In response to our recent family vacation to Boston, I figured I would put together an article with some amazing things that you SHOULD not miss while visiting the city.

Boston is a historical city with many things to do for all ages. The Freedom Trail is the most popular attraction for adults and children alike, and there are a number of other attractions, such as the aquarium, Fenway Park, or Quincy Market, that are sure to please.

Top Places to Visit in Boston

Whether you’re a Boston local or planning a family vacation to Beantown, there’s plenty to see and do in this historic city. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, here are our top picks for places to visit in Boston.

1. Fenway Park – Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is a must-visit for any baseball fan. Take a tour of the stadium, catch a game, or just soak up the atmosphere on game day.
2. The Freedom Trail – A 2.5-mile walking trail that takes you past 16 historical sites, the Freedom Trail is a great way to learn about Boston’s rich history. Start at the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common and follow the red line to all the major sites, including the Old State House, Paul Revere House, and USS Constitution Museum.
3. The Museum of Fine Arts – One of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the country, the MFA has something for everyone. With over 450,000 works of art spanning 5000 years of history, you could easily spend a whole day here.

Top Tourist Attractions

1. Fenway Park: Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is a must-see for any baseball fan. Take a tour of the stadium, and then catch a game if you can.
2. The Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile trail takes you through some of Boston’s most historic sites, including the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the USS Constitution Museum.
3. The New England Aquarium: Located right on Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium is a great place to take the kids. Visit the penguin colony, see the sharks and rays, and don’t forget to wave at the giant ocean tank from the outside!
4. The Museum of Fine Arts: One of the largest museums in the country, the Museum of Fine Arts has something for everyone. From Greek and Roman sculptures to impressionist paintings to Egyptian mummies, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
5. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: Learn about one of America’s most iconic presidents at his presidential library and museum. Located on Columbia Point in Dorchester, this museum offers stunning views of Boston Harbor as well.

Restaurants

There are so many great restaurants in Boston that it can be hard to decide where to eat while you’re on vacation. If you’re looking for some good seafood, head to the North End and try one of the many seafood restaurants there.

For a casual meal, check out the South End or Cambridge for some great burger or pizza places. And if you want something a little nicer, Downtown Boston has plenty of great options. No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to find it in Boston.

While in the city, we ate at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Boston Kitchen Pizza (located on Stuart St). The pizza restaurant was AMAZING. I was not too much of a fan of the food from Faneuil Hall (I had a lobster roll there and was not impressed.)

I imagine the lobster roll is probably better at another location, so I would recommend passing on it there. My children ate Regina Pizzeria and loved it (but they did say the pizza from Salem was better)!

Museums and Historical Sites

There are plenty of museums and historical sites to keep the whole family entertained on a Boston vacation. The Boston Tea Party Museum is a must-see for history buffs, and the interactive exhibits are sure to keep the kids engaged. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts has an outstanding collection, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is not to be missed. And no visit to Boston would be complete without a walk through the Freedom Trail, which takes you to some of the most important historical sites in the city.

We spent a whole day touring the Freedom Trail and LOVED everything we saw. We also spent time at the Boston Aquarium. I was not impressed. Having been to several aquariums across the country, this was definitely one of my least favorite.

Shopping Districts

Boston is home to many different shopping districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques or cozy local shops, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in Boston.

Some of our favorite shopping districts include:

Newbury Street: This street is lined with chic boutiques and independent shops. You’ll find everything from designer clothes to vintage treasures on Newbury Street.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace: This historic marketplace is a great place to find souvenirs and local goods. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, making it the perfect place to take a break from shopping.

The South End: The South End is home to trendy shops and art galleries. This is the perfect place to find unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items.

What Else To Do on a Day Trip or Overnight Trip

Assuming you’re staying in Boston for a family vacation, there are plenty of other activities to do besides the obvious tourist traps. If you’re looking for something different to do on a day trip or an overnight trip, consider the following:

Visit Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Take a tour of the historic ballpark, or catch a game if you’re in town during baseball season.
Check out Quincy Market in downtown Boston. This historic marketplace is full of shops and restaurants, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat.
Explore one of Boston’s many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Take a walk or a boat ride through the Boston Common, the city’s central park.
Visit Harvard University in Cambridge, just across the river from Boston. Take a tour of the campus, or visit one of the university’s museums. We wanted to stop over at some of the museums near Harvard, but we were unable to do so. We will definitely go the next time we are in the city!

There’s no doubt that Boston is a great place to visit with your family. With so many things to see and do, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, museums, or just taking a walk through the city, there’s something for everyone in Boston. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!