Boston's Attractions

Visit the most popular Boston historic areas in an authentic World War II amphibious vehicle. You'll cruise by all the historic sites that defined Boston as the birthplace of freedom: from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, Boston Common and Copley Square to Quincy Market, and more. As the best of Boston’s historic areas unfolds, your ConDUCKtor will deliver little-known facts about our unique and wonderful city.

Originally owned by William Blackstone, who came to Boston in 1622, this Boston historic area is America's oldest public park. Situated on 44 acres of open land, it was used as a common pasture for grazing cattle owned by the townspeople of Boston. This Boston historic site later became a training field for the militia and was used as a British Army camp during the occupation of Boston. Over many generations, the Common has been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Now it hosts squirrels, pigeons, and plenty of neighborhood dogs from the fashionable addresses of Beacon Hill.

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This famous order has come to immortalize the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists facing the powerful British Army during the famous battle fought on Breed’s Hill on June 17, 1775. The Battle of Bunker Hill marks the first time a unified Colonial army held its own against the British army. Today a 221-foot granite obelisk denotes this Boston historic site as the place of first major battle of the American Revolution. Visitors can climb the 294 steps that lead to the pinnacle, and the amazing vista at the end of the journey makes the climb well worth it.

It's the seat of American history and the site of one of America's most famous shopping and dining experiences. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace combines the glories of the past and vitality of the present, with 49 shops, 44 pushcarts, 18 full service restaurants, and 35 food stalls. First built in 1742, Faneuil Hall sits at the site of the old town dock. Town meetings were held here between 1764 and 1774, and patriots such as, Samuel Adams and many others lead their cries of protest against the imposition of taxes on the colonies.

This 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail leads visitors to 16 nationally significant historic sites. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, the Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Get the full historical experience with a guided tour narrated by a costumed character.

Since the 1773 mass protest meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party, the Old South Meeting House has served as a gathering place for discussion and celebration and a haven for free speech for over 250 years. Today you can visit this beautiful National Historic Landmark and museum to experience events that shaped the United States or attend a program that helps keep the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and assembly alive.

The oldest surviving public building in Boston, the Old State House was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It stands on the site of Boston's first Town House of 1657-1658, which burned in 1711. An important stop on the Freedom Trail, the Museum features exhibits on the American Revolution, and aspects of the city's heritage.

On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in the Boston historic area of North End, and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. Today that home is still standing at 19 North Square and has become one of the most important of Boston historic sites. It is Boston’s North End’s oldest buildings and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.