Things To Do in Boston (Pre-Marathon Trip)

During my first visit out to Boston, I visited a good amount of the touristy attractions (the Boston Pubic Market, Faneuil Hall, Harvard University, Boston University, Freedom Trail, Thompson Square, and more). We had driven to most of the locations, but had not taken the time to take tours or really explore the area, we were on a pretty tight itinerary, so for my Pre-Marthon trip I took my time and really explored the different attractions. It was exciting to see everything and play tourist again in such a historic city.

Here’s what I saw during my last trip:

Boston Public Library – As a fan of architecture and photography, the Boston Public Library was one of my favorite activities on this weekend trip. The Library’s Reading Room and European-inspired interior courtyard were unbelievably photogenic!

Beacon Hill – This has got to be one of the most adorable suburbs on the planet. Just look at these cobblestone streets and super cute doorways! I must have taken about a million photos in the hour we spent wandering around.

Eataly – There are sit-down restaurants, fast-casual dining options, bars, cafes, a wine store, cooking classes, and tons of retail options, featuring imported Italian items as well as plenty of local products.

Boston Common – This is like the Central Park of Boston. It’s a huge grassy area where people hang out, and I’ve been told that it’s especially nice in the summer.

Boston Public Garden – Right next to Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden. It includes a gorgeous lake where you can take a ride on a swan boat from April-September, and it has a super pretty bridge to walk across.

Custom House Tower – I skipped the Skywalk Observatory and paid $5 to see all of Boston from the top of the Custom House Tower. Fun fact – this was one of Bostons first skyscraper and is the 17th tallest building in the city.

Harvard University – What is arguably the most prestigious university in the country is an easy 15 minute subway ride on the Red line from downtown Boston. Even though I’ve toured Harvard before, it was still an interesting walk the second time around.

New England Aquarium – It’s on the moderate size of aquariums.  The layout is different from any of the aquariums I have visited.  It is very user friendly and easy to get to all of the attractions.

Fenway Park – Baseball is, by far, my favorite sport. I have been to Citizens Bank Park, AT&T Park, Alameda Coliseum and a handful of other less iconic stadiums. Fenway Park has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I finally got there!

Boston Marathon Starting Line – in Hopkinton

Boston Marathon Finish Line – on Boylston St, Boston.

Wachusett Mountain – We went night skiing for the first time and I really enjoyed it.  What I loved about this mountain is that while some may look at it as an “easy” mountain, it’s actually pretty large and challenging enough to satisfy most skiers.

I would whole-heartedly recommend Boston as a travel destination. I loved the rich history, the beautiful New England foliage, the architecture and the food. It was a wonderful place to visit and I can’t wait to go back!