Charlestown Navy Shipyard

InLine Skating in Greater Boston

Terrain

Flat

Surface

Concrete with seams, brick, and pavement

Scenery

Historic brick building and ships

Auto Traffic

Moderate

Pedestrian Traffic

Moderate to heavy

Distance

2.0 miles

Charlestown

One of the more interesting and historic places to skate is the area around the USS Constitution known as the Charlestown Navy Shipyard. This area combines sightseeing with a maze of buildings and wharves. The pavement varies tremendously, from exceedingly smooth to rough and treacherous. Nevertheless, the sea breezes and the historic setting make this a fun and challenging place to skate. The most interesting landmark of this skate is the USS Constitution. This ship was nicknamed Old Ironsides because cannon balls shot from other vessels were said to easily bounce off the thick wooden sides. Every day, at 8 AM and 8 PM, the cannons are fired for the ceremonial raising and lowering of the flag, and every July 4th the ship is turned around to prevent her wood from warping on one side. The area also hosts several eating establishments, gift shops, business offices, and condominiums. The Boston Marine Society, which is next to the scale station, contains a great collection of models of sailing and steam ships as well as numerous artifacts from the sea.

How to Get There

To get to the Charlestown Navy Ship Yard, take the Green Line E Trolley marked Lechmere to Haymarket. (Note that wearing skates on the T is not allowed.) At Haymarket, follow the signs to the bus stop. Take bus 93 marked Sullivan to the Charlestown Navy Ship Yard. Also, bus 92 from Assembly Square to downtown goes by the shipyard.

Where to Skate

From the north, take Rte. 1 south across the Tobin Bridge and follow the signs to the Charlestown Navy Shipyard. There is a small amount of free parking, but it fills up quickly. Lots in the area can charge as much as $12–$15 per day. The best areas to skate are along the roads and up and down the piers. The exception to this is the pier that houses the USS Constitution, where the pavement is particularly rough. Some of the area is residential and therefore off limits to skaters.

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The materials provided here are used at one's own risk; injuries do occur while skating. By providing these materials, InLine Club of Boston and the authors makes no implicit or explicit guarantee that you will not be injured while skating at these or any other locations. Skaters should wear appropriate protective equipment including a helmet at all times and should have developed plans for what to do in the event they suddenly need to obtain medical assistance.

The ICB makes no guarantees that the information provided herein is completely accurate or current. If you know of any discrepencies, please notify us so that we may correct them.