Planning a trip to the Head of the Charles Regatta? Where you stay can make a big difference in how you experience the weekend. The race takes place along the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, so both cities put you close to the action, but each offers a different experience.

If being near the race is your biggest priority, Cambridge is a convenient choice. If you want to spend the weekend exploring Boston, staying in the city gives you more to do before and after the races. There are also some short-term rental options outside the immediate race area, for visitors who want a quieter home base.

Where Is the Head of the Charles Regatta?

The Head of the Charles Regatta stretches for roughly three miles along the Charles River, beginning near Boston University’s DeWolfe Boathouse and ending near the Cambridge Boat Club and Eliot Bridge.

Some of the most popular places to watch include the BU Bridge, Magazine Beach, Weeks Footbridge, Weld Exhibition, Anderson Bridge, and Eliot Bridge. With so much of the course spread across the river, you don’t necessarily need to stay directly next to the race to have a good view.

Your plans for the rest of the weekend are worth considering, too.

Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge

For visitors coming primarily to watch the Head of the Charles, Cambridge is hard to beat for convenience. Harvard Square puts you close to several popular viewing areas, including the Weld Exhibition and the middle section of the course.

It’s also easy to spend time in Cambridge between races. Harvard Square has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and places to walk along the Charles River.

The downside is that Cambridge gets extremely busy during Regatta weekend. If you’d rather stay outside the busiest areas, nearby communities such as Malden can be another option. A short-term rental in Malden can give you a quieter home base while keeping you within easy reach of Cambridge and Boston.

Wherever you stay, plan your transportation before heading to the river. The Head of the Charles draws large crowds, and Memorial Drive has road closures during the event. Public transportation is generally the easiest way to get around.

Short-Term Rentals in Boston

If the Head of the Charles is only one part of your trip, a Boston rental may make more sense.

Staying in Boston gives you the chance to experience more of the city during your visit. You could watch the races along the Charles in the morning, then head to Back Bay for shopping, grab dinner in the South End, or explore Beacon Hill and the Boston Common.

Maverick Suites offers furnished short-term rentals throughout Boston, including locations in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Fenway. For visitors who want more space and the feel of an apartment rather than a traditional hotel room, a Boston rental can be a comfortable home base for a busy Regatta weekend.

So, Should You Stay in Boston or Cambridge?

The best place to stay for the Head of the Charles really comes down to what you want out of the weekend.

Cambridge makes the most sense if you’re mainly focused on the Regatta and want to be close to the course and popular viewing areas.

Boston is a better fit if you want to make a full weekend out of your trip and spend time exploring the city’s neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions.

Malden can be a good alternative if you’d rather stay outside the busiest areas while still having access to both Boston and Cambridge.

Wherever you decide to stay, don’t wait until the last minute to book. The Head of the Charles brings tens of thousands of spectators to the area each year, making Regatta weekend one of the busiest times of year for local accommodations.

Looking for a place to stay during the event? Explore Maverick Suites‘ furnished short-term rental options in Boston and the surrounding area to find a convenient home base for the fall weekend or book online today!