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Historical Landmarks in Boston and Beyond

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and as such, boasts more than it's fair share of historical Landmarks. From The Bunker Hill Monument and The Boston Custom House, to The old North Church and The Old South Meeting House, history abounds with landmarks everywhere you turn in Boston.



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Boston HaymarketBoston, $
Haymarket is Boston's great outdoor market, where you can buy everything from fruits and vegetable to sugar cane to fish just off the boat.
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Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum (for kids and adults)Boston, $
The Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum is a re-creation of the famous protest in a full scale replica of the tea party ship, also museum exhibits. It's a great place for kids to learn first-hand what happened at the Boston...
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Bunker Hill MonumentCharlestown, Free
The Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. It's been open to the public since 1842. Climb the 294 steps to the top of the granite obelisk.
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Castle Island, Fort Independence and Sullivan's Snack ShackBoston, Free
Castle Island is a great place to walk, roller blade or scooter along Boston Harbor. This 22 acre land-bound island (it's the site of an old armory), features a playground, small beach areas, picnic tables, grills and...
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Fenway Park ToursBoston, $$
Tour the home of the Boston Red Sox, including the press box, dugout, field, and more. Tours run daily and leave from the Souvenir Store across Yawkey Way.
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Freedom Trail ToursBoston, $$
Walk into history on the Freedom Trail! Join a Colonial guide dressed in old fashioned garb as he or she takes you on a 90-minute walking tour of The Freedom Trail, from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market.
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Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House - Home of the AlcottsConcord, $
Orchard House is the former home of author Louisa May Alcott (Little Women). Very homey and informal - shown by 30 minute tours only.
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Minuteman Trail National ParkConcord, Free
Created in 1959, Minute Man National Historical Park (NHP) preserves and protects the significant historic sites, structures, properties, and landscapes associated with some of the first battles of the American...
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Old North Church - North EndBoston, $
Revere's 'One if by land, and two if by sea' ride. Built in 1723, it was the tallest structure in Boston until the 217-foot steeple topping the Park Street Church surpassed it in 1809.
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Old South Meeting HouseBoston, $
When you follow the Freedom Trail's red line you'll eventually arrive at the Old South Meeting House. It was built in 1729 as a Puritan Church but has become better known as the site of the Boston Tea Party.
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Old State House MuseumBoston, $
Known today as the Old State House, this building was the center of Boston ’s civic life in the 18th century and the scene of some of the most dramatic chapters in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Hands-on...
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Paul Revere HouseBoston, $
The Paul Revere House is the oldest standing private home in Boston and once belonged to Paul Revere. It is a small museum comprised of rooms decorated in authentic colonial style.
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Swan BoatsBack Bay, $
The Boston Public Garden is oldest public park in the country, with relaxing swan-boat rides in the park's lake. The Swan Boat ride lasts about 12-15 minutes while the driver pedals you around the Public Garden lagoon.
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The Hatch ShellBoston, Free
The Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue adjacent to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston. The Hatch Shell is best known for hosting the Boston Pops Orchestra annually for the Boston Fourth of July...
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Walden Pond State ReservationConcord, $
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years at Walden Pond in the mid-nineteenth century and wrote of his experiences in the well-known book Walden. Swimming, hiking, fishing, boating for car-top boats and canoes (w/life...
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Battleship Cove Naval Ship MuseumFall River, $$
Historic naval ships, military exhibits, and related memorabilia tell the stories of brave sailors and their proud fighting days. Explore the Battleship Massachusetts' nine decks (great for kids!)
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Boston CommonBoston, $
Boston Common is Boston, Massachusetts' most famous public park and the oldest city park in the United States, dating as far back as 1634. It includes 50 acres of open park space with sports fields, a spray fountain &...
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Boston Public GardenBoston, Free
The Boston Public Garden is the oldest public park in the country, with swan-boat rides in the park's lake, beautiful winding paths and impressive gardens. Lots of benches to sit and relax.
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Castle Hill on the Crane EstateIpswich, $$
Castle Hill exemplifies the American Country Place Era with its farm and estate buildings, designed grounds and gardens, and diverse natural areas.
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Adams Academy/Quincy Historical SocietyQuincy, $
Built on the site of the birthplace of legendary patriot John Hancock - and funded by an endowment left by John Adams - Adams Academy began its life in 1872 as a boys' preparatory school, which operated until 1908.
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African Meeting House: Museum Of African American History2 Locations, Free
Exhibits and programs are dedicated to accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans during the colonial period in New England.
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America's StonehengeNew Hampshire, $
America's Stonehenge is an accurate astronomically aligned calendar. It was and still can be used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year. Learn about the history of the site at the visitors center, and...
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Battleship Cove ToursFall River, $
Explore the Battleship Massachusetts, a submarine, a PT boat, a Japanese suicide boat and more among the fleet of six vessels open to the public.
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Boston Holocaust MemorialBoston, Free
The New England Holocaust Memorial is an outdoor space, open and accessible to the public at all times. It is located in Carmen Park on Congress Street near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, on Boston’s historic Freedom...
Boston National Historic ParkBoston, $
Boston National Historic Park is an association of sites that together tell the story of the city's role in our nation's history.
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Boston Opera HouseBoston, $$$
The newly renovated Boston Opera House, located in the heart of Boston's theatre district, has quickly become one the best theatre venues in Boston.
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Boston State HouseBoston, Free
The State House is the oldest building on Beacon Hill. The building and its grounds cover two city blocks. The Bulfinch Front faces south, its red brick walls,
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Boston Women's Heritage TrailBoston, Free
The Women’s Heritage Trail tells the remarkable stories of women whose lives and achievements have enriched the city of Boston for almost four centuries. Explore some of the self-guided tours that you can take to learn...
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Brattle TheaterCambridge, $$
Independent, classic, and cutting-edge films. The theater also features Parents' Afternoons - movies where babies are welcome to attend.
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Chevalier TheatreMedford, $$$
Located in Medford, Massachusetts, the Chevalier Theatre is one of the Boston area's hidden gems, an historical landmark, a memorial to a hero and a cultural icon.
Dillaway-Thomas House at Roxbury Heritage State ParkRoxbury
The Dillaway-Thomas House was built in 1750 and served as headquarters for General John Thomas and the Continental Army during the siege of Boston in 1775.
Dr. Suess National Memorial Sculpture GardenWestern Mass, Free
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is now open at the Quadrangle in Springfield, MA, the city where Theodor Seuss Geisel was born.
Edgar Allan Poe Statue - Boston CommonBoston, Free
The statue is a bronze-based figure carved to look as though Poe is rushing down Boylston Street at the intersection of Charles Street South. Flying next to Poe is a giant raven, bursting from his baggage. A heart, representing his well-known work The Tell-Tale Heart, is...
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Faneuil Hall MarketplaceBoston, Free
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike.
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Forbes House MuseumMilton, $
The Forbes House Charitable Trust was established in 1984 to ensure the preservation of the house, collections, and grounds at 215 Adams Street. These treasures are interpreted through tours, lectures, programs, and...
Gibson HouseBack Bay, $
Built in 1859, the Gibson House is a historic house museum of Back Bay --filled with the Gibson's original furniture and personal possessions. Visitors enjoy a
Golden Ball Tavern MuseumWeston
A fascinating glimpse of Americana, learn about the history of a colonial tavern, a gracious home, and the six generations of the Weston Colonial family that lived in it.
Gore Place MansionWaltham, $$
Visit Gore place, a beautifullay renovated mansion & estate built in 1806. Explore the grounds of this 45-acre estate as a family! Children ages 3-9 with accompanying adults can explore the gardens, brook, and open spaces & visit the farm
Grist Mill at Wayside InnSudbury, Free
The Wayside Inn Grist Mill opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1929 and was built under the direction of former Wayside Inn owner and automobile maker Henry Ford.
Hancock-Clarke HouseLexington, Free
Dr Joseph Warren of Boston sent William Dawes and Paul Revere to Lexington with news of the advancing British troops. Arriving separately, they stopped to warn Hancock and Adams, then set off for Concord.
Hood Milk BottleBoston, $$
In 1977 the Milk Bottle was placed aboard a barge for its “Great Bottle Sail” through Boston Harbor to the Museum Wharf, now Children’s Wharf at 308 Congress Street, where it serves as a destination landmark delighting millions of people from around the world and the city...
John F. Kennedy National Historic SiteBrookline, Free
John F. Kennedy National Historic Site preserves the birthplace in 1917 and boyhood home of the 35th President of the United States in Brookline, MA.
Lexington Historical SocietyLexington, Free
The Lexington Historical Society operates three historic houses: Buckman Tavern, Hancock Clark House and Munroe Tavern. Guided tours are available from April
Liberty RideLexington, $$$
Visit the birthplaces of American liberty and 19th century literature! Ride along the historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts exciting events that defined America.
Lowell National Historical Park & Boott Cotton Mills MuseumLowell, $
Enjoy learning all about the Industrial Revolution through many hands-on activities, programs, and tours.
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Make Way for Ducklings BostonBoston, Free
Installed in 1987, Nancy Schön's magical bronze sculpture of Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, & Quack has since been one of the most popular Boston attractions for kids.
Mayflower IIPlymouth
Reproduction of the 17th-century merchant ship Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. Interpreters and role-playing reenactors and exhibits relate the storyof the journey.
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Old Manse HouseConcord, $$
No house in Concord has a more evocative atmosphere or a greater variety of historic associations than The Old Manse. Inhabitants like Nathanial & Sophia Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson fill the rich history of the...
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Old North BridgeConcord, Free
Site where the shot heard round the world was fired. Stroller friendly paths give passage to a serene park area with a view of the river.
Old North Church GardensBoston, Free
Surrounding Old North Church are some wonderful, relaxing gardens, including an 18th century garden, complete with rose arches, and terraces.
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Old Ordinary MuseumHingham, $
Take a step back in time through three hundred years. This fourteen room house museum contains an extensive collection of period furniture export porcelain, glass, paintings, textiles, tools and more.
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Quincy MarketBoston, Free
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Quincy Market has great shops and nifty peddler carts galore.
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Regent TheatreArlington, $$
Enjoy a wonderful mix of family shows, live theater, musical performances, and art films.
Richard Sparrow HousePlymouth, $
Built in 1640, the Richard Sparrow House is Plymouth's oldest surviving wooden frame house. A neat view of an authentic early Pilgrim life.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic SiteSaugus, Free
Learn about the nation's first integrated iron works (1646) in the iron-making plant, museum collection, the 17th-century Iron Works House, and the reconstructed ironworks complex.
Seaman's Bethel (Moby Dick)New Bedford, Free
Chapel visited by Herman Melville and described in the novel Moby Dick. The chapel is a memorial to whalers who were lost at sea.
Sleepy Hollow CemeteryConcord, Free
Visit remains of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathanial Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, among many other notables.
Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine EstateWaltham
Visit the convention-breaking interiors of Stonehurst, the country place of social reformer Robert Treat Paine and his family, where architect H.H. Richardson’s bold plan and flowing spaces combine with rich textures and handcrafted details, heralding the Arts and Crafts...
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The Globe at Babson CollegeWellesley, Free
Quite the funky roadside attraction, Babson College in Wellesley, MA boasts having one of the largest 'worlds' in the world on their grounds near the Coleman Map Building. The Babson World weighs 25 tons, is 28'...
The Paper HouseRockport, $
If you drive up Pidgeon Hill Street in Rockport, you may not notice anything unusal about the house at #52. The only giveaway is the sign on the front: 'Paper House'.
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The Witch HouseSalem, $$
The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Judge Corwin served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately...
United First Parish Church: Church of the PresidentsQuincy, $
Known as the 'Church of the Presidents,' this historic church was built from Quincy granite in 1828. Tours of the church include a visit to the Adams Family crypt.
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USS Constitution ('Old Ironsides')Charlestown, Free
Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. A tour of this 200-year-old ship may give your little landlubber a chance to get his sea legs. The USS Constitution Museum offers interactive...
Wayside InnSudbury, Free
Walk around the beautiful grounds of the historic inn - view the big water wheel, tour the house, dine at the upscale tavern, bunk in a lovely room.
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Winnekenni CastleHaverhill
This favorite Haverhill landmark, built in 1875, is a valuable part of the community, still serving as a recreational park and offering, concerts, plays, workshops, craft fairs, Halloween parties, fundraisers and so...
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