Castle Island is a twenty two acre urban park located along the waterfront and home to Fort Independence. With many paths for walking, biking or running as well as a playground and beaches, Castle Island allows visitors to see a Boston attraction and relax on one of their urban beaches that draw crowds of locals during the summer. With a clam shack on site (Sullivan's) you can stay through lunch and enjoy all that castle Island has to offer including the excellent view of Logan making it the perfect place for plane lovers to watch both take offs and landing.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: Close to the cruise port Castle Island offers visitors the chance to enjoy Boston's beaches and see a little bit of history.
Jessica's expert tip: Free and open year round, Castle Island gets crowded during summer months, and parking get difficult.
The Old North Church holds a spot in American history as the location where on April 18, 1775 Robert Newman used two of Paul Revere's lanterns to signal Cambridge residents of the British approach by sea. An active Episcopal church, Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston. Attend a service or take a tour, either way this stop on the Freedom trail is well worth a visit. Check out the private benches that are boxed in with family names to see a glimpse into the past. Just be sure to make time for the museum hidden in the back of the gift shop next door, a real treat for the history buff.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: The Old North Church is a historical gem and is a short cab ride from the cruise port.
Jessica's expert tip: Make this historic stop a part of your visit to Boston's North End, where you can spend hours wandering the streets, shipping and indulging in great eats.
Laugh Boston is a 300 seat, state-of-the-art spot for comedy. Featuring both national and local acts wednesday-Saturday, you'll find the comedians you want to see on the stage at Laugh Boston. Offering a full bar and a quick serve menu consisting of simple food like sandwiches, appetizers and salads you can eat, drink and catch a show all under one roof. Laugh Boston can be booked for group and private events. Laugh Boston's medium sized theater allows comics who sell out small clubs, but can't fill large theaters the chance to get on a stage that's just the right size.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: Enjoy comedy at Laugh Boston; close to the cruise port, you can eat, drink and get a good laugh.
Jessica's expert tip: Order tickets in advance, especially for big name shows.
Board a WWII-style amphibious landing vehicle, and get ready for a thrilling ride that's sure to make a splash. Children of all ages will love learning about Beantown from a knowledgeable "ConDUCKtor" who makes history quite comical with the addition of humorous stories to liven things up. The tour covers historical sites of the city and is one of the best ways to get an overview of major attractions. Start out on land from one of their three locations then plunge into the Charles River for a unique view of Boston. Kids will especially enjoy quacking at passersby and may even get the chance to drive the DUCK while water bound.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: Boston Duck Tours are offered from the New England Aquarium, less than 2 miles from the cruise port.
Jessica's expert tip: The tour the locals love is a MUST for visitors. ConDUCKtors are fun, and make sure you enjoy the ride. You may even get a turn a wheel while in the water.
Head to the New England Aquarium for marine themed fun. Here you and your children will enjoy exploring the oceanic wonders that await at every turn. The 2013 renovation of the Giant Ocean Tank has made room for more ocean life to wow you. The addition of a new exhibits, including the interactive learning nook of the Blue Planet Action Center make learning about the challenges facing the ocean fun. While the shark and ray touch tank bring you up close and personal with the creatures you're admiring. Be sure to check out one the daily shows where you can be thrilled by the antics of the sea lions and seals on display.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: One of the top aquariums around, the New England Aquarium sits on the Harbor Walk; a visit caps off a nice long walk.
Jessica's expert tip: The Aquarium is busy and expensive; arrive when it opens or towards the end of the day to avoid the midday rush; and look into passes for discounted admission.
Situated along the Freedom Trail, this two-and-a-half-story wooden house in Boston's North End served as the home of Paul Revere when he set out on April 18, 1775 for that famous ride toward Lexington. Built around 1680, and now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Revere House is the city's oldest building. A self-guided tour takes visitors through the home, which features colonial-era furniture as well as original silver made by Revere himself. The size of this home will surprise visitors and attest to the fact that people were built smaller all those years ago. Set in North Square, you'll feel the history on the cobblestone street before you even enter the home.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: A look into America's cultural past can be found in the home of Paul Revere, a short can ride from the cruise port.
Jessica's expert tip: Situated in the North End, a visit here is the perfect excuse to eat some Italian treats.
The Boston Children's Museum is a local favorite. Exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health & fitness, and the arts, and all encourage kids to interact (via touch). Many amazing adventures await at the Children's Museum; kids can climb the centrally located maze, blow big bubbles in the dedicated bubble room, build something solid in the construction zone, learn about culture, and even countdown to kindergarten in the make-shift classroom. The Boston Children's Museum also features the perfect place for the under 3 crowd, Playspace. This room comes complete with crawling structures, small-scale slides, cars to drive and even daily crafts. There is no doubt that kids will have fun here, but adults will also enjoy returning to childhood at the Boston Children's Museum.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: Close to the cruise port, the Children's Museum will keep your family entertained for hours.
Jessica's expert tip: After a morning at the Museum, make your way around the corner to Flour for some of the best baked goods/sandwiches in the city.
It was not just one night that led Patriots to take matters into their own hands to begin a fight for freedom, it was the continued lack of freedoms and representation that brought about the Tea Party and led to a full scale war. A visit to the Tea Party Ships and Museum lets you can relive the catalyst to the American Revolution and see memorabilia from the time and event. The interactive tour begins with a town meeting, takes you aboard a ship to toss tea into the Harbor then concludes with oral reports and a movie about the time period.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an interactive tour of history that engages visitors.
Jessica's expert tip: An hour long tour runs a little over; save time to enjoy their tea tasting and peruse the gift shop for cool souvenirs.
Harpoon Brewery was started in 1986 by beer lovers who wanted to create something special in Boston. They had no experience brewing and sought help from third party brewers before honing their craft. Now producing one of the leading IPA's among other specialty brews, Harpoon Brewery is a wildly popular Boston attraction for the 21 plus crowd. Set in the bustling Seaport District, moments from many Boston hotels, the Convention and Exhibition center and restaurants, the Harpoon brewery offers tours, tastings, and has a beer hall serving sensational pretzels alongside their killer pints. Harpoon also hosts a variety of festivals that draw hordes of 20 somethings looking to have a good time.
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: The Harpoon Brewery gives you an up close look at this Boston based beer brand where you can tour and taste.
Jessica's expert tip: Check the schedule to see what's happening at Harpoon before you go. Make some time to hang in the beer hall and enjoy a frosty pint of Harpoon's finest fresh and on tap.
Roam the galleries or watch a show in a waterfront building that is as beautiful as what is housed inside. The modern art is an eclectic mix of what may sometimes seem to be mayhem. Funky fun displays rule the roost at this cutting edge art museum. But that's not all the ICA has to offer its visitors, various shows grace the indoor stage and summer time fun can be found on the HarborWalk outside its doors. Day or night you can find musical guests and DJ's lighting up the city with music. The ICA even offers kids a chance to fall for contemporary art by providing guide books and special "play dates".
Recommended for Attractions near Cruise Port because: The ICA holds a marvelous collection of contemporary art and hosts various shows.
Jessica's expert tip: When you've had your fill of what's inside, exit and enjoy the view from the Harborwalk; one of the city's best.