The vibe in New England during the summertime is buzzing, fast-paced, yet relaxing. You can find yourself walking down the streets in Boston passing hopping shops and restaurants. On the other hand, find yourself relaxing in one of the many parks in Boston. Whatever your interest, Boston has it all!
Weather/Best Time to Go:
Boston is a great city to explore any time of year! From enchanting summer nights to extraordinary fall colors, there is never a bad time to visit!
Winter: Lasting from December to mid-March the temperatures can be anywhere from 5 to 32 (0 to -15 C). Think frost-bite boat rides in the Boston harbor or watching the NHL Bruins practice in the Warrior Ice Arena.
Spring: April to May can be on the rainy-er side, so, be sure to bring your raincoat! Spring also means flowers start to bloom and baseball season is approaching! Catch a game at the oldest MLB stadium, Fenway Park!
Summer: The temperatures start rising from June to August, reaching a peak in the mid to high 80s (29 C). There are many activities for the summer months, including shopping, walking the Freedom Trail, and eating at the many different restaurants with outside seating!
Fall: Fall is my favorite time of year (so I am a bit biased), but the fall colors can be the most beautiful in the New England states! Boston is full of parks and gardens, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Transportation:
This trip was the first time we used Uber! We never had one issue with it, and the rates were reasonable.
All the main sites in Boston are in close proximity, as a result, you can get away with walking as opposed to riding in an Uber or Taxi. Plus, this is a great way to explore the city!
There
Where to Stay in Boston:
We were in Boston for an amazing travel conference – TravelCon; and picked the perfect Airbnb just a 10-minute walk from where the conference was being held. There were many lovely shops all around us, and more importantly, yummy restaurant options! Plus, just a 30-minute walk to the start of the Freedom Trail!
What to Do:
There are so many fantastic things to do in Boston. There is whale watching, sailing in the Boston Harbor, eating at the cutest cafes, and strolling through the parks! In other words, there is something for everyone!
Since we were in the conference sessions all day, we only had the evening to explore Boston regardless, we managed to see the highlights! Starting with the Freedom Trail!
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is unique to Boston’s rich American history. As you follow the 2.5-mile red brick line, discover 16 historical sites marking the story of the American Revolution and more!
1. Boston Common
Find the Visitor center in this public park to start your Freedom journey!
2. Massachusetts State House
One of the oldest buildings on Beacon Hill, it is where senators, state representatives, and the governor still conduct business today!
3. Park Street Church
On July 4th, 1831, “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee),” by Samuel Francis Smith, was sung here for the very first time.
4. Granary Burying Ground
This is where some signers of the Declaration of Independence were buried, such as John Hancock. Others such as Benjamin Franklin’s parents, and Paul Revere, & Samuel Adams were laid to rest in this burial ground.
5. King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Founded in 1686, this was New England’s first Anglican church. Plus, Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower, is buried in the King’s Chapel Burying Ground.
6. Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue
A mosaic now stands in the place where the school once stood. Five signers of the Declaration of Independence attended Boston Latin: Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and William Hooper. Benjamin Franklin once attended this school, before dropping out.
7. Old Corner Bookstore
Built as an apothecary shop in 1718, this building was transformed into a bookshop in the 1800s.
Irish Famine Memorial – Although this was not part of the Freedom Trail, we passed this memorial and I thought it was important to share.
Democratic Donkey & Republican Elephant
In 1828, Andrew Jackson established the Democratic Party. His opponents labeled him a ‘jackass’, but he took advantage of this and adopted the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party. Thus, the start of the modern political parties in the US.
8. Old South Meeting House
December 16, 1773, this is the very location 5,000 rebels decided to protest the tax on tea and have a Boston Tea Party!
$6 for adults – Open daily
9:30 am – 5:00 pm (April 1 – October 31) – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (November 1 – March 3)
9. Old State House
Where the Declaration of Independence was first
$12 for adults – Open daily – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
10. Boston Massacre Site
An argument between 9 British Redcoats and an angry Bostonian crowd
11. Faneuil Hall
One of America’s first public meeting venues. This is now a marketplace for shops and food stalls.
12. Paul Revere House
One of the oldest buildings in downtown Boston and the only home on the Freedom Trail. Paul Revere was living here when he made his famous night ride in 1775!
Open daily – $5 for adults.
9:30 am – 5:15 pm (April 15 – October 31) – 9:30 am – 4:15 pm (November 1 – April 14)
13. Old North Church
Famous for ‘One if by land, two if by sea’ church, this is where two lanterns were hung to signal the British were rowing to Lexington by the river.
Open daily – $8 for adults
10 am – 4 pm (November 1 – March 31) – 9 am – 6 pm (April 1 – October 31)
14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
The final resting place of Robert Newman – the man who hung the lanterns in the Old North Church.
15. USS Constitution “Old Ironsides” & USS Constitution Museum
Step onboard a warship used in the War of 1812!
Monday & Tuesday – closed – Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
The Museum is open Monday – Sunday 9 am – 6 pm
16. Bunker Hill Monument
One of the American Revolution’s major battles was fought here. This battle was one of the first times the colonists were able to endure the powerful British army.
This is the end of the Freedom Trail; it took us around 2 ½ hours to walk the whole trail. We did walk the trail closer to the evening when everything was closed, so I would budget a little more time if you plan to go inside the historical sites.
Boston Tea Party Museum
Step back in time and experience the Boston Tea Party firsthand! Even throw your own tea into the Boston Harbor
Opens at 10 am and the last tour is at 4 pm – $30 per person. Click for more info.
Fenway Park
Another great way to spend the day is by taking a tour of the oldest MLB stadium! I am not a huge fan of baseball, but I still had the best time touring this fantastic stadium! Sit in the oldest seats in the house, snap pictures from the famous Green Monster, and even sit in the media room! Click here for tickets!
Where to Eat:
Of course, when you visit Boston, you must experience its special cuisine! Some of the must
Luke’s Lobster – Grab a trio combo and taste the delicious lobster, crab, and shrimp roll! Order a clam chowder to complete the meal!
Mike’s Pastries – A one-of-a-kind pastry shop, you will spend hours trying to decide on the many different yummy options! Cash only!
Amorino – This was right next door to our Airbnb (which had its pros and cons). I’m not a massive ice cream fan, but this gelato was out of this world, crazy good!
Boston pleasantly surprised me, not that I was expecting anything bad, but it is a much more fun and exciting destination than I imagined! If Boston is not on your list, I hope it is now!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions about visiting Boston, please be sure to leave a comment below or contact us!
Until the next destination!
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