WHY GO: Go on an Historic Boston Getaway and get aquainted with America’s Revolutionary War stirrings right where they happened. Tea Party, anyone? The Old State House celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2013. The Paul Revere House, built in 1680, is even older than that.
Even if you snoozed through history class in High School, there are plenty of engaging ways to learn about our nation’s birth in the city of Boston: from Tea Party reenactments, walking the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, and slurping up oysters in the same place some of America’s Founding Fathers did.
For a deeper dive into Boston and American History, check out these varied Boston Tours, and this Boston Waterfront post.
And, if you’re looking for other dreamy weekends with your honey all over MA, check out our Best Romantic Getaways in Massachusetts.
Things To Do On An Historic Boston Getaway
WALKING TOUR: Freedom Trail
Even if you only have 24 hours in Boston, you won’t want to miss the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail – a self-guided walking tour that ushers visitors by (and into) 16 highlights of the American Revolution. For an additional fee, hire your own personal (or group) costumed tour guide to take you along on an entertaining trip through history. Start at the Visitor’s Center and sign up, or purchase a walking tour booklet. You can also book a history tour online.
Highlights of the guided – or self-guided – tour include the Boston Common (the oldest public park in the United States), the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground (where John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere are buried), the Battle of Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution (nicnamed “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, it is the oldest commissioned warship afloat today) at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston Harbor.
VISIT: The Old State House
Built in 1713, Boston’s Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. Initially it housed the Council Chamber of the Royal Governor and offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Within these walls, our Founding Fathers debated the future of what were then British Colonies.
The Boston Massacre took place right outside. Later, officials read the barely dry Declaration of Independence from the balcony to a celebratory crowd on the street. Listen to storytellers expound upon the history of the building, take a guided tour of the Boston Massacre site, and watch a thrilling multimedia presentation through Revolutionary Boston at the Old State House.
This history comes alive through the very engaging historians at RevolutionarySpaces.org.
VISIT: Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, get revved up by agitators. Dump bales of tea into the harbor. And stare agape at put-you-there holograms. But will you be tar and feathered? That remains to be seen at this ingenious Living History museum that puts you in the middle of the action. Learn about the original Tea Party in the very place it happened.
Restaurants In Historic Boston
EAT: Union Oyster House
Near Faneuil Hall Marketplace on the Freedom Trail, the Union Oyster House is Boston’s oldest continuously operated restaurant – shucking oysters for patrons since 1826. According to its website, “Senator Daniel Webster, a regular in the 1840s and 1850s, reportedly drank a tall tumbler of brandy and water with each half dozen oysters.” Nowadays, visitors are more likely to down a pint of beer with the oysters, and perhaps order a bowl of clam chowder. Any which way, you’ll be soaking in a good deal of American History.
EAT: Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is less known for its culinary star turns and more for its pubs, shops, pushcarts and tourist traps. If you have never been there, go to say you have.
EAT: Neptune Oyster
Otherwise, wander to Neptune Oyster in the North End and slurp down a few of those pearl-makers.
DRINK: Historic Pub Crawl
Do you enjoy beer and stories of Boston’s treasonous events? Led by an 18th century costumed guide, this Private Historic Pub Crawl includes a tour of Boston’s oldest and finest bars (Union Oyster House, the Point, the Green Dragon, and Bell in Hand) and samples of a variety of Samuel Adams beers and light fare. 90-minutes outing Reservations are required 2 weeks in advance. Check website for cost of tour.
Where To Stay In Historic Boston
STAY: XV Beacon
Devotees of XV Beacon, on Beacon Hill, include politicos, celebs and refined-luxury hounds who check in to this 62-room boutique hotel for an Old World Boston Brahmin mansion experience complete with contemporary amenities. Within steps of the (new) State House, it’s a stylish – and oh so romantic – place to bed down while in this most historic city.
As someone who lived in Boston for quite a while, you’ve certainly covered the basics. XV Beacon looks like a lovely hotel – I hope to stay there on a future visit!
Have only been once, but I have to say that Boston just “feels” like America and all the places you have mentioned are perfect. Neptune is a great place, but don’t ever forget Lucky’s little family bakery in the North End, either! Great post.
Thanks for the shoutout, Tony!! Yes, Boston has such history. One of my favorite American cities! Malerie
My husband and I visited Boston for the first time two years ago. We we pleasantly surprised that it was not what we expected. We were expecting a smaller version of Nee York City. What we discovered was a clean, quaint city that embraces tourism and makes tourist feel welcome. The park was spectacular. We could have sat there for hours relaxing. The historic trail is marked and easy to follow. We want to visit again!