Weston MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Weston, Massachusetts.
1. Golden Ball Tavern Museum
HISTORIC COLONIAL LANDMARK
The Golden Ball Tavern Museum is a preserved 18th-century tavern that once provided services to travelers on the Boston Post Road. Visitors can explore the restored interiors and learn about the tavern's rich colonial history during Second Sunday Open House Tours. The museum offers free tours and contains extensive collections that formerly belonged to the Jones family.
2. Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History
PHILATELIC HIDDEN GEM
The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History is the oldest philatelic museum in the United States, recognized as one of the 1000 Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts. Often described as a 'hidden gem,' the museum showcases the fascinating history of stamps and postal services. Visitors can explore extensive collections that document the evolution of mail delivery and communication through postage.
3. Cat Rock Park
SCENIC NATURE RETREAT
Cat Rock Park is a popular outdoor recreation area in Weston that offers serene natural beauty for visitors seeking peaceful surroundings. The park features hiking trails and picnic areas where families and nature enthusiasts can enjoy leisure activities. Its scenic landscape makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape into nature without venturing far from Boston.
4. Weston Ski Track
WINTER RECREATION DESTINATION
Weston Ski Track is a beloved cross-country skiing and snowshoeing facility established in 1974, offering winter recreation from mid-December to mid-March. The area features 2.5 km of lighted trails with snowmaking capabilities plus an additional 13 km of groomed trails that depend on natural snowfall. During warmer months, the facility transforms into the Leo J. Martin Golf Course, one of only two state-owned courses in Massachusetts.
5. Norumbega Tower
MYSTERIOUS HISTORICAL MONUMENT
The Norumbega Tower is a distinctive historic landmark that provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This unique structure offers insights into Weston's intriguing past while serving as an observation point. The tower stands as one of the town's notable points of interest that attracts history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
6. Land's Sake
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY FARM
Land's Sake is an educational farm in Weston that connects visitors with sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. The farm offers community programs, seasonal produce, and hands-on learning experiences for people of all ages. Visitors can participate in farm activities, purchase locally grown products, and develop a deeper appreciation for food production and land conservation.
7. Town Green District
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
The Town Green District serves as Weston's historic civic center that developed along the Boston Post Road in the 18th century. This charming area preserves the town's architectural heritage and provides a glimpse into its development as a service hub for travelers. Visitors can stroll through this district to appreciate well-preserved buildings and understand Weston's evolution from a rural outpost to a prestigious Boston suburb.
8. Rose Art Museum
CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
The Rose Art Museum, located near Weston on the Brandeis University campus, houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum features rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of works by prominent 20th and 21st century artists. Visitors can explore thought-provoking displays in a building designed to enhance the viewing experience of cutting-edge artistic expressions.
9. Weston Reservoir
PEACEFUL WALKING TRAILS
Weston Reservoir offers unspoiled shorelines and serene walking paths for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The reservoir's surrounding trails provide opportunities to observe local wildlife while enjoying peaceful views of the water. This conservation area showcases Weston's commitment to preserving natural spaces, with over 2,000 acres of the town dedicated to public parks and conservation land.
10. Josiah Smith Tavern
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Josiah Smith Tavern is a beautifully preserved historic building that once served travelers along the Boston Post Road. This landmark structure has been transformed into a restaurant that combines historical ambiance with contemporary dining. Visitors can enjoy meals in a setting that honors Weston's colonial heritage while supporting the preservation of this important architectural treasure.
11. Bay Circuit Trail
EXPANSIVE HIKING NETWORK
The Bay Circuit Trail passes through Weston as part of its 230-mile arc around Boston's outer suburbs. This extensive trail network offers hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts access to diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Weston's section of the trail showcases the town's natural beauty while connecting visitors to the broader regional greenway system.
12. Mass Central Rail Trail
SCENIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Mass Central Rail Trail in Weston repurposes former railway corridors into a multi-use recreational path that extends into neighboring Wayland. This well-maintained trail provides a safe route for walking, jogging, cycling, and other non-motorized activities. Users can enjoy the natural surroundings while traveling along this historic transportation route that has been reimagined for modern recreational purposes.
13. Leo J. Martin Golf Course
STATE-OWNED GOLFING DESTINATION
The Leo J. Martin Golf Course is one of only two state-owned golf courses in Massachusetts, operating in the warmer months where the Weston Ski Track functions in winter. This dual-purpose facility offers affordable golfing opportunities for players of various skill levels. The course's layout takes advantage of Weston's picturesque landscape while providing recreational opportunities throughout multiple seasons.
14. Walden Pond State Reservation
LITERARY NATURAL LANDMARK
Walden Pond State Reservation, located near Weston in Concord, is the famous site where Henry David Thoreau lived and wrote his influential work 'Walden.' Visitors can swim in the pristine kettle-hole pond, hike the surrounding trails, and see a replica of Thoreau's small cabin. This natural and literary landmark attracts those interested in transcendentalist philosophy, environmental conservation, and outdoor recreation.
15. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
OUTDOOR ART EXPERIENCE
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, situated near Weston in Lincoln, features a stunning 30-acre outdoor sculpture park complemented by changing indoor exhibitions. The museum specializes in modern and contemporary art with a focus on New England artists and sculptors. Visitors can wander through rolling lawns dotted with large-scale sculptures while enjoying the intersection of art and nature in all seasons.