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    Recommended Reviews - Watertown Square

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    15 years ago

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    Washington Tower

    Washington Tower

    4.7(3 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    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 ;)

    Photos
    Washington Tower
    Washington Tower - The Tower

    The Tower

    Washington Tower - Halfway up...or halfway down

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    Halfway up...or halfway down

    View Boston - Interior

    View Boston

    4.3(117 reviews)
    5.3 miBack Bay

    Such beautiful views of Boston! This was my second time here and each time I enjoyed my experience…read more It wasn't overly crowded like other observation view decks I've been to. The cinema room has amazing displays of Boston each time I've gone there was a different display so it's definitely worth going more than once. The bar quaint with a full bar offering. There is a restaurant with views though I haven't been myself. The gift shop before you exit has various souvenirs available for purchase from salt water taffy, books, clothing and more. Definitely a must to experience panoramic views of Boston.

    Bostons only observation tower/deck is worth checking out if you enjoy elevated views of the city…read more Inside the Prudential center mall you find the entrance and ticket kiosk booth to view Boston. (Side note if you plan on doing multiple attractions check out the My City Pass app for package deals that include access to view Boston) The 52nd floor is the enclosed viewing deck, one floor below on the 51st is the open air viewing area, and just below is the exhibit area and restaurant on floor 50th. Definitely check the weather forecast before booking the day and time you want to go so you don't end up here on a cloudy/rainy day with no view of the city.

    Photos
    View Boston - Swivel terminal maps that highlight interesting locations you can't actually see because they are blocked by the middle of the building.

    Swivel terminal maps that highlight interesting locations you can't actually see because they are blocked by the middle of the building.

    View Boston - Gift Shop

    Gift Shop

    View Boston - Mural on the lower floor.

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    Mural on the lower floor.

    Prospect Hill Monument - The 4 Story Stone Castle Structure was built in 1903 & is where the first national flag was hoisted by George Washington @ Prospect Hil

    Prospect Hill Monument

    4.6(34 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    I run everywhere in Somerville and today's course was through the monument. Nice view during the…read morerun. Grass area someone was working out which was nice as well. Good hill training.

    AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! I LOVE CASTLES! This is one of the Secret…read moreHidden Gems of America that most people have never heard about or been to before. The Prospect Hill Monument is a stone structure in the shape of a mini Castle & is located in Somerville, Massachusetts just outside of Boston. This is a residential area with homes. It is also a historic site & provides panoramic views of Boston & surrounding cities. 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. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK OTHERWISE YOU MAY GET A TICKET. Park only at the signs where it says it's OK to Park; it's a residential area. You can also visit here by Mass Transit too. 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. The medieval fortress tower was constructed out of stone & steel. It was built in 1903 to commemorate the site's military importance during the Revolutionary & Civil Wars. The Tower stands 4 stories tall. Climb the stairs to the the first outdoor open deck, & you'll see great views of Boston, Somerville, & Cambridge. The inside of the tower & top were open pre-pandemic periodically at various times. Check the website for current info & updates. 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 & how it was instrumental in uniting the colonies. On January 1, 1776, General George Washington himself who would later become the first President of the United States, during the Revolutionary War hoisted the very first national flag of America on this very spot. It was called the Grand Union Flag & predates The Famous Betsy Ross Flag. Our current red & white Stripes with 50 Stars flag is not flown here. Lots of people miss this. Zoom in with your camera & you will see the First Flag of America. The Grand Union Flag is still flown here on top of the tower. It has red & white stripes but with the blue British Union Jack in the corner instead of the Stars. It's Pretty Cool that they still fly our very first national flag here. 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!

    Photos
    Prospect Hill Monument - Green Grass & Trees & benches for picnicking & relaxing @ the park @ Prospect Hill Monument in Somerville MA.. A Free Event/Free Parking!

    Green Grass & Trees & benches for picnicking & relaxing @ the park @ Prospect Hill Monument in Somerville MA.. A Free Event/Free Parking!

    Prospect Hill Monument - The 4 Story Stone Castle Structure was built in 1903 & is where the first national flag was hoisted by George Washington @ Prospect Hill

    The 4 Story Stone Castle Structure was built in 1903 & is where the first national flag was hoisted by George Washington @ Prospect Hill

    Prospect Hill Monument - The 4 Story Stone Castle Structure was built in 1903 & is where the first national flag was hoisted by George Washington @ Prospect Hil

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    The 4 Story Stone Castle Structure was built in 1903 & is where the first national flag was hoisted by George Washington @ Prospect Hil

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

    Memorial Hall

    4.6(11 reviews)
    3.6 miHarvard 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.

    Photos
    Memorial Hall - Sanders Theater - Harvard-Radcliffe Undergraduate Choir Finale with 3 Boston Schools

    Sanders Theater - Harvard-Radcliffe Undergraduate Choir Finale with 3 Boston Schools

    Memorial Hall - Brandi Carlile! Amazing acoustics!

    Brandi Carlile! Amazing acoustics!

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

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    Ceremony at the Transept www.bom-photo.com

    Jackson Homestead and Museum

    Jackson Homestead and Museum

    4.0(4 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    What an impressive historical site. This family's home was crucial to the Underground Railroad. It…read morewas pretty fascinating to see how this historical site really believed in abolishing slavery to help those two go into freedom. I didn't realize how important this site is to history but it was really nice to see letters and photographs of that time and about Newton area that nobody really thinks about. It was pretty cool to see all the old fashioned toys and clothes of the time. There is a lot of literature posted on the exhibitions. I really recommend going here.

    We planned a field trip to the Jackson Homestead with our homeschool group. We had nearly 30 people…read morebetween the ages of 7 and 50, and everyone enjoyed the visit. The attraction is reasonably priced for individuals visiting at $6 per person. The field trip was also very reasonable for up to 30 children and up to 10 adults. The foyer explains the background of the owners and their involvement with the abolition movement and the underground railroad in the 1800s. The children were able to look at source documents and work in teams to make inferences on the information and draw conclusions. Next, we moved to the lower level which is professionally outfitted with plaques explaining the history and a lot of fantastic artifacts. There were several interactive and "please touch" areas, which all the children (and even the teens enjoyed). There were boxes they could climb into to show what it was like to travel across the ocean as a captured slave, and the interesting story of Henry Box Brown. There was even an excavated well (covered with a grate, of course) that may have been used to hide fugitive slaves. On the main floor, the children were able to explore some of the other areas of the house, like "Newton's Toy Box," information on stained glass, and an extensive time-line of the house and history makers. Upstairs was a small area open to the public (due to their offices being on that floor) that had a flag on display from the civil war era. and envelopes used for propaganda during that time period. There were also pictures of the original rooms and textile samples with information about the dress at the time. The main floor also has a lovely little gift shop with a good variety of souvenirs. The staff was friendly and helpful. A most wonderful trip!

    Photos
    Jackson Homestead and Museum
    Jackson Homestead and Museum - Early Pinball game. Now I know how pinball machines got its name.

    Early Pinball game. Now I know how pinball machines got its name.

    Jackson Homestead and Museum

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    Watertown Square - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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