The Freedom Trail
In Boston, those looking for adventure and knowledge follow a red path. Stretching more than 2-1/2 miles from start to finish, the red-painted Freedom Trail takes walkers through an interactive history lesson. Begin at the Boston Common and travel to 16 sites that were important to America's Revolutionary War, including the Park Street Church, Old State House and Copp's Hill Burying Ground. A self-guided walk is free, but visitors can also choose to pay for one of the trolley tours in the area.
Public Garden
Though the Boston Common is the larger and better-known park in the city, Boston's Public Garden offers a range of activities in a small, ideal setting. Designed by Frederick Olmstead, the park is home to a 4-acre pond that often is used by a gaggle of swans. Patrons can also take a ride on the Swan Boats, which are vessels shaped like their namesakes. The park also has jogging paths and bridges to provide views of the many willow trees, elms and flowers that have been planted in the area.
Charles River Esplanade
Outdoor types are especially interested in the Charles River Esplanade, a pathway and park area that wraps around the Charles River. Countless joggers, walkers and bikers can be found circling the waterway on a nice day, and rowers can take solace in the fact that several boathouses line the area. Those who prefer to take in their surroundings as opposed to participating in them will enjoy the summer concerts that are performed at the park's Hatch Shell area, as well as October's Head of the Charles Regatta boating event.
Fenway Park
Boston may be known for its football and basketball champions these days, but it is their baseball team, the Red Sox, and their ballpark, Fenway Park, that garner the most attention. Sporting fans would be remiss to visit Boston and not take a trip to Fenway, the venerable bandbox that opened in 1912. Game tickets during the season can be purchased at the box office or one of the many ticket agencies in the area. Tours are conducted every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (unless a game is taking place). For $12 per adult, guests can see the fabled "Green Monster," sit in Ted Williams' red outfield seat and find photo-ops in front of the field.
The New England Aquarium
You can find the outdoor world inside at the New England Aquarium. Located at Central Wharf, this building is home to 7,000 fish and aquatic mammals, in addition to a four-story, 200,000 gallon ocean tank. You can chase away the rainy day blues with a newly installed Imax theater and an indoor seal show. Most local libraries offer discount coupons for admission.
The Arnold Arboretum
Found in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale sections of Boston, the Arnold Arboretum is guaranteed to please the outdoor enthusiast. Also designed by Olmstead, this 265-acre park offers guided and self-guided tours, biking and jogging paths, and nursery and greenhouse facilities. The park is also pet-friendly and open from sunrise to sunset each day.
