Top Things to Do in Massachusetts
Boston
Freedom Trail
This is a a 2.5 mile red-brick trail which passes through significant locations related to the history of the United States.
This trail is perfect since it guides you through many important places in downtown Boston. It is a long walk and there are many guides that make this even more interesting.
I walked this without a guide but since there are so many you can hear them along the way.
1. The Boston Common
This is the oldest city park in the United States, established in 1634. This is the first stop of the Freedom Trail.
Make sure to visit the Boston Common Visitor Center to prepare for the trail.
2. Massachusetts State House
The state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts completed in 1798.
With a gilded 23k gold dome, this is the oldest running capital in America.
I didn’t take the tour, but there are free guided tours available.
3.Robert Gould Shaw Memorial
This is a memorial for the 54th Regiment. The first all-volunteer African American unit in the US Army formed in 1863.
4.The Park St. Church
This is the site of where the first Sunday school occurred in the United States back in 1818.
5.Granary Burial Ground
Three signers of the Declaration Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine lie in this burial ground.
Paul Revere, Mary Goose and the parents and siblings of Benjamin Franklin are also buried here.
I joined a tour here and one of the jokes was that you could have a cold Samuel Adams beer while looking at a cold Samuel Adams from the bar across the street. A bit morbid but that’s exactly what I did.
6.King’s Chapel
Established in 1686 as the first Anglican church in New England. The oldest American pulpit still in use is here.
Be sure to visit the graveyard as well, founded in 1630 it is the first graveyard in the city of Boston.
7.Boston Latin School
Founded in 1635, This is the oldest school in American. Still in operation today, although in a different location.
8.Old City Hall
Boston Latin School once stood here. It is now the site of Old City Hall from 1865.
9.Old South Meeting House
This church is where the Sons of Liberty departed on Dec. 16, 1773, and dumped 242 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. The event now known as the Boston Tea Party.
10.The Old Corner Bookstore
One of Boston’s oldest brick structures from 1712 is now a Chipotle.
11.Old State House
The center of civic life in Colonial Boston lied here. Sam Adams and James Otis would argue against the policies of the British Crown.
12.Boston Massacre
Monument for the five victims killed on March 5, 1770.
13.Faneuil Hall
Place which held meetings and protests that led to the American Revolution.
14.Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere Hous is the oldest standing structure in Boston. Established in 1680.
15.Paul Revere Statue
The Paul Revere Statue is one of the most photographed statues in Boston.
16.Old North Church
This is the oldest church building in Boston build in 1723.
17.Copp’s Hill Burial Ground
This was the city’s second cemetery established in 1659.
18.USS Constitution
This is the oldest ship in the US Navy launched in 1797.
19.Bunker Hill Monument
Monument dedicated on June 17th, 1843. 68 years after the famous battle took place.
It took 16 years to construct the 221-foot monument which is climbable.
Mapparium
Three-story-tall, inside-out stained-glass globe with a walkway in the middle.
The surface of the Earth is not distorted in here unlike when looking at a globe.
The acoustics are pretty interesting too, you can hear your voice in full 360-degree surround sound when standing in the middle
Since this was built in 1935 some of the political boundaries are out of date.
This is a really cool attraction and it’s only $6.00 for a 20 minute tour.
Unfortunately there is no photography allowed inside.
Church of Christ Scientist
Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, this church has amazing architecture!
There are free tours daily and free organ concerts every other month.
Copley Square
Another place with amazing architecture, both old and new.
Really nice place to rest and admire how far we have come.
Warren Anatomical Museum
Collection of unusual anatomical and pathological specimens. This is a nice stop if you are not repulsed by human anomalies.
Harvard/MIT
Being some of the most prestigious schools a walk around Harvard and MIT campuses are a must!
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
Make sure to cool down with Samuel Adams beer at their brewery!
They give free tours and all guests over 21 will receive a complimentary tasting glass along with three Samuel Adams beers samples.
Salem
The Witch House at Salem
The only original structure in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
There is an admission cost so I didn’t go inside. Check their website for full list.
The Satanic Temple
Headquarters of the Satanic Temple and occult art gallery. Of course it would be in Salem!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go inside because it was being renovated.