Southie - South Boston Neighborhood
South Boston - Things to do in Southie, Photos, and More About Boston's famous Irish Neighborhood
Southie, also known as South Boston, is one of the most famous city neighborhoods in the United States. South Boston's popularity has grown, making it one of the most expensive parts of the city. In Southie, you can still expect to find some of the Irish pubs, Irish bars, local restaurants, historic landmarks, and rugged appeal that have made the neighborhood a household name. On this page, you can find things to do in Southie, photos, videos, maps, links, and history on South Boston.
Intro image of Southie found on Photobucket.
Don't Miss in Southie
Castle Island, also known as Fort Independence, is a beautiful fort constructed in 1851. The fort is surrounded by causeways, with excellent views of the city and the harbor.
Castle Island is Southie's most scenic attractions, and one of the most visited spots on the Boston waterfront. On Castle Island, you can find the historic Fort Independence. The fort is open for tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The island itself has walking and drivable causeways that offer outstanding views of the harbor, Pleasure Bay, and Logan International Airport to the north.
Directions to Castle Island
To get to Castle Island from I-93, take exit 15 for Columbia Rd toward Edward Everett Square for 0.3 mi. Turn right at Columbia Rd, then, at the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto William J Day Blvd. This will lead directly to Castle Island.
Massachusetts Financial District View from South Boston
Poster available at AllPosters.com (click photo to view details)
One of the best things about Southie is its incredible views of downtown Boston and the Financial Center from streets like Broadway. From atop many of the apartment buildings, you'll have incredible views of the city, spanning all the way to the Prudential Center and beyond. This poster print is a great example of some of those great views. The photographic print is also available framed in many style frames and mattes.
This retro style Irish Southie tote bag is 100% cotton canvas, reusable, and machine washable. It's also fade resistant and double-sided. Great to carry your stuff to work in, to school, or to give someone as a unique gift idea!
A view of Downtown Boston from Southie, Telegraph Hill.
Have you ever been to Southie?
Map of South Boston - Major attractions, businesses and landmarks in Southie
Telegraph Hill, South Boston.
Scenes of Southie - Photographs on a walk to Castle Island, South Boston
What can you expect to see on a typical walk to Castle Island? Here are some still photos of things you'll see on that walk.
The Departed - 2006 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg
The movie The Departed takes place in Southie, as well as other parts of Boston. Any Southie resident will be able to point out some of the spots the movie were filmed, like the end scene in an apartment overlooking the State House. For a Boston resident, it's fun to watch the movie just to hear the references to local areas in and around Boston. Frank Costello, the main crime boss of the film, is partially based on notorious Southie native and FBI most wanted suspect Whitey Bulger.
An Excerpt from "The Greening of Southie" - An excerpt of the Greening of Southie project
What's a green roof? Can this really work in a big city? Will builders cooperate in the building process? Watch this video to get a little taste of this eco friendly project that hit Southie, and a little flavor of the attitude of Southie.
Above: Carlson Beach, in Southie.
Because of Southie's rugged, unchanged look and feel, it was a big attraction for people looking to really experience "the old Boston." Though much of South Boston has been changed for more commercial viability and to attract a younger crowd, much of the neighborhood's rough-around-the-edges charm is still fully intact in its bars, restaurants, streets, architecture, and people. Southie has also inspired some well known books and best-sellers. Here are a few of those books that have had good reviews from readers:
Look all over Southie and you'll see signs of its Irish roots in bars, pubs, signs, and businesses. Though Southie used to be a more "working class" neighborhood, property values skyrocketed to become some of the city's most expensive.
Boston's Top Ten: A Guide to the City - A recommended Boston travel guide from DK Eyewitness Guides
If David Letterman were a travel writer, this is the book he would've published. This no-nonsense guide to the city of Boston runs through the top ten of everything Boston, from the restaurants to the buildings, historic parks to the best hotels, this guide has it all. Like all of the DK Eyewitness Guides, this is visually displayed in a way that will help you plan your trip before and during. It's especially helpful to have the visual cues from the book when you're on the go (and don't have time to read big paragraphs of text).
Have you been to Southie before? Do you have a certain beach, pub, restaurant, bar, or view of the city that you recommend people check out? Tell everyone here about your recommendation!
