Piers Park Sailing Center

Set in a refurbished harbor in East Boston, Piers Park provides a relaxed and family-friendly environment right on the shores of Boston's famous harbor. The park is the perfect place for a picnic, a stroll, or even just a serene time with your favorite book. You can even rent a sailboat and enjoy the gentle waves of the harbor. And all of these activities are made better because Piers Park offers fantastic and crowd-free views of the Boston skyline.

Parking and public transportation at Piers Park
There are scores of free parking spaces on Marginal Street, which is adjacent to the park. Parking is free for two hours, then after that you risk being issued a ticket. If riding on the subway, locally called the "T," exit the Maverick stop on the Blue Line. From there, it is a short four block walk. The subway is the best way to get to the park, as driving from the main city neighborhoods is very convoluted.

Best and worst time to go to Piers Park
Weekends during the warmer months are the busy times at the park, but the energy of the families on the playgrounds really adds to the appeal of the park. If solitude is more your thing, visit early in the morning on the weekdays. A walk to the end of the pier will provide a prime time to watch all the ships floating through the harbor.

Admission to the Piers Park
The park is free to all visitors. Piers Park is open from sunrise to sunset all year round.

Must see/do at Piers Park
Walk along the refurbished pier for great views of the harbor and some information on Boston maritime history. Play with the kids to the new playground, complete with slides, swings, and even a fancy sprinkler system play area so children can cool off in the summer rays. Rent a sail boat from the onsite Piers Park Sailing Club and get out on the water.

Other places to visit near Piers Park
Santarpio's Pizza is considered the best and most unpretentious pie in the city. Check out the photos of all the great boxers that have stopped by over the years. Another well-known gem is Angela's Cafe, which serves some the best traditional Mexican dishes in an intimate setting. Central Park Lanes offers the New England tradition of candlepin bowling. Smaller balls, thinner pins, and one extra toss make this old-time game a load of fun.

Insider tip for visitors to Piers Park
Don't always believe the rumors about East Boston. The neighborhood has a rough past and is currently home to thousands of immigrants from Central America, but the neighborhood has a lot to offer and is generally safe. Also, the neighborhood's poor reputation means you can avoid the large tourist crowds that envelop the North End and Downtown at all hours.

Author's bio: Ryan Deto, currently residing in Pittsburgh, PA, lived in Boston for two years and explored every neighborhood Beantown has to offer. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.