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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.

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

Our Boston tours run 362 days per year (363 in leap years). We’re closed the third Monday of April (Boston Marathon), Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Hours:
9am until the last departure time shown below.

Last departure times:

City Tour Loop:
Last departure from stop #1:
April – October: 5pm.
November – March: 4pm.

Back Bay Loop:
Last departure from stop #7:
April – October: 5pm.
November – March: 4pm.

Seaport Hotel Shuttle Loop:
Last departure from stop #1:
April – October: 5pm.
November – March: 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.

Boston’s most picturesque neighborhood is Beacon Hill, an area that boasts stunning architecture, cobblestone streets and charming boutiques. For those who want to make the most of their time and see Beacon Hill from a unique perspective, hopping on the Old Town Trolley is the way to go.

The first stop of the Old Town Trolley in Beacon Hill is at the Massachusetts State House. From this towering location, visitors can take in the stunning panoramic views of the city and the Charles River. The tour guide will provide visitors with fascinating facts about the State House’s history, including the famous codfish atop its dome, the symbol of Boston’s fishing industry.

The trolley then takes visitors through the heart of Beacon Hill’s residential area, a place filled with old brick houses and antique gas lamps, postcard-perfect scenery. The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the stop at the Old North Church, known as the church that started the U.S. Revolution.

Continuing down Beacon Hill, the trolley stops at the legendary Cheers bar, also known as the set of the hit TV show, “Cheers.” Visitors can sit at the same bar where Norman and Cliff once did, take photos and enjoy the historic décor.

The trolley’s final stop is the USS Constitution Museum, a tribute to one of America’s most beloved symbols of liberty. Visitors can board this historic ship, see the exhibits, whisper into the famous Whisper Tubes and explore the museum. Tour guides will give visitors an in-depth look at the ship’s history, wartime engagements, and the brave crew who manned her.

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. Harvard University: Located in the nearby town of Cambridge, Harvard University is one of the world’s most renowned institutions of higher learning. You can tour the campus and visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

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’s no better way to explore the city after dusk than taking the Boston Summer Night Tour by Old Town Trolley. You’ll be able to visit historic landmarks and hidden gems that are illuminated by the city’s glow. From Fenway Park to the Old North Church and the USS Constitution, Boston has a plethora of iconic and historic landmarks to explore. From the stunning harbor views to the twinkling skyline at night, explore these sites under the cover of darkness, where the ambiance and atmosphere are simply magical.

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