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Boston/Jamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Wikivoyage guide · 18 sections
▸Introduction570 chars
Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill are two distinct neighborhoods within the City of Boston. They are grouped together here due to their shared border and transit options. Jamaica Plain—or "JP"—is one of the first streetcar suburbs in America and is surrounded by many parks. JP has undergone significant urban renewal since the turn of the century, with scores of fine shops and restaurants. North of JP, tiny Mission Hill was named quite literally, when a large church was built atop a hill. This small neighborhood is more urban feeling and has a high student population.
▸Understand1,604 chars
The neighborhoods used to be simple farming communities within Roxbury. They became part of West Roxbury during the mid-19th century for a time, before finally being annexed by Boston in 1874. Around this time a small river, or stony brook, flowed along what is today the Southwest Corridor. Taking advantage of the available hydropower, several industries sprang up along the route, most notably breweries. Residents have used Centre St and Huntington Ave for almost 200 years to commute between these factories and downtown Boston.
Possessing a wealth of green space and many transit options, Jamaica Plain is very desirable among Bostonians. The old brewery buildings have been remodeled and updated, while ever fancier shops and restaurants continue to open for business. But JP draws its real strength from the diversity of its residents. A strong character of social awareness and tolerance has mitigated gentrifications worst effects. You can still find traditional bodegas mixed in with the upscale brunch spots.
Mission Hill, previously Parker Hill, began to take the urban form it has today around 1870, after the construction of the eponymous Mission Church, which is designated as a basilica. Built and paid for by the mostly German congregation, the basilica is striking and can be seen in many views of Boston. The neighborhood is built up largely in wooden three-decker houses. Adjacent to the Longwood Medical area of hospitals and universities, Mission Hill plays host to a frequently rotating cast of young people. And the area affords some great views of the city from its high points.
▸Neighborhoods1,662 chars
These neighborhoods are listed from north to south. You'll find these larger nodes of activity to be separated by stretches of quieter, more residential areas. Think of the area like a wide slice of residential buildings sandwiched between giant parks on either side.
Brigham Circle: This is Mission Hill's commercial heart. Most of the neighborhood's shops and restaurants can be found in this area. Named after the nearby Brigham and Women's Hospital, this is a transitional area of the city. Head north or "inbound" to enter the Longwood Medical neighborhood in Fenway/Kenmore. Head south-east on Tremont to continue along Mission Hill, passing the Basilica and eventually entering Roxbury. If you're feeling bold, head up Calumet Street and try to bluff your way into a house party. Your youth and a little red-cup camouflage is all you'll need.
Hyde Square: One of Jamaica Plain's commercial districts. Consisting of a tiny rotary and a bunch of fantastic restaurants and bars nearby. Later, head east down Centre Street towards Jackson Square to experience JP's "Latin Quarter". During the 1970s and 80s this part of Jamaica Plain was a largely hispanic area. Gentrification has reduced the hispanic population but Centre Street retains a Latinex atmosphere.
The Monument: JP's biggest and busiest commercial zone. Heading north from the monument along Center Street affords the opportunity for great people watching and window shopping. If the weather's cooperating, head west to Jamaica Pond, or southwest to enjoy the amazing Arnold Arboretum. South will take you to Forest Hills and into Roslindale, and east will take you to Franklin Park in Roxbury.
▸By public transit1,214 chars
Taking the Orange Line and walking is the premiere way to access these neighborhoods. Roxbury Crossing serves Mission Hill, while Jackson Square, Stony Brook, and Green serve Jamaica Plain. Green is quite popular, allowing easy access to the main shopping district in one direction, and Franklin Park in the other. Use Forest Hills when visiting the Arboretum, the entrance is just across the street.
The "E" branch of the Green Line trolley is another great way into Mission Hill. Brigham Circle is the last stop along its dedicated right of way, while Fenwood Road, Mission Park, and Back of the Hill are all street level stops. Watch your step! All trolleys turn around at Heath St, the terminus of the E branch.
If you'd like to walk a little less, but wait a little more, use the #39 bus. Starting in Copley Square in the Back Bay, these big buses run constantly down Huntington Ave following the path of the E trolley. Continuing beyond Heath St and down Centre, they pass in front of every shop and restaurant in JP. Fighting traffic, they eventually make it to Forest Hills station. From Copley to Heath Street, it is arguable faster than the E branch (and a little cheaper), but they come less frequently.
▸By bicycle558 chars
The Southwest Corridor Park, which begins at Back Bay Station, stretches all the way to Forest Hills. It's one of the best bike paths in the city. It's also great for novice cyclists, as the path is completely separated from cars and street traffic at all times. The park runs above and alongside the Orange Line, so consider biking roughly equivalent to taking the T. There are places to lock your bike at all stations, and throughout the neighborhoods. Many locals use bikes here, so you'll never be far from a bike shop if you encounter mechanical issues.
▸By car609 chars
Like most other areas of Boston, driving in these neighborhoods is not a great idea. Only consider driving if you're visiting the Arboretum or Franklin Park, and strongly consider the T even then. Mission Hill borders one of the most congested areas in the city, and traffic is often snarled here at all hours. In Jamaica Plain, the main thoroughfare is called the "Jamaicaway", or Jway. This section borders the Emerald Necklace and can be particularly challenging for out of town drivers. Prepare for high speeds, narrow winding roads, and a series of busy rotaries along this four-lane undivided boulevard.
▸See3,088 chars
1 Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway (T: Forest Hills), ☏ +1 617-384-5454, arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu. Visitor center: 10AM-4PM daily, grounds: sunrise-sunset daily. Almost 15,000 different species of plant live in this gigantic park, covering 281 acres! Swing by the office for the particulars if you're interested, or just start exploring. Don't miss the bonsai collection, some are over 250 years old. If you want to have a picnic in this gorgeous place, make sure to do it on "Lilac Sunday", the only day picnics are allowed. It doesn't look it, but this is actually an active research facility, staffed by 20-30 people year round. Harvard University founded the Arboretum in 1872 by combining two large country estates after their owners passed. It's still owned by Harvard today. The land was deeded to the City of Boston in 1882, and leased back to the university for a thousand years. How's that for long-term planning? Free. (updated Nov 2025)
2 Jamaica Pond, 507 Jamaicaway (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-5061. Sunrise-sunset. The jewel of Jamaica Plain, Jamaica Pond is the largest body of fresh water in Boston. Surrounded by 1½ miles of footpath, and connected to a series of other parks and ponds known collectively as "the Emerald Necklace." It's an extremely popular destination for walking, jogging, fishing, rowing, and sailing. Investigate the boathouse, where boats are available for rent during the Spring and Summer months. Due to the incident in 1929, ice skating is no longer permitted on the pond. Free. (updated Jan 2017)
3 Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-3158, docent@loring-greenough.org. Su 1-3PM. This mid-Georgian mansion was built in 1760 as a country residence and farmstead for a wealthy British naval officer. Well preserved, this large colonial structure rests on property that includes sweeping lawns, historic flower beds, handsome trees. Call ahead to take a tour of the house and view the large collection of historical artifacts. Or just swing by in the warmer months, when the grounds are often host to festivals, markets, and other special events. $5. (updated Jan 2017)
4 The Mission Church (Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help), 1545 Tremont Street (T: Roxbury Crossing), ☏ +1 617-445-2600. M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa Su 10AM-4PM. The Mission Church broke ground in 1874 and was constructed in the Romanesque style. Built chiefly from Roxbury puddingstone quarried just across the street, in what is known today as Puddingstone Park. The stained glass windows were made by Franz Mayer and Co. from Munich, Germany. After the church opened, an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was moved here. Members of the Mission began to report many cures and healed ailments. As reputed cures continued, crutches, braces, and other devices were left as votives at the shrine. The church was elevated to basilica status in 1954 when Pope Pius XII paid a visit. Senator Edward Kennedy's funeral took place here in 2009. All living presidents were in attendance, along with most of the leadership from Congress. Free. (updated Jan 2017)
▸Do894 chars
1 Samuel Adams Brewery, 30 Germania St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-368-5080. M-Th Sa 10AM-3PM, F 10AM-5:30PM. All ages welcome for one hour tours (21+ for the tasting portion) departing every 40 minutes. No reservations, first come first serve. There is also a "Morning Mash-In" tour at 9:40AM, if brushing your teeth gets you in the mood to drink. There is of course a shop featuring exclusive t-shirts, hats and hoodies, as well as one-of-a kind beers brewed only at this location. Proust! Suggested donation $2.
2 Kelly Outdoor Rink, 1 Marbury Terrace (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-727-7000. Su-F noon-7:30PM, Sa 1-7:30PM. Outdoor ice skating rink. Skate rentals $2. (updated Jan 2017)
3 Footlight Club (Eliot Hall), 7A Eliot St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-3200. America's oldest community theatre features a new program every other month or so. $20 per ticket, memberships $65. (updated Jan 2017)
▸Buy1,492 chars
1 Bikes Not Bombs, 284 Amory St. (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-0226. M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Shop for a new bike, or pick up some spare parts for your current one. You could even volunteer at this charitable organization that helps get bikes to both local youths and people in developing nations. free.
2 Salmagundi, 765 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-5047. Tu-Th 10AM-6PM, F noon-8PM, Sa 11AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Hat store that also stocks a lovely assortment of accessories, some of which are locally made. Very friendly and helpful staff make this a fun destination in its own right.
Papercuts J.P., 60 South Street (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-3404. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Independent local woman-owned owned bookstore. Has special events and a podcast. (updated Dec 2025)
3 The Video Underground, 3203 Washington St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-522-4949. W-Su 10AM - 6PM; M-Tu Closed. The last remaining video rental store in America? Specializing in independent, cult and foreign films. They also offer all kinds of tea, coffee, smoothies, candy and snacks. (updated Dec 2025)
4 Fire Opal, 683 Centre Street (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-0262. M-W F 11AM-6PM, Th 11AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Clothing, home decor, jewelry and more. One other location in Brookline. (updated Jan 2017)
5 40 South St (Gumshoe), 40 South St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-5066. Th noon-6PM, F noon-6PM, Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. A vintage clothing store with a focus on the Punk Rock Scene (updated Dec 2025)
▸Eat360 chars
Dining here tends to be either on the low or high end, there isn't as much selection in between. The lower cost options tend to be along the stretch of Centre from Hyde to Egleston where the long time blue collar residents live. The pricier options are popping up everywhere, with some clustering near the Monument where many wealthy new residents have landed.
▸Budget1,336 chars
1 Mike's Donuts, 1524 Tremont St (T: Roxbury Crossing), ☏ +1 617-427-6828. 5AM-4PM daily. Local donut shop where the old guys still go to get their coffee and catch up. Old school institution. Doughnuts $1, sandwiches $3. (updated Oct 2016)
2 City Feed and Supply, 672 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-1700. M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM. Pretty place sit with sandwiches and espresso/coffee, also to pick up (expensive but convenient) local produce and groceries.
3 Pikalo, 360 Centre St (T: Jackson Square), ☏ +1 617-522-1210. M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Dominican restaurant specializing in empanadas. (updated Nov 2016)
4 JP Licks, 659 Centre Street (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-6740. 6AM-midnight daily. Flagship location for local chain that serves homemade ice cream and coffee roasted in-house. Features several different blends of fair trade coffee. In 2006, JP Licks was named the Best Coffee Shop in Jamaica Plain by Boston Magazine. Free Wifi connections available.
5 Chilacates, 224 Amory St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-522-6000. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. (updated Jan 2017)
6 El Oriental De Cuba, 416 Centre St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-524-6464. M-Th 8AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM. Delightfully authentic little Cuban restaurant. A hundred framed pictures of Havana line the walls. (updated Jan 2017)
▸Mid-range1,349 chars
7 Penguin Pizza, 735 Huntington Ave (Mission Hill), ☏ +1 617-277-9200. M-F 11AM-1AM, Sa Su 10AM-1AM. Lots of good beers and thin pizzas at this friendly spot frequently on "best of" lists. The mugs on the ceiling belong to patrons who "drink around the world", imbibing a beer from every country. $15-20 for a big pizza with the works. (updated Oct 2016)
8 Canary Square, 435 S. Huntington Ave (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-524-2500. M-F 4PM-1AM, Sa Su 10:30AM-1AM. Upscale pub food with an effort to source ingredients locally. Excellent cocktail list, but the food is overrated. Gets very crowded at peak times on weekends but the atmosphere is lively and pleasant. Apps $8-12, mains $14-18, cocktails $8.
9 JP Seafood Cafe, 730 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-983-5177. Tu-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM, Sa Su 11:30AM-10PM. Seafood place specializing in sushi. Also serving a variety of Japanese and Korean specialities, like bibimbop, teriyaki, and stir fries. Around $15 for a main dish. (updated Jun 2016)
10 Bella Luna & The Milky Way, 284 Amory St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-524-6060. M Tu 5-11:30PM, W Sa 5PM-midnight, Th F 5PM-1AM, Su 5-11PM. Mains $12-22. (updated Jan 2017)
11 Centre Street Cafe, 669A Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-9217. M-F noon-2:30PM, 5-9:30PM; Sa Su 9:30AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM. Apps $9-12, mains $20-26. (updated Jan 2017)
▸Splurge1,333 chars
12 The Haven, 2 Perkins St (T: Jackson Square), ☏ +1 617-524-2836. M-F noon-3PM, 5PM-1AM; Sa Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5PM-1AM. Apps $8-12, mains $15-20. (updated Jan 2017)
13 The Frogmore, 365 Centre St (T: Jackson Square), ☏ +1 857-203-9462. W-F 5PM-2AM, Sa Su 10AM-2AM. A Southern restaurant serving "low country" food found along the coastline of the Carolinas. Order the "low country boil" to have your tablecloth replaced with newspaper and filled with andouille, shellfish, and potatoes. Apps $8-10, mains $20-24. (updated Jan 2017)
14 Vee Vee, 763 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-522-0145. Tu-Sa 5:30-10PM, Su 5:30-9PM. Apps $9-12, mains $22-28. (updated Jan 2017)
15 Tres Gatos, 470 Centre St (T: Stony Brook). M-W 5:30-10PM, Th F 5:30-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-10PM. One time book and record store turned Spanish tapas restaurant & wine bar. Vestiges of its previous life are still for sale, but the food is really the star today. Each tapa $9-10, sangria $10. (updated Jan 2017)
16 Ten Tables, 597 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-8810. M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-10:30PM, Su 5-9PM. French/American cuisine with an emphasis on local organic ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly. The tasting menus are a little spendy, but they are an amazing value considering the quality of the fare. Apps $9-13, mains $18-28, tasting menus $35-50.
▸Drink451 chars
1 The Galway House, 710 Centre St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-9677. 10AM-2AM daily. (updated Nov 2016)
2 The Jeanie Johnston Pub, 144 South St (T: Forest Hills), ☏ +1 617-983-9432. Su-Th noon-1AM, F Sa noon-2AM. (updated Jan 2017)
3 Brendan Behan Pub, 378 Centre St (T: Jackson Square), ☏ +1 617-522-5386. M-Sa noon-1AM, Su 1PM-1AM. (updated Jan 2017)
4 Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-9038. 4PM-2AM daily. (updated Jan 2017)
▸Coffee450 chars
5 Fiore's Bakery, 55 South St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-524-9200. M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. (updated Jan 2017)
6 Ula Cafe, 284 Amory St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-524-7890. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM. Local coffeeshop in the Sam Adams Brewery Complex which also serves breakfast and lunch, in addition to the usual coffee and pastries and some highly praised popovers. Free wifi connections available. Perfect to visit after the Sam Adams Brewery tour.
▸Sleep417 chars
Still solidly residential neighborhoods, Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill have only one place to sleep each. Check your favorite room renting application, or start making friends now!
1 EnVision Hotel, 81 S Huntington Ave (T: Back of the Hill), ☏ +1 617-383-5229. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. From $99. (updated Jan 2017)
2 Taylor House Bed and Breakfast, 50 Burroughs St (T: Green), ☏ +1 617-983-9334. From $169.
▸Connect452 chars
The two libraries here offer free wi-fi, supplementing the coffeeshops you'll find throughout the neighborhoods.
1 Parker Hill Branch (Boston Public Library), 1497 Tremont St (T: Roxbury Crossing), ☏ +1 617-427-3820. M-W 10AM-6PM, Th noon-8PM, F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-2PM. (updated Feb 2017)
2 Connolly Branch (Boston Public Library), 433 Centre St (T: Stony Brook), ☏ +1 617-522-1960. M noon-8PM, Tu-Th 10AM-6PM, F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-2PM. (updated Feb 2017)
▸Go next580 chars
It's a bit easier with a car, but check out the great views and some of the first cars ever built at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline.
Speaking of Brookline, check out Fairsted. Every city has a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, but how many have the office (and grounds) he designed them from?
Touring Franklin Park will actually place you in Roxbury, but this may come as news to some locals.
Head north into Fenway/Kenmore to take in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
If you're not tired of all that green space yet, check out Forest Hills Cemetery, also in Roslindale.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac