Where is Boston?
Boston is the capital city of the state of Massachusetts and the most populous city in New England. It is located on the east coast of both the state and the country and is a port city with access to the water into Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
As one of the oldest cities in the country, it is known for its rich history and the role it played in many events during the American Revolution. Today the city is a center of higher education as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.
How to get to Boston?
Several interstates run through or terminate in Boston, including I-90 and I-93. This makes it easy to drive to the city from neighboring states. New York City is 226 miles to the southwest while Montreal, Canada, is 307 miles northwest.
The majority of visitors arrive via Logan Airport in East Boston. You can also reach the city through the Amtrak rail system as Boston is the terminus of several routes.
When is the best time to visit Boston?
An ideal time to take a trip to Boston is in the summer to early fall from June through October. During this time, the weather is mild with highs in the low 70s, which makes it comfortable to spend time outdoors.
Winter can be very cold, and Boston receives a lot of snow while spring is often too cool to spend a lot of time out of doors. If you plan to visit in the winter or spring, make sure to bring warm clothes, lots of layers, and be prepared for inclement weather.
What to do in Boston?
Boston is a city full of history and known for its arts, culture, and sports. There are many theaters, museums, and performing arts centers to be enjoyed. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the best in the country and, along with the Boston Pops Orchestra, plays at Symphony Hall, a top venue for classical music.
The Boston Ballet can be seen performing at the Boston Opera House while the Boston Lyric Opera Company provides opportunities for live music and performances. Several famous museums and galleries, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum call Boston home.
Also located in the city are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path through the city center you can find many historic sites, including the Paul Revere House, the site of the Boston Massacre, a statue of Benjamin Franklin, and much more.
No mention of Boston is complete without mentioning their sports teams. They have four professional sports leagues and are home to the Boston Red Sox, which play at the famous Fenway Park.
The city has many parks that are included in a park and waterway system called the Emerald Necklace. Several parks within the system are Boston Common, Olmstead Park, and Franklin Park.
Is Boston family-friendly?
Although Boston is quite a lively and vibrant city, it has a bit of a small-town vibe that makes it more family-friendly. Many sites are nearby, so it’s easier to visit places without having to travel long distances in heavy traffic.
You can easily spend a day at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, where you can take a factory tour to see how the bricks are made or try out the virtual reality experience. The Museum of Science is also a popular family destination with not only exhibits but a butterfly garden, planetarium, and 4-D films.
Boston also has a few places designed just for children. One is the Boston Children’s Theatre, which has performances kids will love along with programs, classes, and a show choir. The Boston Children’s Museum is an incredible place with hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages and programs and events on everything from performing arts to health and technology.
The New England Aquarium is located near Long Wharf and has an IMAX theater and many fascinating exhibits, including jellyfish, penguins, and sharks. Not too far away is the USS Constitution Museum, where you can come aboard the ship and learn about its history while meeting sailors and exploring exhibits.
You can also head outdoors to explore many of Boston’s beautiful gardens. The Boston Common is a popular gathering place that was founded in 1634. Today you can find green spaces, tennis, and plenty of public art. In warmer weather, you can take to the water in one of the famous Boston Duck Tours along the Charles River and around the city.
