Boston Travel Guide

A Boston vacation is ideal for families, couples, singles and large groups. Full of history, Boston, MA was first established as a town in 1630 and officially became a city in 1822. Today, Boston is the economic and cultural hub of New England. Known for its plethora of historical sites and its intense sports rivalries, Boston provides exciting vacation options for everyone.

Things to Do in Boston

One of the most popular attractions in Boston is the Freedom Trail walking tour. Go at your own pace and visit sites like Boston Common, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, and the Paul Revere House. Because this tour is self guided you can stop and resume the tour at any time. It’s a great way to trace the history of Boston and watch some of the most poignant moments in early American history come to life.

Harvard University is also located in Boston, and visitors are welcome to tour the campus. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is nearby and offers a detailed glimpse into the brief life of one of America’s most beloved presidents. Urban Adventours are a popular choice for those who still want to tour Boston but don’t want to walk. These bicycle tours are environmentally friendly and interesting all at the same time.

Baseball aficionados may want to arrange their travel schedule around when the Boston Red Sox are in town as catching a game at Fenway Park is truly a memorable experience as Fenway Park is one of America’s oldest ballparks and provides a glimpse into how baseball used to be played.

Those looking for a unique Boston dining experience must eat at the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant established in 1826. 

Travel to and Around Boston

Logan International Airport is located in the city, making it easy to find cheap flights to Boston. As the seventh busiest airport in the nation, Logan International Airport sees over 27 million travelers pass through it per year. Discount airfare to Boston from LAX starts at $467 roundtrip with only a slight variation in price, roundtrip airfare from SFO begins in the $426 range. JFK and ORD provide additional cheap flights to Boston beginning at $155 and $313 respectively.

The airport is serviced by rail, bus, subway and boat making it easy for travelers to connect to their ultimate destination in Boston or beyond. Shared ride vans, rental cars and taxis are also viable options. But if having your own car isn’t absolutely necessary, the Boston subway system is fairly easy to navigate and provides service all over the city and surrounding areas.

Peak Seasons and Ideal Times to Travel

There is really no bad time of year to travel to Boston as each season has its own unique offerings. The only times of year that you may find Boston absolutely unbearable are in the winter when temperatures are well below zero and outdoor activities are impossible due to the heavy snowfall, and in the middle of summer when humidity is at an all-time high and your clothes are sticking to you. May and September tend to be nice times of year to come as jackets are not usually necessary in those months. Although a bit crisp, the fall presents Boston in all of its glory as the leaves have begun to change.

Hotels and Lodging Options in Boston

Whether you want to spend $20 or $200+ per night on your lodging, Boston has an option for you. Boston provides hostels for the budget minded traveler, while still offering plenty of chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and furnished apartments for those who prefer comfort or privacy to saving a buck. Travelers who want a truly unique experience might prefer to stay at the Newbury Guesthouse in a historic neighborhood that hasn’t changed much since the 1800s.