Quincy, Massachusetts Travel Guide

Explore Quincy, Massachusetts: A historic city with presidential roots, scenic coastal beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene, perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts.

Welcome to Quincy, Massachusetts, a city steeped in American history and rich in cultural heritage. Known as the 'City of Presidents,' Quincy is the birthplace of two U.S. presidents, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Their legacy is preserved in the Adams National Historical Park, where visitors can tour their family homes and learn about their contributions to the nation's foundation. Beyond its historical significance, Quincy offers a picturesque New England charm with its scenic coastline and beautiful parks. Wollaston Beach, the longest beach in the Boston Harbor area, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day in the sun. For a more active day out, the Blue Hills Reservation offers hiking trails with stunning views of the Boston skyline. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with diverse dining options, including some of the best seafood in the region. Don't miss the chance to explore Quincy’s bustling downtown area, where you can find unique shops, cafes, and the historic Quincy Market, which offers a variety of local goods and cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Quincy has something to offer every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Quincy.

Visit the Adams National Historical Park early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more personal experience.
Take a walk along Wollaston Beach during the late afternoon for the best views and a serene atmosphere.
Check out the local seafood restaurants—Quincy is known for its fresh and delicious seafood.
Use public transportation or park your car in designated areas when visiting downtown Quincy to avoid parking hassles.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s parks and historic sites.

Explore Quincy: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

The Old House at Peacefield - Adams National Historical Park

Explore the historic Old House at Peacefield, a treasure of American history showcasing the legacy of John Adams and his family.

4.8

Quincy Quarries Reservation

Explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Quincy Quarries Reservation, a unique state park with thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking views.

4.7

John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces - Adams National Historical Park

Discover the rich heritage of America's founding fathers at the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts.

4.7

Boston Harbor Islands State Park

Explore the natural beauty and historical treasures of Boston Harbor Islands State Park, a stunning coastal retreat in Massachusetts.

4.7

Best landmarks in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

The Old House at Peacefield - Adams National Historical Park

Explore the legacy of President John Adams at The Old House at Peacefield, a historic landmark in Quincy, Massachusetts, rich with American history.

4.8

Quincy Quarries Reservation

Explore Quincy Quarries Reservation: A stunning state park with historical significance, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature in Quincy, MA.

4.7

John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces - Adams National Historical Park

Discover the historic birthplaces of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts, at Adams National Historical Park.

4.7

United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum & USS Salem

Discover the USS Salem and explore fascinating naval history at the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy, Massachusetts.

4.7

Best restaurants in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Cloud Asian Fusion & Bar

Experience the best of Asian cuisine at Cloud Asian Fusion & Bar in Quincy - where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

4.8

Sweetgarden Grill

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Sweetgarden Grill in Quincy - where Halal meets deliciousness!

4.9

Alba Restaurant

Experience exquisite steaks and Mediterranean delights at Alba Restaurant in Quincy, MA - where flavor meets elegance.

4.6

Idle Hour

Experience exceptional dining at Idle Hour in Quincy—where culinary delights meet vibrant nightlife.

4.6

Best bars in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Idle Hour

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Idle Hour in Quincy, where delightful brunches and crafted cocktails await in a cozy lounge setting.

4.6

The Fours

Discover Quincy’s vibrant sports bar scene at The Fours, where every game is a celebration with delicious food and drinks.

4.5

Rags Tavern

Discover Rags Tavern in Quincy, MA, where local charm meets a vibrant nightlife and affordable drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.6

Sly Fox Tavern

Experience the welcoming ambiance and delicious offerings at Sly Fox Tavern, Quincy’s favorite bar for locals and tourists alike.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Sly Fox Tavern

Discover the lively atmosphere of Sly Fox Tavern in Quincy, MA - where great drinks and unforgettable nights await you.

4.5

Callahan's Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Callahan's Bar in Quincy, MA, where great drinks and friendly faces come together for an unforgettable night out.

4.7

Paddy Barry's

Discover Paddy Barry's, a vibrant bar in Quincy, MA, known for its welcoming ambiance, extensive drink menu, and lively local entertainment.

4.4

Waterclub Marina Bay

Experience the vibrant nightlife and exquisite dining at Waterclub Marina Bay, a premier destination in Quincy, Massachusetts.

4.3

Best shops in Quincy

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Toodie's Fine Jewelry

Explore Toodie's Fine Jewelry in Quincy, MA for exquisite designs, expert appraisals, and a personalized shopping experience.

4.9

Alpha Omega Hobby

Explore Alpha Omega Hobby in Quincy, MA - your ultimate destination for board games, miniatures, and a vibrant gaming community.

4.9

The Jewelers Coin & Loan Co.

Explore unique jewelry, coins, and treasures at The Jewelers Coin & Loan Co. in Quincy, MA – a must-visit destination for collectors and tourists.

4.9

New England Comics

Explore the vibrant world of comics and collectibles at New England Comics in Quincy, Massachusetts, a must-visit for enthusiasts and families alike.

4.7

Explore Quincy on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Quincy, mapped for you.

Quincy Essentials

Quincy, Massachusetts, is conveniently located just 10 miles south of downtown Boston. The nearest major airport is Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston. From the airport, you can reach Quincy by taking the MBTA Blue Line to State Street Station, then transferring to the Red Line towards Braintree, getting off at Quincy Center Station. Alternatively, taxis, rideshare services, and car rentals are available at Logan Airport.
Quincy offers a variety of transportation options. The MBTA Red Line has several stops in Quincy, including North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center, and Quincy Adams stations. Local bus services are also available, connecting various neighborhoods. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily accessible. For those who prefer cycling, Quincy has several bike-friendly paths and lanes. Renting a car can be convenient, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
The official currency in Quincy, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many places also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. It is advisable to carry some cash for small businesses or in case of emergency.
Quincy is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas, especially in neighborhoods like Germantown and Quincy Point, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places and be cautious of pickpockets. Always use well-lit and populated routes when moving around the city.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Quincy Medical Center is a major hospital in the area, providing comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency police matters, the Quincy Police Department can be reached at (617) 479-1212.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious sites and practices. Cover your head when visiting churches and be mindful of ongoing services. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers or those with disabilities. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and other specialties. Don’t leave a small tip; in the U.S., tipping is customary, and 15-20% is standard.
To experience Quincy like a local, visit the Quincy Farmers Market, held every Friday from June to November, for fresh produce and local goods. Spend some time at the Adams National Historical Park to learn about the city’s rich history. For a scenic experience, take a walk along the Quincy Riverwalk or enjoy the beaches at Wollaston. Engage with locals in cafes and pubs; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city.

When is the best time to visit Quincy?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Quincy

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Quincy. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [Hey]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [See ya]
- YesYeah
  [Yeah]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Please/No problem]
- Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [Sorry]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [How you doin'?]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [Good. You?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [You speak English?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu, please
  [Menu, please]
- I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [No meat for me]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [Check, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [Get a doctor!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [Just browsing]
- How much is it?How much?
  [How much?]
- That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [Too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [Can you do better?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [Ten thirty]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [Evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Quincy

Quincy, Massachusetts, was originally settled in 1625 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was officially incorporated as a town in 1792 and named after Colonel John Quincy, the maternal grandfather of Abigail Adams, the first Second Lady and second First Lady of the United States.
Quincy is famously known as the birthplace of two U.S. Presidents: John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his son John Quincy Adams, the sixth President. The Adams National Historical Park in Quincy preserves their family homes and offers insight into their lives and legacies.
In the 19th century, Quincy became known as the 'Granite City' due to its booming granite industry. The opening of the Granite Railway in 1826, the first commercial railroad in the United States, facilitated the transport of granite from Quincy quarries to Charlestown, Massachusetts, fueling the city’s economic growth.
While not located in Quincy, the famous Quincy Market in Boston is named after Josiah Quincy III, a prominent Quincy resident and mayor of Boston. His efforts in urban redevelopment significantly influenced the area.
Built in 1882, the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Designed by architect H.H. Richardson, it has been a cultural and educational hub for Quincy residents for over a century.
Quincy played a vital role in America's shipbuilding industry. The Fore River Shipyard, established in 1883, became one of the largest shipyards in the United States and was instrumental during both World Wars, constructing numerous naval vessels.
Quincy has a rich history of immigration, with waves of Irish, Italian, and later Asian immigrants settling in the city. This diverse cultural heritage is reflected in the city’s neighborhoods, local businesses, and community events, contributing to Quincy’s unique cultural tapestry.
The United First Parish Church, also known as the 'Church of the Presidents', was completed in 1828 and is the final resting place of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and their wives. This historic church is a significant landmark in Quincy and holds a wealth of history.
Quincy played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly through the efforts of the local NAACP chapter and community leaders who advocated for equality and justice. The city’s commitment to civil rights is an important part of its modern history.
In recent years, Quincy has undergone significant revitalization, with new developments, restorations of historic sites, and the creation of vibrant public spaces. This transformation has reinforced Quincy’s status as a dynamic and historically rich city.