Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Arlington, MA

Established in 1635, Arlington is a city that experienced significant conflict during the Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

The Jason Russell House, now a museum, played a central role in one of these conflicts, leading to the deaths of ten individuals, and its interior still bears the marks of bullet damage.

For a deeper understanding of revolutionary history, consider the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, which closely follows the route taken by Paul Revere during his famed Midnight Ride.

This rail trail provides a valuable pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, conveniently passing through the vibrant commercial areas of Arlington Center and East Arlington, while linking with scenic paths alongside Alewife Brook and the Mystic River.

1. Arlington Center

The downtown area of Arlington offers an array of attractions, including museums, entertainment options, historical architecture, extensive green spaces, and excellent access for walkers and cyclists via the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway.

Among its notable structures is the Robbins Library (1892), featuring an Italian Renaissance design, which houses the nation’s oldest continuously operated free children’s library.

Adjacent to Central Street, charming residences from the early 19th century are present, remnants of the mills that once thrived along Mill Brook.

Continuing east past the intersection with Mystic Street reveals a diverse dining scene offering sushi, Korean fusion, bubble tea, Vietnamese cuisine, pizza, tacos, pan-Asian, and Indian dishes.

Further along Massachusetts Avenue, East Arlington presents more dining establishments, alongside the historic Capitol Theatre for cinematic enjoyment.

2. Spy Pond Park

This lush green space is conveniently located just steps from downtown and connects to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway.

Formed by glacial retreat at the conclusion of the last Ice Age, Spy Pond spans over 100 acres, with the public park bordered by the northern and eastern shores.

A waterfront trail, parallel to the bikeway, links a children’s playground and a boat launch, with Scannell Field’s baseball diamond situated at the southern end of the park.

One of the most enjoyable activities at Spy Pond Park is to simply relax and take in the view, particularly during sunset.

It is thought that approximately 120 species of birds frequent this area throughout the year, with the Canada geese being particularly numerous.

3. Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Spanning ten miles between Bedford Depot in the northwest and Alewife Station in the southeast, this rail trail serves as both an essential commuter route and a historical journey to the early hours of the Revolutionary War in April 1775.

As it traverses Arlington, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway closely parallels the well-known Midnight Ride undertaken by Paul Revere to warn the colonial militia of approaching British troops.

This route was formerly a railroad in the mid-19th century, where remnants of the old tracks can be observed near the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum.

Bluebikes are available for rent at various locations in Arlington, and during winter, the path is often suitable for cross-country skiing.

4. Cyrus Dallin Art Museum

Cyrus Edwin Dallin (1861-1944) was a notable sculptor who relocated to Arlington in 1900 and spent the remainder of his life in this city.

He gained recognition for Boston’s equestrian statue of Paul Revere (1885) and for the sculpture Appeal to the Great Spirit (1908), located in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Dallin is celebrated for his depictions of Native Americans, and he is remembered as an early advocate for indigenous rights through his art.

The Greek Revival Jefferson Cutter House (1830) serves as the sole museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to Dallin, showcasing more than 90 works from his 60-year artistic career.

Visitors to the museum can explore plaster and bronze sculptures, medals, reliefs, and paintings, while also learning about the artist’s life, including his bronze medal in archery at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

5. Jason Russell House

On April 19, 1775, this residence and its surrounding grounds were the site of the most intense conflict during the initial battle of the Revolutionary War. Arlington, known as Menotomy at the time, was positioned along the route of the British march toward Boston, prompting them to clear out homes to eliminate potential snipers.

The confrontation escalated at the Jason Russell House, where a contingent of minutemen engaged the British, leading to the deaths of 12 Americans, including the homeowner, Jason Russell (1716–1775).

Constructed in the 1740s using materials salvaged from his grandfather’s house (built in the mid-1680s), the residence’s interior still bears the bullet holes from the skirmish.

The home remained in Russell’s family until 1896, and it features original furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. The Regent Theatre

This historic venue in downtown Arlington was established as a vaudeville stage featuring pioneering fire-proof construction techniques in 1916.

The Regent Theatre’s 500-seat auditorium underwent renovations in the 1920s to accommodate movie screenings and served as a local cinema until the mid-1990s.

Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant performing arts center, hosting live music, comedy acts, dance performances, family entertainment, and drama while continuing to feature regular movie screenings.

The Regent Theatre also serves as the primary venue for the Arlington International Film Festival, which will be discussed later in this article.

7. Old Schwamb Mill

In Arlington, visitors can experience what is believed to be the oldest continually operating mill in the United States. Located by Mill Brook, the site of Old Schwamb Mill was developed in the early 1680s, with the current building erected in 1861.

Today, the Old Schwamb Mill continues to produce hand-turned oval and circular frames for paintings, portraits, and mirrors, just as it did in the past.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Schwamb Family frames were distributed to galleries, artists, framers, and photographers across the U.S. and Canada, and the mill continues to craft custom-made frames on a smaller scale.

A visit allows guests to observe preserved power systems, historic equipment from the 19th century, examples of finished frames, and interesting inscriptions carved into the mill’s walls, ranging from safety reminders to playful drawings.

8. Robbins Farm Park

Located on land previously utilized for farming and generously donated to the city by the affluent Robbins family, this park is situated on a hillside with sports facilities at the summit and a playground at its base.

From the elevated viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Boston skyline approximately seven miles to the southeast.

This location is well-known for its excellent sledding opportunities in winter, while in summer months, Robbins Farm Park becomes a venue for community events, including concerts, movie nights in the park, and the city’s Independence Day festivities.

Active recreational amenities include a soccer field and baseball diamond, while the grassy areas are perfect for flying kites on windy days.

9. Capitol Theatre

For the latest Hollywood films, the primary destination in Arlington is this six-screen theater housed in a historic movie palace from 1925.

Located in East Arlington, the Capitol Theatre was transformed into a multiplex during the mid-1980s, with each auditorium preserving a style reflective of the original interiors.

Outside, the marquee has remained unchanged since the theater’s glory days. It is recommended to catch a showing in Auditorium 1, which features a large screen framed by the original proscenium arch.

The Capitol Creamery offers a delightful menu of sweet treats, with a signature item being the cookie sandwich, crafted from soft cookies sourced from the adjacent Quebrada Bakery.

10. Arlington Reservoir

Straddling the boundary with Lexington, the 65-acre reservoir was constructed in the early 1870s to serve as Arlington’s water resource.

Within two decades, Arlington became part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), rendering the reservoir surplus. Consequently, since the 1890s, this area has evolved into a recreational hub for walking, swimming, boating, and fishing.

The shoreline trail measures 1.2 miles, offering ample natural shade in summer due to the surrounding trees, and to the east lies a sandy beach, accessible to both residents and non-residents from mid-June through late August.

From the north shore, visitors can access the Lexington Community Farm, which cultivates a variety of fresh produce and operates a farm stand featuring local products.

11. Menotomy Rocks Park

A heavily wooded area, Menotomy Rocks Park encompasses a charming pond.

The primary trail encircles the pond and incorporates a spur leading south to a children’s play area.

There are occasional grassy clearings throughout the woods, providing several inviting spots for relaxation or picnicking.

In summer, the pond teems with life, hosting ducks and turtles, and during much of winter, it serves as a popular venue for ice skating.

12. Arlington Friends of the Drama (AFD)

Founded in 1923, the Arlington Friends of the Drama is one of the ten longest-operating community theater companies in the nation.

The company operates in the former St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was acquired when the church relocated in 1933. Since its inception, the AFD has presented over 500 productions.

In contemporary seasons, typically four productions are staged, encompassing dramas, comedies, and musicals, with approximately nine performances each.

Recent productions have included titles such as The Graduate, Sunset Boulevard, Boeing Boeing, Angel Street (Gaslight), 9 to 5: The Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Love’s Labour’s Lost.

13. Alewife Greenway Bike Path

At the southernmost part of Arlington, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway intersects with the Alewife Greenway Bike Path.

This 3.5-mile trail closely follows Alewife Brook, which demarcates Arlington’s eastern boundary as it flows toward its confluence with the Mystic River.

Thus, it provides another pleasant option for biking, walking, or jogging through a lush corridor of deciduous trees and grasses.

The Alewife Greenway Bike Path is fully bordered by urban streets yet often provides a sense of seclusion, particularly in the last stretch leading up to the Mystic River.

The trail converges with the Mystic River Path, ultimately guiding you to the Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes and the popular summer swimming area at Shannon Beach.

14. Arlington Farmers’ Market

Located at the Russell Commons Municipal lot in downtown Arlington, the farmers’ market thrives on Wednesday afternoons from June to October.

Typically, around 20 vendors participate weekly, offering a diverse array of locally grown and produced items.

Besides seasonal fruits and vegetables, visitors may discover smoked fish, fresh seafood, jams, jellies, relishes, mead, cheeses, honey, and a tempting selection of baked goods. A range of prepared foods is also available, including fresh pasta, curry, and Nepalese cuisine.

15. Arlington International Film Festival (AIFF)

As a beloved annual cultural event in Arlington, this juried film festival was inaugurated in 2010 with the mission of highlighting and celebrating cultural diversity through independent cinema.

Taking place over four days in early November, the festival showcases approximately 50 films from various countries, attracting thousands of attendees.

Notably, many selected films, like Elena by Petra Costa and BOTSO: The Teacher from Tbilisi directed by Tom Walters, have received Academy Award nominations.

Since its inception in 2010, the AIFF has changed venues multiple times, including the Capitol Theatre, but it is currently headquartered at the Regent Theatre.

The organization also engages in various activities throughout the year, including film screenings and performances by award-winning musicians.