Getaway Series: Weekend in Boston

Need a weekend getaway? Why not enjoy a weekend in Boston! I loved the charming New England architecture, how walkable the city is and learning about its history! It’s one of America’s most historic cities. It won’t take long for you to fall in love with Boston. It’s a spot I know I’ll return to. I visited Boston last Fall but I think it would be a favourite destination in any season. It’s a great spot to consider as we head into the warmer months and everything will be in bloom for Spring, imagine the photo opportunities! Read on for some fun things you have to do on your trip while you’re there:

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a beautiful and quaint neighbourhood in Boston. I loved wandering by the old buildings along cobblestone streets. Boston was on my radar and I had a weekend free up so I booked the trip quite last minute and most hotels were booked. I was lucky to find an Airbnb in this area. It was such a cute neighbourhood with so much character. Best part, I pretty much walked everywhere from Beacon Hill. From here you’ll have easy access to attractions like the Boston Public Garden and Boston Commons. I was able to see so much of Boston and stop as I pleased to take photos.

Boston Public Garden

From Beacon Hill, I was easily able to walk over to the Boston Public Garden. I visited here every day. Grab a lunch to go and enjoy it in the Boston Public Gardens. Find a bench and take in the beauty of this view.

Boston Commons

Next, hop over to Boston Commons. You’ll find it right next to the Boston Public Garden. The Boston Commons is oldest park in the USA, dating back to 1634. This would be a great spot for a picnic. It’s also the starting point for the Boston Freedom Trail.

Boston Freedom Trail

One of the things I loved about Boston its rich history which is evident in so much of the architecture and many of the attractions!  Walk the Boston Freedom Trail line and it will take you on a tour of important spots in Boston’s history. Follow the 4km red line that will take you to trail with 16 important locations including the Massachusetts State House, Old South Meeting House and more.  You can do a guided tour or walk the trail on your own. I opted to follow the trail on my own and used this guide to take me to the locations and which also shared some of the history. Download the free PDF here. I was able to take my time and stop and take photos.

Harpoon Brewery

I found my new favourite beer at Harpoon Brewery. This was by far the best brewery tour I have ever done. The tour is an hour and only costs $5. The tour guides were hilarious and super informative. I learned they bottle 240 bottles per minute. At the end of the tour, you have about 15 minutes to try samples of as many of their beers as you like! I fell in love with their raspberry beer, it was so good!  After your tour head to their beer hall for a pretzel. They’re made using wheat that’s been through the beer process and instead of water they use their Harpoon IPA to make the pretzels. The pretzels were so soft and delicious! The beer hall was filled with people enjoying beers and bites on a Sunday afternoon.

Definitely make a stop at this brewery while you’re in Boston. I also recommend visiting this brewery because unfortunately, their beer is not available in Canada yet so it’s a must-do while you’re there. Depending on where you’re staying you may need to take an uber here but it’s totally worth it. You’ll find it in the Seaport District.  

Boston Tea-Party Museum

Visting the Boston Tea-Party Museum was one of the first things I did in Boston. I recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip because it’s a great introduction to Boston’s history.

This interactive museum will take you through the events of the Boston Tea Party. This was the single most important event leading up to the American Revolution. Over 340 cases of tea were destroyed in response to the British Parliament’s tax on tea. That’s equivalent to 1.5 million dollars today. The staff are dressed in character and walk you through the events that happened and it’s interactive so you get a better understanding of what happened on December 16th, 1773. You’ll also get to hear from the diaries of George III and Samuel Adams.

Brunch at Pastoral

I stumbled upon Pastoral after the Boston Tea Party museum. Book your tour in the morning and then head to this brunch spot afterward. Every Sunday they have an Italian brunch. I loved their unique brunch items like their salumi hash and brunch knot. They give you your bill with a postcard, such a cool idea!

Boston Public Library

This was the first free lending library in America. It houses medieval records and some first edition Shakespeare.

Converse Factory at Joy Wharf

You’ll need a car or take an uber here but if you love converse or want a pair of personalized shoes then you need to visit. Here you’re able to design and customize a pair of chucks to your liking. If you have a design or print in mind, bring it with you and they’ll work their magic.

Boston Waterfront

Catch sunset at the Harbour! I made a few visits here because it was so peaceful and beautiful.

Walk 15 minutes along the waterfront and make your way to the Barking Crab for a bite. It’s a quirky, no frills restaurant with a great location by the waterfront. It has some great vibes and you’ll be able to get seafood.

Next stop, head to the Boston Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar. Make your way to the top for a drink and take in the view of the waterfront from above.

Skywalk Observatory

Head to the top of Prudential Tower for a view of all of Boston! I loved this 360 view that let you see the whole city. You’ll catch boats on the water, Fenway stadium and more. This activity is part of the city pass (details below).

City Pass

Save time and money by buying the Boston CityPass. You’ll have access to Prudential Tower, New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, and choose between the Harvard Museum of Natural History or do a Boston Cruise. I didn’t have time for the cruise but would definitely love to go back and do it. Bonus, with the citypass you’re able to skip the line! Below is a shot from the aquarium. You’ll see plenty of creatures like seals, penguins, fish and more!

Catch a Game at TD Garden Stadium

Check out a game or a show at TD Garden stadium. It’s located right downtown so after the game you can walk to your next spot in the downtown core. See if there’s a show on that lines up  with your visit or catch a basketball game with the Celtic’s or a hockey game with the Bruins. I went to a Bruins game while I was there. You’ll hear the fans call out a distinct “woooh” every time they score. The stadium was jam-packed with people sporting yellow and black to cheer on their team. It was fun to see an NHL game in another city.

Fenway Park

The game schedule didn’t align with my trip but I would definitely try and see a game on my next trip. Head to the MLB’s oldest stadium and cheer on the Boston Red Sox. You can also do tours of the stadium. Below is a shot of the stadium from the Skywalk Observatory. 

Harvard University

One of the world’s most notable universities, Harvard, is found in Boston. My trip was already quite jam-packed so I didn’t make it here but I’ll make sure to visit next time. When I return I want to explore the grounds. I’ve seen photos online and it looks incredible.

Museums For All Interests

Museum of Arts, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. There’s a museum for every interest! You can visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History as part of the City Pass. For my next visit top of my list will be the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 

How To Get There

I highly recommend driving there. It’s significantly cheaper to rent a car than fly (I was monitoring flights before I went). It’s only an 8-hour drive from Ottawa and you’ll have some great views on your way there, especially in Fall with all the leaves changing. There are plenty of stops along the way. I suggest driving through Vermont for the best views. On your way back, stop in Vermont at Pie in the Sky for some pizza. It’s 4 minutes from the highway. I went there as a child on a family vacation and loved the pizza so much I still speak about it to this day. Twenty years later I returned and it was just as delicious as I remembered it. It’s also a great half-way point back to Ottawa.

Have you been to Boston or planning to go? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.