20 Best Things to do in Boston

Boston, or “Bean Town”, has several things for kids and adults. Whether you want something historical, a relaxing stroll through the park, shopping or a MLB game, you can find it in Boston. The trick is compiling a list of the options so you can find the best things to do in Boston – including some great places to eat.

Well, here’s your list, which includes activities I’ve ventured into while in town on business, or highlights from our family vacation to New England.

If you’re looking for day trips from Boston, check these ones out.

If you’ve already been to Boston, what would you add to the list? Share it in the comments below so other travelers can experience the best of Boston.

Catch a Ballgame at Fenway Park

I grew up on the west coast, so my sports teams tend to filter out west. But after attending a Major League Baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, I am glad to claim the Boston Red Sox as my baseball team.

Since we were there on family vacation, we created our own T-shirts and surprised my mom with one for her as well. We sang Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch. We also caught a glimpse of the Green Monster, ate a hot dog on a traditional New England-style bun, and enjoyed lots of popcorn.

If you’re in town and want to catch a game, grab your Boston Red Sox tickets and head out to Fenway Park. You can also tour Fenway Park, in the event you aren’t in town during a home game.

Eat a Lobstah Roll and Clam Chowdah

You can’t visit New England and not enjoy some delicious clam chowder (pronounced chowdah in Boston) and a lobster roll (pronounced lobstah roll).

I stumbled on a small shop near my hotel and ventured to Lobstah on a Roll. The food did not disappoint. While I grabbed it to go, they have little cafe-style tables out front if you want to enjoy eating out. There are also multiple locations of the “Biggest Little Restaurant in America.”

Walk the Historic Freedom Trail

Once you’ve enjoyed a lobster roll, you’ll need a way of walking it off. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail winding its way through Boston. Along the way, you’ll see historic sites related to the American Revolution:

• Burial site of Paul Revere, Mother Goose, Samuel Adams and the victims of the Boston Massacre
• Fanieul Hall, where many meetings were held to discuss “taxation without representation”
• Paul Revere’s house
• The Old North Church where two lanterns were hung to signal the red coats were coming by sea (“One if by land, two if by sea”)
• Bunker Hill Monument – the first battle of the American Revolution
• The U.S.S. Constitution, or Old Ironsides

The 2.5-miles goes by pretty quick as you wind your way through the streets. Just be sure you’re wearing good walking shoes. It stretches from the east side of Boston Commons, north, northeast across the Charles River to the site of the U.S.S. Constitution.

Shop at Quincy Market

It wasn’t until my third visit to Boston that I explored Quincy Market. While it may look like just another building, it’s full of shopping and food of every kind. Quincy Market is directly behind Fanieul Hall, so you can easily check it out while walking The Freedom Trail.

The long building with four giant pillars greets you, there are several shops on either side of the building. I found a store dedicated to Christmas decor – even though I was there in May. It’s okay to do some window shopping, or even grab a souvenir to mark your visit to Bean Town.

Reflect at the Holocaust Memorial

I was impressed with the Holocaust Memorial in Boston. First off, I was surprised to see they had a memorial. And second, it was powerful. Each of the six towers represent a major Nazi death camp.

As you enter from one end or the other, there’s steam rising from the ground – that represents the gas chambers that killed men women and children as part of the Holocaust. Etched on the glass are random numbers, symbolizing the numbers tattooed on each of the six million Jews killed in one of those camps.

RELATED POST: Your Guide to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC

Take a moment to reflect on the Holocaust. Read the quotes from those who experienced the horrific event firsthand. And take the poem found at the entrance of the walkway to heart – “Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

Explore the Boston Fire Museum

The Boston Fire Museum is one of those hidden gems in Boston. Although its hours are limited (only open on Fridays and Saturdays), it’s something you and your young kids can enjoy.

They even have Sparks – the designated Dalmatian who hangs out at the firehouse. You can learn about major fires from the big city, see artifacts and the evolution of fire trucks, and even sit in an old fire truck for a photo opp.

Stroll Through Boston Public Garden

Similar to Central Park in New York City, Boston Public Garden is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy being outdoors. Whether you take a stroll through the park to watch the setting sun, or sit on a bench to people watch – it’s a nice place to escape the city.

As you wander the paths, you’ll find fountains and flowers. Even a few monuments. If you’re visiting in the summer, take a spin around the lake on the swan boats. In the winter, you may be able to find an ice skating rink for some winter family fun.

Pose for a Photo at Cheers from that TV Show

As a kid, we’d watch the TV sitcom Cheers. It’s the place “Where everybody knows your name.” Just across the street from Boston Public Garden is the entrance to Cheers you see in the opening credits of the TV show. Although the show itself wasn’t filmed here, that opening scene was.

It’s totally worth a selfie. But I warn you – you may get the TV show’s opening theme song stuck in your head for several hours after your visit.

Eat Seafood at Union Oyster House

Delicious seafood is synonymous with Boston. So take every opportunity you can to enjoy a nice bite. If you’re walking The Freedom Trail, the Union Oyster House is right next to the Holocaust Memorial.

When you walk through the doors, you can picture people from the American Revolution enjoying some food and drink while talking about the latest rumblings of the revolution. Their menu has several options – but I always go for seafood. My wife would’ve done something else, but she’d be missing out on the delicious shrimp, oysters and more.

Learn about President John F. Kennedy at His Library

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is outside of Boston proper. You can take a bus or ride-share out to it, and I highly recommend doing so.

As a fan of the early space program, I wanted to learn more about the American president who set the target of landing a man on the moon in the 60s and returning him safely to Earth. I learned so much about John F. Kennedy, and later enjoyed reading about his military service aboard PT-109.

Be Amazed at the Museum of Science Boston

Need something for the kids? The Museum of Science Boston is a must-see. My favorite part of the museum was the lightning show. As you can see from the photo above, loud flashes of lighting are produced inside – no clouds required.

Tesla Coils are used to play music – like the theme to Jurassic Park or Inspector Gadget.

RELATED POST: Explore the Adventure Science Center in Nashville

You can learn about optical illusions, the human body, dinosaurs, the space program, earth science and so much more. The interactive exhibits is something you could probably spend all day exploring.

Visit the Tea Party Museum in Boston Harbor

Who’s ready to throw crates of tea over the side of a boat? Well, then the Tea Party Museum in Boston Harbor is the place to visit.

After touring the museum and learning about the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party, your group gets to step onto the deck of a large ship and toss crates into the harbor. The museum is something parents and kids can enjoy.

RELATED POST: Plan your visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania

Stop at the Printing Press and Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate

Along The Freedom Trail, behind the Old North Church, are two hidden gems that many people walk past. I recommend stopping in to learn even more about early Boston. Both “exhibits” are free to visit.

The Edis and Gills Printing Office has a printmaker working hard to print copies of the Declaration of Independence on the same type of press used in 1776. You’ll learn about how the paper was made, how the printing plates were typeset and even see them print a copy or two. You can tip the person doing the teaching, if you’d like.

On the other side of the same building, Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate gives you a rundown of how chocolate as we know it today was made. They’ll even grind up some chocolate beans, add a few spices and serve you a sample of hot chocolate. They also sell chocolate and other items in their shop, if you’re interested in an afternoon treat.

Walk the Black Heritage Trail Around Beacon Hill

Starting in the northeast corner of Boston Common, across the street from the Massachusetts State House, is a large monument dedicated to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment – the first documented African American regiment formed in the north.

That monument marks the start of the Black Heritage Trail, which winds its way up and around Beacon Hill. This trail is a little different than The Freedom Trail – most of the stops are residential houses. And since people currently live in those houses, they aren’t open for tours. It can also be challenging to find each stop along the trail. Use this guided walking tour of the Black Heritage Trail to help you out.

Explore Boston Children’s Museum

Not far from the Tea Party Museum in the Boston Children’s Museum. There are three floors of interactive exhibits perfect for children. You can ride a real Bobcat in the construction zone, co-pilot a plan with Arthur and Buster, and discover the many things you can do with bubbles.

You’ll also find a full list of children’s programs if you’re looking for something beyond the exhibits.

RELATED POST: Your family-fun guide to the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix

Walk Along the Harbor walk

The HarborWalk is a nearly continuous 43-mile stretch of walkway around Boston Harbor. Along the way, you’ll find access to several museums and historical sites – like the U.S.S. Constitution. If the beach is more your thing, you’ll find about seven of those along the way.

You don’t have to walk the entire route, but it’s a nice trail to walk as you wrap up your day. Or if you like to start your day with a morning jog/run, the HarborWalk is the place for you.

Eat a Boston Kreme Donut in Boston Harbor

You’ll find lots of delicious food in Boston. One of my favorite treats to enjoy is a Boston Kreme donut from Dunkin’. So if you walk past a Dunkin’, be sure to stop in and order a couple dozen donuts. 😉

And if you are tired of getting messy from eating a Boston Kreme, check out my video on how to eat a Boston Kreme without making a mess.

Photograph Boston at Night

While in Boston on business, I had no plans for one of the evenings, and most of the museums I wanted to visit were closed. I searched online and found a photography group that happened to be meeting near the U.S.S. Constitution for a photography meetup.

I joined in and had a great time capturing night photos of the ships and shipyard with fellow photographers. One of the photographers even offered to show me a great spot to capture one of the bridges into Boston and a reflection of the Charles River.

If you thought Boston was beautiful in the day, you should try exploring it at night. Check out some of the night photos of Boston I captured during my most recent visit.

Explore the Boston Public Library

You wouldn’t think a public library would be something extra to explore – especially if you are from out of town and don’t have a library card. But parts of the Boston Public Library are almost museum-like.

There are grand staircases, murals on the walls, and ornate lighting. Best of all, it’s free to explore the library. If your kids are with you, head over to the children’s section, grab a book, find a seat and enjoy some reading time.

Stop by the Tesla Showroom

Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a Tesla or not, it’s still fun to check one out. My colleague and I stopped into the Tesla showroom on Boylston Street and learner a little about the Tesla company. We even got to sit in the driver’s seat of a sedan and SUV.

It was a fun stop, but if I had my young kids with me, I don’t think I’d bring them in there with me. They may damage one of the cars, and I don’t think my travel-blogging budget would allow me to cover the repair costs.

Summary

Do you have a favorite activity in Boston? Share it in the comments below and help others who may be looking for things to do in Boston.

PIN THIS