Home to America's oldest major-league baseball stadium, some of the nation's top universities and gorgeous waterfront scenery, Boston is not only one of the most prominent cities in the country, but one of the oldest settlements in the US. Whether you are in the mood for world-class cuisine or are simply interested in the history and architecture, Boston offers a little bit for everyone. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the east coast region, the city itself has a rich history, dating all the way back to the arrival of the Puritans.

Founded on September 17, 1630 by Puritan colonists from England that settled into what was known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony,  Boston's early European settlers first called the area Trimountaine, but later renamed the town after Boston, Lincolnshire, England, from where several prominent colonists had emigrated. The city was founded with strong religious ties, as its first governor John Winthrop gave a famous sermon entitled "A Model of Christian Charity," alluding that Boston had a special covenant with God. Over the next few hundred years Boston would participate in numerous French and Indian Wars and was the home of several major events during the American Revolution, like the Boston Tea Party and Boston Massacre. Join us as we take a look at some of the city's must-see attractions.

ATTRACTIONS

Boston Harbor Island National Park Area

Just because Boston is in an urban setting, doesn't mean you can't get close to nature. A 10-15 minute ferry ride from Boston's Long Wharf by Christopher Columbus Park will get you to many of the islands of Boston Harbor Island National Park Area, where hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, and fishing opportunities abound. The area has 12 diverse islands ready for exploring and 22 more that form an island wilderness, with a total of 1,600 acres and 35 miles of undeveloped ocean shoreline. Start off on Spectacle Island at the eco-friendly visitors center and then explore the five miles of gravel paths. Once you're done there, get in your daily history lesson by visiting Georges Island, where you can take in Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort known for its graceful granite archways and reputed ghost, the Lady in Black.

 

HarborWalk

If you want to experience the iconic Boston Harbor at its finest, there is no better way than Boston's HarborWalk. Featuring 39 miles of boardwalk that lines the harbor, enjoy interpretive displays, art installations, and signs. The downtown section winds along the water offering stunning views of the city. Download the free MP3 guide from the HarborWalk website to get the full lesson. Experience Boston's neighborhood charm along the HarborWalk, as you wind your way through the city's downtown district, stretching from Chelsea Creek to the Neponset River, through East Boston, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, South Boston and Dorchester. The possibilities of HarborWalk are almost endless, take a swim, take the dog for a walk in one of the many dog-friendly parks along the path, stop for a picnic, go fishing or simply have a nice calming run, HarborWalk's character and diversity is sure to make any activity all the more exciting.

 

Fenway Park

No stop to Boston would be complete without a stop to "America's Favorite Stadium." Fenway Park is not only the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, but it is also one of the most visited. After all, who wouldn't want to visit the park where Babe Ruth pitched, Ted Williams hit and today's stars still thrill Red Sox nation? Tours are offered daily and provide a 50-minute historic walking tour of the ballpark, guided by an official Fenway Park Tour Guide. Along the tour, you will learn tons of facts and figures, as well as bask in the rich history of the stadium. The ballpark was constructed in the 1912 season and was named by then Red Sox owner John I. Taylor. He said, "It's in the Fenway section of Boston, isn't it? Then call it Fenway Park." It was also Taylor who changed the club's name from Americans to Red Sox prior to the 1908 season.

 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

As one of the most unique museums in a city full of them, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a great stop for the art enthusiast or those interested in beautiful architecture. Stewart was one of the foremost women patrons of the arts in her time and was friends with John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, and Henry James. Her impressive collection of works includes three floors of Rembrandt, Titian, Botticelli, Degas, and Sargent and was opened in 1903. The museum building is modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo and is worth the visit in itself--especially for the interior courtyard garden and its second-century mosaic. Rooms include everything from European and American art to contemporary pieces and paintings of all types. There are also multimedia exhibits utilizing things like video and daily live art performances.

 

RESTAURANTS

B&G Oysters, South End

What's a trip to the East Coast without fresh seafood? B&G Oysters has consistently been ranked as one of the best eateries in Boston by publications like The Boston Globe and the Improper Bostonian. It is a modern, yet classic take on the traditional oyster bar with a decidedly neighborhood feel, friendly service, fabulous seafood dishes and food-friendly wine. A large bar with about 20 chairs dominates the cozy restaurant, decorated in blue and grey tiles with polished stainless steel. Sit at the bar and let the staff guide you through the daily selection of at least 12 varieties of East and West coast oysters or relax on the delightful patio during warm weather. There are also savory dish choices like clam chowder, lobster rolls and fried clams to satisfy the classic seafood lover and the knowledgeable staff is more than willing to help aid in your selection. Reservations must be made up to two months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead to get a table at this trendy Boston hotspot.

 

Pizzeria Regina, North End

If you're looking for the #1 pizza joint in Boston, look no further than Pizzeria Regina. Regina's has been firing up pizzas in their brick ovens since 1926 and tout themselves as "Boston's Original Pizzeria." A favorite among tourists and locals alike, the restaurant has a number of customer favorites, including the crispy, thin-crust Capriciosa with sliced prosciutto and mushrooms or the Meatball Pomodoro Fresco that features Regina's specially made meatballs. All ingredients are guaranteed fresh with a legendary crust made from a secret 80-year-old recipe using a special natural yeast aged to perfection. While Regina's now has multiple locations, the North End is the original and therefore, has a ton of character for those nostalgic for some true Boston history.

 

Petit Robert Bistro, Commonwealth and Columbus

Petit Robert Bistro offers Bostonians and visitors an authentic French Bistro on this side of the pond. The restaurant offers a mixture of French delicacies like escargot and foie gras, along with fresh seafood choices including salmon and bluefish, with a sampling of chicken and pork dishes thrown in for good measure. Chef Jacky Robert, whose career and reputation are well known to both Boston and West coast diners prepares daily blackboard specials made with the freshest ingredients available. The small space is cozy and has a "hidden gem" feel to it that will make diners feel as if they are just stumbling upon it off the streets of Paris. Finish your meal with the chocolate layer cake frosted with ganache and topped with an edible Eiffel Tower made of chocolate.

 

The Barking Crab, On the Harbor

Featured as one of the best dining establishments in the city in Boston Magazine, this harbor front restaurant offers fresh seafood fare like you would expect from a Boston clam shack, as well as a number of other options for those who aren't a big fan of the fish. It's prime location offers perfect New England views while sipping on a Sam Adams or one of the establishment's other beverages from an extensive list of cocktails. Not surprising, The Barking Crab offers a nice selection of crab including Dungeness, Snow, and King crab legs, as well as New England Boil Pots that can be shared among the table. The Essex Boil Pot features 12 shrimp, one pound of crawfish, chourico, corn on the cob, and potatoes, enough for an army. Lobster mac 'n cheese and the Boston Lobster roll are also guest favorites that are sure to leave you wanting more.