Boston boosts bountiful options for travelers. Whether your interests include; history hot spots, cheering on sports teams or sampling local culinary treats, Boston has something for everyone. Check the best of Boston’s sights from your bucket list in just a couple of days. Follow in the footsteps of famous American founders along the Freedom Trail, squeeze your backside into the original seats at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game or guzzle a freshly brewed cold one at Sam Adam’s Brewery. I’ve traveled to Boston a few times and with each visit find new and exciting things to do. Here are the sights I consider to be the Best of Boston.
Swan Boats at Boston Public Garden
My favorite attraction in Boston is the swan boats. The iconic boats are a symbol of the city and have been in operation for nearly 150 years. Riders enjoy a 15 minute ride on 25 passenger boats for a float in Boston Public’s Lagoon. Tickets are just $4 for adults and no reservations are needed. However, given the boat’s popularity it can be quite a wait for a ride. The swan boat business has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations and was named a Boston Landmark in 2011. The Public Garden is located adjacent to Boston Common, the start of my next Boston Best; The Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail
Starting at Boston Common, The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path across Boston (follow the red brick inlay) with 16 stops at historical spots, landmarks, burial grounds, churches and other significant sites. It’s a must do in Boston. Highlights of the trail include the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground, Old Statehouse/Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. You should dedicate an entire day to walking the Freedom Trail.
Faneuil Hall 
USS Constitution
Bunker Hill Monument 
Old State House 
Old North Church 
Inside Old North Church 
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
A few stops into the Freedom Trail experience, you come to Fanueil Hall. Fanueil Hall was built as an epicenter of commerce in 1741 and remains so today. It’s also the spot of the nation’s first town hall meeting and many gatherings protesting British rule. Quincy Market is a great stop to find a souvenir or to sample one of Boston’s famous eats like; baked beans, lobster rolls, clam chowder or Boston creme pie. Across the street from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market is the Boston Holocaust Memorial. Take a moment to reflect on the inscriptions inside the six glass towers, one for each of the Nazi death camps.
Boston Tea Party Museum
It’s not a stop of the Freedom Trail, but the Boston Tea Party Museum highlights pivotal historic moments leading up to the Revolutionary War. You can literally throw tea into the sea while reliving the Boston Tea Party of 1773. A ticket to the museum gets you access to interactive exhibits, a live actor -ed town hall meeting and a chance to tour an 18th century ship where you can heave tea into the sea “Huzzah!”
Sam Adam’s Brewery Tour
All the walking on the Freedom Trail will leave you thirsty. I suggest ending your Freedom Trail day with the brewery tour at Sam Adam’s. Founder Jim Koch turned the lager he brewed in his kitchen into the bustling beer business you see today. The FREE brewery tour covers the beer making process and all the ingredients that go into making the beers at Sam Adam’s. Tours are available Monday-Saturday from 11am-5pm and conclude with a beer tasting in the tap room.
Fenway Park
You don’t need to be a baseball fan to appreciate Fenway Park. “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” is the oldest in baseball. The Boston Red Sox played the first game here in 1912. If you’re not planning to be in town on a game day or during baseball season, no matter. Fenway tours are given most days throughout the year. Tour guides take visitors atop the 37 foot Green Monster in left field, explain some interesting features of the park, like the manual scoreboard and allow you to try to squeeze your rear into the original, 15 inch grandstand seats along the third baseline.
If your lucky enough to catch a game you will not be disappointed. The atmosphere is endearing.
There is sure to be something of interest for all types of travelers in Boston. Fantastic history, culture and entertainment can all be found in this eclectic city. Boston truly does have something for everyone, including those with a sweet tooth. If you have time for one more stop, check out Mike’s Pastry for cannoli you can’t get enough of. Just one more reason to love Boston.
Happy Traveling, Rochelle