Fun Things To Do In Somerville Ma

Somerville is Boston’s quirky next-door neighbor, and it knows it. It’s the kind of place where a donut shop, a brewery, and a psychic might share the same block. Honestly, that’s exactly why you should spend a whole day here.

You don’t need a fancy itinerary. You just need comfortable shoes, an appetite, and a willingness to follow a weird sign that says “This way to the fluff.”

Start With a Donut the Size of Your Face

Head to Union Square Donuts and order something ridiculous. The brown butter hazelnut crunch is a classic, but the seasonal flavors get wild. Yes, you can get a maple bacon donut. No, you don’t need to share.

If you’re in Davis Square instead, grab a coffee at Diesel Cafe and pretend you’re a local writer. Nobody will question you. They’re too busy doing the same thing.

Walk the Community Path Like a Local

The Somerville Community Path is a paved ribbon of joy that cuts through the city. You’ll see joggers, dogs, kids on scooters, and at least one person carrying a cello. It’s that kind of place.

Rent a Bluebike if you’re feeling ambitious, or just stroll and judge people’s porch decorations. Porch envy is a real Somerville hobby. The path connects Davis to Cambridge and beyond, so you can wander without a plan.

Get Weird at Bow Market

Bow Market in Union Square is a tiny village of shipping containers and small shops. You can buy vintage clothes, hot sauce, and a candle that smells like a campfire. Then you can eat tacos while sitting on a colorful stool.

Check out Remnant Brewing inside Bow Market for a pint. The courtyard is perfect for people-watching. If you see someone wearing a cape, just nod. That’s normal here.

Drink Local at Aeronaut Brewing

Aeronaut Brewing is a big, friendly warehouse in Somerville that smells like hops and good decisions. They have trivia nights, live music, and experimental beers with names like “Robot Crush.” You’ll want to try a flight.

Don’t skip the food trucks parked outside. They rotate, so you might get dumplings, pizza, or something you can’t pronounce. Just point and smile.

Climb Prospect Hill Tower for the View

Prospect Hill Tower is a stone tower on a hill with a giant flag. It’s where George Washington supposedly raised the first American flag. Supposedly. History is fuzzy, but the view isn’t.

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Walk up the hill, climb the tower if it’s open, and look out over Boston’s skyline. On a clear day, you can see the Prudential Center and pretend you own it. You don’t, but it’s fun.

Catch a Movie at the Somerville Theatre

The Somerville Theatre in Davis Square is an old-school movie palace with velvet seats and a balcony. They show indie films, classics, and the occasional Rocky Horror sing-along. The popcorn is real butter, not sadness.

After the movie, go to The Burren next door for live Irish music and a pint. It’s loud, cozy, and exactly what you need. Just don’t try to sing along unless you know the words.

Eat Your Way Through Union Square

Union Square is a food lover’s playground. Grab Peruvian small plates at Celeste, or go for German comfort food at Bronwyn. If you want a casual bite, Machu Picchu serves up hearty Peruvian dishes that will ruin your appetite in the best way.

For a fancier night, Highland Kitchen is a short ride away in Spring Hill. Order the fried chicken and a Dark and Stormy. You’ll thank me later.

Embrace the Weird at a Festival

Somerville loves a good festival. Porchfest turns porches into stages for local bands. Honk! brings brass bands and activist puppets. And What the Fluff? celebrates Marshmallow Fluff, which was invented in Somerville. Yes, really.

Check the calendar before you visit. If you accidentally show up during a parade, just join in. Nobody will stop you. They might hand you a kazoo.

Browse Davis Square and Ball Square

Davis Square is the beating heart of Somerville, packed with bookstores, bars, and a giant CVS that feels like a portal. Pop into The Book Shop in Ball Square for a great read. Then reward yourself with breakfast at Ball Square Cafe.

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If you’re hungry later, Dragon Pizza in Davis serves slices that are bigger than your head. Okay, maybe not that big. But they’re delicious.

Visit Artisan’s Asylum for Creative Chaos

Artisan’s Asylum is a massive makerspace where people build robots, weld metal, and sew giant stuffed animals. You can take a class or just wander during an open house. It’s like a playground for adults who never stopped taking things apart.

Check their schedule for workshops. You might leave with a new skill or a new friend. Either way, you’ll smell like sawdust and possibility.

Assembly Row for Legos and Sales

Assembly Row is the shiny, modern part of Somerville. It has a Legoland Discovery Center, a movie theater, and enough outlet stores to test your credit card’s patience. It’s great for a rainy day.

You can also walk along the Mystic River or rent a kayak in warmer months. Just don’t fall in. The ducks will laugh.

Grab Ice Cream and Call It a Day

End your adventure at Gracie’s Ice Cream in Union Square. The flavors are creative, like burnt honey or black sesame. If you’re in Davis, hit J.P. Licks for a classic cone.

Take your ice cream to a bench and watch the city go by. Somerville is small, but it’s full of surprises. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a weird new favorite memory.

One Last Tip: Say Yes to the Random

If you see a sign for an art show in someone’s living room, go. If a stranger invites you to a basement concert, consider it. Somerville rewards the curious.

So put on your walking shoes, bring a friend, and let the city surprise you. You might come for the donuts, but you’ll stay for the vibe. And that’s a pretty great way to spend a day.