What to Do in Winthrop

Deer Island is a small peninsula connected to Winthrop that includes a walking trails, interpretative signage, memorial benches and a pathway with unsurpassed views of Boston Harbor. The park is within the boundaries of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area and is open to the general public from sunrise to sunset daily for walking, jogging, sightseeing, picnicking and fishing. There is a small visitor parking area as you enter the island from Winthrop. The “island” is operated by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and is home to the state-of-the-art regional wastewater treatment facility, responsible for the dramatically improved water quality in Boston harbor. For more information on the Boston Harbor Project, the work of MWRA, or the fascinating history of Deer Island check out www.mwra.com. MWRA does offer tours of the plant through advanced arrangements.

Please call the Deer Island tour line at 617-660-7607.

The original building was built about 1637 and was then rebuilt to its present size between 1675 and 1690. It belonged to Deane Winthrop, whose father John Winthrop was the first Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Currently it is owned by the Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association. This building is one of the oldest wood frame houses in the country and it is the oldest continuously lived-in home. Located at 40 Shirley Street, the Deane Winthrop House is a registered National Historic Site.

Tours by appointment. 617-846-8606

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is Boston’s last remaining salt marsh. A unique place for exploring, the reservation exemplifies the type of wetlands that once lined the Massachusetts Bay shore. Its protected waters are nurseries to fish and shellfish and are critical habitat to many salt marsh plants and wildlife rare to the metropolitan area. A favorite get-away for nature walks and birdwatching, the marsh is the summer home of snowy egrets, great egrets, great blue heron, and many species of ducks and geese. Belle Isle Reservation includes a landscaped park with an easy hiking path, boardwalk, trails, benches, picnic tables, and an observation tower. The park has free parking at the entrance on Bennington Street in East Boston and is accessible by taking the MBTA Blue Line to the Suffolk Downs station, walking North (left) on Bennington Street about 1/4 mile across the street.

Open year-round from dawn to dusk.617-727-5350

This large family-friendly park near Winthrop Center features a playground, baseball diamond, tennis courts, gazebo, picnic tables, roller-hockey, and an outdoor skating rink. Family concert series takes place in the summer.

Located along Walden Street between Main Street and Pauline Street. 617-846-8243

Winthrop is just minutes away from downtown Boston, easily accessible by both car and public transportation. The city is renown for its culture, events, and activities. There is lots to do and see.

For more information about Boston, please visit the Greater Boston Chamber.

The Winthrop Golf Club is a semi private nine hole course founded in 1917. The clubhouse features two bars and a large dining room that is available to members for private events.

Winthrop Beach-The largest of many beaches in town, Winthrop Beach is a lengthy, sandy beach great for swimming, long walks, and people-watching. Lifeguards are on duty July through early September. Located along Winthrop Shore Drive with plenty of free parking and accessible by the MBTA Blue Line to Orient Heights, then any Winthrop bus (routes 712 & 713).

Along Shirley Street is Yirrell Beach, a popular destination for families with small children, as the area by the base of Watertower Hill is shallow for about 100 yards out. It also is well known as a good surfcasting location. Free parking along the street and at the town’s Public Landing a short walk away. Yirrell Beach is home to the Old Fashioned Family Day at the Beach in July.

For a great view of the Boston skyline and a more private spot, Donovan’s Beach on Pleasant Street offers both.