Boston Harbor Islands
Just a 10-minute ferry ride (about $15 per person as of 2009) from the heart of Boston you'll find the "hidden" islands that line the historic Boston Harbor. The Boston Harbor Islands consist of 34 narrow isles that are easily accessed from Boston's Long Wharf. Two of the most popular islands are George's Island and Spectacle Island. George's Island serves as the entrance to the Boston Harbor Islands State Park, and provides free water taxi service to the other islands. Guided group walking tours of the island's forts and other historical landmarks are available. The island also features picnic areas, concessions and a visitor's center that provides maps of every island.
Hikers, bikers and walkers will enjoy Spectacle Island's five miles of nature trails, with panoramic views of the harbor and the city. Spectacle Island has marina and beaches (which allow supervised swimming). Overnight camping is permitted on certain islands (see Resources below).
Quincy Market
Arguably one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, better known as Quincy Market, is a unique indoor market with many retail pavilions, a variety of restaurants and specialty shops. In addition to the main market, two buildings surround the market's west end. The outdoor, cobble-stoned spaces at the east and west ends of the marketplace are also filled with vendors and street performers. Faheuil Hall is part of Boston's famous Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail
The best way to explore Boston's plethora of historic landmarks is to take a tour of The Freedom Trail (see Resources). Stretching more than two-and-a-half miles, The Freedom Trail will take you from Boston Commons to the Bunker Hill monument and every place in between. The Trail is marked by a line on the pavement that you can follow. An ideal tour for hikers and bikers, The Freedom Trail is estimated to take anywhere from one to four hours to complete, depending on the amount of time you choose to spend at each site. While the majority of the monuments and sites are free, a few (including the Paul Revere House) charge a minimal fee for admission. Any trip to Boston would be incomplete without a visit to some of the most historic sites of the United States--The Old North Church and Old Ironsides, for example--found on The Freedom Trail.
Article Written By Ayisatu J. Taylor
Ayisatu J. Taylor is a graduate of Smith College and has been writing for 5 years. She lives in the Washington Metropolitan area and plans to attend graduate school to study public health. Ms. Taylor is an avid traveler with a passion for good music, good movies, good food, and good friends.
