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
This is Boston's most-visited museum for a reason - there are over 400 interactive displays and exhibits, plus the IMAX Theatre and the Hayden planetarium, Touring exhibits, in which you use forensic skills to solve crimes or get up close and personal with reptiles are well worth it.
3. Beacon Hill
Walking through Beacon Hill you will be transported back in time to an age when horse drawn carriages roamed the streets and the gas lamps still light the streets here. The beauty of this neighborhood is filled with charm that is tucked between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River. Be sure to stop by the most famous bar on TV- Cheers and the Bulfinch Pub while visiting here.
4. Home of the Red Sox- Fenway Park
Summertime is the best time to visit the Fenway Park area and catch a game with the Red Sox. Even if there is not a game the area is bustling with fans and energy. Fenway Park offers tours and is the second oldest ballpark, in use continuously since 1912. You may even get to meet some players or Wally the Green Monster if you are lucky and time it right.
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, Italian neighborhood
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. MIT/Harvard
Take the Red Line "T" to Kendall Square to see where many of the world's high tech wizards were trained. The MIT museum chronicles past contributions, and (weird building) is worth a look. Continue on the Red Line to Harvard Square where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in 1636. Take a tour of the grounds and enjoy the sites and sounds of The Square, a world unto itself. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there - everyone else does.
9. Whale Watch at the New England Aquarium
Spend the day visiting the harbor seals, penguins, sharks, and seal lion show then hop aboard the whale watch vessel to get up close with the whales. The boat captain is expert at finding the whales and the only time you can catch this tour is late spring through fall. To see these amazing animals breech so close to the boat is amazing!
10. Duck Tour
These gigantic amphibious vehicles are crafted after war vehicles to be able to run on land and go directly into water with the pull of a switch. You get an animated tour or Boston sites and enter the Charles River and Harbor to get an even better view. The drivers of the Ducks are always funny and may even let you drive the duck if you answer a question correctly. Just be sure to "Quack" as you drive through the crowed streets. You are a tourist after all and that is what the locals expect, and it gives them the excuse to quack back.
