Boston from Above

[datadyne007]

I'm a big fan of observation decks and have been going to them regularly since I can remember. It has been amazing to watch Boston change over the past few decades from above. Boston now essentially has 2 public ones (since the tragic and illegal closure of the JHT):

One at the Pru:

• Level 50 - SkyWalk - $15 Adults, $13 Students
• Level 52 - Top of the Hub - Way better value because you can eat lunch for the same price as the Skywalk with a view 2 stories up!

And one at Marriott's Custom House:

• Level 26 - Observation Deck - $4 donation to the Boston Children's Hospital. 2pm, daily except 1 day a week. Call ahead - (617) 310-6300

The latter is a lesser-known gem that was a result of one of stipulations from the BRA when the City sold the Custom House Tower to Marriott in the mid-90s (mind you, after they ruled that the worst use for the Tower was a hotel ;-]). It offers unparalleled views of the FiDi, Greenway, Harbor, North/West End, SBW, Charlestown, and beyond that you cannot get from the Pru because the JHT & FiDi are in the way.

Feel free to post your own favorite semi-aerial photos that you've snapped from observation decks (or maybe office windows/venues) too!! I'll get us started:

All taken on 04/13/13:

Really eerie. This was 2 days before the Marathon bombings. Lower left corner is where the first bomb would explode 48 hours later:

**CLICK FOR HIGHER-RES SHOT**

 

[brucepf]

Nice set datadyne! Thanks for the Custom house info. It seems as though the Custom House offers an open air view, am I correct.

 

[datadyne007]

Nice set datadyne! Thanks for the Custom house info. It seems as though the Custom House offers an open air view, am I correct.

My pleasure. =)

Yes indeed! That's my favorite part! There's also a registered Peregrine Falcon nest around floor 30 (26 is highest occ.) since 1987.

 

[BostonUrbEx]

And one at Marriott's Custom House:

• Level 26 - Observation Deck - $4 donation to the Boston Children's Hospital. 2pm, daily except 1 day a week. Call ahead - (617) 310-6300

This one is worth attempting to visit whenever you're near it and have the time. My fiance and I went a while back when we were nearby, not knowing there were only certain times you could go. The manager was present when we were informed we would need to be around later in order to go, and quickly said he would be willing to take us up now. It was great! He was really awesome! He took us all the way up, and the views were great. We had the whole place to ourselves up there.

 

[datadyne007]

This one is worth attempting to visit whenever you're near it and have the time. My fiance and I went a while back when we were nearby, not knowing there were only certain times you could go. The manager was present when we were informed we would need to be around later in order to go, and quickly said he would be willing to take us up now. It was great! He was really awesome! He took us all the way up, and the views were great. We had the whole place to ourselves up there.

The security rules are ridiculous now. My parents own 4 timeshares with Marriott (including the Custom House) and they still gave me trouble about going up not during the tour time. (If you're actually staying there you can of course go up whenever you want) A few years ago, they would let me go up whenever I wanted, but now the head of security has to take you up. Luckily he was "too busy" that day so they gave me a keycard and let me take my friend up. Elevators are keycarded for anyone wondering, so you can't wander in. Story short: Just go at the regular tour time.

When you visit, it's also worth asking to stop on Level 24 (Game/Laundry) to see the original clock mechanism.

 

[DZH22]

Really nice thread datadyne! Other free (but lesser) observatories in the city include Rowes Wharf and Independence Wharf. Bunker Hill is also free, but the screen in the window makes pictures more difficult.

Also, don't forget all the great high points around the city to view the skyline, such as: Blue Hills, The Fells, Robins Farm Park, Prospect Hill in Somerville, Prospect Hill in Waltham, Library roof at Tufts, and of course the tower at Mount Auburn.

Lastly, don't underestimate the views from the parking decks! Here's a few shots to add from last year. I'll be back in Boston in a month so I'll be sure to take some new ones...























I'm guessing this view has been completely ruined by now...

 

[Downburst]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the views from Renaissance Garage at NU are stunning. 9-10 floors up and freely accessible:

Great photos and thread, Datadyne. I was always a bit iffy on the Custom House times, I'll make sure I head over there next chance I get.

 

[DZH22]

I agree with the Northeastern garages!

 

[Matthew]

The 9th floor of BU Photonics is accessible to the public.

 

[datadyne007]

I like the garages too (especially 33 Arch), but didn't want to directly advertise because it's pretty much trespassing. If anyone ever finds themselves in a situation with security, just remember to tell the truth about why you're there and respect any requests for you to leave.

 

[GMACK24]

I like the garages too (especially 33 Arch), but didn't want to directly advertise because it's pretty much trespassing. If anyone ever finds themselves in a situation with security, just remember to tell the truth about why you're there and respect any requests for you to leave.

yep. in January I parked my car at 33 arch all day then when I picked my car up at 8 I figured I would snap a few night shots from up there.
The tripod obviously blew my cover. LOL Security was there within my second shot. oh well.

I got a few descent day shots though. But yes if security approaches just go with the flow and tell them why you are there and if they ask you to leave just leave. No need to fight these guys are just doing their job and yes even though my car was parked a Meer 2 feet away they don't want you taking photos from their garage.

 

[DZH22]

I am probably approached by security between 10-15% of the time on parking garages. It's best to just play dumb and cooperate. "Oh, sorry I was just taking some pictures, but sure I'll leave" and then you are gone.

Garages I have been asked to leave include the one by the Museum of Fine Art, the one that straddles Pi Alley in DTX (although the guard thought I took good pictures when he flipped through them), and the one by Wellington Station. I was completely refused access to the garage at the BU medical center, and even had security nearby tell me I wasn't allowed to take pictures of buildings from the streets. Sometimes, such as the garage at Tufts Medical Center by the Wang Theater in the Theater district, security talks to me and allows me to stay and finish. As long as you can handle this occasional confrontation I recommend checking out as many garages as possible, and walking the perimeters to maximize all the different views.

Great photos and thread, Datadyne. I was always a bit iffy on the Custom House times, I'll make sure I head over there next chance I get.

Definitely call them first that day just to confirm they will be open. They are closed 1 day a week (unsure which) and they have changed around the times once or twice since I started going.

 

[kz1000ps]

May I humbly suggest y'all check out my now-ancient thread kz's photos from Various Skyscrapers which all came from me covertly taking pics from offices I visited while being a bike messenger.

A few examples:

That job paid shit but I sure enjoyed the freedom and access it gave me!

 

[datadyne007]

Those pix are absolutely awesome! Thanks kz! =)

 

[DZH22]

Awesome pics, ancient or not. The skyline still looks exactly the same anyway.

 

[piggiston]

Loving all these unique views!

Not exactly high above anything, but here are a few from a Comm Ave rooftop. The smoke is because it was the 4th of July.

 

[shmessy]

Woa, Piggiston, those are amazing - - - what lighting and atmosphere!

I expect to see Mary Poppins floating down to earth in those first 3.

 

[czsz]

Love those chimneys.

 

[kz1000ps]

Agreed, these pictures are amazing!

 

[vanshnookenraggen]

Best Pic of 2013 competition starts strong.