Boston common & Public Gardens

The Boston Common is the official starting point of the Freedom Trail (described below). However, don’t just start off on the trail. Instead, make sure you spend some time walking around the Public Garden and Boston Common.

Unfortunately, it was raining heavily while we were in the garden, but eventually it stopped and we were able to hang out for a while before continuing on to the Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail

Boston’s Freedom Trail has to be the most visited tourist site. It begins at the Boston Common, concludes at the USS Constitution and is marked by red bricks or red paint throughout the route. Additionally, you could run through the entire trail in an hour or two, or you could spend multiple days stopping and exploring each site on the trail. We chose to break up the Freedom Trail into two days.

On the first day, we explored the Common and the Public Garden. Additionally, we visited the first few stops on the trail including the New State House, Park Steet Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Latin School, Old Corner Bookstore (now a Chipotle) and the Old South Meeting House. We finished the first day at the Boston Tea Party Museum (described below).

On the second day, we started at the USS Constitution, toured the ship as well as the visitor center and USS Cassin Young. Also, we went through the USS Constitution Museum (not part of the NPS), which our kids really enjoyed due to the interactive nature of the museum. Next, we took the ferry to Long Wharf and resumed the Freedom Trail with the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and Boston Market, and the Old North Church. Finally, we returned to our car and drove by the Bunker Hill Monument.

We picked up the Complete Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail to read about each site. I think it is on the 4th Edition and you can pick it up at a gift shop or purchase it in advance.

USS Constitution, USS Casssin Young & USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution is the final stop on the Freedom Trail. However, you can do it first or separate from the Freedom Trail if you like.

Also, you enter through the NPS visitor center, which gives you access to board both the USS Constitution “Old Ironsides” and the USS Cassin Young battleship. The visitor center and ships are closed on Mondays, so be sure to check days/times.

The USS Constitution Museum is not affiliated with the National Park Service. However, it is located across from the visitor center. Additionally, there are numerous interactive exhibits and our are kids really enjoyed it.

Boston Ferry

You can guarantee that you get a time to view the USS Constitution if you make it the start of your Freedom Trail. Additionally, from nearby Charlestown Navy Yard you can take the ferry to Long Wharf and pick up the start of the Freedom Trail from there. There is a small cost you can pay on the ferry and you get some nice views of Boston as well.

Boston Tea Party Museum

The Boston Tea Party Museum is not officially on the Freedom Trail, but it is a must-stop for families with any interest in the founding of the US. It includes a preliminary show with costumed actors to get you in the revolutionary spirit. Next, you get to board the replica ship, join the revolution and through the tea into the Boston Harbor. Lastly, there is a museum you can visit with some items from the time period as well as a video describing the events of the tea party.

Lexington and Concord

Minute Man National Historic Park is located between Lexington and Concord. It is recognized as the sites of the first battles of the revolutionary war.

We started at the Minute Man visitor center, which has a great video on the topic. Next, we drove to the North Bridge. Also, you will be familiar with the bridge after the video. From here, walk across the bridge up to the North Bridge Visitor Center.

Next to the North Bridge is the Old Manse, which offers tours, but we did not have time.

Additionally, there are numerous things to do in Concord, including Walden Pond (of Henry David Thoreau) and the Orchard House (home of Louis May Olcott).

We did not have time visit Lexington Battle Green, since we were visiting friends at the time. However, it would be easy to include on a visit to Concord.

Salem

Salem is best known as the site of the 1692 witch trials. Additionally, there are numerous sites associated with the trials.

We visited the Witch Trials Memorial and the Salem Witch Museum. The memorial is located next to a cemetery. The Salem Witch Museum is a show describing the events of the trials. Additionally, it also includes a small museum outlining other “witch trials”.

There are numerous other non-witch sites to see. We visited the House of Seven Gables, famous due to the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel of the same title. The tour includes a visit through the house, including a secret passageway. 

Additionally, there is the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, detailing the area as a historic port. It includes a small lighthouse and some surrounding historic buildings.

Finally, there is highly rated Peabody Essex Museum. We had hoped to visit, but it is closed on Tuesdays, which is the day we were there.

Also, if you are interested in historic buildings in the historic town of Salem, check out Histotravel.com’s Salem page, which details17 historic buildings!

Marblehead

Marblehead is an easy site to visit in conjunction with Salem due to their proximity. We walked around Fort Sewall. Additionally, there are view views of the marina from atop the fort.