Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: can be viewed and appreciated in an afternoon. The museum houses an eclectic art collection from all over the world, including works of European, Asian, and American art, from paintings and sculpture to tapestries and decorative arts. Please note that museum is closed on Tuesdays.

The ICA – Institute of Contemporary Art: is a close walk or Cultural Connector water shuttle ride from Long Wharf area. This is another museum that is easily converted in afternoon. Closed on Mondays, except for some holidays, the ICA also has special discounted or free admission days.

Local studios & markets: Another local artists hot spot is the South End Studios. Featuring open studios in September and an Art Walk in May, as well as an open market at SoWa Sundays throughout the summer.

A Fenway Park tour may just what your looking for. If the Red sox are in town you may be lucky enough to score some game day tickets. Two hours before each game, a limited number of tickets go on sale at Fenway’s Gate E, on Lansdowne Street. Unfortunately, fans often start to line up for them four or five hours before game time, so there is no guarantee any will be left by the time you make it to the front of the line. Also, these tickets are typically for single and obstructed-view seats or for standing room. That said, they go for face value, and if you’re lucky, you can get into a game that has been sold out for months. Salty Mountain Escapes also has a limited number of tickets available for guests.

Other less expensive fan options are tickets to any of the many collegiate sporting events that may be occurring in Boston. Boston’s professional women’s soccer team the Boston Breakers play at Jordan Field easily accessed via the Red Line. In the winter why not try Boston’s professional women’s hockey team, Boston Pride.

An under accessed gem of Boston is the Boston Harbor Islands The largest recreational open space in Eastern Massachusetts, the Boston Harbor Islands are one of the northeast’s great destinations. The state and national park is made up of 34 islands and mainland parks. Seasonally accessed by private boat (via Salty Mountain Escapes) or the Boston Harbor ferries, the harbor islands offer magnificent views, remarkable history, and countless recreation opportunities.

As you saw on your bike ride through the Charles River Esplanade the spectrum of recreational activities available here is wide. Rent SUP, kayaks, or sailboats for some freshwater afternoon fun.

In the winter, definitely walk over to the Boston Harbor Hotel for water front skating or the Boston Common Frog Pond for another popular skating spot for visitors and locals alike. No need to have your own skates as rentals are available.