Davis Square is a popular hangout for Tufts students, but some may not have taken the time to check out the Somerville Community Path, one of its best attractions. This 3.2-mile path is a favorite for bike commuters and runners, stretching from Davis Square to Lechmere. As you travel along the path, the trees stretch their branches above you, forming a natural tunnel of greenery and providing a peaceful escape from campus life. A section of the path first opened in 1985, following the old Fitchburg Cutoff Rail Bed. In June 2023, the path was extended to Lechmere as part of the Green Line Extension. While the T can take you to some of the same places, walking or biking along the path lets you experience the neighborhoods up close. It's a great way to explore Somerville and connect with the community, whether you’re heading to a local café or just out for a stroll.
Heading toward Alewife, the path connects to the Linear Park — with plenty to explore in that direction too! Travelling towards Boston, at the end of the Community Path, you can turn left to cross into Charlestown and continue through the North End, or turn right to bike along the Charles River. Here are a few interesting stops to check out along the way from Davis to Lechmere, in order as you pass by:
Nine Bar Espresso
Before you kick off your adventure, swing by Nine Bar Espresso in Davis Square for a quick coffee, tea or pastry. It’s home to one of the few “bike-through” windows you’ll find in the area — you can just roll up, grab your drink and be on your way. No need to lock up your bike! They serve up solid coffee and tea, and their pastries are delivered fresh daily from A&J King Bakery in Salem, MA. You’ll find Nine Bar Espresso at 11 Holland St. in Somerville.
George the Giraffe, Big Poppy and Elly the Elephant
A few years ago, three large wooden sculptures appeared on both sides of the Cedar Street intersection along the community path. Colorfully painted, tall and crafted from wood, these cheerful pieces invite passersby to interact with them — just pull on their tail or lift the trunk to set them in motion. In April 2024, The Boston Globe revealed the artist behind these sculptures: Hayward Zwerling. Remarkably, Zwerling installed these artworks on public land without any formal permission, and they’ve since become an iconic part of the community path. Their playful presence has made them a beloved fixture, and it’s clear they’re here to stay for a long time.
Magoun Square restaurants
Magoun Square offers a delightful selection of restaurants with flavors from around the world. For a tasty and satisfying meal, head to La Posada. They serve a fantastic mix of Latin American and Mexican dishes, paired with handcrafted cocktails and premium tequilas. Find them at 505 Medford St. in Somerville.
For a quick bite, check out Tasty Mo:Mo, a cozy Himalayan and Nepalese spot on the corner. You can’t go wrong with their tasty dumplings and noodles, and the goat curry is a must-try. The spot is budget-friendly and perfect for a fast stop on your way to other destinations in this guide. Find them at 508 Medford St. in Somerville.
People watching near Lowell Street
The best people-watching spot is where the Somerville Community Path crosses under Lowell Street. The best time to be there is during rush hour, when just about everyone passes by: commuters speeding home, parents with kids on the back of their bikes, dog walkers, joggers and leisurely strollers. It’s a great place to take a break and unplug from whatever’s stressing you out. It’s kind of like watching fish in an aquarium, with all the different people moving through their daily routines. There are terraced benches on the side where you can take it all in. This section of the path sees a lot of traffic and is also the widest, so there’s plenty of space to move around without worrying about getting in anyone’s way. It’s the perfect spot to pause and just observe the flow of life around you.
Somerville Parkour
As you walk, bike or jog past Gilman Square behind Somerville High School, keep an eye out for a one-of-a-kind public park. At first, it might just look like abstract landscaping, but surprise — it’s actually a parkour course! There are bars to swing from, poles to balance on and stones to leap between. Even if you're not into parkour, it’s still a blast to explore. The park is located at 315 Medford St. in Somerville.
Oliveira’s Steak House
Right next to East Somerville station, you'll find an amazing Brazilian steakhouse that’s all you can eat, with every cut of meat your stomach can handle. It’s a bit on the pricey side — $39.99 for lunch and $49.99 for dinner — but if you show up with an empty stomach, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth and probably need a nap afterwards! Don’t miss the grilled pineapple with molasses.
Lynch Family Skatepark
At the end of the Community Path, you'll find a public skate park in North Point Park, tucked under the highway overpasses behind the Education First building. Since opening in 2015, the skate park has been a popular spot year-round. The ramps are covered in vibrant graffiti, giving it a creative vibe. The park is also set to receive new public art soon, so it’s worth checking back for updates! It’s open daily until 10 p.m. and has lights for nighttime skating.
Museum of Science Mugar Omni Theatre
The Museum of Science is located at the end of the Somerville Community Path. On this trip, save the rest of the exhibits for another time and head straight for the IMAX theater. Watching an IMAX film here is a much different experience from a regular movie — it’s fully immersive, with stunning visuals and powerful sound. These films are shorter than a typical feature, running about 45 minutes, and tickets are usually $5 to $10, depending on the film. The theater has lots of engaging content that appeals to both kids and adults. The selection changes frequently, but the films are almost always non-fiction and science-based. Currently, you can catch films on topics like American freight trains, the human body, New England and futuristic cities. I used to live directly next to the Museum of Science and happily remember walking over with family there most Friday nights to watch an omni film.
Duck boat entrance ramp
Finally, the Community Path lets you out at North Point Park, which is where the famous Boston duck boats launch into the water. Head over to the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge or the smaller bridge near the playground, and you'll get a front-row seat to watch those amphibious vehicles full of tourists roll right into the water and start floating — perfect for a sunny day.
