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Sunset

Golden Hour at Prospect Hill

Play the chimes, catch the sunset view, and end with a nightcap.

Best time: 15:53About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 14:36

    Union Square Donuts

    Grab a fresh doughnut at Union Square Donuts. They sell out quickly, so getting here early ensures you get the best selection while they are still warm.

  2. 15:21

    Mystic Musical Fence

    Walk to the Mystic Musical Fence. Spend some time playing the aluminum chimes. It is a unique interactive public art piece that is fun to explore before the light changes.

  3. 15:59

    Prospect Hill Monument

    Climb the Prospect Hill Monument. The 37-minute walk from the fence puts you here just in time. The tower offers great views of Boston. Look for the slightly unfamiliar Betsy Ross flag flying atop the structure.

  4. 16:36

    Prospect Hill Monument

    Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light hits the cityscape perfectly as the sky darkens.

  5. 17:21

    The Independent

    Head to The Independent for a drink. It is a very cool, unpretentious place for a nightcap, located just a short walk from the monument.

Local tip

The walk from the Mystic Musical Fence to Prospect Hill Monument is 37 minutes. Plan your time at the chimes so you arrive at the tower with enough time to climb and find your spot before the sun dips below the horizon.

Check before you go

  • Union Square Donuts closes at 13:00 on weekdays and 15:00 on weekends. Arrive before then.
  • The Independent is open from 16:00 to 02:00 on weekdays and until 02:00 on weekends.

Worth knowing

  • Union Square Donuts is open at 14:36 only on Sa, Su

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Somerville (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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