Freedom Trail
This
three-mile ribbon of red paint links 16 historical sites.
Most visitors start the trail at the Boston Common. The
National Park Service offers 90-minute guided tours starting
at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center. Maps
are also available here. Stops include the Old State House,
Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. You can also discover
Paul Revere's house and the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. At
the end of the trail in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument
and the U.S.S. Constitution await you.
Boston Duck Tours
A
fleet of Ducks, brightly colored, vintage World War II amphibious
vehicles provide 80-minute, narrated, half-land, half-water
tours of Boston. Do not be alarmed when your Duck abandons
its wheels and lowers itself onto the Charles River! Tours
depart on the half-hour and cover many of Boston's downtown
tourist attractions. Keep in mind: Tour guides encourage
quacking! Tickets, which may be purchased two days in advance,
often sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends.
New England Aquarium
Since
opening in 1969, this waterfront landmark has become one
of Boston's biggest tourist attractions. The most famous
exhibit, the massive 200,000-gallon "Giant Ocean Tank,"
has a simulated Caribbean coral reef. Sharks, sea turtles,
moray eels and tropical fish cruise by crowds of children
pressed against the glass. Another freshwater gallery contains
piranha. Visitors can view a sea otter habitat and three
species of penguins. There are also hand-on exhibits. The
aquarium also offers whale watching cruises and seal shows.
U.S.S. Constitution
Launched
in 1797, "Old Ironsides" sailed her way into the
history books by taking on the British fleet in the War
of 1812. She fought in 40 naval battles, and never lost.
The vessel received her unusual nickname after French cannonballs
bounced off her sides during an 1815 military engagement.
Still seaworthy, the ship is the oldest commissioned warship
in the world. Free admission and tours, conducted by U.S.
Navy personnel offer a look back in time. An adjacent museum
features interactive exhibits. Visitors will undergo security
checks before boarding.
Fenway Park
Stepping
into this stadium is like walking back in time. With the
famous "Green Monster" as the left field wall
and a hand-operated score board, this is a unique piece
of civic history. The building opened in 1912 and is now
America's oldest baseball park. The structure has survived
several fires over the years, but unfortunately, its replacement
appears imminent. See it while you can. Those who cannot
attend a Red Sox game can take one of the guided tours,
available May through September. See the Web site or call
for details.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
A
five-building complex that includes Quincy Market, there
are more than 100 places to eat, shop and drink at this
historic site. French merchant Peter Faneuil (pronounced
FAN-you-wull) gave the hall that precedes the marketplace
to his adopted home of Boston in 1742. It has been called
the "Cradle of Liberty" because of the number
of revolutionaries and abolitionists who delivered important
speeches here. The hall is now a tourist center, but public
meeting facilities are still available.
Boston Common
America's
oldest park is the heart of Boston, offering recreation
opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous
monuments to the past. Designated as public space in 1640,
British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary
War. Part of the Freedom Trail, the park adjoins the Massachusetts
State House and Beacon Hill. A favorite spot is the Frog
Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. The park is
the beginning of the "Emerald Necklace," a seven-mile
string of local parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Free.
Prudential Center Skywalk
For
a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area, take
a 50-floor trip to this skywalk. The floor-to-ceiling windows
here present a vista of Boston in all directions. On a clear
day, visitors can see the mountains of New Hampshire. Museum-like
displays offer detailed information on the history of Boston's
geography. While you're here you can take the elevator up
two more floors to the renowned restaurant, Top of the Hub
or downstairs to the Shops at Prudential Center.
Cheers Beacon Hill
Tourists
still flock to this Beacon Street bar, which was the inspiration
for the Cheers television series, which ran for 11 years
and won a number of awards. Avid fans should be forewarned,
however: the exterior is very familiar, but the inside is
nothing like the TV version. Drinks and food are served
here, but its icon status is what draws people in here.
It is considered by many to be one of the top tourist attractions
in Boston. A second site, named Cheers, recently opened
at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Franklin Park Zoo
This
zoo has numerous habitats with exotic animals from all over
the globe, including a tropical forest with gorillas, warthogs,
tapirs and bats. Hit the "Outback Trail" to view
kangaroos, wallabies, emus and cockatoos. Encounters with
lions, zebras, ostriches, snow leopards and butterflies
are also possible. The "Franklin Farm" exhibit
features a petting zoo for children and a chicken hatchery.
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