My young adult sons and I recently spent a long weekend in Boston. We wanted to visit Boston because of its reputation as a good, fun place for young adults to visit, its appeal as a perfect place for a multi-generations trip and because Boston offers almost unmatched sporting activities with five professional sports teams and countless college teams.
Even if you don’t love sports, you’ll love Boston for its array of history, culture and great food. Here are the things we recommend you do!
The writer was hosted.
Overall Impressions
Pros:
- It’s easy to fly into Logan International Airport, lines move quickly.
- Boston is a walkable city, downtown is a walker’s paradise.
- Ride-shares are abundant – we never waited more than five minutes for an Uber.
- The “T”, public transportation is affordable and easy to use.
- The city is a sports-lover’s dream with five professional sports teams: The Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and New England Revolution.
- Boston has a fantastic food scene, offering world-class seafood and tasty ethnic cuisine.
Cons:
- City life can be expensive – hotels can be pricey.
- Winter weather conditions can be challenging.
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Be a VIP at Fenway Park
My son, Nick, has been a Red Sox fan forever so scheduling the VIP Tour of Fenway Park was a must-do. We met the tour guide in the Ford clubhouse, grabbed a cocktail and away we went.
The tour felt like a private tour because there were only 5 in our group so we had plenty of opportunities to ask our fabulous guide all our questions. I can’t pick one standout experience because everything on the tour was amazing. If you are a baseball fan, a history buff or someone who enjoys exclusive experiences, you will like this behind-the-scenes tour.
Highlights
- An up close, field-level view of the MLB teams taking batting practice prior to the game.
- Photo ops in the Red Sox bullpen cart from the 1970s.
- Explore the Green Monster, the famed 37 foot wall in left field that continues to be the nemesis of many MLB sluggers.
- See the hall of fame area that includes plaques for all the famed players.
- An opportunity to take photos with the Red Sox World Series trophies.
- Incredible insight from knowledgeable tour guides who provide insight into legendary Boston players and special moments at Fenway Park.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Some players came to the edge of the field to sign autographs after batting practice. If you want a chance to get an autograph get a spot field-side right next to the ropes.
Walk Some of the Boston Marathon and Visit Fenway’s Neighborhood
Boston Strong Sports Tour is a curated sports tour focusing on the history of two of Boston’s most enduring sporting legacies: the Boston Marathon and Fenway Park.
Part I: Get An Insider’s Look At the Boston Marathon
On this two-mile walking tour, learn all sorts of juicy tidbits about the Boston Marathon – its humble beginnings, its evolution through the years and the lasting hope and inspiration it provides to the city. The tour particularly shined with our tour guide, Kathryn’s, personal account of running the Marathon multiple times and how it truly feels to complete the famed 26.2 mile route.
Highlights
- Cross the Boston Marathon finish line!
- Walk a 1.5 mile portion of the route including the iconic Heartbreak Hill.
- Visit the Marathon Bombing monuments and hear the inside story of what it meant to live in the city during this heartwrenching time.
- Walk Boylston Street and imagine the marathon spectator crowds.
- Learn about the historical significance of Copley Square.
Part 2 of the Tour: A Glimpse Into Fenway Lore
For Red Sox and Fenway fans, the second portion of the tour provides an in-depth look at why the team is so beloved and its fans so incredibly loyal. Learn about the origins of the Boston Strong motto, the story behind the huge CITGO sign, the Fenway monuments and the Fenway neighborhood itself. Kathryn Harris, owner of Boston Sports Tour and Certified Public Historian provides deep insight into the psyche of a sports-obsessed city.
Highlights
- Walk across Big Papi Bridge, named for legendary Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
- See the iconic Buckminster Hotel and hear stories of the players that stay there.
- Enjoy photo opportunities at the Fenway Monuments and around the Fenway neighborhood.
SheBuysTravel Tip: This tour covers a lot of ground. Wear your walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Play with Boston’s Super Teams: Bruins and Celtics
If you’re a Celtics or Bruins fan this is a Boston bucket-list activity. On the TD Garden Arena Tour you’ll be treated to a behind-the-scene’s look of TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins.
You’ll go from the arena floor all the way up to Level 3 where you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the arena – and fantastic photo ops. Walk the halls where some of the most iconic sports figures reign and be inspired as you hear the inside scoop on Boston sports magic. Extraordinary tour guides provide real insight into how two super-teams operate.
Highlights
- Walk the most famous hall in New England – take the same route as the players walking into the arena.
- Tour visitor locker rooms – complete with 10-foot high showerheads.
- Take the player elevators to Level 9 to see the championship banners and famed Boston sports memorabilia.
- Tour Heritage Hall to learn about the Boston Bruins legacy. Try your skill with the simulated puck shot, air hockey and utilize your announcer’s voice at the sports desk.
- Hit the gift shop across from Heritage Hall for Celtics and Bruins swag. Bobby scored a Bruin’s hat from the sales rack.
SheBuysTravel Tip: While at Heritage Hall, watch the short film on the Bruins. It’s worth your time.
Take a Bike Ride
There’s no better way to see historic neighborhoods than via a bicycle with Urban AdvenTours E-Bike Tours. The group leaders we toured with made this tour both informative and fun. The E-bikes are easy to use as you navigate the busy Boston city streets.
The guys at Urban AdvenTours made us feel safe – usually with one leading our group and one bringing up the rear; and taking care to block traffic when we had to cross busy intersections. This bike tour is an interactive, physical way to enjoy the city and way more fun than a typical step-on tour.
Highlights
- Tour through the most well-known sections of Boston on this 2+ hour bike tour.
- See historical neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, North-End, Back Bay and South End neighborhoods.
- Tour Boston Common Park and take in the greenery as you ride through Boston Common Park.
- Ride along the Charles River Esplanade where you’ll see Cambridge across the water.
- This tour is recommended for ages 12 and up.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure you’re steady on a bicycle. This tour goes through busy areas of the city.
Race with Formula1
Visit the F1® Arcade Boston | Arcade Bar – F1® Arcade for pure excitement. A simulated Formula One racing experience, these games incorporate video screens with state of the art driver’s seats so you are in the center of the action. Practice high-speed turns and full throttle straightaways to get your juices flowing as you maneuver along the F1 tracks.
With the pedal to the metal, feel your seat shake and roll with every simulated bump and crash. From elementary-aged school kids to senior citizens, all ages were having a blast. My two twenty-something sons gave this experience a big thumbs up!
SheBuyTravel Tip: The simulators offer the ability to choose your difficulty level. I recommend starting at rookie and working your way up.
Highlights
- Choose your difficulty level from rookie to elite.
- Modern, upscale atmosphere with a gorgeous bar area that just feels good.
- Plenty of seating for non-players where you can chat with your group and still watch.
- Huge drink menu with specialty cocktails crafted by F1 Arcade’s Global Creative Director of Bars.
- Elevated bar food menu offering unexpected tastes like a raw bar, truffle fries and gluten-free options.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be aware of the age restrictions: Must be 7 years old to race and after 7pm daily the venue is open to guests 21+.
Places to Eat in Boston
Boston offers a vibrant food scene with a mixture of ethnic eateries, food halls and local pubs. We were in the mood for fresh seafood and we were not disappointed in our options. These restaurants made the top of our list.
Puritan & Company
Puritan & Company is a cozy spot just over the river in Cambridge that shines with top-notch seafood in a modern, upscale setting. You’ll also find standout comfort food and creative cocktails. The kitchen’s ability to modify dishes to accommodate all diners is apparent – we loved that almost every dish could be made gluten free. This food-inclusivity philosophy is just one area that sets Puritan & Company apart. Our server made the meal truly memorable. You’ll be hard pressed to find a waitstaff as accommodating as Kyle and Christine in all of New England.
Favorite Dishes
- Fresh oysters with housemade chimichurri.
- Zesty ceviche that’s plated to perfection.
- Succulent lobster roll, piled high and served with warm butter.
Puritan & Company drool-worthy chocolate cheesecake. Photo credit: SJ Morgensen
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t skip drinks or dessert – all are lovingly made in house. We shared a rum cocktail that earned rave reviews – try the “for the very first time” drink for two. Leave room for the housemade ice cream and the chocolate cheesecake.
MIDA Fenway
This Italian spot in the Fenway neighborhood serves up classic Italian fare with a contemporary twist. MIDA Fenway is the place to go for a nice pregame or pre-concert dinner and it gets crowded.
Chef Douglass Williams is an experienced, global chef who has created a menu full of dishes that will please foodies and fans. We loved everything our waiter brought to the table. The gluten-free pizza is stellar as is the homemade, gluten-free pasta. You’ll enjoy the wide selection on the cocktail menu and the extensive wine list.
Favorite Dishes
- Icelandic cod picatta served with faro, asparagus, lemon and capers – it’s sublime.
- Mushroom risotto – creamy and delicious, one of the best things we ate all weekend.
Taco Azul
This contemporary, independent Mexican eatery, known for its blue corn tortillas, has its roots in Boston, where it was founded. Everything here at Taco Azul feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Cocktails are solid and fun and the service is warm without being over the top.
The guys noted this modern and mellow atmosphere is a good date night spot.
Favorite Dishes
- Mexican corn dip – the roasted corn, cotija cheese, topped with tajin tastes ultra fresh scored as the best appetizer of our trip.
- Shrimp al pastor tacos served on blue corn shells.
- Chunky guacamole served with crispy chips and paired with the queso.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure you try a poptail – homemade popsicles served in a glass of prosecco. Talk about creative – and delicious!
Where to Stay in Boston
We wanted a hotel with a great location and good reviews. We chose Hotel Indigo Boston Garden and would stay here again.
Highlights:
- Conveniently across the street from TD Garden and the T-stop, Boston’s public transportation system.
- Onsite restaurant and bar that is super convenient for late-night drinks and early-morning coffee.
- A historical property with quiet rooms and comfortable beds.
- Exceptional front desk staff who offered recommendations for food and drinks.
- Super walkable location – we walked all over the city from our hotel.
What’s Nearby
Boston is close to a lot of fun areas including Salem, MA which is only 45 minutes away. Cape Cod is also nearby – just 1.5 hours southeast.
Getting There
If you’re flying, fly into Boston Logan International Airport. From there, it’s easy to uber to your hotel. If you’re in New York City, Washington DC or another large city on the East Coast, consider taking one of the numerous trains that run to Boston daily.
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