Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Everett, Massachusetts

Within 15 minutes of downtown Boston, Everett is a multicultural community located on the Mystic River, with a rich industrial history. The skyline is prominently marked by the chimneys of the Mystic Generating Station, which is anticipated to be fully decommissioned by the mid-2020s.

The former industrial zones along the riverfront have now been revitalized into a shopping center, a scenic waterfront trail, and venues for axe throwing and indoor climbing. The most significant transformation occurred in 2019 when Wynn Resorts inaugurated the Encore Boston Harbor Casino, featuring over 670 guest accommodations. Furthermore, Everett’s historical factories and warehouses have provided a conducive environment for burgeoning craft beverage enterprises, including a notable cluster of breweries and a distillery referred to as the Fermentation District.

1. Encore Boston Harbor Casino

Approximately ten years after its initial proposal, this luxury casino resort opened on the Mystic River in 2019, marking a milestone in Everett’s contemporary history. Part of the Wynn Resorts portfolio, Encore Boston Harbor required a total investment of $2.6 billion and played a crucial role in rejuvenating a significant portion of the waterfront, including a performance lawn, riverside walking trail (Harborwalk), waterfront dining options, and an observation deck.

The casino is equipped with over 2,700 slot machines and nearly 200 table games, all set within an extravagant environment featuring 40-foot ceilings and chandeliers on the main floor, as well as a terrace level dedicated to high-limit gaming rooms and private salons.

A diverse array of bars and lounges are located within the resort, along with dining selections ranging from upscale options (Rare Steakhouse, Fratelli, Red 8) to casual fare from Shake Shack and Dunkin’.

2. Northern Strand Community Trail (Bike to the Sea Trail)

Everett serves as the starting point of an expanding multi-use trail that traverses various North Shore communities before concluding at the coast in Lynn. If one is inclined to enjoy a day at the beach, reaching the Atlantic Ocean can be accomplished in less than 45 minutes by bicycle. At the time of writing, the Northern Strand Community Trail extended ten miles in length and was in the process of being developed further down the peninsula towards Nahant, as well as extending southward from its original trailhead in Everett to encompass the Mystic River waterfront.

A significant portion of this trail follows the historic Saugus Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad, which dates back to the mid-1800s.

3. Night Shift Brewing

Night Shift Brewing was the first of several craft beverage establishments to emerge in a light industrial area in Everett. Founded in 2012 at this location, it has since expanded to include branches in Boston and Natick. Night Shift Brewing operates under the philosophy “All Styles Welcome,” which applies to its diverse range of beers, clientele, and staff.

Some of the draft selections highlighted when this list was compiled included refreshing lagers such as Lime Lite, an assortment of hoppy IPAs (Santilly, Fluffy, The 87), and various hard seltzers featuring flavors ranging from blood orange mango to lychee papaya. The venue also hosts live music up to five nights per week, alongside a rotating selection of food trucks and an array of engaging activities, including board game speed dating and Monday night trivia.

4. Glendale Park

Located directly in front of Everett High School, this community park has its roots dating back to the early 20th century. Since its inception, baseball has been integral to the park’s history, with Babe Ruth playing a benefit game here in 1928, following the Beacon Oil explosion in February of that year.

Glendale Park features three baseball fields, all encapsulated by a multi-use trail, along with a children’s playground situated by the entrance at Elm St and Ferry St. Along Elm St, visitors will also find the Recreation Center, which includes the Allied Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool, open during the summer school break, as well as the Allied Veterans Memorial Rink. Each July, Glendale Park hosts Everett’s Independence Day festivities.

5. Short Path Distillery

This small-batch distillery commenced operations in Everett in 2015. The term “Short Path” references the distillation process within a pot still, emphasizing that a shorter distance between evaporation and condensation results in a more intense and intricate distillate. To achieve optimal results, Short Path Distillery employs handcrafted copper stills imported from Portugal, utilizing high-quality locally sourced ingredients when feasible.

Among the spirits offered are malt, rye, and peat-smoked whiskeys, along with various gins, rums, triple sec, and amaro. Visitors can participate in tours to learn about the production process, while the bar operates seven days a week, featuring a refined selection of cocktails.

6. Bone Up Brewing

Located mere steps from the Northern Strand Community Trail, Bone Up Brewing is another craft brewery that opened in 2016, featuring an expansive beer garden. The brewery boasts a dedicated community that participates in various unique events, such as Stoner Metal Yoga, dog pool parties, and Paint Your Pet Workshops, complemented by numerous live music performances, themed trivia nights, and occasional pop-up food options.

Bone Up Brewing’s beer offerings exemplify a fusion of Belgian and American brewing traditions, producing Belgian-style Tripels and a Farmhouse Ale alongside hop-forward IPAs and malty Porters, Stouts, and Dark Ales. Guests have the option to order a flight of four 5oz pours, with a selection of locally sourced bar snacks available.

7. Harborwalk

Encircling the Encore Boston property, the Harborwalk is a lengthy riverside path that remains accessible to the public 24/7 throughout the year. Immaculately illuminated and bordered by foliage, the Harborwalk has opened substantial portions of the waterfront for public enjoyment for the first time in over a century.

Visitors can gaze out over the final stretch of the Mystic River and observe the Amelia Earhart Dam, constructed in 1966 to prevent saltwater intrusion into the river. To the west of the casino resort, the trail meanders around the Gateway Center and culminates at the mouth of the Malden River where it joins Gateway Park.

8. Mary O’Malley State Park

Located nearby in Chelsea, Mary O’Malley State Park is another picturesque waterfront area where the Island End River converges with the Mystic River. Here, visitors can enjoy lush, rolling lawns, as well as ample shade from the trees during hot summer days. Prominently featured is the Tobin Bridge, the largest bridge in New England, which was inaugurated in 1950. To the south, glimpses of the Boston skyline can be discerned.

This park includes a pier with a small pavilion and dock, along with a recently renovated playground for children and facilities for tennis.

9. SkyZone Trampoline Center

Part of a national chain of indoor trampoline parks, SkyZone Everett commenced operations in a spacious warehouse in 2011 and features a variety of bounce-centered attractions. The main area is the Freestyle Jump zone, where nearly every surface, except the ceiling, is covered in trampolines, offering continuous entertainment.

Additionally, the facility offers a dodgeball arena, a foam pit, basketball hoops for slam dunks, the gladiator-style Skyjoust, a Ninja Warrior course, a warped wall, a bungee trampoline, and a Junior Jump Zone designed for children aged four and under, accompanied by parents.

10. Aeronaut Cannery & Taproom

The craft beverage landscape in Everett continues to expand with the recent launch of Aeronaut’s third location in the area. With a minimalist industrial design, The Cannery features a taproom with 18 Aeronaut brews on draft. The offerings range from lagers to sours and IPAs, ensuring a selection suitable for diverse palates. A few of Aeronaut’s flagship brews include Robot Crush (Pilsner), Boreal Kingdom (NEIPA), A Year with Dr. Nandu (American IPA), and Hop Hop & Away (Session IPA).

This venue is ideally suited for events, including live music performances, trivia nights, and even participation in a dodgeball league. For dining, Aeronaut collaborates with a local Venezuelan eatery, Carolicious, to offer arepas and bowls.

11. MetroRock Climbing Center

Climbing has garnered significant popularity in recent years, largely attributable to indoor facilities such as MetroRock in Everett. This expansive venue features walls with ample overhangs, offering seasoned climbers a formidable challenge. Even those with no prior experience can enjoy bouldering without the use of ropes, facilitated by auto-belays and thick gymnastics mats for safe landings.

For individuals pursuing a deeper engagement in the sport, MetroRock offers an Intro to Climbing Class daily, introducing participants to essential equipment and techniques. Additionally, personalized training programs are available to elevate skills.

12. Revolution Axe Throwing

Revolution Axe Throwing commenced operations in 2019 within the same industrial park as MetroRock Climbing Center and Sky Zone. The founders were introduced to axe throwing during a trip to Canada and recognized its potential for enjoyable social gatherings and team-building activities.

Nearly anyone can learn to throw an axe with some degree of precision, and friendly, knowledgeable instructors are available to teach participants the fundamental techniques and scoring methods. For those interested in friendly competition, axe throwing leagues are available, allowing participants to compete for two hours per week over an eight-week period.

13. Lt Joseph Wehner Park

Situated in the northernmost section of Everett, this compact triangular park welcomes visitors from Malden with a “Welcome to Everett” sign. Lt Joseph Wehner Park is a charming space, characterized by paths lined with benches that weave through well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds. The bandstand within the park serves as a venue for outdoor events during the summer months.

This includes the Concert in the Park series, featuring a diverse lineup of music genres such as soul, Latin American, and classic rock throughout June, July, and August. In addition, the city hosts outdoor summer movie nights at Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium.

14. Gateway Center

Located west of Encore Boston and along the waterfront trail, the Gateway Center features a spacious outdoor shopping complex housing approximately 30 retail establishments. Among the prominent retailers at the Gateway Center are Gap (factory store), Michaels, PetSmart, Target, The Home Depot, Bath & Body Works, Five Below, and Costco.

In addition to these stores, the center is accompanied by a variety of chain restaurants, including TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, and Chuck E. Cheese, along with a branch of McDonald’s and the beloved local establishment, Mike’s Roast Beef, conveniently located nearby.

15. Independence Day Celebration

Every year, Glendale Park hosts a day filled with live entertainment and family-oriented activities to commemorate Independence Day. Among the long-standing traditions in Everett are children’s contests for decorating wagons, bicycles, and doll carriages.

Children can partake in numerous fun activities, including carnival games, inflatables, and face painting. An afternoon and evening program of live music is featured, alongside food prepared by ISD workers and other volunteers. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks display that is sure to delight attendees.