Boston is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts and can trace its origins back to 1630.
The areas many colleges and universities make Boston an international centre of higher education and medicine, leading many to dub the city "The Athens of America". Logan Airport serves as the city’s main airport and is located in the east side of Boston. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore this diverse and historic part of the USA.
What is There to Do in Boston?
There are a wide range of museums to visit in Boston. Visit historic sites such as the Freedom Trail which is marked by red bricks. It will take you to 16 historic sites covering 250 years’ worth of history. Tour the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world or one of a number of heritage trails.
Boston’s Emerald Necklace consists of nine parks linked by parkways and waterways. In Franklin Park, you will also find Franklin Park Zoo which is home to more than 1000 animals from 220 species.
Shopping in Boston is an event in itself! There's plenty to choose from such as the upscale boutiques of Newbury Street, Copley Place and The Shops at Prudential Centre in the Back Bay. Why not also try the outdoor kiosks of Faneuil Hall Marketplace? Across the Charles River there's Harvard Square and Cambridge Side Galleria. Further out, there are the Kittery Outlets and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets along with the high-end shops of the Natick Collection.
Boston offers a wide range of food and drink options. As a coastal city, fresh seafood is widely available, but Italian and Chinese inspired establishments near Little Italy or China Town are also a popular choice. Your biggest problem will be choosing what to eat!
Day Trips From Boston
With your hire car, why not take a trip to Cape Cod and drive along the ‘Old Kings Highway’ (Route 6A) on the Cape? This scenic route has several towns and beaches along the way where you can stop off, with the opportunity to go whale watching or fishing.
The nearby city of Providence is within reasonable driving distance. It offers visitors plenty to see and do, such as the WaterFire which shows art and sculptures with over eighty bonfires floating in the canals and river. Providence is also home to Brown University and the Trinity Repertory Company who offer a range of plays, musicals and classics.
Alternatively a bit further inland is the opportunity to drive along the Mohawk trail. Once a Native American trade route, it is now it is a 63 mile touring road. It will take you across state parks, forests and reservations, all of which offer spectacular views and vistas especially in autumn.
