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Planning a trip to Roslindale, MA? Carve out time to shop, grab a great meal, and spend some time outdoors soaking in the neighborhood. Roslindale is a charming spot just minutes from Boston, with a thriving culinary and cafe scene alongside easy access to some of the Boston area’s best parks and green spaces. Our local guide rounds up an array of enjoyable things to do in Roslindale, covering something for every kind of interest.
Outdoor Spots Worth Visiting
Roslindale is home to some of South Boston’s best green spaces, offering up serenity and recreation alongside scenic views.
1. Franklin Park Zoo
Explore this 72-acre zoo to meet hundreds of exotic animals from around the world and experience a wide range of controlled habitats from the Outback Trail to the rolling hills of the African Savannah and lush tropical forests.
Check the schedule for experiences that allow you to interact with animals and offer a healthy snack to giraffes in the Savannah, or attend a daily keeper chat to learn about the red pandas and penguins. Grab lunch at the Farmhouse Cafe, and stop by the Things Wild Gift Shop for a souvenir before you leave.
2. Arnold Arboretum
One of Boston’s most beloved outdoor attractions, the Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre public park featuring over 15,000 plants and paved paths ideal for walking or cycling.
See famous springtime blooms including lilacs, cherry blossoms, and azaleas. Hike to the scenic vista atop Peters Hill to see a stunning view of the Boston skyline. Admission is free, tours are available, and events are frequently hosted on the grounds.
Where to Eat in Roslindale
Regardless of your preferences, Roslindale’s restaurant scene never disappoints. The best restaurants in Roslindale range from casual to upscale and are ideal for any occasion. Favorites among locals and visitors include:
1. Sophia’s Grotto
Offering an intimate atmosphere and outstanding Italian cuisine, Sophia’s is a can’t-miss spot for diners seeking classic Italian fare, from pizzas to seafood paella to handmade pork and veal meatballs. Patio seating and indoor booths are available.
2. Midnight Morning
This vibrant all-day cafe starts early with the best coffee and breakfast in town and finishes with evening dinner and cocktails before closing. The globally inspired, made-from-scratch menu changes with the tastes of the seasons to offer something new at every visit.
3. Shanti
Enjoy Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in a casual environment with a wide variety of options, including tandoori, curries, and traditional specialties.
4. Pleasant Cafe
Enjoy classic American comfort food the way it was meant to be served, in generous portions, with a wide variety of flavors and an environment that hails back to “the good old days.” Try a range of foods from the restaurant’s famed pizzas to eggplant parmesan or fried clams.
5. Sweeties
New Zealand-style ice cream with a tasting room that takes you on a creative ice cream-infused journey, exploring seasonal flavors and inventive techniques.
Neighborhood Spots Worth Exploring
Roslindale Village (Rozzie Square) is a classic New England village center and the heart of the neighborhood. It’s where the community comes together for local events and locally owned cafes, shops, and businesses. Take the time to stroll through the village and visit these can’t-miss shops.
- Farmer’s Market on Saturday: Stock up on fresh produce and enjoy the vibe at this vibrant outdoor market that takes place every Saturday from June to November, featuring local food, crafts, live music, and family activities.
- Joanne Rossman: Purveyor of the Unnecessary & Irresistible: Explore an eclectic mix of whimsical novelties in a store that’s worth a visit for the personality alone.
- Birch Street House & Garden: Find a unique array of home decor, seasonal plants, and unique artisanal gifts at this cozy boutique.
- Rozzi Bound Co-op Bookstore: Peruse the shelves of a co-op bookstore that focuses on books written by historically marginalized authors.
Cannabis Picks for Exploring Roslindale
Cannabis products are a great way to enhance your exploration of everything Roslindale offers. A few popular products on our menu include:
- High Mark Provisions’ Cinderella Cream Pre-Rolls: A 5-pack of sativa pre-rolls with 24.49% THC that offers an initial cerebral rush of joy and creativity, followed by full-body relaxation to ease tension.
- Headliners’ Baha Smash Disposable Vape: A hybrid indica strain with 86.24% THC and a refreshing citrus flavor, offering an energized and peaceful mood, perfect for exploration.
- CQ’s Blackberry Lemon Lime Spritzer: A cannabis infused beverage with 10mg of THC in a refreshing 12 oz can.
- Wyld’s Blood Orange Sativa Enhanced Gummies: A 10-pack of gummies with a bright citrusy flavor and a mellow, mood-boosting effect with light body relaxation and a clear, functional headspace.
- Nectar’s Cape Codder Mocktail: A refreshing beverage flavored with cranberry and lime and infused with 5.05% THC for happy, relaxed, and energetic effects in a 12-oz can.
- Coast Cannabis Co.’s Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bar: A rich, decadent chocolate bar infused with hybrid THC to deliver a mellow, relaxing experience with gentle uplifting effects and a soothing body calm, perfect for enjoying a quiet moment.
- High Mark Provisions’ Arctic Custard Flower: An indica-dominant strain geared toward physical relaxation, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration.
Stop by City Farm Roslindale
While you’re out and about in Roslindale, stopping by a quality dispensary is a great way to upgrade your exploration. City Farm by Silver Therapeutics is a recreational cannabis dispensary and education center dedicated to safe and responsible cannabis use.
Our extensive cannabis menu offers a wide variety of cannabis products ideal for new or seasoned enthusiasts and everyone in between. Our convenient location on American Legion Highway makes it easy to drop in between stops on your itinerary.
