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Things to do in Boston with Kids

Ultimate Guide to Boston Common

8 Stop 8

Established in 1634, the 50-acre Boston Common is the oldest public recreation area in the country. Colloquially known as “the Common,” the park is one of the gems in the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks, urban open spaces and greenways that meander through several Boston neighborhoods and stretch to Roxbury. Boston Common, situated across from the Massachusetts State House, forms the southern base of Beacon Hill and is delineated by Beacon, Park, Tremont, Boylston and Charles streets.

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How to See Boston in 1 Day

The city of Boston is one of the most visited destinations in the country and with good reason. Millions of people come each year to experience the rich heritage that comes alive on practically every corner, the abundance of cultural attractions, entertaining venues and diverse dining scene. If you only have one day to explore Boston, jump on the Old Town Trolley and follow these recommended stops to see the best of the city.

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Spirit of Boston Cruises

20 Stop 20

For a truly unique and entertaining view of Boston Harbor, consider taking a cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston. The Spirit of Boston offers a variety of cruise experiences including lunch, dinner, sunset cruises, and midnight moonlight cruises. The cruises pass the World Trade Center, Boston Tea Party site, Boston Massacre site, the Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument, Old Ironsides, and more.

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FAQs

Our Boston tour is 13 miles long. From start to finish, the City Tour is two hours, the Back Bay Tour is 30 minutes, and the Seaport Loop is 30 minutes. Our route is designed for you to hop off at any stop, explore a Boston attraction or neighborhood, and hop back on when you are ready to resume your Boston sightseeing experience. Tour lengths vary based on traffic conditions.

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

For guests looking to transfer from one loop to another, it can be done at any of the transfer stops listed below.

City Tour and Back Bay Tour: Transfer Stops #6 and #7.
City Tour and Seaport Hotel Shuttle: Transfer Stops #1 and #9.

The tour visits South End, Back Bay, Historic North End, the Theater District, Downtown Crossing, the Seaport District, and Charlestown.

We operate the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other tour company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, traffic, and weather conditions, but typically it is every 20 minutes. April – October: Daily. 9am – 5pm. November – March: Daily. 9am – 4pm.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile urban brick walking path that takes in different historical Boston sites. The trolley tour gets you close to many of the sites along the Freedom Trail, as well as all the other major points of interest around the city of Boston. Our Boston tours help you explore the entire Freedom Trail without having to walk it all on foot.

If you’ve ever visited or plan to visit Boston, you’ll know that getting around can be a bit tricky. However, there’s an easy solution to that — the Old Town Trolley. Hop on, and you’ll be able to explore some of the city’s best attractions without the bother of driving or navigating traffic. Exploring Boston without a car is easier than you think thanks to Old Town Trolley. From historic sites and shopping to amazing food and beautiful beaches, Boston has something for everyone, and the trolley takes you to all the best spots.

Beacon Hill, Boston’s most picturesque neighborhood, is a treasure trove of stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming boutiques. To truly experience its unique charm, consider exploring its landmarks and hidden corners.

Start your exploration at the Massachusetts State House, a towering landmark offering panoramic views of the city and the Charles River. You can reach this location from the Park Street T Station, by rideshare, by bike, or by foot. Once there, take time to admire its architecture and learn about its history, including the iconic golden dome.

Wander through the heart of Beacon Hill’s residential area, where you’ll find elegant brick houses, antique gas lamps, and postcard-perfect streetscapes. The area exudes a timeless charm, inviting you to step back in history.

Continue your journey to the famous Cheers Bar, the inspiration for the beloved television show. Step inside and soak in the atmosphere, imagining the familiar scenes and characters. Enjoy the historic décor and perhaps grab a drink where “everybody knows your name.”

Beacon Hill is a hidden gem of American history, offering a glimpse into Boston’s vibrant past. From the State House’s commanding views to the intimate charm of its residential streets and the iconic Cheers Bar, this neighborhood provides a unique and memorable experience.

Here are some of the must-see attractions that you can explore on the Old Town Trolley Tour:

1. The Freedom Trail: This iconic 2.5-mile-long trail takes you through 16 significant historical sites that were crucial to the American Revolution. You’ll see the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, the USS Constitution Museum, and more. The Freedom Trail is a fascinating way to learn about the city’s rich history.

2. Acorn Street: Located in Beacon Hill, this street is a throwback to Colonial times with its cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and impeccably preserved 19th-century homes. Its houses are some of the oldest in Boston, and their exteriors have remained mostly unchanged for over a century. Acorn Street’s timeless look and feel, mixed with its New England charm, has made it a favorite among filmmakers.

3. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive, high-tech, floating museum. Unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, this unique museum sits on a barge in the water and includes tours on restored tea ships and a stunning, interactive documentary that immerses you into the events that led up to the American Revolution.

4. Quincy Market: This colorful marketplace is a shopper’s paradise, with more than 100 vendors selling everything from souvenirs to food. You can indulge in some classic Boston dishes such as clam chowder or a lobster roll.

5. Bunker Hill Monument: This 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. You can climb to the top for a stunning view of the city.

Boston transforms into a picturesque and vibrant city at night, and it offers plenty of things to do for those who are up for some nighttime fun. If you’re visiting Boston this summer, there is no better way to explore the city after dusk than taking The Summer Nights Tour & Charles River Cruise by Old Town Trolley. You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and travel through some of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods as the sun goes down. Hear stories of some of the city’s lesser-known history while relaxing tunes fill the trolley. Change over to a riverboat and enjoy a fully narrated tour up and down some of the most scenic spots along the Charles River. Step back onboard your exclusive trolley and finish your evening’s tour with one of the can’t-miss views of your visit as you travel over the quaint Longfellow Bridge back into Boston as the city lights come alive across the skyline. If you do one thing during the evening in Boston, it has to be this tour.

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