of Kenmore Square

Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall —Welcoming brewery and beer hall with biergarten-like communal tables serving Harpoon beer and soft pretzels, and offering facility tours, events and annual festivals, in the Seaport District

haley. henry — Intimate wine bar in Downtown Crossing offering a wide selection of vino and a light menu of cheese, charcuterie, crudo and more

Eastern Standard — Contemporary American bar with a glamorous atmosphere and a happening scene serving sophisticated cocktails, in Back Bay

Wink & Nod — Speakeasy with a modern flair serving hand-crafted drinks and creative international fare, in the South End

Explore The Wonders Of Boston

From its historic American Revolution sites to its plethora of museums and parks, there's no shortage of exciting spots to explore in Boston. Take a stroll down the Freedom Trail and explore significant historic sites, or check out the Museum of Science, which has an indoor zoo. And if you're in the mood for some baseball, head to Fenway Park for a Red Sox Game.

Fenway Park —Oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, home to the Boston Red Sox, near Kenmore Square

Museum of Fine Arts — One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, home to a collection containing more than 450,000 works of art, in Copley Square

Boston Harbor Cruises — Premier boat tour company on Boston Harbor offering harbor cruises, whale watching, water taxis, ferries and more

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — Art museum housing significant examples of European, Asian and American art, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and decorative arts, in Fenway

Museum of Science — Science museum and indoor zoo with interactive exhibits, a dome-shaped movie theater and a planetarium, in Science Park

Freedom Trail — A 2.5-mile-long path through Downtown Boston leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites including museums, churches, meeting houses, parks and more

Boston Common — Oldest city park in the United States spans 50 acres in Downtown Boston

The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University — National Historic Landmark and premier destination for deepening understanding and appreciation of plants, horticulture, and biodiversity located in Boston's Emerald Necklace

Shop 'Til You Drop

Treating yourself is a must during your staycation, so it only makes sense to indulge in a little retail therapy. Head over to the historic Faneuil Hall Market Place for everything from gifts to apparel — and check out all the street performers and live music while you're there. If you have a love for boutiques, then you'll definitely want to visit Olives & Grace and Viola Lovely in the South End.

Faneuil Hall Market Place — Cobblestone promenades home to nationally recognized shops, worldwide cuisine, street performers, musicians and the Quincy Market Colonnade, in Downtown Boston

Assembly Row — A collection of outlets, unique shops, dining and entertainment options, as well as fitness classes, in Somerville

Copley Place — Upscale shopping mall in Back Bay, home to over 50 iconic luxury brands, restaurants, office spaces and two hotels

Newbury Street — Mile-long street lined with renovated brownstones home to salons, upscale boutiques, dining and more, in Back Bay

Viola Lovely — Fashion-forward clothing boutique in the South End featuring edgy brands and designs

Olives & Grace — Small shop featuring a curated collection of locally and ethically sourced gifts including home goods, specialty foods, jewelry, gift boxes, cookbooks and more, in the South End

Treat Yourself To A 5-Star Stay

While a staycation doesn't require an overnight stay, it would certainly kick things up a notch and make your treasured time off a little more luxurious. From modern landmark hotels like the The Fairmont Copley Plaza to high end harbor-front hotels like Boston Harbor Hotel, you definitely won't be disappointed. And if you're looking for more of an authentic New England stay, check out Revere Hotel Boston Common.

Boston Harbor Hotel — High-end, harbor-front hotel with sophisticated-yet-comfortable furnishings and a maritime-inspired color palette offering striking views of the city scape

The Fairmont Copley Plaza — Luxury landmark hotel in Back Bay boasting modern, lavish rooms and suites, on-site facilities, restaurants and bars — just steps away from historic Downtown Boston

Hotel Commonwealth — A premier luxury Boston hotel near historic Fenway Park and Kenmore Square, offering deluxe amenities and services

The Lenox Hotel — Boutique hotel in Back Bay near Newbury Street, featuring chic rooms with a historic touch

Revere Hotel Boston Common — Historically inspired, stylish hotel featuring boutique rooms with a view, authentic New England cuisine and a rooftop bar, in Back Bay

Indulge And Relax

There are plenty of places to get primped and pampered in Boston. And whether you're looking for a day of traditional relaxation at a spa like Bliss Spa or a guided meditation experience at G2O Spa + Salon, Boston has you covered.

Exhale — Scenic spa and gym located in Battery Wharf Hotel, offering fitness classes, spa services and amenities like a detoxifying coed hammam, calming zen lounge, relaxing sauna and more

Bliss Spa — Glam day spa located in the W Hotel offering skincare and other treatments, as well as a range of bath, hair and makeup products

Mandarin Boston — Exclusive pampering experience offering an oasis of complete calm and an extensive menu of holistic treatments for the mind, body and spirit, in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boston

Bella Santé Day Spa Med Spa — Luxury day spa offering a wide variety of soothing relaxation treatments and result-oriented med spa services, on Newbury Street

G2O Spa + Salon — Award-winning spa and salon, offering the very best in beauty, health and wellness, including a custom-built Himalayan Salt Cave and guided virtual meditation treatment room, on Newbury Street

Looking to venture outside Boston? Travel like a local in these bustling Patch cities:

• San Francisco
• San Diego
• Atlanta
• Chicago