Free and Affordable Vacation Activities in Boston

1. Boston's Freedom Trail

• What is Boston’s Freedom Trail?
  • Boston's Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long red-lined route that leads visitors to sixteen historic sites of national significance.
• What types of landmarks are on the Freedom Trail?
  • The trail includes burying grounds, churches, meeting houses, museums, and other historical landmarks.
• Is there a fee to walk the Freedom Trail?
  • While guided tours charge a fee, it is completely free to do a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail.
• What can visitors learn on the Freedom Trail?
  • Visitors can learn about Boston’s history, the American Revolution, and the brave individuals who played a role in the founding of the United States.
• When was the Freedom Trail established?
  • The trail was established in 1951 and takes guests to historical sites throughout the city.

139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, Phone: 617-357-8300

2. USS Constitution

• What is the USS Constitution?
  • The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world and serves as the Ship of State of the United States.
• What does the USS Constitution promote?
  • The ship promotes the naval heritage of America and the U.S. Navy through historic demonstrations, public access, and educational outreach.
• Where is the USS Constitution located?
  • The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, inside the Boston National Historical Park.
• Is there an admission fee to visit the USS Constitution?
  • No, the USS Constitution is open year-round to visitors with no admission fees.
• Are there any entry requirements?
  • Visitors over the age of eighteen must show a photo ID to enter the ship.
• Is parking available near the USS Constitution?
  • Yes, parking validation for the nearby Nautica Parking Garage is available at the museum and visitor center.

Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA 02129, Phone: 617-426-1812

3. Boston Esplanade

• What is the Boston Esplanade?
  • The Boston Esplanade is a three-mile stretch of green space along the banks of the Charles River, providing a scenic and relaxing area in the city.
• Are guided tours available at the Esplanade?
  • Yes! The Esplanade Association offers a program of guided tours to share the area’s interesting history.
• When are the free walking tours available?
  • There are eight different free guided walking tours available during the summer season, running from June to September.
• How long do the walking tours last?
  • The guided tours typically last around an hour and thirty minutes and cover about a mile of the Esplanade.
• What historical insights are covered in the tours?
  • The tours cover more than 150 years of Boston’s history, highlighting key historical moments related to the Esplanade.

21 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02114, Phone: 617-227-0365

4. Commonwealth Museum

• What is the Commonwealth Museum?
  • The Commonwealth Museum in Boston, Massachusetts is a free museum where visitors can learn about the history of the area.
• What are the museum’s hours?
  • The museum is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day until Labor Day, with hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• What is the main exhibit at the museum?
  • The museum’s permanent exhibit is The Massachusetts Experiment in Democracy, which explores the state’s history through different time periods, including the colonial, revolutionary, federal, and nineteenth century eras.
• What is the sub-theme of the exhibit?
  • The exhibit’s sub-theme is entitled “Tracing Our Roots”, providing deeper insights into the historical journey of Massachusetts.

220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, Phone: 617-727-9268

5. Edgar Allan Poe Square

• What is Edgar Allan Poe Square?
  • Edgar Allan Poe Square is a commemorative plaza in Boston, named in honor of the famous writer on the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2009.
• When was Edgar Allan Poe born?
  • Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Why was Edgar Allan Poe Square established?
  • The street and house where Poe was born no longer exist, so the square was established to commemorate the site.
• Where is Edgar Allan Poe Square located?
  • The square is located at the intersection of Charles Street and Boylston Street, near Boston’s theater district and close to the site of Poe’s former home.
• Are there Poe-related references in the area?
  • Yes, visitors will find various references to Poe in and around the square, celebrating his literary legacy in Boston.

1-5 MA-28, Boston, MA 02116

6. Massachusetts Historical Society

• What is the Massachusetts Historical Society?
  • The Massachusetts Historical Society is the first historical society in the United States, established in 1791, dedicated to preserving the culture, life, and history of America.
• What does the Massachusetts Historical Society’s collection include?
  • The society manages millions of unique and rare national treasures, including artifacts and historical documents that tell America’s story.
• Why is the Massachusetts Historical Society important?
  • It provides access to a vast collection of historical documents and artifacts, making it a valuable resource for American history enthusiasts.
• What notable figures are represented in the collection?
  • The collection includes extensive personal papers from Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, and John Adams, among other key figures in American history.

1154 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: 617-536-1608

7. Massachusetts State House

• What is the Massachusetts State House?
  • The Massachusetts State House was established in 1969 by the legislature and serves as the seat of government for the state of Massachusetts.
• Are tours available at the Massachusetts State House?
  • Yes, the State House Tours Division leads approximately 90,000 guests through the building every year.
• What types of tours are offered?
  • The division offers a Legislative Process Tour and a Historical/Architectural Tour, providing insights into the building's history and how legislation is passed.
• When do the free tours take place?
  • Free tours are available Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, lasting around 30 to 45 minutes.
• What are the operating hours of the Massachusetts State House?
  • The State House is open on weekdays from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.

24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133, Phone: 617-727-3676

8. Boston Public Library

• What is the Boston Public Library?
  • The Boston Public Library offers more than just books—it provides daily guided tours showcasing its historic architecture and art treasures.
• What architectural features are highlighted on the tours?
  • The tours highlight the famed buildings of the Central Library, designed by Philip Johnson and Charles Follen McKim.
• What notable artworks are inside the library?
  • The library houses art treasures, including works by John Singer Sargent and Daniel Chester French.
• Are the tours free?
  • Yes, the tours are completely free and open to everyone. They are led by trained volunteers.
• How long do the guided tours last?
  • Guided tours last approximately 60 minutes.
• Where do the tours begin?
  • Tours start at the vestibule in the McKim Building, just inside the library entrance on Dartmouth Street.

700 Boylston St, Boston MA 02116, Phone: 617-536-5400

9. The Bunker Hill Monument

• What is the Bunker Hill Monument?
  • The Bunker Hill Monument is a historic tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17, 1775, marking the first major battle between New England soldiers and the British army.
• Where did the Battle of Bunker Hill take place?
  • The battle occurred on hilly pastureland across the river from Boston, where colonial forces faced off against the British army in a pitched battle.
• Who laid the cornerstone of the monument?
  • Fifty years after the battle, the Marquis De Lafayette set the cornerstone for the Bunker Hill Monument as a tribute to those who fought.
• Can visitors climb the Bunker Hill Monument?
  • Yes! Visitors can make the challenging climb to the top of the monument for outstanding views of the surrounding city.
• How do visitors access the monument for climbing?
  • Anyone wanting to climb the monument can enter through the Bunker Hill Lodge, which serves as the main access point.

Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129, Phone: 617-242-5601

10. The Boston HarborWalk

• What is the Boston HarborWalk?
  • The Boston HarborWalk is a legendary waterfront pathway that provides stunning views of the water and surrounding city architecture.
• Where does the HarborWalk go?
  • The HarborWalk follows the shoreline, wharves, beaches, and piers around Boston Harbor, creating a scenic and welcoming pathway.
• What can visitors experience along the HarborWalk?
  • While strolling along the HarborWalk, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, historical exhibitions, public art, and unique shops set in a lovely urban environment.
• Is the HarborWalk accessible for non-motorized use?
  • Yes! The HarborWalk is a non-motorized pathway, making it a great spot for walking, running, and cycling.
• What trails and parks connect to the HarborWalk?
  • The HarborWalk connects to several inland parks and trails, including the Charles River Esplanade, the Freedom Trail, the Emerald Necklace, the South Bay Trail, and various greenways.