People travel to Boston every year to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and incredible experiences. There’s so much to do that you might wonder how to plan your trip without missing anything.
Check out the ultimate beginner’s guide to visiting Boston, Massachusetts. After you learn what the city has to offer, you’ll know exactly how to have a great time.
Table of Contents
1. Drop by During Your Favorite Season
Boston is gorgeous throughout the year. You can visit any time to feel like you’ve jumped into a landscape portrait. Sparkling ice dripping off trees, leaves in brilliant shades of autumn colors and flowers blooming throughout the region make any season a perfect chance to visit Massachusetts.
Even snowfall shouldn’t meddle with your travel plans. The city only has an average 5% chance of snow days during the winter, so you’re much less likely to experience snow there than in the rest of the state.
2. Dine in Culinary Neighborhoods
Immigrants settled in the Boston area centuries ago, resulting in communities with deep roots and eclectic cultures. Walk around the city to eat in Little Italy, Chinatown or Little Saigon.
You’ll taste authentic cuisines from around the world. If you love seafood, you may even get a meal caught in the North Atlantic Ocean that same day.
3. Get to Know the Airport
Did you know that Boston Logan International Airport is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the United States? If you’re flying into or out of Boston, it can help to know a little more about the airport before your trip to make things as smooth as possible.
Before your flight, check out a map of the airport to get your bearings and understand where you’ll need to go. If you’ll be renting a car from the airport to check out places outside of Boston, like Plymouth or Provincetown, make sure you know where to pick up and return your rental during your trip.
4. Jump on a Ferry
Boston sits on Massachusetts Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean, which means there’s a lively ferry scene. Book a trip on one if you want to see nearby communities.
Ferries take people north to Salem and southeast to Cape Cod, among other routes. If you have some extra time during your vacation, spend a day getting to know the cities around Boston that contribute to the region’s vibe.
5. Explore the Freedom Trail
The northeastern part of the East Coast played a significant role in America’s history.
If you want to step back in time, experience the Freedom Trail. An audio guide will teach you about each destination along the 2.5-mile journey through Boston.
The expansive trail includes the Paul Revere House, the site of the Boston Massacre and other locations related to the American Revolution. It could be the perfect way to get your steps in while turning history into a personal experience.
6. Visit a Public Museum
Boston has numerous public museums you can visit while you’re in town.
You could see the limited-time art exhibits at the MassArt Art Museum or something for more niche interests, like the Boston Fire Museum’s collections from the city’s fire history.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must-visit, with numerous paintings on display from renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Manet.
There’s something for everyone to experience if you want free things to do indoors.
7. Stroll Through Nature Parks
Although locals enjoy driving to Franconia Notch State Park to spend time in nature, it’s a two-hour trip along Interstate 93 North. You can stay around Boston by looking for walking trails closer to the city.
The Emerald Necklace is a collection of public parks full of vast fields and lush trees. Whether you bike around Jamaica Pond or explore the walkaways through the Arnold Arboretum, you’ll experience the beautiful nature scenes framing Boston.
8. Watch a Baseball Game
Fenway Park might be one of the most iconic places in America. Its long history featuring players like Babe Ruth makes it a Boston landmark.
Watch a Red Sox game while you’re in town to say you’ve been there. When you see the field in movies, you’ll love reminiscing about walking those same halls while you were in the area.
Enjoy Your Trip to Boston
Visiting Boston could become your next favorite vacation. It all depends on what you do with your time.
You’ll have an incredible experience at any of the city’s beloved attractions, like public museums or historic landmarks. Add an activity to each day of your trip to get the most out of your time in the Cradle of Liberty.
