Home > Shark Guides > Areas > South Boston > Roxbury

Roxbury

History

Settled early as part of the original Massachusetts Bay Colony, the neighborhood of Roxbury has played an important role in the formation of modern Boston. Known for its hilly geography and agricultural roots, this distinctive neighborhood can be seen on foot or bicycle and boasts a long and proud history of open land for farming, rich agriculture and lush vegetation. Once serving as the transport route to Boston, Roxbury has not lost its geographic importance.

At one point, the city of Roxbury was much larger than today’s incarnation and included other neighborhoods such as the South End and Back Bay. Today, Roxbury sits south of the South End and is bordered by Back Bay, Jamaica Plain, South Boston, and Dorchester North.

Roxbury is home to parks, gardens, churches, and schools.

Demographics

Modern Roxbury is a predominantly African-American neighborhood with a smaller, but still sizable Puerto Rican community. The immigration history in Roxbury has seen waves of Jewish and Irish settlers as well and the current demographics reflect that mix.

Attractions

A trip to Roxbury can involve getting outdoors for a bit of exercise and scenery or heading indoors to explore some local art. Visit Franklin Park, which is home to an 18-hole golf course and 200 acre forest. Visitors can stroll or run through the park taking in the views of nature or enter the 72-acre Franklin Park Zoo, open from 10-5 on summer weekdays, 10-6 during summer weekends and 10-4 daily during the winter.

Eating

Eating in Roxbury will take your taste buds on a culinary tour of Latin, Caribbean, and soul food flavors. Other offerings include Asian and American fare. Not sure where to go? Head to one of the areas where restaurants are clustered and check out some menus. You’ll find plenty of options in Grove Hall, Brigham Circle, Dudley Square, and Egleston Square.

Mission Bar and Grill in Brigham Circle has a diverse menu, offering Caesar salads, BBQ pork plates, and specialty ravioli. For something more gourmet, grab a specialty sandwich like a prosciutto with fig jam and gorgonzola at the Squealing Pig.

Other options in Roxbury include pizza, soul food, Chinese, and more.

Tours

There are a number of tours organized by “Discovery Roxbury” which include Garden Tours, the Black History tours, bike tours, and the women’s history tours.

The garden tour takes visitors into green spaces, an orchard and backyard gardens, stopping along historic sites of interest. The tours are available in summer and early fall.

The Black History tour, which runs from February through July, takes visitors on tour via trolley through neighborhoods that reflect the formation of modern black neighborhoods and communities. Sites of interest include churches and points of historical significance related to the civil rights movement.

May through September, see Roxbury from a different point of view atop your bicycle as you ride through the hills and valleys of this neighborhood.

Getting there and around

Public transportation lines in Boston stop in and around points of interest in Roxbury. The Brigham Circle Station will put visitors in a choice spot for dining.

Book a Boston Hotel today!

More Shark Guides

FIND HOTELS NOW

Roxbury