Thursday, February 21, 2008

10 Tourist Attractions to visit in Boston Massachusetts

If you are planning to travel to Boston Massachusetts there is a wealth of attractions to visit that are of historical significance.

The Freedom Trail - Three miles in length, the Freedom Train is one of the most popular walking tours in the United States. Marked ny pavement inserts and painted red lines, the trail is simple to follow if you go for the unguided tour. Park Rangers operate 90 minute tours should you choose the guided tour option. Of interest along the trail are the site of the Boston Massacre, the USS Constitution, the home Paul Revere lived in and the site of the Boston Massacre.

The USS Constitution - The oldest existing commissioned warship, the Constitution never lost a battle she was involved in. Visitors can tour the upper deck where sailors are available to answer any questions you may have. Located at an adjacent pier, plan on visiting the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that saw action in World War II.

Museum of Fine Arts - Located one mile west of Boston's Copley Square in the Fenway area, the Museum of Fine Arts can be accessed easily by using public transportation. You will find assorted art galleries, restaurants, gift shops, concerts and special exhibits. One can't take in everything in just one visit, so you should plan a return trip.

Paul Revere House - Paul Revere House is downtown Boston's oldest house, having been built in 1680. Paul Revere was the owner of this house for thirty years, from 1770 to 1800. Inside this restored home visitors will find assorted memorabilia as well as furnishings from the 17th and 18th century.

Old State House - Built in 1713, this is the Boston's oldest public building, now serving as a history museum. Marked by a cobblestone circle, the Old State House has views which look over the site of the Boston Massacre. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston took place on the balcony back in 1776.

Franklin Park Zoo - The recently renovated Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1911 and is located on a 72 acre site. Visitors will see exhibits that include the Australian Outback, the Bongo Congo, Western Lowland Gorillas and the Franklin Farm, where visitors can get close and pet the sheep and goats.

New England Aquarium - Featuring a 200,000 gallon tank aptly named the Giant Ocean Tank, the New England Aquarium's centerpiece is surrounded by a 4 story high ramp. The Giant Ocean Tank is home to many species including stingrays, sharks, barracudas, huge turtles as well as a Caribbean coral reef replica.

Bunker Hill Monument - A tall granite obelisk commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. Visitors who are feeling spry can climb 294 stairs to the obelisk's top and be rewarded by a beautiful view of Boston. During the summer visitors can take in a musket firing demonstration.

Faneuil Hall - Originally built back in 1742, Faneuil Hall was donated to the city by Peter Faneuil. British officers used Faneuil Hall as a theater during their occupation of the city. A military museum along with paintings of notable battles are found in the Hall. Park Service Rangers give historical talks.

Museum of Afro-American History - Called the oldest standing African-American church building in the United States, the museum features the African Meeting House, dedicated in the 1806. Changing exhibits are displayed in the gallery and guided tours are available to visitors.

1 comment:

Carina Coderis said...

Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, evokes a distinct European feel, which is evident in the city's culture. The city's role in the American Revolution has led to the nickname, the "Cradle of Liberty."

Things to do in Boston