We share the best things to do in Wellesley MA, so you can plan a trip to this town in the Greater Boston area.
Nestled in the Greater Boston area, Wellesley, MA, offers a delightful array of activities and attractions for both locals and visitors.
With its unique blend of nature, culture, and entertainment, this charming town has something for everyone.
Best things to do in Wellesley MA
Wellesley Square
One of the best things to do in Wellesley is Wellesley Square. This is the main commercial district of Wellesley, served by an MBTA station on the Framingham/Worcester Line.
Here you will find plenty of local businesses, including many shops and restaurants to explore.
Surrounding the square are beautiful parks like Church Park and Morton Park, so you can explore the square, pick up some food, and find a spot in the park for a little picnic.
We also recommend visiting the boutiques and handmade gift shops whilst you’re in the area!
Wellesley College
As one of the most well-known liberal arts colleges in the US, Wellesley College is the largest employer in the town and a famous place to visit in the USA.
Dating back to 1875, this is another historic spot in the town and a must-visit whilst you are in Wellesley.
Take a stroll through the densely wooded campus and see the gorgeous Lake Waban nearby. Appreciate the architecture of the college itself then head to Davis Museum and Wellesley College Botanic Gardens.
Davis Museum
As mentioned above, the Davis Museum is located in the Wellesley College Campus and one of the most interesting things to do in Wellesley MA.
This is a free museum, that shares an incredible range of artwork, including pieces from Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Lavinia Fontana.
Unfortunately, the Davis Museum is currently closed due to renovations.
Wellesley College Botanic Gardens
For a journey through the world of plants, head to the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens.
With a captivating collection from across the globe, the gardens go back to the early 1850s. There are now various areas to explore in the gardens but we recommend heading the Edible Ecosystem Teaching Garden, which mimics the natural ecosystem.
Hunnewell Park
The historic Hunnewell Park is one of the largest public parks in the town and one of the prettiest things to do in Wellesley.
Another location is on the National Register of Historic Place, expect to see gorgeous lawns and ancient trees as well as the breathtaking Town Hall from 1883.
Fuller Brook Park
Fuller Brook is arguably the most popular public park in Wellesley, dating back to 1899. Located in the park is Brook Path, a large trail system that connects the Crosstown Trail and the Guernsey Path.
Along the trail, you will find wetlands and secluded woods, making for a serene calming stroll and the perfect escape for those living in Boston.
Linden Square Ice Rink
Families can create lasting memories at the Linden Square Ice Rink. Whether it’s skating together or enjoying hot cocoa by the rink, it’s a spot where families can bond and have fun.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden
Located at Elm Bank, the Society Garden is an 182-acre reservation on a former country estate and is now lived on the National Register of Historic Places.
The patchwork of gardens here is simply gorgeous, whilst the 1907 Colonial Revival Manor House makes this picture perfect.
Wellesley Symphony Orchestra
Immerse yourself in the world of classical music with the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1948, their enchanting performances resonate with both seasoned music lovers and newcomers.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Charles River invites water adventurers to explore its beauty through canoeing and kayaking. Paddling along the gentle currents, you’ll discover a serene side of Wellesley that’s best experienced from the water.
You could also head to Morses Pond, linked to Wellesley Square and Wellesley College by the Crosstown Trail.
Here, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the 100-acre pond and families can enjoy the picnic and BBQ area on offer during the summer months.
Nearby Day Trips from Wellesley MA
Boston Exploration
A short drive from Wellesley, Boston opens up a world of exploration. Museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods await those venturing into the city, so get all those Boston Bucket list items ticked off on a day or weekend trip.
Prices in Boston aren’t too bad and there are plenty of things to see and do, as shown in the video below!
Concord Adventure
The nearby town of Concord is a historical gem. Literature enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate its significance and charm.
For those visiting Wellesley, you can experience the old-world charm of this historic town, perfect for a day trip from Boston. When planning your first trip to the USA, Boston should be on your USA bucket list, so why not take a trip to this nearby lovely town.
For those relocating to Wellesley, you will find plenty of things to see and do over the year, keeping you busy in a safe, friendly little town.
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy, and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this microphone for all our Youtube voiceovers.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favorite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.
What to pack
- No matter where we travel, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.