Visit Boston's Waterfront

Let kids play and learn at this attraction. Found along the waterfront, the 100-year-old museum features everything from an exhibit on bubbles to a traditional Japanese home. There’s also a three-story sculpture to climb for a superb view of Boston.

The park encompasses 34 islands and peninsulas—some of which are accessible to the public. Depending on the island, you can explore trails, tide pools and historic landmarks just minutes away from urban Boston. Islands, including Spectacle, Georges, Peddocks, Bumpkin, Grape and Lovells, can be reached Memorial Day to Columbus Day from ferries operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises.

Next to Long Wharf, this spot—deemed a AAA Inspector Pick for the impressive lobby—provides a place to lounge and plan. In addition to the harborside activities, it's close to the Freedom Trail, where you can explore places steeped in American history.

History is hands-on at this attraction. Costume interpreters will guide your family to the Beaver and the Eleanor, two replica ships, and will relate the importance of the legendary political protest of Dec. 16, 1773, when the Sons of Liberty threw chests of tea into Boston Harbor.

This is a bit of a walk from the Charlestown Navy Yard, but the historical significance makes it a worthy attraction to visit. The 221-foot obelisk is on the hill where Colonial forces constructed a redoubt (fort) during the first official battle of the American Revolution. History buffs should note Breed’s Hill, where the monument sits, is where the majority of the battle took place.

This historic naval yard features a visitor center, the USS Cassin Young, the USS Constitution Museum and “Old Ironsides”—aka AAA GEM USS Constitution, America’s oldest commissioned ship, which was constructed and launched in the yard in 1814. Hearing stories from a U.S. Navy sailor while on the undefeated warship is a highlight. Remember to bring your ID to tour the USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young.

This longtime restaurant serves New England favorites, including clam chowder, lobster and Yankee pot roast. Though diners no longer eat communally on the second floor, one can expect hearty fare and a good time. Coming here also will allow you to explore Faneuil Hall, a must-do hub of shopping and dining in Boston.

Watching penguins being fed at the ground floor exhibit’s artificial islands is both fun and educational. Afterward, head toward the 150,000-gallon tank to see stingrays, sharks, sea turtles and fish. If you have extra time, buy fare for the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, where you are guaranteed to see marine life such as dolphins, seabirds and various types of whales.

Built as Christ Church in the City of Boston circa 1723, the AAA GEM is not only the city’s oldest surviving church but also one of the sites on the 2.5-mile redbrick Freedom Trail. On April 18, 1775, two lanterns blazed—a signal from patriot Paul Revere—revealing that the British were going to Lexington and Concord by sea, not by land. This action, later immortalized in American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride,” helped spark the American Revolution.