Boston, Massachusetts
What to do in Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Port
Boston, Massachusetts is known for its rich history and culture. It is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from the Charles River Esplanade to the Boston Common and Public Garden. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are also popular activities in Boston, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and stores to choose from.
Museums
There are so many museums in Boston! No matter your fancy, you’ll find a museum showcasing something of interest. Some of the most well-known include the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, and JFK Presidential Library & Museum.
Shopping
Shopping is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Boston. The city is home to a variety of shopping districts, from the upscale Newbury Street to the eclectic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Visitors can find everything from designer clothing to local souvenirs. There are also plenty of opportunities to find unique items at the city's many flea markets and antique shops.
Dining
Dining is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Boston. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, from upscale seafood spots to casual pubs. Visitors can also sample the city's famous seafood chowder, lobster rolls, and Italian cuisine. There are also plenty of opportunities to find unique ethnic restaurants, from Chinese to Mexican.
Take a Walk
Boston is considered a “walking city.” While you won’t be able to cover everything, you can see a good deal of Boston in a day. You can start in the Seaport district and on to the Financial Center. Then you can make your way through Faneuil Hall to the North End. From there, cross Boston Commons to Newbury Street and its many high-end shops. If you have the time and energy, make your way down Comm. Ave to Fenway Park. Maybe not all in that order, but you get the point. Many of Boston’s landmarks can be seen by foot in a span of a few hours. Grab a map, some comfy sneakers, and have fun!
Historical Sites
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Over those hundreds of years, the city has done some pretty cool stuff. And much of that stuff is available to explore while at port. Whether choosing an organized excursion or self-guided tour, some of your many options include: Paul Revere’s house; Old North Church; Boston Public Library; USS Constitution; Bunker Hill Monument; Old State House, Boston National Historical Park and Plymouth Plantation. See specifics below.
Sporting Events
There aren’t many cities with more avid sports fans than Boston. Between the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots, there are more trophies than the small city can handle. If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting during a game, we highly recommend this option. Even if there’s not an event during your trip, consider touring one of these iconic venues and surrounding areas anyway. In addition to the professional teams and events, there are also dozens of colleges with quality teams to check out. You’ll find their sporting events on their many web sites.
Fresh Air
Boston has lots of beautiful outdoor attractions to relax, take a nap, people-watch, or whatever else you’d like to do on a nice day. Some of the most popular amongst our outdoorsy-cruisers include Boston Commons, Rose Fitzgerald Greenway, Boston Public Garden, and Bunker Hill Monument.
Freedom TrailThe Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile walking trail in Boston that passes by 16 historical sites related to the American Revolution. It includes sites such as the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution. It is a popular tourist attraction and a great way to learn about the history of Boston and the United States.Shopping near Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Port
Boston is known for its variety of shopping options, from high-end designer stores to independent boutiques. Popular shopping areas include Newbury Street, Copley Place, the Prudential Center, and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Boston is also home to a number of outlet malls, including Wrentham Village Premium Outlets and Wrentham Outlets.
Harvard Square
This is another shopping option that’s as valuable for its scenery as retail options. Not surprisingly, the marketplace is within Harvard’s campus area. Tour the iconic institution then make your way up and down the romantic streets for while browsing the small shops. You’ll find more interesting trinkets than brand-name items. Some claim to have become smarter while shopping in Harvard Square just via osmosis. Test this theory for yourself and let us know if it works.
Newbury Street
Newbury Street starts at the corner of the Boston Public Gardens. The retail corridor is one mile long and lined with brownstones and other architectural highlights reminiscent of days past. One very unique characteristic of this shopping strip… the stores range from super-high-end (near Boston Public Gardens) to less expensive on the opposite end of Newbury Street (which is where we hang out).
Faneuil Hall
Situated just off Boston’s waterfront, this historic landmark is where the US declared its independence from the British. Today, you can watch street-performers flip around while eating a cannoli and shopping for a new pair of kicks. According to Forbes, Faneuil Hall is the 4th most visited attraction in the country. While it’s not the best shopping venue for variety, it’s certainly the most scenic.
Beaches in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is home to a variety of beautiful beaches. The closest beach to the cruise port is Spectacle Island Beach, located on Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. This beach offers stunning views of the Boston skyline and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Other popular beaches near the cruise port include Revere Beach, located just north of Boston, and Nantasket Beach, located in Hull, Massachusetts. Both of these beaches offer plenty of sand and surf, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops. For a more secluded beach experience, head to Nahant Beach, located on a small island just off the coast of Lynn, Massachusetts. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the rocky coastline.
Carson Beach
Carson Beach is a popular beach located in South Boston, Massachusetts. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a boardwalk and amusement park. The beach is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a great spot for a day trip from Boston.
Revere Beach
Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States, located just north of Boston in Revere, Massachusetts. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a boardwalk and amusement park. The beach is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a great spot for a day trip from Boston.
Nantasket Beach
Nantasket Beach is a popular beach located in Hull, Massachusetts, just south of Boston. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a boardwalk and amusement park. The beach is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a great spot for a day trip from Boston.
Boston Tea PartyThe Boston Tea Party was a political protest that took place in Boston Harbor in 1773. It was a protest against the British government's taxation of the American colonies without their representation in Parliament. The event is seen as a key event in the American Revolution and is celebrated annually in Boston. Attractions in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is a popular cruise port destination. Excursions typically include a variety of activities such as sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Tourists can explore the city's rich history and culture, visit iconic landmarks, and take in the stunning views of the harbor. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, and sailing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and parks to explore. No matter what type of experience you're looking for, Boston has something for everyone.
USS Constitution
Of all Boston’s historic landmarks, this is one of the coolest things to do while in port. Within Charleston Navy Yard you’ll find the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship (originally launched in 1797).
Freedom Trail
Above we mentioned that “walking” is one of our favorite things to do in Boston. For a pre-planned route, this is your best bet. The Freedom Trail will take you through Historic Boston on a 2.5-mile trek including landmarks, museums, churches, cemeteries, parks, and more. For a self-guided shore tour, you can start at the Visitor Center in Boston Common where you’ll find maps. If you’d prefer a guide, check out the Boston Freedom Trail Walking Photo Tour here.
Old State House
Constructed in 1713, the State House is one of Boston’s oldest buildings. The national landmark is made of brick and easily spotted among the towering skyscrapers surrounding the monument. You’ll find a handful of artifacts from the Revolutionary days, including actual tea from the Boston Tea Party. Tours are offered daily.
Fenway Park
If there’s a game that fits your schedule while you’re in town, you’re incredibly lucky. Don’t think twice and grab that opportunity. Otherwise, still make your way down to the Fenway Park district while in port. The surrounding area is alive with the 100+ year history of the team. Oh, and it’s packed with wicked cool bars… er, “bahs.”
Paul Revere’s House
Seriously, it’s still there. Paul Revere’s home is the oldest house in Boston, dating back to 1680. For history-buffs out there, this has to be on your “things to do” list. You can explore the home on your own, or go with a guided tour. You’ll also find a small gift-shop to prove to your friends that Paul had you over to his place.
All Boston Access Pass
Get into the cruise-mindset with this buffet of attractions. For those looking to capture as much of Boston as possible, this is your best option. For a reasonable rate, you’ll get access to dozens of the city’s most popular attractions. This includes a smorgasbord of options from a Fenway tour to the Children’s Museum. From Six Flags to Swan Boats. Your pass covers literally thousands of dollars in admittance fees. You can see more on the Boston One Day Go Card here.
Best cruise excursions in Boston, Massachusetts
We've analyzed tens of thousands of cruise tours to find your ideal attraction while in port. Based on these reviews, here are the Best Cruise Excursions in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts cruise port map
Fenway ParkFenway Park is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. It was built in 1912 and is home to the Boston Red Sox. It is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston and is known for its iconic 'Green Monster' left field wall. It is also the site of many concerts and other events throughout the year.Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Port Terminals
Cruise ships typically dock at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in Boston, Massachusetts.
Boston Harbor Cruise Terminal
Boston Harbor Cruise Terminal is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in the Seaport District. It is a modern facility with a single cruise terminal and a variety of amenities. Boston Harbor Cruise Terminal is the home port for many smaller cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.
Flynn Cruiseport Boston
You’ll be departing and arriving from Flynn Cruiseport Boston aka Black Falcon Cruise Terminal situated in the city’s Seaport District. The port handles all cruise traffic in and out of the city throughout the year. Like the rest of Boston, Cruiseport has a rich history. Formerly a WWI warehouse, it’s since had a complete makeover and is one of the more interesting terminals you’ll visit. With 30 foot ceilings and original beams exposed, you’ll get a sense of awe as you exit or arrive.
Cruiseport Boston
Cruiseport Boston is the largest cruise ship terminal in Boston, located in the Seaport District. It is a modern facility with two large cruise terminals, a parking garage, and a variety of amenities. Cruiseport Boston is the home port for many of the world's largest cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.