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Prospect Hill Monument Photos

Recommended Reviews - Prospect Hill Monument

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T E.

Thanks to Yelp I planned a nice evening run for myself to this strange little turreted tower with a GREAT view of the Back Bay skyline. You get a warm sense of achievement from running up the hill and stairs from Union Square down below and being greeted by the friendly faces of Mr John Hancock and Mrs Prudential. And as well as the view there is the great bonus of the 2nd coolest flag ever! It's the stars and stripes but without the stars bit and with a UK flag in that spot. Apparently it is the 'Grand Union Flag' and it was one that George Washington quite liked. As a Brit it's nice to see this old-school mash-up flag of the UK and USA together. Only Hawaii's flag is cooler.

You can only climb halfway up, but it's a cool little structure!
Kaleigh H.

This is an satisfying little historical landmark that's easily visible from Union square, but also easy to miss while driving by it each day. The size of the Prospect Hill Monument is deceiving. When I saw it from below, it looked like a very large walk up to the viewing area. In fact, there's a road directly behind it with local permit parking (I wasn't able to find guest parking in my quick search). From the road, it's just two short staircases up, and then a full view of the surrounding area. You won't be able to go inside the huge wooden doors to the tower, which leaves some mystery. (Read other comments on accessibility twice a year.) I wouldn't visit here for the typical Boston skyline view, as it's a bit in the distance - however the panoramic view of Everett and Somerville are enough to satisfy. I just looked around for 5 minutes because, why not? We walk past these beautiful pieces of history each day and don't stop to breathe. When you come here, read the Wiki! The American history is fascinating, and it adds depth to what would otherwise be a quick trip to a local landmark.

Simone O.

We caught sight of this monument from the streets below, and just climbed up in that direction. You have some partially obscured but impressive views of the Boston skyline after a quick steep stair climb. Once you are up on the stone monument, there's not much more to see. Park itself is very small, and you can't go inside the structure. I wonder if you could see Fourth of July/NYE fireworks from there? Probably good for a picnic. I think I would have been disappointed if I'd made a whole trip out of this place but it was a great detour on our way to downtown Somerville.

View of Boston
Stephanie Q.

This is a stone structure that gives you an ok view of Boston. Pros: its free. Cons: you can't go inside and climb to the top I was expecting a great view, but all I could say was meh. Lots of couples like to come here.

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3 years ago

Very walkable nice great for sunset watching amazing to watch the 4th of July fireworks

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13 years ago

OMG. Need a romance-enhancer? Look no further than the PH Monument. Great views, good place for making out like a high schooler.

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9 years ago

The only reason it isn't a five is that it's only open a few days a year. Hands down one of my favorite places in Somerville.

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Ask the Community - Prospect Hill Monument

Review Highlights - Prospect Hill Monument

Climb the stairs to the the first outdoor open deck, & you'll see great views of Boston, Somerville, & Cambridge.

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Memorial Hall - Ceremony at the Transept www.bom-photo.com

Memorial Hall

(11 reviews)

Harvard Square

Quote: Inspired by Christopher Wren's Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford, England, Sanders Theatre is…read morefamous for its design and its acoustics. A member of the League of Historic American Theatres, the 1,166 seat theatre offers a unique and intimate 180 degree design which provides unusual proximity to the stage: End Quote It feels like a warm wooden church inside, I just saw Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble there, and it was WONDERFUL! The theatre itself, is gorgeous. Walking up to the building is very scenic. However, seating wasn't ergonomic in 1922, so it's hard wooden benches and your feet will fall asleep during the show. But check it out if you would like to see a classical performance or Harvard art event, in a student, casual environment. I think it may be sometimes only available to Harvard students and affiliates.

If you're inspired by beautiful architecture, you *must* catch a performance at Sanders Theatre…read more When I walk into the space, my spirit is uplifted and can't help but gaze around me and drink in the amazing style of this place. Rich, dark woods, beautiful soaring archways and central dome, lovely tile in the entrance hall... it's just a lovely space. The acoustics in the space are quite amazing, too. I sing with the Cambridge Community Chorus, and we're performing a show there this coming Sunday... we've had two rehearsals so far in this space and the sound is absolutely amazing. The space itself serves as a natural amplifier, and the harmonics in the room are such that the tones and frequencies blend prettily in ways that other spaces just don't convey. The statements about the seating being uncomfortable are true... but regardless, if you have an opportunity to see a show at Sanders Theatre, you should do it. Uncomfortable seats notwithstanding, it is a truly magical experience.

Washington Tower

Washington Tower

(3 reviews)

A historic tower with unrivaled views of the Harvard skyline, the Charles and the gleaming Boston…read moreskyscraper. It's located deep within the beautifully gothic (and annoyingly one-entranced) Mt Auburn Cemetery and stands head above their veritable collection of world trees and strange crypts. It's a stone tower with a disabled-unfriendly stone stairwell that could well induce vertigo, but please forgive it as it's 150 years old. At the top there's room for a good 10 or more to enjoy the panorama. Go on a clear warm day and earmark a good 20 minutes of your time to relax at the top and take it all in. Don't be one of the tick-it-off crowd and head down as soon as you've got your photo.

Washington Tower is noted for its great panoramic views of Boston and Cambridge. Honestly, Boston's…read moreskyline pales in comparison to other global cities. Nevertheless, as a resident of Boston for almost 4 years I knew I had to see it for myself. I would give it five stars; however there were a couple things that detracted from my visit: 1) there are no clear signs indicating where Washington tower is in relation to the rest of the cemetery 2) it was super windy when I went in to the top in May, and the wind made the view from the top almost unbearable because it would blow us left and right and made me feel cold and unnerved 3) naturally, because this is outdoors, bugs were here in swarms; there were bees and flies and even mosquitoes--yikes! Overall, I am glad I got to check it off my bucket list but I don't think I will be coming back anytime soon. I would even dare say that the view from the Charles River might be better ;)

The North End - View from my hotel in NORTH END of BOSTON

The North End

(133 reviews)

North End

North End aka Little Italy is my favorite Boston neighborhood…read more It's lively and welcoming with bakeries, pizza shops, and Italian restaurants lining the cobblestone streets Paul Revere's house is in North End as are several other historical landmarks. You can't help but feel like you're in a small village in Italy when in the North End.

After spending a year nearby a few years ago, I feel like I've explored and experienced the North…read moreEnd pretty well. I've dined at a few dozen Italian restaurants, wandered through historic landmarks, and even spent quiet moments in the old cemeteries tucked between brick facades and wrought iron. Returning recently for a day of exploring with Mrs. K., I was eager to share some of that charm -- those narrow streets that smell like espresso and marinara, the echo of Paul Revere's midnight ride, and the layered stories etched into every corner. But what stood out this time, more than the cannoli or the cobblestones, was how difficult the neighborhood can be for folks with mobility challenges. The North End is a feast for the senses, but not always a friend to the feet. Sidewalks are uneven, often narrow, and sometimes disappear altogether. Curb cuts are inconsistent, and many storefronts (especially the older, family-run trattorias) have steps without railings or ramps. We found ourselves rerouting a few times, dodging delivery trucks and squeezing past sidewalk café setups that left little room for a walker or wheelchair. Even the Freedom Trail, which winds through the area, occasionally dips into terrain that feels more 18th-century than 21st-century accessible. That said, the spirit of the place remains magnetic. We managed fabulous espressos at a quiet spot on Salem Street. A few blocks away, we paused at Copp's Hill Burying Ground, where the view over the harbor still stirs something deep and reflective. But I couldn't help noticing how much of the North End's magic is locked behind physical barriers. How many stories, meals, and moments are harder to reach if you're not nimble on your feet. It's a neighborhood that deserves to be experienced by everyone, and I hope the city continues to find ways to make that possible. Because the North End isn't just Boston's Little Italy. It is a living museum, a community, and a reminder that history should be accessible, not just preserved. [Review 1117 of 2025 - 1262 in Massachusetts - 24670 overall]

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands

(23 reviews)

Waterfront

This is a nice area to enter into the wharf area. Amer around and player area for the kids to start…read moreand then across the street is the Christopher Columbus Park and the wharf with the aquarium. Lots of things to do and great for just walking around and enjoying the day.

All my daughter wanted this year for her 22nd birthday was for the family to spend the day on the…read more Islands, specifically George's and Lovell's and that's what we did. We haven't been in about 10 yrs and was so happy to see some amenity upgrades to keep people interested. They added a little playground/ slide for the kids, doesn't look Civil War ish but I'm sure is helpful for young ones lol a fantastic Welcome center with items they've found on Island or that era and a 9 minute movie introduction to the History of George's Island All Islands are carry out what you bring in so be aware of that. George's Island has Salty's food bar with really good prices considering everything has to be brought over on the ferry. We like to picnic and have a feast for dinner once back on the mainland. Bathrooms were clean and plentiful on George's and a composting loo on Lovell's. Free water taxi to Island hop to the other Islands to explore. I've been coming here since I was 12 and I'm SO happy that the BHI are growing with the times and there is still such an interest. The views of the cityscape are just awesome, it's like a world away even though you can see the skyline. LOVE IT ! Also, in all this time we've driven into the city to park but chose to go out of Hingham this time. We'll stick with that from Now on unless we need shopping downtown. Hingham offers free parking with the purchase of the Island ticket!! And Wahlburgers is just down the street with additional shopping if your not exhausted from a day of beach-combing

The Grand Union Flag - The 4 Story Castle Structure has a little Park @ The Grand Union Flag - The First National Flag of the US flies over Prospect Hill

The Grand Union Flag

(1 review)

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! This is one of the Secret Hidden Gems of…read moreAmerica that most people have never heard about or been to before. Come here & you can see America's First National Flag - The Grand Union Flag, flying in the wind on top of Prospect Hill Monument. You may have to use your camera to Zoom in to really see it. The Monument is a 4 Story Castle Like Structure built in 1903 with great views of multiple cities including Boston. Cambridge & Somerville. There is also a little park here too. THE HISTORY In the 1700's the British flag reigned supreme. Then came our battle to become an independent nation. During the Revolutionary War, the colonies had their own individual flags like Massachusetts, & New York etc. General George Washington who would later become the first president of the United States commissioned a flag to be made to bolster the morale of the troops. The Grand Union Flag was created & featured 13 red & white stripes. There were 7 red & 6 alternating white stripes representing the 13 colonies who were all united together in this battle. Now in the upper hand corner was the British Union Jack. So this unification flag shows for the first time the colonies were uniting together & putting themselves first. They were separating themselves from British rule & fighting for their independence from Britain. George Washington himself hoisted the Grand Union Flag here on Prospect Hill on January 1, 1776 to give a big morale boost to his newly formed Continental Army. The 13 colonies represented on the flag are Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia. This flag is before & predates the famous Betsy Ross Flag. Now this spot is located in Somerville, Massachusetts which is just outside of Boston. This is a residential area with homes. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK OTHERWISE YOU MAY GET A TICKET. Park only at the signs where it says it's OK to Park; You can also visit here by Mass Transit too. Be sure to go all around the tower on the ground level. There are plaques with lots of detailed info all around the tower. Also check out all the signs throughout the Park telling you even more info about this spot. It is a historic site & provides panoramic views of Boston & surrounding cities. Go up the stairs to the first landing & see the views.. Pre Pandemic the inside & the top of the monument were open at certain times. Check the website for the latest info & further details. There is also a small park in this neighborhood here with green grass, park benches & a good spot for picnicking & relaxing. It's great place to visit Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall with a changing natural New England landscape. See my review of the Prospect Hill Monument for more details. This site is only a few blocks away & up the hill from the bustling heart of Union Square. There are a lot of local businesses & eateries there. To make it worth your trip be sure to visit the extremely popular Union Square Donuts which has Great Donuts & is only a few blocks away. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

Prospect Hill Monument - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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