cities

Boston/Dorchester

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Overview

Wikivoyage guide · 21 sections

▸Introduction650 chars

So, you've decided to visit Dorchester. Congratulations! Boston's largest neighborhood had long been written off, dismissed as “too dangerous” by those who had never set foot here. But longtime residents — or “Dot Rats” — have always known what the rest of Boston is beginning to rediscover. An area close to downtown and the ocean, replete with beautiful parks, charming old architecture, and good public transit. An area with a diverse and inclusive population, and additionally one of the more affordable spots in Boston. When you consider these assets as a whole, it should come as no surprise that many are giving the neighborhood a second look.

▸Understand1,069 chars

Due to Dorchester's large size it can be helpful for the traveller to think of it in two halves, north and south. The northern half is more traditionally urban. Houses are packed tightly together, people walk everywhere, all accompanied by the traffic and street noise one might expect. Due to its proximity to downtown, the majority of new development is taking place here as well. A huge cineplex, mall expansion, and many new condos are under construction as of 2016. The southern half, by contrast, continues to retain a more suburban feel. City lots are a bit roomier, large condo buildings become less common while trees become more prevalent. Driving is slightly less stressful and even necessary in some areas. Stitching these two halves together is Dorchester Ave. Running from South Boston to Milton, Dot Ave is by far the neighborhood's most powerful connector of people and places. Yes, the big draw here is JFK Presidential Library, but to really experience Dorchester you should allow some time to investigate the people and places along this main street.

Facts

Rank

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

More in cities0

Again, Dorchester is huge. If it were an independent city, it would be the 4th largest in the state. Consider this a severely abridged list of just a few of the areas you may be interested in visiting. Also take these names with a pinch of salt. In a place this old, it can feel like every intersection has a special name or used to be called something else.

Ashmont: The general area around Ashmont station has been transformed, showcasing a rebuilt train station in 2011 and several new shops and restaurants. The residential hills to the east and west of the station have deep Irish-American roots, and boast some of the finest houses anywhere in the city. The Fitzgerald family home was in this area--Mayor John Fitzgerald and his daughter, Rose, mother of President Kennedy. Ashmont is also one of the few areas in the south Dorchester where some mid-rise buildings have been going up. It remains to be seen what type of impact they will have on the neighborhood. You might also hear this area called Ashmont Hill or Peabody Square. Another neighborhood, Adams Village, is very close by and has a similar Irish color.

Fields Corner: A variety of cultures meet and shop in this bustling commercial district. Conveniently clustered shops selling a vast array of goods draw shoppers from nearby African-American, Vietnamese, and Irish enclaves. During the warmer months the community park is in almost constant use with kids playing baseball, neighborhood festivals, or families barbecuing. This area could also be considered the center of the Vietnamese community in Boston. You can find many Vietnamese restaurants, places of worship, and community centers in the vicinity.

Lower Mills: On the shores of the Neponset River and functioning as Boston's southern gateway, Lower Mills is decidedly upmarket. Once the heart of chocolate manufacturing in the region, the picturesque factory buildings of the Baker's Chocolate works have been painstakingly restored and converted into hundreds of luxury condos. Following the arrival of new residents, new and old retailers alike have wasted no time updating their offerings in order to cater to this expanding community. Lower Mills is also a great area to get outdoors. Bike or walk along miles of trails and paved paths to check out some of the best green space Boston has to offer.

South Bay: Not an official neighborhood per se, but worth noting with all the construction going on in the area. This part of Dorchester is by far its largest commercial district. Anchored by big box stores like Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy among many others. Its proximity to South Boston and the South End make it a neighborhood crossroads of sorts, and developers are pouring money in. It's surprisingly easy to drive here, due to the large parking lot and interstate highway nearby.

▸By public transit1,751 chars

The T's Red Line runs frequent service to much of Dorchester. Trains run about every 8 minutes, more during rush hour and less often at night. JFK/UMass, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont stations all provide the neighborhood with convenient links to downtown Boston. Be aware that the Red Line splits into two separate branches at JFK/UMass, so make sure you board an Ashmont train for Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, or Ashmont! JFK/UMass also provides Dorchester with its only connection to several South Shore commuter rail lines. Trains on the Greenbush, Kingston, and Fall River/New Bedford lines stop here. On the western border with Roxbury, the Fairmount commuter rail has stations at Newmarket, Uphams Corner, Four Corners/Geneva, and Talbot Avenue. This line runs on an infrequent schedule, around once an hour, but the city planned to increase service by 2018.

Ashmont station is the terminus of the Red Line and the start of the Ashmont-Mattapan "High Speed" Line. This quaint line features 1940s era PCC (President's Conference Commission) trolley cars that locals continue to use every day as they go about their business. The trolley stops at Cedar Grove and Butler before continuing on to Milton and Mattapan. Ashmont is also the largest bus depot in Dorchester. From here the #21, #22 and #23 busses run to different points along the Orange Line. Lines #215, #217, #240, #245 are less frequent and run to Quincy and Milton, while the #27 runs to Mattapan. There are a few other bus connections from Fields Corner and JFK/UMass that also run to the Orange Line. There is even a bus (#18) that runs up and down Dorchester Ave, but good luck with that. There are no bus connections from Savin Hill or Shawmut stations.

▸Colonial2,180 chars

1 James Blake House, 735 Columbia Rd (T: JFK/UMass), ☏ +1 617 293-3052. 3rd Sun of Each Month: 11AM–4PM. Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition. Free. (updated Aug 2018)

2 The Pierce House, 24 Oakton Avenue (T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 288-6041. Rarely available hour long tours, check their calendar. Ten generations of the Pierce family called this house a home, from its construction in 1683 until it was turned into a museum in 1968. This is not the house of a wealthy merchant, this is where working class colonists (and later Americans) lived out their lives. Touring the home today offers a unique journey through centuries of American history. You can see how the home was adapted over time to fit the needs of each new generation of occupants. Some original features remain, much of it wooden, surprisingly. On street parking available. $5, students $3. (updated Aug 2018)

3 William Clapp House (Dorchester Historical Society), 195 Boston Street (T: Andrew), ☏ +1 617 265-7802. every 3rd Sunday 11AM-4PM. This stately home was built in 1806 for William Clapp, son of Captain Lemuel Clapp, whose (1767) house still stands just around the corner. The William Clapp house is also the headquarters for the Dorchester Historical Society, it's open to the public once a month for tours. Fun fact: the Clapp family were prolific pear cultivators in their day, it's actually where much of their wealth came from. If you're into pears, you may have even eaten one of their creations; "Clapp's Favorite Pear" is still in production today. In 2007, a giant bronze pear statue was installed just south of here to commemorate the areas history as an orchard. So if you happen to notice it, now you know. (updated Aug 2018)

▸Museums2,502 chars

All museums in Dorchester are found out at the tip of Columbia Point, a location shared with UMass Boston. The star here is by far and away The JFK Museum, an outstanding presidential library most folks can do in under two hours. These sites are easily accessible, take any Red Line to JFK/UMass station, and change to the free shuttle.

4 Commonwealth Museum (Massachusetts Archives), 220 Morrissey Blvd (Across the street from the JFK Museum), ☏ +1 617 727-9268. M-F 9AM-5PM; 9AM-3PM Memorial Day-Labor Day. Operated by the Massachusetts Archives, this often overlooked museum takes musty old documents and brings them to life. Several exhibits showcase the State's own copies of the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, the original Mass Bay Colony charter from 1629, and of course the requisite ephemera from Paul Revere and John Hancock. This place is not on a lot of to-do lists, but it's definitely worth stopping in if you're doing the JFK Museum already. Free. (updated Mar 2020)

5 JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point (T: JFK/UMass, then take the free shuttle bus), ☏ +1 617 514-1600, toll-free: +1-866-JFK-1960 (535-1960). 9AM–5PM daily. The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day. Adults $18, seniors and students $12, teens $10, kids free. (updated Feb 2020)

6 The Kennedy Institute (Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate), 210 Morrissey Blvd (Adjacent to the JFK Museum), ☏ +1 617 740-7000, info@emkinstitute.org. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today. $16, Senior/youth/veteran $14. Child (6-17) $8. (updated Aug 2018)

▸Parks1,430 chars

7 Pope John Paul II Park Reservation (Neponset River Reservation), ☏ +1 617 727-6034. 24 hours daily. A large park on the shores of the Neponset River, it has walking trails, soccer fields, and playgrounds for kids. Several miles of scenic bike trails run along the river (and away from traffic) all the way to Mattapan square. In the summer you can see people walking their dogs, flying kites, or kayaking in the river. It's a good place to relax or take a picnic under the shelters. Birdwatchers take note, the city has restored a large salt marsh and the area is now much more attractive to wildlife. Today it isn't uncommon to see snowy egrets and great blue herons taking advantage of the "new" native trees and shrubs. Free. (updated Mar 2020)

8 Savin Hill Beach (Malibu Beach), 68 Denny St (T: Savin Hill). 24 hours daily. So you actually can go swimming here, but no one ever does. Honestly in the 21st century the cold is a far greater deterrent than the pollution ever was. There are, however, lifeguards in the summer if you want to give it a shot. The city upgraded the boardwalk, exercise equipment, and reseeded the area with local grasses throughout the 2010s. This is a great spot to go for a walk, a picnic, or just to take in the harbor views. It doesn't get the foot traffic you might expect, given these beaches proximity to the T. Parking available, accessed from Morrissey Boulevard. Free. (updated Mar 2020)

▸Do933 chars

1 Boston Bowl, 820 William T Morrissey Blvd (Neponset), ☏ +1 617 825-3800. 24 hours daily. 24-hour bowling extravaganza. Deadwood Brewery and Café located on premises. They offer a fun regionalism, candlepin bowling. (updated Aug 2018)

2 HallSpace, 950 Dorchester Ave (Savin Hill, T: JFK/UMass), ☏ +1 617 288-2255. F–Sa noon–5PM. A contemporary art gallery exhibiting work by both emerging artists and established but under-recognized artists. View the website to see the current exhibition. Free. (updated Aug 2018)

3 The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd (T: Uphams Corner), ☏ +1 617 635-1403. A constant stream of community programming, film, art, and dance come through this stately 100 year old building. During the day it focuses on youth arts and education. (updated Aug 2018)

4 AMC South Bay Center 12, 25 District Ave (T: Andrew), ☏ +1 617 606-3219. Built in 2018, this cineplex offers all mod cons. $10-20. (updated Aug 2018)

▸Buy1,081 chars

1 Lambert's Rainbow Fruit, 777 William T Morrissey Blvd (Puritan Mall / Neponset), ☏ +1 617 436-2997. 7AM–9PM daily. High quality selection of fruits, veggies, meats and sundries. Big salad bar and to go hot bar as well. Seasonal plants available out front, and don't miss the tasty ice cream next door! Great old school New England feeling "Superette". (updated Oct 2016)

2 Stitch House Dorchester, 846 Dorchester Ave (Polish Triangle, T: JFK/UMass), ☏ +1 617 265-8013, info@stitchhousedorchester.com. M 10AM–6PM, Tu–F 10AM–8PM, Sa 10AM–6PM, Su noon–6PM. If you want yarn, this is the place to go. Offers classes for sewing, knitting and other trades of the needle. (updated Oct 2016)

3 South Bay Center, 8 Allstate Rd (T: Andrew). 7AM-midnight daily. A variety of big box stores line the perimeter of this giant open air mall, updated in 2018. Longtime retailers like Best Buy, Marshalls, and Target have been joined by a Nike store, Carhartt, and Ulta Beauty. Several restaurants are opening up too; from burgers, to ramen, to something a little more upscale. (updated Feb 2022)

▸Budget1,694 chars

1 The Ice Creamsmith, 2295 Dorchester Ave (Lower Mills, T: Milton), ☏ +1 617 296-8567. Noon–10PM daily. Homemade ice cream is sold on the premises for over 35 years, making it a local landmark. The special flavors include peach, black raspberry, ginger, lemon custard, pumpkin, and more. Remember, in New England order a "frappe" if you want a milkshake. Look for a line to the door most nights, but the ice cream is worth it. $3-7. (updated Aug 2018)

2 Greenhills Irish Bakery, 780 Adams St. (Adams Village, T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 825-8187. 5AM–6:30PM daily. Looking for authentic Irish bread, food, and people? Look no further than Greenhills. With real Irish bakers on the premises, make sure to buy the Irish Soda Bread and local pastries. $4-10. (updated Aug 2018)

3 home.stead Bakery & Café, 1448 Dorchester Ave (T: Fields Corner), ☏ +1 617 533-7585. 7AM–4PM daily. Delicious baked goods made daily, both the sweet and savory varieties. Also serving up high octane morning beverages and more substantial sandwiches. Free Wi-Fi. Artwork from local artists adorns the walls. $2 coffee, $8 sandwiches. (updated Oct 2016)

4 Pho Hoa, 1370 Dorchester Ave (T: Fields Corner), ☏ +1 617 287-9746. 9AM–10PM daily. Good quality sit down casual restaurant. The pho is excellent (of course), and so are the vermicelli bowls. Mains $8-11. (updated Oct 2016)

5 Banh Mi Ba Le (Ba Le Bakery), 1052 Dorchester Ave (T: Savin Hill), ☏ +1 617 265-7171. 5AM–8PM daily. Great little Vietnamese carry out restaurant and grocery store. Specializing in banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. You can find many other delicacies for takeaway too. Friendly family business with good customer service. $. (updated Oct 2016)

▸Mid-range1,609 chars

6 Singh's Roti Shop, 554 Columbia Rd (South Bay, T: JFK/UMass), ☏ +1 617 282-7977. 9AM–9:30PM daily. An interesting and flavorful combination of West Indian and Caribbean cuisines. The owners are extremely friendly and can make suggestions and adjust spice levels to taste. Watch out, these rotis are enormous! Rotis $10-12. (updated Oct 2016)

7 Shanti Taste of India, 1111 Dorchester Ave (T: Savin Hill), ☏ +1 617 929-3900. 11:30AM–3PM and 5PM–10PM daily. Though used by most locals as the local Indian delivery restaurant, it has a great atmosphere, local artist paintings, and great authentic Indian food. Dinners are usually quiet, with about 15 tables. Two other locations in Cambridge and Roslindale. Mains $12-15.

8 Sweet Life Bakery & Café, 2243 Dorchester Ave (Lower Mills, T: Milton), ☏ +1 617 696-6510, info@sweetlifelowermills.com. M-Sa 7AM–4PM, Su 7:30AM–3PM. Great bakery and café serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Many flavors of macarons in addition to other little sweet treats for takeaway as well. Brunch $10–18. (updated Oct 2016)

9 Landmark Public House, 772 Adams St (T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 982-3000, info@landmarkpublichouse.com. Tu-Sa 4PM-1AM. Mains $10-16. (updated Nov 2016)

10 McKenna's Cafe, 109 Savin Hill Ave (T: Savin Hill), ☏ +1 617 825-8218. M-F 5:30AM-4PM, Sa 5:30AM-3PM, Su 6:30AM-3PM. Breakfast $7-12, lunch $8-14. (updated Feb 2017)

11 Cesaria, 266 Bowdoin St (Meeting House Hill), ☏ +1 617 282-1998. Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM. Traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music. Starters $4-8, mains $10-16. (updated Aug 2018)

▸Splurge1,388 chars

12 Lower Mills Tavern, 2269 Dorchester Ave (Lower Mills, T: Milton), ☏ +1 857 267-4461. 11AM–1AM daily. Cosy restaurant opened in 2016 serving high quality basics. Good beer & cocktails list, service, and ambiance. Menu changes seasonally, most ingredients are of course locally sourced. Starters $9-12, mains $12-20, pints $7. (updated Oct 2016)

13 Tavolo Ristorante, 1918 Dorchester Ave (T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617-822-1918. Su–Th 5PM–10PM, F Sa 5PM–11PM. An Italian restaurant opened by the same chef/owner as Ashmont Grill, it features good pasta, pizza, and specials along with a Wednesday Tour of Italy featuring different regions of Italian cuisine. The bar has cocktails, a good wine selection, and some excellent draft beer. Mains $12-24, drinks $7-10.

14 dbar, 1236 Dorchester Ave (Glover's Corner, T: Savin Hill), ☏ +1 617 265-4490. M We Th 5PM–midnight, Tu F Sa 5PM–2AM, Su 11AM–midnight. A trendy and casual restaurant in Savin Hill, the menu by executive chef Christopher Coombs has a French twist that changes seasonally. Some entrees use ingredients grown on the rooftop garden. The bar has an extensive mixed drink menu and wine list. Dbar regularly hosts parties and late night events, including Showtunes Tuesdays. Cozy outdoor patio seating is located in back. Parking is available, however the lot can often be at capacity. Mains $16-25, cocktails $11. (updated Oct 2016)

▸Drink3,461 chars

1 The Banshee Pub, 934 Dorchester Ave (Savin Hill (T: JFK/UMass)), ☏ +1 617 436-9747. M–F 11AM–1AM, Sa Su 9AM–1AM. An Irish sports pub where the primary focus is on soccer and rugby, however all sports can be found on their televisions throughout the week. The Banshee has two floors and ten screens so that you don't need to miss a second of the action. Cheer on local soccer teams such as the U.S. National Team and the New England Revolution or watch the games of your favorite English and Scottish football clubs here. This place also happens to be the place to go on Sunday if you are a Green Bay Packers fan. Good set of beers on draft and quality food worth checking out. $.

2 Boston Harbor Distillery Tour & Tasting, 12R Ericsson St (Port Norfolk / Neponset), ☏ +1 617 533-7001, hello@bostonharbordistillery.com. Sa 1PM–7PM. Tours and tastings every Saturday at the Boston Harbor Distillery. An old manufacturing warehouse has been tastefully updated into a wonderful rustic waterfront drinking environment. See and learn how these spirits are made. Spirits include Putnam New England Rye Whiskey, Lawley's New England Spirit, Seymour's Local Roast Coffee Liqueur, Seymour's Boston Cream Liqueur, and the Spirit of Boston Samuel Adams collaborations. Tours run every half hour and include drink tastings at the bar. Distillery also has an exhibit on display of an old Boston map collection in the back gallery. Merchandise, cigars, and spirits can be purchased in the store. Parking is plentiful. $10.00. (updated Oct 2016)

3 Boston Winery Tour & Tasting, 26 Ericsson St (Port Norfolk / Neponset), ☏ +1 617 265-9463, information@bostonwinery.net. Tu–F 10AM–5PM, Sa 1PM–6PM. Boston's only custom-crush-winery, come here for a wine tasting, to organize a wine social, to take wine classes, or to go through the process of making your own wine with a paid membership. Purchase Boston Winery wine right from their store in an 1800s brick and stone building on the waterfront. See wine being made with your own eyes. Before you head over, check out the website to get info on upcoming events at the winery. Tours will run every hour and aren't scheduled at specific times. Parking is plentiful. $10.00. (updated Aug 2018)

4 Dorchester Brewing Company (DBCo), 1250 Massachusetts Ave (Edward Everett Sq / South Bay (T: JFK/UMass)), ☏ +1 617 514-0900. Tu–Sa 11:30AM–11PM, Su 11:30AM–9PM. DBco has house brews on a 20-line tap system with even more fresh craft beer from local brewing partners and regional collaborators. You have the option of a tasting flight, a full pour, or crowlers to go. They contract out some of their space to other local brewers, so there is always something different to try out. The tap room offers board and party games, food trucks, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor patio, and DBco merchandise to wear out the door. This is a great space for beer lovers to hang out, meet new people, drink beer, play games, and get some work down. Brewery tours are not yet available but should be in the near future. Pints $7. (updated Oct 2016)

5 Eire Pub, 795 Adams St (Adams Village, T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 436-0088. M–Sa 8AM–midnight, Su noon–midnight. Historic Irish pub in the Adams Village neighborhood. Politicians like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and many who are lesser known have stopped by during their campaigns. You can't go wrong with corned beef and a Guinness. Mains $5-10, pints $6, and one dollar hot dogs! Cash only. (updated Aug 2018)

▸Connect961 chars

There are few chain coffee shops in Dorchester to offer free wi-fi facilities, there are however, many BPL branches here to fill that gap.

1 Uphams Corner Branch (Boston Public Library), 500 Columbia Rd (T: Uphams Corner), ☏ +1 617 265-0139. M Th noon-8PM, Tu W 10AM-6PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM. (updated Feb 2017)

2 Fields Corner Branch (Boston Public Library), 1520 Dorchester Ave (T: Fields Corner), ☏ +1 617 436-2155. M W Th 10AM-6PM, Tu noon-8PM, F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-2PM. (updated Feb 2017)

3 Codman Square Branch (Boston Public Library), 690 Washington St (T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 436-8214. Tu W 10AM-6PM, Th noon-8PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM. (updated Feb 2017)

4 Adams Street Branch (Boston Public Library), 690 Adams St (T: Ashmont), ☏ +1 617 436-6900. M W noon-8PM, Tu Th 10AM-6PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM. (updated Feb 2017)

5 Lower Mills Branch (Boston Public Library), 27 Richmond St (T: Milton), ☏ +1 617 298-7841. M Th noon-8PM, Tu W 10AM-6PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM. (updated Feb 2017)

▸Go next485 chars

Did you get on a Braintree train, instead of Ashmont? Enjoy your trip to the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy.

Drive or cycle south into Milton for some great hiking options in the enormous Blue Hills Reservation.

Ride the quaint "High Speed Line", a pre-war trolley connecting Dorchester with Mattapan and Milton.

Check out Franklin Park, and several colonial sites right next door in Roxbury.

Head for South Boston and check out all that construction going on in the Seaport.