Location: Wellesley
Top Things to do in Wellesley
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What to do and see in Wellesley, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Wellesley /ˈwɛlzliː/ is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Wellesley is part of Greater Boston. The population was 27,982 at the time of the 2010 census. In 2008, Wellesley had the 3rd highest median household and family incomes in all of Massachusetts. In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that Wellesley was the 7th wealthiest city in the United States. It is best known as the home of Wellesley College, Babson College, and a campus of Massachusetts Bay Community College.
Restaurants in Wellesley
1. Noanet Woodlands
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Follow a network of trail across a grand preserve that features woodlands and ponds, a former mill site, and Noanet Peak, which offers views of the Boston skyline.
Reviewed By Annabella G - Newton, MA
This is beautiful spot with some lovely trails, but people not following the rules spoil the experience.
Dogs are supposed to be kept on a leash under most circumstances, but almost no one has their dogs leashed. This is a terrible place to go if you are bothered by dogs because almost everyone has one. Unfortunately, this also means that not everyone properly cleans up after their dogs so you must be careful not to step in dog mess (in fact while we were there on a busy spring morning we actually watching people walking ahead of us let their dog take a dump and just leave on the trail).
The pond is pretty and the old mill site is picturesque. It's a shame that the nature is spoiled by bad actors.
Parking is limited (see the Trustees of Reservations website for more details).
2. Jack's Abby Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Frank B - East Walpole, Massachusetts
Well. The food is spare for the price paid. Wings.... half a dozen... Really? And just ok. Pizza....six medium slices for 18 bucks? Eh....,, and the deal with beer is just gonzo now..l, charge whatever you want..., they'll pay it....., and jesusofthehardwoodbaffle...the acoustics make a whisper a shout.... picnic tables? When the revolution comes, the prices will go down and the seats will be good, comrade... until then? Gimme a booth if you're gonna charge an arm and a leg....
3. Museum of World War II
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
Located just 20 minutes from Boston, The Museum of World War II is home to the most comprehensive collection of original WWII artifacts & documents anywhere in the world. With more than 7,000 pieces on display, the museum uniquely shows the human story interwoven with the military and political events thru all of the artifacts that made up life, from everyday, to the most momentous decisions during the war. "It is a sacred mission to preserve the lives and heroic actions of all those people who fought on the battle fronts and home fronts to destroy the evil of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan." -Kenneth W. Rendell, Founder & Director.
Reviewed By aliceann1 - boston, mass.
What started as a private collection of WWII artifacts has evolved into a wonderful small museum of objects seldom seen in a public venue. The collection ranges from uniforms and artillery to propaganda posters and children's toys from Nazi Era Germany. The museum accepts donations from private citizens and as such, the items on view are diverse and remarkable to see. It is worth traveling out to the suburbs of Boston in a commercial area to find this hidden gem. It is a fabulous collection of items.
4. Lake Waban
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By robertinSJ - San Jose, California
A nice easy walk around the pond. The scenery on September was beautiful and there were swans on the lake. Great morning walk.
5. Arlekin Players Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
The mission of Arlekin Players Theatre is twofold: 1) to enrich, educate and entertain the audience by adapting classical and contemporary Russian literature in a playful and thought provoking way; 2) to build meaningful connections between Russian and American cultures through shared human experience.
Reviewed By tatianat157 - Boston, Massachusetts
When you meet a group of people, so passionate and dedicated to the art of theatre, you cannot help but be inspired by their enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism. Being a small troupe, Arlekin Players Theatre staged some broadway level performances that left me in awe...MoreHow wonderful to hear that you had a great experience. Thank you for joining us and supporting us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
6. Weston Ski Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Weston Ski Track is a cross-country ski and snowshoeing center located on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course and serving the Greater Boston area.Snowmaking on our 2.5-km lighted loop provides consistent snow conditions and reliable night skiing. When we do have natural snow, we groom 15km of trails. Drop in for a beginner lesson and then warm up in our snack bar.Snowmaking.We make snow! Snowmaking on our 2.5-km lighted loop allows us to provide reliable skiing for much of the winter.Exciting and fast 2.5-km manmade-snow loop that's lighted at night.Five Areco snow guns.In-season, we can almost always hold lessons.Check our Ski Report for current conditions.Night Skiing.Our 2.5km snowmaking loop is lighted at night, so you can get your training and exercise in after work. Our recently upgraded lighting system offers improved visibility for a truly enjoyable experience.Exciting and fast 2.5-km manmade-snow loop that's lighted at night.Train and exercise after work.Attend evening classes.Ski & Snowshoe Rentals.We offer cross-country ski and snowshoe rental packages for all ages and sizes.Choose from touring/classic skis, skate skis, or snowshoes.On-site and Off-Site Rentals available.
Reviewed By Karen K - Boston, Massachusetts
I sprung for the "very good" rating but that is through the lens of a family experience. For me, as a solo skier it was somewhere between average and very good. I went on a Saturday for beginner ski lessons and the weather was beautiful and the place was mobbed. I used a discount voucher so for $29 I got beginner lessons, ski rental, and a trail pass. That was a good value. My class started at noon and I was told to arrive an hour early. That was too early as the rental folks seems to handle the crush of people efficiently. There were 10 adults of varying abilities and some, like me, who had had lessons before and some who had never been on skiis. I felt the instructor spent too much time on the perfect stride and almost none on stopping and downhill. Not sure if a newbie could safely ski a beginner trail after the 70-minute lesson. The place was well groomed but a bit chaotic. There is a lesson area and ski area across the street that is really a practice area. They also have snowshoe lessons. It is a golf course so you don't get that nature feeling but it is good exercise and there were loads of families skiing and snowshoeing with their children. It is very easy to find.
7. Charles River Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Surrounded on three sides by the river, this restored grassland field is accessible by either foot or boat.
Reviewed By Reggie C - Germany
This park is epic for a city park. Huge trails that are well maintained and very clean. Never crowded. My favorite are the fern gardens growing under the trees, truly spectacular. A great place to take dogs. Home to runners and cyclists. I really enjoy the close proximity to my home. Great rain or shine if you don't mind a little mud in the winter.
8. Massachusetts Horticultural Society's The Gardens at Elm Bank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Mass Hort’s 36-acre hands-on Gardens at Elm Bank offers adults and children the opportunity to experience, enjoy and learn about plants and the environment. The site includes various garden spaces from the historic Italianate Garden to the educational New England Trial Garden to the whimsical Weezie’s Garden for Children. Several plant societies and garden clubs have also installed permanent demonstration and display gardens at the Gardens at Elm Bank.
Reviewed By Julie V - Newton, Massachusetts
The gardens are beautiful and I imagine that there is always something blooming to keep it pretty. There are a number of different garden types - Italian (formal), children's garden, herbs, daylilies, and more. There are interesting sculptures and wooden chairs and gazebos spread throughout the property that add interest. I thought the $10 admission fee was a little steep but they do a good job of keeping it all looking good so I feel like I helped that along.
These gardens sit on the Elm Bank Reservation and there are trails through the forest property that are adjacent to the Charles River. As this part is not owned by the Mass Horticultural Society, they do not have maps of the trails. That was unfortunate as I didn't find them well-marked and had to go just go on faith that I would loop back around to the trailhead.
9. The Natick Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By mikeys2 - Cleveland, Ohio
Big mall. Plenty of variety. Has just about everything. I wouldn’t call this place upscale, but it’s much nicer than most suburban malls. Some higher end anchor tenants. Parking can be difficult depending on time and day. Need to get there early on weekends. Plenty of chain restaurants, as well as a decent food court. Area surrounding the mall has just about any type of retail stores that you may want / need.
10. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By John H - Natick, Massachusetts
Broadmoor (Mass Audubon) is a wildlife sanctuary in Natick. There are about 9 miles of trails, including a loop out by the Charles River. They offer many programs there for families and adults. Most all are nature based like owl prowls, canoe trips, fair-weather birding, and travel and taste lectures. Mass Audubon has an excellent website, each sanctuary has its own.
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