Things to Do in Quincy MA: Food, History & Hidden Gems

Just south of Boston, Quincy, MA, blends colonial charm with modern-day fun. Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your routine or a visitor exploring the South Shore, Quincy is packed with interesting sights, delicious eats, and offbeat experiences. Here's your ultimate weekend guide, including everything from food tours to hidden gems—and a standout Boston activity you won’t want to miss.

A collage of four images titled "Fun Things to Do in Quincy, MA," featuring (top left) the historic Adams National Historical Park with a red colonial house, (top right) the USS Salem navy ship docked at a harbor, (bottom left) people dining outdoors at Marina Bay during sunset, and (bottom right) hands making fresh pasta in a cooking class.

Top Things to Do in Quincy, MA (Quick Answer)

The best things to do in Quincy, MA include visiting the Adams National Historical Park, exploring the USS Salem warship, walking the scenic Presidents Trail, relaxing at Marina Bay, enjoying the local food scene on Hancock Street, and taking a short trip to Boston for a hands-on Selfup cooking class. Quincy also offers unique attractions like the Quincy Quarries graffiti park, Granite Railway Incline, and the Adams family crypt beneath First Parish Church.

🍽️ Food and Dining Experiences

Quincy is home to one of the most exciting food scenes on the South Shore. From sizzling Korean BBQ and steaming bowls of pho to classic clam shacks and Italian bakeries, the city serves up a delicious mix of cultures and cuisines. Hancock Street alone is a paradise for adventurous eaters, especially if you're craving authentic Asian fare.

But if you're ready to go beyond just eating out, here’s something unexpected - and unforgettable:

Selfup Fresh Pasta Cooking Class near Quincy

Try a hands-on cooking experience with Selfup, just 25 minutes away in Boston’s Financial District.

It might sound unusual to recommend a cooking class as a “dining” activity, but Selfup is so much more than that. It’s immersive, social, and wildly fun. You’ll cook side-by-side with a professional chef, craft a full gourmet meal (think fresh pasta, dumplings, sushi), sip wine, and enjoy it all in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you come solo, on a date, or with a group, it’s the kind of night that turns into a memory.

✨ The vibe is local. The food is next-level. The energy is unbeatable. And the reviews? Through the roof.

It’s a favorite activity for Boston-area couples, birthday and bachelorette parties, team-building groups, and even solo night-outers looking for something fresh and social. If you’re celebrating anything - or just want to make your weekend feel special - this is the move.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The BEST night ever. I went for my birthday and left with new friends, a full belly, and way more cooking confidence than I expected. The chef was hilarious, the food was incredible, and honestly—it was way more fun than any dinner out.”
— Jasmine T., Boston

🗺️ Guided Tours and Itineraries

For a laid-back yet fascinating way to explore Quincy, follow a self-guided walking tour of the Quincy Presidents Trail. This scenic path connects historic landmarks related to John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and the Adams family legacy.

Want something more guided? Join a Harbor Express ferry tour from Quincy to Boston and enjoy waterfront views while learning about the area’s maritime history. Or book a South Shore brewery tour, where you’ll sample locally crafted beers while discovering the thriving hops scene around Quincy and Braintree.

🏛️ Historical Sites and Museums

Nicknamed the “City of Presidents,” Quincy is steeped in American history. A few highlights to check off your list:

Adams National Historical Park: Visit the birthplaces and family home of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, plus the iconic Stone Library.
United First Parish Church: Tour the final resting place of the Adams presidents and their wives.
Quincy Historical Society Museum: Explore artifacts that reveal the city’s evolution from colonial town to shipbuilding powerhouse.
USS Salem: Tour a Cold War-era heavy cruiser turned museum ship at Quincy’s historic shipyard. Expect immersive exhibits and stories from naval veterans.

If you’re a history buff, Quincy offers depth and quiet dignity, without the Boston crowds.

🌊 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Quincy’s location makes it a perfect base for broader adventures:

Wollaston Beach: Just minutes away, this stretch of shoreline is great for a beach walk or classic fried clams.
Blue Hills Reservation: Hike or drive to the summit for panoramic views of Boston and beyond.
Boston Weekend Getaway: Combine your Quincy trip with a Saturday or Sunday in Boston—grab brunch, catch a Selfup cooking class, or stroll the North End.
Hingham or Hull: Quaint seaside towns just a quick drive away, ideal for a day of boutique shopping and ice cream cones.
Salem – Explore the witch trials history, maritime heritage, and quirky museums.

🌀 Unique and Unusual Attractions in Quincy, MA

Looking to explore Quincy beyond the standard historic trail? The city has a quirky side too, full of hidden landmarks, artistic surprises, and overlooked relics that tell a different story. These distinctive attractions reveal the city’s industrial past, creative spirit, and off-the-beaten-path character.

Granite Railway Incline

Tucked away in the woods of West Quincy, this site is home to one of the first railroads in the United States, built in 1826 to move granite from the nearby quarries to Boston. Today, moss-covered stones, rusted machinery parts, and old track beds make this a surreal and fascinating place for urban explorers and history buffs alike.

🪨 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—paths can be rocky and steep, but it’s worth the climb for the eerie, photogenic ruins.

Wollaston Station Underpass Murals

What was once a dull commuter tunnel is now a vibrant, rotating street art gallery. Local artists regularly paint and refresh the walls under Wollaston Station with eye-catching murals, turning your Red Line commute into a pop-up art experience.

🎨 Snap a pic: The colors change often, so no two visits are the same.

Adams Crypt at First Parish Church

While the church itself is well known, fewer people realize that you can descend below it into the Adams family tomb, where Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams rest alongside their wives. It’s a quiet, humbling space—and one of the only presidential crypts open to the public.

⛪ Visit with a guide: The church offers brief historical tours that include access to the crypt.

Quincy Quarries Graffiti Park

Once a source of granite for the Bunker Hill Monument, the abandoned quarries are now a canvas for graffiti artists and a free-climbing playground. The colorful rock faces and panoramic views make it one of Quincy’s most Instagrammable (and unexpected) attractions.

🧗 Best for: Casual hikes, art lovers, and teens looking for something a little rebellious.

Faxon Park’s Hidden Sculptures

While most head to Blue Hills, Faxon Park is a local favorite with secret corners. Venture deeper into the woods to find stone remnants, random carvings, and unofficial art installations placed by local creatives. It’s part mystery, part meditation space.

🌳 Quiet and uncrowded—perfect for a mindful walk or spontaneous treasure hunt.

Whether you're into urban decay, crypts, murals, or unexpected art, Quincy’s unusual side offers more than meets the eye. These stops won’t be on your average tour map—but that’s exactly the point.

👨👩👧👦 Things to Do with Kids in Quincy, MA

Looking for family-friendly activities in Quincy, Massachusetts? Whether you’re a local or visiting with children, this historic city offers plenty of kid-approved fun. From playgrounds to interactive learning spaces and outdoor adventures, here are the top things to do in Quincy with kids:

Faxon Park Playground – A shady, spacious playground perfect for younger children to climb, swing, and explore.
Thomas Crane Library (Children’s Room) – One of the best indoor activities for kids in Quincy. Enjoy story time, crafts, cozy reading corners, and occasional family events.
Wollaston Beach – A great spot for a family beach day. Kids love collecting shells, wading in the calm waters, and grabbing fried clams from nearby eateries.
Quincy Quarries – Best for older kids and teens, this colorful park offers walking trails, scenic views, and giant granite rocks covered in graffiti art.

Local Tip: “The kids LOVED story hour at the library. Afterward, we headed to Wollaston Beach for clams and sandcastles—perfect combo.”

🧭 Sample One-Day Itinerary in Quincy

Morning:
Start your day at Adams National Historical Park, then walk the Presidents Trail.

Lunch:
Grab a lobster roll or fried clams at Tony’s Clam Shop near Wollaston Beach.

Afternoon:
Explore Quincy Quarries or relax at Marina Bay with a drink and harbor view.

Evening:
Head into Boston for a chef-led Selfup cooking class - a perfect end to a packed and satisfying day.

Final Tip: Make a Whole Weekend of It

From history walks to harbor views, and street noodles to scratch-made pasta, Quincy has more to offer than meets the eye.

Plan a full day exploring its highlights, then level-up your weekend with a Selfup cooking experience in Boston - you’ll head home full, happy, and already planning your next visit.