Downtown/North End
Long Wharf / Marriott Hotel
Constructed in the 17th century, Long Wharf was once the focal point of Boston's booming shipping industry and the city's gateway to the rest of the world. Today, it is the site of the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and an excellent spot to take in views of the harbor. A new, more convenient ticketing area for the Harbor Islands Ferry opened early summer, 2009, next to the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. At the end of Long Wharf, there is a large plaza, a covered shelter, and a pink stone compass rose set into the ground.
A series of harbor-related art on the second floor lobby of the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel is one of the HarborWalk's best-kept secrets. As you step off the escalator, note the 19th century ship model of the USS Constitution. Joshua Humphreys designed this model of the USS Constitution, located near the check-in desk in the Marriot Long Wharf lobby. The USS Constitution Museum and tours of the actual ship are available in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Turn left to see a timeline of the development of Spectacle Island and porcelain artifacts recovered from the Island. In the lobby area, note the two-story paintings (a set of three) showing Long Wharf as a major fishing and maritime trading center done by artist William C. Reynolds. A historic description of Long Wharf is provided near the elevators.
Named for one of Boston's great civic leaders, the new "Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea" wayfinding path goes from the top of Beacon Hill, the highest point on the Shawmut Peninsula, to Boston’s furthest projection into the harbor, Long Wharf. Dedicated in September 2008, the Walk to the Sea features informational panels at eight locations depicting four centuries of Boston history. Three panels at Long Wharf are lit at night by low wattage LED lights powered by a small wind turbine, and can be enjoyed from a new seating area.
Site Photos:
Getting There:
- Subway:
Take the Blue Line to Aquarium. - Public Parking:
Paid parking is available at the Marriott Hotel. - Water Transportation:
Take the F1 commuter ferry from the Hingham Shipyard, Hingham to Rowes Wharf,or
Take the F2 or F2H commuter ferries from Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf via Pemberton Point, Hull and Logan Airport,
or
Take the F4 Inner Harbor ferry to Long Wharf.
Contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 or Harbor Express at 617-222-6999 for additional schedule and fare information.
- Bus:
Take MBTA Route Number 6 to the Aquarium
or
Take MBTA Route Number 352, 354, or 355 to the State Street station (5 minute walk). - Address:
296 State Street; Boston, MA 02109
Contact Information:
Name: Marriott Long Wharf Hotel
Phone: 617-227-0800
