Where to go, what to see, and what to eat during Sail Boston

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More than 4 million people are expected to attend the maritime celebration.

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Welcome back to Scenic Six.

I am in North Carolina (visiting family in Charlotte), so I’m writing this newsletter ahead of time and dedicating it to Sail Boston 2026. The tall ships haven’t visited Boston since 2017 and we are one of just five stops on the Sail250 tour, so I think the event is well worth a deep dive! 

The ships glide into Boston Harbor on Saturday and more than 4 million people are expected to attend the maritime celebration. Ahead, discover all you need to know.

Your comprehensive guide to Sail Boston 2026

The tall ships are coming! The much-anticipated Parade of Sail takes place July 11, when more than 60 majestic ships from across the globe glide into Boston Harbor. Find out all you need to know, including which ships are coming, the (free!) activities happening, security measures being taken, and more. 

Find out what makes a ship a ‘tall ship’

For those who want to brush up on their tall ship knowledge before the vessels get here, an expert explains what makes a ship a “tall ship.” It turns out height isn’t the main reason. 

Find out where the tall ships will be docked

Plotting out your tall ships adventure? Here’s the full list of berthing locations for the historic ships coming to Boston. Many will offer free tours on a first-come, first served basis. Did you know that more than two dozen ships are from New England? Here’s a list of the participating ships. 

Travel tips

• You can eat and drink around the world, thanks to the many hotels adopting international ships during the event. For example, visitors can sip clerico (the South American version of white wine sangria) at Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport in honor of Capitán Miranda from Uruguay; taste Polish pierogies at Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District as a nod to Dar Młodzieży from Poland; and enjoy a Swedish candy experience at The Newbury Boston in celebration of HMS Gladan from Sweden. 

Deals and steals

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• Kings Dining & Entertainment in the Seaport will serve $8 specialty cocktails July 10-16, including Dark ‘N’ Stormys, Navy Grogs, Cabin Coolers, and a limited-edition Sam Adams Tall Ships Ale on draft. 

• Sailors in uniform can snag a 20% discount on food at Capiz Lounge at Renaissance Boston Seaport District during Sail Boston 2026, taking place from July 11-16.

• Book a “Sail Away Stay” package at The Liberty Hotel, available for stays in July. The package includes an overnight stay for two, champagne toast, kayaking on the Charles River, and a voucher (valued at $156.21) redeemable at CLINK or Liberty Bar for one dozen Wellfleet oysters paired with a bottle of Decoy Brut. 

Spending time in Boston? Check out 10 free things to do in Boston in July.

I’ll leave you with this photo of the drone show during The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.

Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.

— Kristi