Best Monuments and Sites of Boston

HARVARD University

Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States, having been founded in 1636 and named after the first major benefactor as well as a founder, Reverend John Harvard. Take a walk around the grounds or join a free tour of the campus and its most iconic and important landmarks all throughout the city. These student-led tours include stops at the Widener Library, Memorial Church, University Hall, Fogg Museum, and of course the John Harvard Statue; all the while learning the story of the university's history. When visiting Harvard, guests may simply enjoy Harvard Square and all it has to offer once they've finished with their tour of the Campus. Cambridge itself has a wide variety of diverse communities and people, including brilliant street performers and students enjoying the area's restaurants, bars, music venues, and shopping.

Granary Burial Ground

The Granary Burial Ground is a modest cemetery that has the graves of a number of people whose actions and/or character shaped American history. The cemetery is located near a pre-Revolutionary grain warehouse, and is home to the graves of such historical characters from the revolution, such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, victims of the Boston Massacre, and the woman dubbed "Mother Goose" for her children's' stories. As well as the parents of Benjamin Franklin's and Sam Adams. A station on the Freedom Trail where you may learn about Boston history as part of a tour or on your own.

Bunker Hill Monument

The Battle of Bunker Hill is commemorated by this 221-foot granite monument. Park  Rangers give historical context for the pivotal fight, and seasonal musket firings enhance realism. The Bunker Hill Monument, a destination on the Freedom Trail, is not for people who want to enjoy the sights passively, since one of the finest elements of a visit to the monument is climbing the 294 steps to the top and site of the final stand, for some panoramic and picturesque views of Boston. 

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

The Boston Harbor Islands are a one-of-a-kind National Park. 12 ready-to-explore islands provide a wide range of activities for an active experience, including visiting historic sites, seeing local flora and fauna, hiking, kayaking, swimming,  picnicking, fishing, and even camping. Although you may easily explore the islands on your own, you may prefer to take advantage of one of the programs or trips available on each. All it takes is a short boat trip to spend the day creating your own adventure just a stones throw into the harbor.

Paul Revere House

This two-and-a-half-story wooden house in Boston's North End, located along the Freedom Trail, was Paul Revere's residence when he went out on his historic ride on April 18, 1775. The Revere House, which was built in 1680 and is now a National Historic Landmark, and is the city's oldest structure. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour, which includes colonial-era furnishings and Revere's own original silver work. Visitors will be surprised by the size of this residence, short squat ceilings and door frames highlight how individuals were just built smaller during the colonial period. You'll get a sense of the history on the cobblestone street before you even reach the property, which is located in North Square.

USS Constitution

Climb onboard Old Ironsides and discover why and how this ship managed to survive all the battles she saw. "Old Ironsides," or USS Constitution was built in the North End with bolts, spikes, and other fittings from Paul Revere's foundry, and is steeped deeply in Boston history. The USS Constitution, is one of the six founding frigates of the United States Navy, and after participating in nearly 40 battles she was never defeated. This magnificent warship, is now the world's oldest commissioned battleship still floating, and capable of sailing under her own power. Free guided tours are available, which are narrated by the USS Constitution's active-duty crew (one of the last active duty military crews on a wind powered frigate in the world) . Old Ironsides is a wonder in Boston Harbor, and a piece of American History that everybody should glimpse at least once.