Terrific Travel Tips

Whether you are traveling along, traveling with children, on a romantic getaway, or with a group of friends there are wonderful tourist activities for everyone. The following list includes something for everyone, whether this is your first visit to Boston or a return visit. This list includes unique some must see sights, but don’t expect the shopping malls to be listed here. You can do that anywhere.

Here goes:

1. The Boston Public Gardens

The Boston Public Gardens are also known as the Boston Common and used to be a field in Revolutionary times for the cows to graze. No cattle roam here now but there are the famous Swan Boats which take tourists on a slow ride around the pond while viewing the beauty of the gardens. The famous bronze ducklings are a popular photo spot from Robert McCloskey’s book “Make Way for Ducklings”.

2. Museum of Science

Located overlooking the beautiful Charles River, the Museum of Science has something for everyone young and old. There are over 400 interactive exhibits and displays, the IMAX Theatre, and the Hayden Planetarium to fill you time in a fun, interactive, learning environment.

3. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is located between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River high up on the cobblestone streets overlooking the city. The gaslit cobblestone streets are reminders of the old Boston when horse drawn carriages carried the wealthy through town. Be sure to stop and grab a pint of beer at the most famous bar Cheers and the Bullfinch Pub where “everybody knows your name”- not really but that is the comfortable feel of this area.

4. Fenway Park

The Fenway Park area in summertime and early fall are the best! Come early and catch a game with the Red Sox. Even on off game days the area is constantly bustling with fans and energy. Fenway Park offers guided tours daily. Fenway Park is the second oldest ballpark, in use continuously since 1912. If you are lucky you may even get to meet some players or Wally the Green Monster for a photo opportunity. You need to have a Fenway Frank while here or try a RemDawg.

5. JFK Museum

Birthplace of President John F. Kennedy this restored home place has become a museum full of original artifacts documenting JFK’s childhood, war service years, rise in politics, and untimely death. This building is located on Boston Harbor and is a tranquil, peaceful place to visit for the history of an amazing man.

6. Quincy Market

These restored warehouses are in the style of South St. Seaport in NYC, but we were first (actually 1975)! Great food, drink, and souvenir hunting, and still nothing like in on a warm summer’s evening. Try McCormack & Schmicks’ seafood, and top it off with a stroll though the adjacent…

7. North End

The feel of this amazing neighborhood is one of walking the side streets in Italy. Outdoor cafes for espresso, pastry shops open late with the smells of cannoli, and old school family members sitting on folding chairs playing cards is typical of what you will see. Bring your appetite and enjoy the feasts that await.

8. Harvard square/MIT area

In Harvard Square, where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in 1636, you find the famous Harvard University and Harvard Yard. Take a tour of the gorgeous school grounds then walk to enjoy the interesting sites and sounds and people of The Square, a world by itself with a unique unusual flavor. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there - everyone else does. Contine your tour onto Kendall Square to see MIT, where many a genius in the high tech world have learned and imagined. The MIT museum is interesting in its structure and shows the many past contributions of its graduates.

9. Whale Watch at the New England Aquarium

Only operating late spring into the fall, the Whale Watch is a truly unique chance to get close to area whales. High speed vessels allow you to view these beautiful creatures as they “breach” , or dive, with gigantic tails breaking the surface of the water right next to you. The expert boat captains always know where the whales are, and even more astounding is that the whales seem to enjoy the attention from the boat tours! End you day at the Aquarium as you view sharks, giant sea turtles, catch an IMAX film, feed the penguins touch the sea stars, and laugh at the sea lion show. A fun filled day waits for you!

10. Duck Tour

Amphibious vehicles with names like “Fenway Frank” and “Beacon Bertha” hit the hot spots around town, complemented by a running monologue of wisecracks, anecdotes, and half-truths. The Duck enters the Charles River near the Museum of Science for a riverspin. Back on dry land, implore passersby to “QUACK-QUACK”.. You’re a tourist, so why not?!?