Boston is one of those cities so rich with history {yes, I know, I sound like a history teacher, but stick with me}, you can almost forget what a young country the United States really is. If you haven’t been, it’s a city I recommend taking the whole family. There’s a million things to do–even if history isn’t your thing.
Here are 10 of my favorites:
- Faneuil Hall. This is really a strip of retail stores and restaurants housed in historical buildings. It’s the best of both worlds, you can soak in a little history, do some shopping, and grab a Boston cream pie.
- Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a walking tour of sorts that will wind you through some of the historically important sites of the United States’ path to freedom. It’s nice because you only have to park once and you can move as fast as suits your fancy.
- Mike’s Pastry. This is one of those accidental finds, where a long line peaked my curiosity. Let me tell you, Bob, I am glad it did. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.
- Fenway Park. If you are a baseball fan, I hear Fenway Park will move you to tears. We didn’t stop by on our recent trip, but it feels wrong somehow not to mention it. It is the oldest Major League Baseball Park in the United States.
- Boston Public Garden. This is America’s first public garden. You can stroll through or hop a ride on one of their famous Swan Boats.
- Boston Public Library. Okay, I know this sounds like a snooze fest, but you don’t even have to go in–the building alone is worth putting on your to-do list. It’s one of our countries first publicly funded libraries.
- The Waterfront. The waterfront is just that–it is situated along the water. You can watch the sailboats, grab a cup of coffee, or make a night of it with your choice of restaurants.
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. The Boston Tea Party is what comes to mind pretty much anytime someone asks me to recount anything about Boston. Not only can you see some pretty cool historical artifacts {yes I just used cool and historical artifacts in the same sentence, that’s just how I roll}, but there are also live actors that make it a pretty interactive experience.
- Newbury Street. If you are looking for trendy upscale shopping, this is the place you want to go. It’s Rodeo Drive of Boston.
- Symphony Hall. If you can plan ahead and get tickets, a night with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall is supposed to give you a whole new appreciation for the orchestra.
Any places you would add to the list?
~Mavis
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Jessica says
We love Boston. We live in mid-coast Maine so we just get the first train out of town. We get to spend the morning and early afternoon in the city doing whatever we want. Then we just get on an afternoon train and come home. It’s a great city, very family friendly, and affordable(as far as cities go).
jill says
My daughter just moved to Boston last year and we’ve been to visit twice and I’ve managed to do 9 of your 10 – haven’t gotten to the Symphony yet! Loved the North End and Mike’s pastry shop the best.
Rosaleen says
I have to say that I’m NOT a city person. However, there are some thing worth fighting the parking and crowds to see. The Freedom Trail is “up there.” If you visit Boston in the summer and can plan ahead, see if there are any free concerts happening at the Hatch Shell in the Esplanade (a park running along the Charles River.) Google for local specials. Right now there are some Friday Fun Days specials that some foundation is paying for so people can get into some museums, zoos, etc., free or at reduced rates. Also sign up for Groupon and watch for deals for restaurants, and services in Boston (also for other cities). When a friend was visiting, I bought a couple discount tickets for riding the Boston Duck Tours through Groupon. We LOVED it! Boston is one of the cities with Go! Passes available. Under the Boston “umbrella,” some nearby cities also were featured, including some attractions on Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Salem.
Jen says
Duck boat tours and Harvard Square!
Stacey says
I’m so glad to be back in New England. We moved back from Arizona a few weeks ago, and I’m loving it! I’ve been to Boston, but never to explore. I think I foresee a trip in our future, so thanks for the tips.
Heather in MA says
Also, if you’re in Boston craving a little nature try the Boston Harbor Islands, they are part of the national park service: http://www.nps.gov/boha/contacts.htm. You can get there by a short ferry ride right from the heart of Boston: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/harbor-islands/schedule-rates.aspx
Mary says
Boston is amazing because it’s so very walkable, even if you don’t follow the Freedom Trail. I would recommend the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the glass flowers exhibit at Harvard (across the river in Cambridge). Both are truly unique and personal to the people who created them. I have always thought that the man who created the glass flowers must have had OCD, but channeled it into a thing of astonishing beauty.