Historic ships still sail Boston’s harbor. RELATED LINKS Return to Boston City Guide

The city of Boston owes its very existence to the deep natural harbor that made it a prominent North Atlantic seaport as far back as the 17^th-century, and later a principal waypoint in a vast triangular trade network that shipped New England rum to sub-Saharan Africa, African slaves to the sugar plantations of the West Indies, and West Indian sugar to the rum distilleries of New England.

Today the historic waterfront district offers numerous opportunities to delve into Boston's deep nautical roots, and there's nothing like a boat excursion on Boston Harbor or the Charles River to get a feel for New England's proud maritime heritage. Options include:

— Boston Harborwalk: For the past two decades, various city and state organizations have been collaborating on the creation of a continuous path stretching some 45 miles along the Boston waterfront (www.bostonharborwalk.com). Currently about 70 percent of the proposed walkway is complete, including the central waterfront district from downtown to the North End and Charlestown. A free map and guide to walking the waterfront is available from the nonprofit Boston by Sea (www.bostonbysea.org).

— Charlestown Navy Yard: This decommissioned military site, now part of the Boston National Historical Park, provides a permanent berth for the USS Constitution, a.k.a. "Old Ironsides," first launched in 1797 and still a fully commissioned U.S. Navy warship. The Constitution and another historic vessel, the USS Cassin Young, are open for tours, and a nearby museum traces the Constitution's long history afloat. See www.nps.gov/bost/Charlestown_Navy_Yard and www.ussconstitution.navy.mil for visitor information.

— New England Aquarium: This 35-year-old educational and research facility is one of America's top aquariums, with sea otters, sea lions, sharks, penguins, a 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit, an IMAX theater and an animal hospital where visitors can watch specialists care for ailing aquarium critters and rescued marine wildlife. See www.neaq.org for location, hours and ticket information.

— Whale watching: Several boat tour operators, including the New England Aquarium, offer seasonal excursions to the Stellwagen Bank 30 miles east of Boston where whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine animals congregate. Migratory whales typically feed in the area from late April through mid-October.

— Recreational boating: There are many ways for visitors to get out on the water, including sightseeing cruises on the harbor and the Charles River, ferries and water taxis, sailing clubs and yacht charters. There's even a repurposed amphibious assault vehicle that takes visitors directly from a land-based city tour onto the river (www.bostonducktours.com), and a 125-foot replica of a 19^th-century schooner that offers daily sailing excursions from June through September (www.libertyfleet.com).

— The Swan Boats of Boston and the Boston Public Garden: Go take a ride on one of Boston's famous Swan Boats and see the very famous Boston Public Garden, which was established in 1837, as the first public botanical garden in the United States. For more info visit www.swanboats.com.

— Public Art in Boston: See Boston's famous statues of Make Way for Ducklings based on the famous children's book by Boston native Robert McCloskey (www.schon.com).