4 “Can’t Miss” Boston Vacation Attractions

Explore some amazing Boston vacation attractions on our fully guided tour. Caravan’s all-inclusive New England tour features some amazing vacation sights!

Each year 12 million people from across North America and the globe come to enjoy the unique attractions in Boston.

Boston Massachusetts is a vibrant port city and thrives on its cultural facilities and historical education sites. After playing a pivotal role in the American Revolution, Boston will forever be a significant city marked in American history.

Boston is the social and commercial hub of most New England vacations and more than capable of entertaining and accommodating visitors, as very few other US cities can. Some of the more popular Boston vacation attractions include:

  • Shopping at Fanueil Hall Marketplace
  • Old North Church
  • Taking a tour of the State Capitol
  • Strolling through the Boston Common (America’s oldest park)

Boston’s Fanueil Hall Marketplace – Nearly 280 Years Old!

Fanueil Hall was constructed in 1742 by one of Boston’s most affluent merchants, Peter Faneuil, and then generously donated to the city. It quickly became an active marketplace for various merchants, meat producers, and fishermen. As a town gathering place, Fanueil Hall was also where colonists protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and created the doctrine of “no taxation without representation.”

Quincy Market was added to the shopping marketplace in 1826 and the area remained the business hub into the early 1900s. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair in the mid-1900s and by the 1970s Faneuil Hall was set to be demolished. Thanks to a group committed to preserving Boston’s heritage, the buildings were revitalized, which gave a massive facelift to Boston’s downtown core.

Today the urban marketplace is a social hub for Boston residents, vacationers, and visitors alike. Over 18 million people visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace each year to enjoy its shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Old North Church –Oldest Church in Boston

The Old North Church in Boston is also known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. Church services are still held at this site on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings but it has become more than just a place of worship; Old North Church has also become a popular Boston vacation attraction.

The Old North Church is also a Historical and Architectural Site. In 1775, Robert Newman made the church’s steeple famous by holding up two lanterns as a signal to Paul Revere that the British were invading by sea and not by land. Inevitably, this event started the American Revolution.

The church is the oldest standing church in Boston – a city known for its historical buildings. The Old North Foundation has been set in place to restore the church and create an interactive learning environment on the site.

Boston State Capitol Building

The Massachusetts State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch, one of Boston’s most beloved architects, and built to completion in 1798. Marble decorations and statues embellish the 220 year old building throughout, a constant reminder of its importance as the first building built on Boston’s Beacon Hill.

This unique Boston vacation attraction is host to many popular guided tours through the facility, where curious visitors get to see Doric Hall first hand, as well as the Hall of Flags, Nurses Hall, the Great Hall, and the House of Representatives; plus the Senate Chambers and Executive Offices.

Boston Common – Oldest Park in the USA

Covering over 50 acres, Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States and acts as the anchor for the Emerald Necklace, which is the set of connected parks weaving throughout the city of Boston.

Originally, the Common was a cow pasture where anyone could bring their cows to graze. Up until 1817, public hangings also took place in the area. The area holds another historical significance: it was here the British troops camped out prior to the Revolution and where the troops left to face attacks at Lexington and Concord in 1775. Today the Boston Common serves as Boston’s ‘Central Park’.

Caravan’s New England Tours Include these Boston Attractions!

Since 1952, Caravan Tours has been providing all-inclusive vacations throughout North America.

Caravan’s New England Tours start and end in Boston and include the top Boston attractions mentioned in this article. The tour also includes a visit to the the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island, just a short 1.5-hour drive from Boston.

All of Caravan’s guided vacation packages feature all-inclusive tours and include all of your food, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation while on the New England tour. Also, see our blog about Massachusetts.

Check availability of our New England Fall Vacation Packages or check out our reviews page.

Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) today to learn more about Boston vacation attractions or to reserve your spot for our all-inclusive New England tours.