FUN THINGS TO DO NEAR BOSTON

Boston is a great place to visit, brimming with culture, history, and excitement. There’s something for everyone to enjoy about this town, whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, an arts enthusiast, a museum buff, a nature lover, a shopaholic, or a foodie. There are even fun things for kids to do in Boston. However, if you venture a little outside the city, you’ll find a wealth of adventures waiting to be explored from the home base of your Boston hotel. Let’s take a look at some of the fun things to do in and near Boston.

In Boston, you can walk the same paths the Founding Fathers took. That, in itself, is exciting to anyone interested in early American history. Freedom Trail takes you past landmarks like the Paul Revere House, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770, along with shops, museums, churches, graveyards, and historical meeting houses. Castle Island is the location of Fort Independence, a military bastion built in 1634 and used to as a stand against the British during the Revolutionary War. Boston Harbor is the site of the Boston Tea Party and the home to other landmarks, including museums, lighthouses, and shipyards. Additionally, it’s full of shops and is a great place to eat local seafood.
Speaking of seafood, Boston is a great place to eat, no matter what you’re craving. In addition to having some of the best seafood in the nation, it’s also got great restaurants and coffee shops, located throughout the city.
Sports lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to see a game at Fenway Park. One of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States, Fenway Park hasn’t been expanded since it was built in 1912, so it offers an up-close look at your favorite players. You can also schedule a tour to experience the home of the Boston Red Sox.
If you love museums, you’ll love Boston. There are plenty to see, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which looks like a palace set in a garden. There’s also the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the fifth-largest museum in the country and the largest in Boston, and the Museum of Science, which offers a live butterfly garden, hands on exhibits, a giant generator, a planetarium, and even an indoor zoo.
When it comes to zoos, don’t miss Boston’s animal attractions. The Franklin Park Zoo is so extensive that you could visit several times without taking it all in. The New England Aquarium is another great Boston landmark, with everything from penguins to sea turtles to sharks and everything in between.
If you prefer your nature outdoors, Boston’s got you covered there, too. Check out Boston Commons, one of the oldest public parks in the United States, or enjoy some sun and sand on Revere Beach. The Emerald Necklace is a series of outdoor spaces, linking Boston Commons with the Boston Public Garden, the Arnold Arboretum, the Riverway, Olmsted Park, and Jamaica Pond.
For shoppers, there’s a wide range of options. One of the most fun is Bodega, an upscale fashion boutique you can only find by entering a rough-looking convenience store and pushing aside a Snapple vending machine. If you’re itching for souvenirs, check out Faneuil Hall Marketplace, if you’re looking for upscale shopping try Newbury Street, and if you want something handcrafted or an eclectic bookshop, check out Bow Market.
Less than an hour’s drive from Boston, you’ll find Plimoth Plantation. This living history museum is one of the best historical attractions in New England, recreating the settlement of the Pilgrims in the 1627 English Village.
Harvard University is outside of Boston, too. Touring the campus is a can’t-miss outing, because it contains not only the renowned university but also the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which features a wealth of art, science, and nature displays.
Watch the whales about 40 miles from Boston. Gloucester Whale Watching is an incomparable experience, allowing you to see large, friendly whales as well as dolphins and seabirds.
For nature lovers who prefer to stay outside the city, there are some great options. The Blue Hills Reservation offers a wealth of photogenic natural sights and a wide variety of hiking trails, less than 20 minutes from Boston. Mount Auburn Cemetery is beautiful and historical, featuring 175 acres of gorgeous landscapes, sculptures, and artwork, as well as the graves of many notable historical figures, 15 minutes from Boston.
Salem is an easy day trip away. When you explore Salem, you won’t just have the opportunity to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Witch Trials. You can also learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne, visit the House of the Seven Gables, and explore the Peabody Essex Museum, which features about 1.3 million exhibits showcasing history and art.
Beverly is a gem of a town. Don’t miss a visit to Beverly when you’re in the Boston area. First settled in 1626, this Boston suburb has plenty to recommend it. Art galleries and entertainment venues are abundant, and there are many opportunities for hiking, golfing, and exploring gorgeous gardens. The historical architecture in Beverly is outstanding, and you can find some of the best restaurants in New England in this little town.

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