Visiting Brookline
-
Welcome to Brookline! We offer visitors a charming mix of vibrant urban life and attractive suburban amenities. Brookline is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and cultural institutions.
Arts, Culture and Recreation are always just around the corner:Brookline is home to two National Park Sites including the JFK Birthplace and the of home of Frederick Law Olmsted, who is considered to be the father of American Landscape Architecture and the nation's foremost park maker. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum houses America's oldest car collection and features a variety of educational programs, exhibits and events throughout the year. Check out ArtsBrookline Events.
Photo courtesy of Debra Rose
-
Recreation:
Despite its urban character, Brookline has an expansive system of parks and open space ranging from small playgrounds to large historic landscapes, including a portion of the Emerald Necklace, one of Olmsted's finest achievements.
Throughout the year, Town Staff, along with representatives from a variety of historic, cultural groups organize a series of Walking Tours providing opportunities to learn more about many of Brookline's most notable residents, landmarks and architecture. Brookline is also part of BlueBikes, the regional bike share program.
Brookline is a very walkable community; and walking the streets is perhaps the best way to discover all the Town has to offer. Start your day by strolling the charming streets of Brookline Village and then head up Harvard St. to Coolidge Corner to do some shopping and to grab some lunch. Spend the afternoon observing the historic architecture along Beacon Street before treating yourself to a world-class dinner at one of the many popular restaurants in Washington Square.
Photo courtesy of Martha Sibert
-
Local Attractions:
- The Beacon Street boulevard, developed according to plans by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1887-88
- Vibrant shopping districts in Coolidge Corner, Washington Square, Brookline Village, Chestnut Hill/Putterham Circle, JFK Crossing, and St. Mary’s Station.
- The Larz Anderson Auto Museum at Larz Anderson Park.
- The Putterham School, a one-room schoolhouse also at Larz Anderson Park
- The Edward Devotion House, a colonial home in Coolidge Corner managed by the Brookline Historical Society.
- Hall’s Pond Sanctuary in Amory Park
- The Coolidge Corner Theatre, an independent movie theater since 1933.
- Three cemeteries founded in the 18th and 19th centuries: The Old Burying Ground (1717); Holyhood Cemetery (1857); and Walnut Hills Cemetery (1875).
- January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
- February - March: Brookline Climate Week, Pan-Asian Lunar New Year Celebration
- April: Wellness in the Village
- May: Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival, Brookline Bike Parade
- June: Coolidge Corner Arts Festival, Rose Stroll at Minot Rose Garden
- July - August: Family Flicks and Fun in the Park, Free Summer Concert Series
- September - October: Brookline Day
- November - December: Veterans' Day ceremony, Brookline Dancing with the Stars, First Light Festival @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
- Follow us on Facebook for Town Events
- Fun & Interesting Town Calendar (includes Community, Parks, Recreation, and Healthy Places/Healthy People Calendars)
- Library Events Calendar
- Coolidge Corner Events Calendar
- Arts Brookline Calendar (April through June)
- Brookline High School Friends of Performing Arts
- Brookline-related events on ArtsBoston Calendar
- Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site Calendar @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Contact Us
-
Shop:
Whether searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, handmade jewelry, artisan clothing or one of life's daily necessities, Brookline is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops and boutiques as well as shops servicing every day needs.
Dine:
Brookline's dining scene offers award-winning fare from around the globe. With a variety of restaurants, cafes and bistros offering both unique and traditional flavors; casual dining and gourmet meals, there is something for every palate and occasion.
Many of Brookline's shops and restaurants are regularly featured in Boston Magazine's "Best of Boston" lists.
Looking for something specific? View all of Brookline's dining options.
-
Stay:
Brookline's proximity to Boston, public transportation and major roadways means visitors have easy access to the hustle of downtown and a place to step away from all the action at the end of the day.
Hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott
Holiday Inn Hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Bed & Breakfasts:
The Beech Tree Inn
Samuel Sewall Inn
The Beacon Inn
Longwood Inn
The Bertram Inn
"The Bed & Bagel" - Coolidge Corner Guest House
Brookline Business Associations:
Brookline Chamber of Commerce
Brookline Local First
Coolidge Corner Merchants' Association
Washington Square Association
Wellness in the Village Alliance
A Little About Us:
-
Brookline is an unusual urban and suburban enclave surrounded by the City of Boston, just minutes from Back Bay, downtown, and other parts of the city. Brookline began as the Muddy River hamlet, pastureland for Bostonians who first received land grants in the area in the 1630s. After gaining its independence from Boston in 1705, the town resisted several attempts at re-annexation, most notably in 1873 when the neighboring town of Brighton (along with West Roxbury and Charlestown) became part of the city. However, Brookline remains connected to the City of Boston by geography, convenient public transportation, and by social, economic, and political ties. Many of its citizens commute to Boston and/or work for nearby educational and medical institutions, state government, and other public, private, and nonprofit enterprises.
Many Brookline citizens have gone on to play important roles at the state and national levels. At the same time, Brookline attracts visitors from Boston and surrounding communities to its variety of independent shops, restaurants, and local attractions. Brookline has a rich history of political, social, educational, and scientific innovation. It was the first community in Massachusetts to adopt the representative town meeting form of government. A public library was created once state legislation was passed allowing communities to tax themselves for such purposes. The town’s highly-regarded schools have been at the forefront of many new educational ideas.
-
Photo courtesy of JFK NPS
-
A tradition of citizen engagement persists, not only in Town Meeting, but through participation in local boards and committees, the public schools, and a wide variety of community organizations.
Photo Courtesy of Debra Rose
In addition to Town-owned historic sites and open spaces, Brookline is home to two National Historic Sites administered by the National Park Service: the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, birthplace of the 35th president, on Beals Street; and the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, home and office of the founder of American landscape architecture, on Warren Street.