St. Patrick's Day Parade
The St. Patrick's Day parade in Southie is a longstanding Bostonian tradition, attended by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Check ahead for the starting time, and plan to arrive hours in advance if you want to stake out a spot. Parking is a nightmare: taking the T is strongly recommended. In recent years, the police have been cracking down on public drunkenness, so save the drinking for later that day.
Visit Boston Harbor Islands National Park by ferry from Dock #10, Drydock Av., off Summer Street, at EDIC Pier, Phone: 617-223-8666, (http://www.bostonislands.com).
Southie boasts miles of beaches and waterfront parks that culminate in Castle Island. There, visitors can enjoy the Revolutionary War era fort, get a bite to eat at Sullivanâs, play in the playground, fish off the pier, or simply take a stroll.