Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. U.S.S. Constitution
Launched in 1797, "Old Ironsides" sailed her way into the history books by taking on the British fleet in the War of 1812. She fought in 40 naval battles, and never lost. The vessel received her unusual nickname after French cannonballs bounced off her sides during an 1815 military engagement. Still seaworthy, the ship is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Free admission and tours, conducted by U.S. Navy personnel offer a look back in time. An adjacent museum features interactive exhibits. Visitors will undergo security checks before boarding.
2. Boston Common
America's oldest park is the heart of Boston, offering recreation opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous monuments to the past. Designated as public space in 1640, British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary War. Part of the Freedom Trail, the park adjoins the Massachusetts State House and Beacon Hill. A favorite spot is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. The park is the beginning of the "Emerald Necklace," a seven-mile string of local parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Free.
3. Freedom Trail
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of Revolutionary sites, which starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends up at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
4. New England Aquarium
The 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the Aquarium, Boston's most visited tourist attraction.
5. Boston Massacre Site
In front of the Old State House, a circle of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. At this site, tensions between the colonists and British soldiers erupted into violence on March 5, 1770. A minor dispute between a wigmaker's young apprentice and a British sentry turned into a riot. The relief soldiers that came to the aid of the British were met by an angry crowd of colonists who hurled snowballs, rocks, clubs, and insults. The soldiers fired into the crowd and killed five colonists. Samuel Adams and other patriots called the event a "massacre".
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Fenway Park
Stepping into this stadium is like walking back in time. With the famous "Green Monster" as the left field wall and a hand-operated score board, this is a unique piece of civic history. The building opened in 1912 and is now America's oldest baseball park. The structure has survived several fires over the years, but unfortunately, its replacement appears imminent. See it while you can. Those who cannot attend a Red Sox game can take one of the guided tours, available May through September (unless teh Sox make it to the play-offs, which is always doubtful!).
2. Blue Hills Reservation
1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA
Head to the suburbs and enjoy the sights and smells of the season by tackling a scenic hiking trail.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Boston
200 Boylston St, Boston, MA
Treat yourself to a world-class night of rest in a room that overlooks the Public Garden and Boston Common.
4. Museum of Fine Arts
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
5. Boston Duck Tours
Tour Boston by land and water on amphibious World War II vehicles.
1. U.S.S. Constitution
Launched in 1797, "Old Ironsides" sailed her way into the history books by taking on the British fleet in the War of 1812. She fought in 40 naval battles, and never lost. The vessel received her unusual nickname after French cannonballs bounced off her sides during an 1815 military engagement. Still seaworthy, the ship is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Free admission and tours, conducted by U.S. Navy personnel offer a look back in time. An adjacent museum features interactive exhibits. Visitors will undergo security checks before boarding.
2. Boston Common
America's oldest park is the heart of Boston, offering recreation opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous monuments to the past. Designated as public space in 1640, British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary War. Part of the Freedom Trail, the park adjoins the Massachusetts State House and Beacon Hill. A favorite spot is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. The park is the beginning of the "Emerald Necklace," a seven-mile string of local parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Free.
3. Freedom Trail
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of Revolutionary sites, which starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends up at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
4. New England Aquarium
The 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the Aquarium, Boston's most visited tourist attraction.
5. Boston Massacre Site
In front of the Old State House, a circle of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. At this site, tensions between the colonists and British soldiers erupted into violence on March 5, 1770. A minor dispute between a wigmaker's young apprentice and a British sentry turned into a riot. The relief soldiers that came to the aid of the British were met by an angry crowd of colonists who hurled snowballs, rocks, clubs, and insults. The soldiers fired into the crowd and killed five colonists. Samuel Adams and other patriots called the event a "massacre".
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Fenway Park
Stepping into this stadium is like walking back in time. With the famous "Green Monster" as the left field wall and a hand-operated score board, this is a unique piece of civic history. The building opened in 1912 and is now America's oldest baseball park. The structure has survived several fires over the years, but unfortunately, its replacement appears imminent. See it while you can. Those who cannot attend a Red Sox game can take one of the guided tours, available May through September (unless teh Sox make it to the play-offs, which is always doubtful!).
2. Blue Hills Reservation
1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA
Head to the suburbs and enjoy the sights and smells of the season by tackling a scenic hiking trail.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Boston
200 Boylston St, Boston, MA
Treat yourself to a world-class night of rest in a room that overlooks the Public Garden and Boston Common.
4. Museum of Fine Arts
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
5. Boston Duck Tours
Tour Boston by land and water on amphibious World War II vehicles.
Helpful Tips & Resources
Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through BOS Airport:
- Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
- If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi and surf galore!
- Are you a frequent flyer or traveling in business or first class? Check out where the airline lounges are located.
- Once you have passed through security, you can use the interactive terminal map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
- Need some cash for your trip? Check here for the location of in-terminal ATMs or currency exchangers.
- If you're flying in from out of town and need transportation to your destination, consider renting a car from one of these rental car providers.