My family is coming to the Foxboro area for the Drum Corps International Championships on Aug. 13 and would like to do some sightseeing in Boston and environs. Where could we conveniently park and ride into Boston on the "T" or commuter rail?

A second question: are there any parking options for Gillette Stadium that would avoid the usurious fee they're asking for the event? We don't mind walking...

Thanks, for any advice!

See www.mbta.com for riding into Boston via Commuter Rail.

As for parking rates at Gillette Stadium, virtually everywhere along the road (Route 1) offers parking...the farther you're feel like walking (under a mile), the lower the rate.

If you'll have a car, consider staying in Walpole or Norwood, Dedham, Wrentham. Easy "commute" to Boston, lower rates.

gesiferd,

It depends on where you are staying in Franklin/Foxborough - You have the option of using the 'T' or Bonanza Bus has some routes from Foxboro into Boston.

Personally I'd use the T but Bonanza Bus is probably more entertaining.

Can't answer the question re; where to park but having driven Route 1 countless times I have to agree with djkbooks. If you stay north of the stadium then park north of the stadium, if you stay south then park south.

If nothing else then at least you stand some chance of beating the traffic.

Welcome to Massachusetts - honest, we're friendly here!

Foxboro is next to Sharon, which is an easy commuter rail ride into Boston's South Station.

Or, how about the Route 128 commuter station? It has a lot of parking spaces listed. Do they fill up, early in the day, or is there a chance of getting a spot in the mid-morning?

Thanks for the responses, everybody!!

The Route 128 Station serves Amtrak as well as commuters. It's a huuuuuge station and sometimes there's even a banner on the side of it (visible from the highway) promoting its capacity. It's one of the few garages/lots on the whole MBTA system that doesn't fill up.

Excellent! That's sound like a plan, then. Now, any recommendations for other driveable must-see spots in the Boston area? We'll have a couple of days for that kind of thing. Nice beaches that aren't too hard to get to?

Head down to Plymouth. Visit Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II if it's in port, maybe other downtown attractions.

Nearby is Scusset Beach State Park. Follow the signs from Exit 2 southbound on Route 3 (south of the Plymouth exits) or go all the way to the Bourne Bridge rotary and look for the little "Scusset Beach" sign for the side road off the rotary. It's a couple miles down the road, and charges $7 for parking, but on weekdays it will be excellent break for you. They have a nice big sandy beach and a bathhouse.

There is always Cape Cod. My favorite. Beaches are beautiful and it is very different than Foxboro area. (Windjammer in South Yarmouth, clean, small and inexpensive for the Cape)go biking, kayaking, fishing,whale watching.
As far as Boston there is so much to do....... lots of shows,concerts, some free, walk the Charles, Boston Common, Freedom Mrail, museum of Science, Copley place, Newbury Street (small shops,people watching, restaurants,) Boston Globe has a new section called SIDEKICK... Get it. Lists lots of things to do daily. Worth the read. Have a great time. We live in a historical, beautiful, fun area.