Top 10 Things to do in Boston, Massachusetts
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Boston is one of those cities that’s on top of everyone’s list. It has everything: food, sports, history, culture, and, on top of that, it’s a college town for multiple universities. Here are the top 10 sites and things to do on your trip to Beantown.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Boston, Massachusetts by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Boston on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Catch a Red Sox Game – The Red Sox team is one of the original American League charter teams from 1901. The team is legendary! Fenway Park is one of the oldest baseball stadiums and landed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seeing a game or taking a park tour puts you in the same place as legendary players like Cy Young, Ted Williams and the iconic Babe Ruth.
9. Get Lunch at Quincy Market -It’s rare to find a place where locals and tourists converge, but you’ll find them here. This historic marketplace is conveniently located in the heart of it all, making it the perfect place to stop for a quick lunch on a day of touring. (I highly recommend a lobster roll.) While you’re at it, do a little local shopping, too.
8. And Try the Original Boston Cream Pie – Is it pie? Is it cake? Is that cream inside? Is it pudding in there? Does it matter? Boston’s classic namesake dessert started at the Parker House Restaurant at the Omni Hotel. Dine in for a taste of the original. No time for a sit-down meal? Pop into their in-house bakery for a single-serving Boston cream pie to go.
7. Wander Around Boston Common – As the oldest city park in the United States, Boston Common has seen its share of life, liberty and then some. It’s been a pasture, a training ground (for British troops) and even a place for public punishments. But now, it’s a place to enjoy the outdoors in the middle of the bustling metropolis, a picnic spot or just a place to run or walk. It’s a peaceful haven in an otherwise busy city. On any warm day, you’ll hear buskers singing or playing an instrument, swan boats out on the pond, or watch ducks waddling along in a row.
6. Visit the Paul Revere House – The man made famous by his midnight ride wasn’t just a fast horseback rider. He was also a regular, old silversmith living in Boston. His house is one of the most popular stops on the Freedom Trail, dating to the 1680s, long before Paul Revere made his mark on history. A visit to the house will show you how the Reveres and others lived in Boston during the American Revolution, and you’ll get to hear the more accurate story of Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
5. Explore the Burying Grounds – Want to meet the real locals? Looking for something a little macabre? Or do you need a peaceful moment on your trip? Don’t miss the burying grounds. You’ll surely recognize some names, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower. The headstones range from elaborate to plain to just plain odd, so look around. Several burying grounds scatter around the city, and they’re a little spooky, a little fascinating and very much not to be missed.
4. Take a Walking (or Running) Tour – Boston is home to its fair share of old things, but one might surprise you. Did you know the Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world? It’s true! Since 1897, the Boston Marathon has been going “Boston Strong.” But you don’t have to run the marathon to enjoy the scenery. It’s best to explore Boston on foot, so take a walking (or running) tour to get acquainted with Beantown and discover why it’s called that.
3. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – While this is definitely kid-friendly, adults will enjoy it, too. Costumed tour guides explain the facts, history and legends associated with the most famous of several tea parties in the colonies. Guests can even throw a box of tea overboard to get the full effect. And no visit would be complete without a spot of tea. Try out historical varieties at Abigail’s Tea Room, including sandwiches, soups and sweets.
2. Visit the U.S.S. Constitution Museum – Conveniently located on the Freedom Trail, the U.S.S. Constitution is a must-visit when in Boston. The ship was never defeated in any battle. It dates back to the 1790s and is still the world’s oldest ship afloat. You can tour the boat, still manned by active-duty sailors, and then head into the museum to learn more about its history and significance. When finished, take the water taxi back to downtown Boston and save yourself the walk back.
1. Explore the Freedom Trail – This is the one thing on everyone’s Boston to-do list. You can do it in a day, or if you have more time, you can spread it over two days. Plan to start at Boston Common and end at the U.S.S. Constitution, or vice versa. You can walk it on your own or take a guided tour. Bring water, especially in summer, and stop at Quincy Market for lunch.
Whatever your reason for visiting Boston, it’ll be sure to win you over. Everyone will find something to get excited about here; this list is the best place to start.
Want to read about more great locations like this one? Be sure to visit our blog post page for more great destination content. Subscribe today and never miss out on RV destinations across the United States and Canada. It’s time to Be Inspired!
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery