(Photo Credit: Legal Sea Foods/Facebook)

Try the Chowder

Clam chowder is as much a Boston staple as dropping the “r” at the end of our words. Legal Sea Foods, which is among a number of gluten-free/allergy-friendly restaurant options in Boston, is also among those on the list for pouring some of the best chowder in town. The Harborside location allows you to enjoy the view of Boston Harbor, which, as most native Bostonians know, was the site of the Boston Tea Party. Thick, creamy chowder may not go well with racing. So, marathon runners may want to stick to carb-loading instead.

Foodies Rejoice

Boston has plenty of other amazing dining options. There’s seafood, there are diners, there’s takeout, there’s Mediterranean, German, brick oven pizza, BBQ, sushi… you name it, it’s here. For dessert, there’s cheesecake, cheese shops, chocolate cake, cherry pie, famous North End bakeries and more. Heck, there’s even a sandwich shop in the old Boston Common bathroom.

And if you need to carbo load, try one of Boston’s Best Restaurants For Carbo-Loading Before The 2013 Boston Marathon.

Photo Credit: Kristen Fenton

Sip the Local Brews

Boston Beer Company, the makers of Sam Adams, revolutionized craft beer. Tour that brewery, hit up Harpoon, or head to one the area’s best craft beer bars to try one of the hundreds of other Massachusetts-made brews. If beer isn’t your thing, that shouldn’t keep you away from the bars. There are cocktail bars, interactive cocktail bars, piano bars, bars with bottle service, pool halls, dance clubs, bars for geeks, bars for movie stars, and just about anything else you could possibly think up.

(credit: http://www.marathonsports.com)

Go Shopping

Boston is a walking city. Grab a new pair of sneakers at one of the area’s best sporting goods stores. The appropriately-named Marathon Sports has a shop located right near the finish line. If sports aren’t your thing, you check out some of Boston’s newest and trendiest boutiques, go vintage, but a hat, shop for your pets, or just pamper yourself.

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Catch a Game

Arguably one of the greatest sports towns in America, Boston is home to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. The Red Sox traditionally play at Fenway Park the weekend of the marathon. And when they make it, the first rounds of Bruins and Celtics playoffs also typically fall on that weekend.

For the Family

If you have young kids in tow, we’ve got you covered. Take a Duck Boat Tour, visit the Children’s Museum, swing by the Boston Common, or try something off-beat. Whether it’s learning about history and science, or just having fun; Boston has all kinds of entertainment geared toward kids, that’s equally enjoyable for parents.

(credit: faneuilhallmarketplace.com)

Watch a Street Performance

You may have trouble spelling it, but historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace is easy enough to find. The highlight, aside from the history, and all the touristy shops, is the street performances. For more shopping and entertainment, head across the river to the equally entertaining Harvard Square.  Since you can’t actually park the car in Harvard Yard, your best bet may be to take the ‘T’.

(credit: Boston Symphony Hall’s Twitter page)

Get Artsy

Home to Berklee College of Music and MassArt, Boston churns out all kinds of great artists and musicians. After a cultured day at touring the city’s contemporary art museums, checking out some of the best museum exhibitions of 2013, or enjoy Saturday night at Symphony Hall. It will be music to your ears.

(photo credit: bostongondolas.com)

Enjoy Some Romance
It’s not Paris, but Boston is still a world class city with more than enough to offer. What better way to juxtapose the sight of 20,000 sweaty runners than with a little romance. Check out one of Boston’s best spots for romance while you’re around.

credit: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org

Putting The “Free” in Freedom Trail

Take advantage of the Freedom Trail’s guided walking tours. It’s one of many freebies Boston has to offer.  The path winds its way through the historic city to Boston’s Little Italy, the North End.

Boston also has a world-class parks system. Bring a picnic basket. Most of these spots won’t cost you a dime to visit.

Need more ideas? Check out CBS Boston’s Best.