Exploring Boston and surrounding areas/beaches/Salem with kids..itinerary?
Apr 9th, 2013, 07:19 PM
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Exploring Boston and surrounding areas/beaches/Salem with kids..itinerary?
We are hoping to make a trip to Boston/surrounding areas the first part of August and would like some suggestions about possible sights to see/towns to visit while there. We have a 12 year old child so the sights should be appealing for her age.
We are interested in spending some time in Boston, but would also love to venture outside the city to a beach/coastal town or possibly Salem. Is Cape Cod too far or should we aim for something closer? Is there one beach area that would be more fun for kids her age? Is Salem worth the visit?
I am not sure how many days we should allow for the trip. I don't want to shortchange the trip but I also want to keep it fairly reasonably priced. We were thinking 5-7 days. Is that too short of time to see Boston and the coast?
What part of Boston is a good location to stay?
Thanks!
We are interested in spending some time in Boston, but would also love to venture outside the city to a beach/coastal town or possibly Salem. Is Cape Cod too far or should we aim for something closer? Is there one beach area that would be more fun for kids her age? Is Salem worth the visit?
I am not sure how many days we should allow for the trip. I don't want to shortchange the trip but I also want to keep it fairly reasonably priced. We were thinking 5-7 days. Is that too short of time to see Boston and the coast?
What part of Boston is a good location to stay?
Thanks!
Apr 10th, 2013, 01:47 AM
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Boston is costly to stay in, but cheap to eat in and easy to get around. Explore Priceline for a hotel, and don't come near the 4th of July.
You absolutely do not want a car in Boston, and you can get to Salem by high speed ferry or commuter train, but you would need a car for the Cape. But you don't have to rent it until you get there. You can take the bus to Hyannis and rent there.
Do you need to go to the Cape? Yes, if you want to go to the beach. If you just want to go to A beach for the day, you can go toRevere Beach by subway. Sand, hot dogs, funky. Maybe not go in the water.
You absolutely do not want a car in Boston, and you can get to Salem by high speed ferry or commuter train, but you would need a car for the Cape. But you don't have to rent it until you get there. You can take the bus to Hyannis and rent there.
Do you need to go to the Cape? Yes, if you want to go to the beach. If you just want to go to A beach for the day, you can go toRevere Beach by subway. Sand, hot dogs, funky. Maybe not go in the water.
Apr 10th, 2013, 06:06 AM
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You could spend a few days in Boston and then rent a car and go North and stay there for a few days--visit Salem, Gloucester, Rockport, and Newburyport. Have fried clams in Ipswich and go to the beach--one great beach is Crane's Beach in Ipswich. You'd be able to see the rough coastline of Cape Ann and the nice dune beachy part of the coast near Crane's Beach. Halibut State Park is definitely worth a visit.
You could go to the Cape but with only about three days, you wouldn't have a lot of time to explore.
You could go to the Cape but with only about three days, you wouldn't have a lot of time to explore.
Apr 10th, 2013, 06:54 AM
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plan your trip so that the weekend days are in Boston, and the shore part of the trip is during the week. That will cut down a lot on traffic and beach crowds.
you can do the Cape if your trip closer to 7 days than 5. 3 days in Boston and 3 days on the Cape would be quite nice. But cw's suggestion of spending a few days around the north shore is good too. I love Crane's beach, and in August the water might be almost warm enough to swim (it will still be pretty cold though).
Another option for the coastal part of the trip might be to go further north. Southern Maine, or New Hampshire. I would think a 12 year old would love Hampton Beach. There's lots to see and do in Portsmouth NH.
While I agree with Ackislander about not getting a car IN Boston, if you plan to leave the city when its not rush hour, you should be okay picking up the car in the city and driving out. So don't be too afraid, if that is what you decide is convenient. You will almost certainly want a car for the non-Boston part of your trip.
you can do the Cape if your trip closer to 7 days than 5. 3 days in Boston and 3 days on the Cape would be quite nice. But cw's suggestion of spending a few days around the north shore is good too. I love Crane's beach, and in August the water might be almost warm enough to swim (it will still be pretty cold though).
Another option for the coastal part of the trip might be to go further north. Southern Maine, or New Hampshire. I would think a 12 year old would love Hampton Beach. There's lots to see and do in Portsmouth NH.
While I agree with Ackislander about not getting a car IN Boston, if you plan to leave the city when its not rush hour, you should be okay picking up the car in the city and driving out. So don't be too afraid, if that is what you decide is convenient. You will almost certainly want a car for the non-Boston part of your trip.
Apr 10th, 2013, 06:57 AM
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oh, as far as where to stay in Boston, it's a small city with good public transit. it really doesn't matter too much, as long as you find something in your budget. Back Bay, which is the area around Copley Square and the Prudential is very central, and has lots of hotels and restaurants and is convenient to several t stops. Its also fun to stay closer to the water, around Faneuil Hall, someplace like the Marriot Long Wharf.
Apr 10th, 2013, 07:06 AM
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Has your daughter read Little Women or seen the movie? If so, I would recommend visiting Orchard House in Concord. It was my favorite part of my time in that area. The house is very cozy, and has so much in it directly related to the story (youngest sister May's artwork - including pictures drawn onto her bedroom walls! - Beth's piano, Louisa's writing desk). Concord was a lovely place in general, but Orchard House was absolutely the best. 
Of course, if she doesn't like Little Women, disregard this suggestion completely. 
Of course, if she doesn't like Little Women, disregard this suggestion completely.
Apr 10th, 2013, 09:12 AM
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What part of Boston is a good location to stay?
I'm largely in agreement with others that it is pretty small and there aren't any really bad places to stay, but there are a few that I would avoid.
1) I wouldn't stay in any hotel with a Somerville address, even if they put Boston in the name. They are too inconvenient without a car. The same goes for anything in any town other than Boston or Cambridge.
2) For the same reason, I do not care for the Doubletree Suites Boston, the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, or the Courtyard Cambridge.
3) There is a Hampton Inn (I think) called something like "Gateway Center". I'm not crazy about the area. It is kind of in a no-man's land, surrounded by light industrial and the BU Medical Center.
With regards to the other stuff...
As noted, Salem is easily accessible. We really like Salem and there is definitely a full day's worth of stuff to see and do.
If you want to go to the "beach", consider the Harbor Islands. They are reached by ferry. Alternatively, Singing Beach in Manchester is accessible by commuter rail.
I'm largely in agreement with others that it is pretty small and there aren't any really bad places to stay, but there are a few that I would avoid.
1) I wouldn't stay in any hotel with a Somerville address, even if they put Boston in the name. They are too inconvenient without a car. The same goes for anything in any town other than Boston or Cambridge.
2) For the same reason, I do not care for the Doubletree Suites Boston, the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, or the Courtyard Cambridge.
3) There is a Hampton Inn (I think) called something like "Gateway Center". I'm not crazy about the area. It is kind of in a no-man's land, surrounded by light industrial and the BU Medical Center.
With regards to the other stuff...
As noted, Salem is easily accessible. We really like Salem and there is definitely a full day's worth of stuff to see and do.
If you want to go to the "beach", consider the Harbor Islands. They are reached by ferry. Alternatively, Singing Beach in Manchester is accessible by commuter rail.
Apr 10th, 2013, 11:23 AM
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The Seaport is another option for a hotel location. It's got a fair amount of development going on and there are a number of good restaurant choices now - Jerry Remy's, Legal Seafood, Sams and others. Close to Children's Museum, Institute for Contemporary Art, Tea Party museum, and Harpoon Brewery. There are concerts at the Bank of America Pavilion too.
Other sites in the city are the Freedom Trail, Public Gardens, Boston Common, Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Fenway Park, the Science Museum, Duck Tours, JFK Library.
Have a great trip.
Other sites in the city are the Freedom Trail, Public Gardens, Boston Common, Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Fenway Park, the Science Museum, Duck Tours, JFK Library.
Have a great trip.
Apr 11th, 2013, 02:51 AM
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I want to quibble a bit here, after saying that the advice to go to the Cape mid week to avoid traffic is excellent.
The Seaport would not be a good place to stay with kids and for what you want to do, though it might be fine for people who want to eat out a lot and don' mind walking. public transportation to the places you want to go is lousy, and their are still enough parking lots to make it feel bombed out.
Crane's Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in New England but it is a long way off, has ( deliberately) limited parking, and is subject to biting green head flies. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham on Cape Cod is just as beautiful and is in reach of many other things.
The Seaport would not be a good place to stay with kids and for what you want to do, though it might be fine for people who want to eat out a lot and don' mind walking. public transportation to the places you want to go is lousy, and their are still enough parking lots to make it feel bombed out.
Crane's Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in New England but it is a long way off, has ( deliberately) limited parking, and is subject to biting green head flies. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham on Cape Cod is just as beautiful and is in reach of many other things.
Apr 11th, 2013, 05:33 AM
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One other option, if you don't rent a car and want a touch of beach. Take the ferry from Boston to Provincetown and rent bikes or taxi to the National Seashore, perhaps Provincelands area. Lots to see in Ptown too.
Apr 11th, 2013, 09:35 AM
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AcKislaner - last year I would have agreed with you but I think the Seaport area is really coming along and you can often find good hotel deals there. Its not a first choice but if you can save $100 bucks a night, it might be worth it. The Park Plaza is $337 a night for the first week of August while the Westin Seaport is $229. Silver Line provides a link to Red Line, so transportation isn't that bad. Its just an idea.
Apr 11th, 2013, 11:31 AM
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I suggested Crane's Beach as a beach to visit while staying in the Cape Ann area, so it wouldn't be a long trip. And it can be easily combined touring Salem. The green head fly season is almost over by the first week in August--just like on the Cape beaches.
On www.lastminutetravel. com, taking the random dates of Aug. 2-6, two adults and one 12-year-old, the 3.5* Back Bay hotel for $163 is the Marriott Copley Place, the 4* Quincy/Financial/Waterfront hotel for $151 is the Westin Waterfront in the Seaport.
The Seaport area is not as convenient as the waterfront or Back Bay but it is quite pleasant in the summer, and, if you don't mind walking a bit, or taking the Silver Line, it's a good location.
On www.lastminutetravel. com, taking the random dates of Aug. 2-6, two adults and one 12-year-old, the 3.5* Back Bay hotel for $163 is the Marriott Copley Place, the 4* Quincy/Financial/Waterfront hotel for $151 is the Westin Waterfront in the Seaport.
The Seaport area is not as convenient as the waterfront or Back Bay but it is quite pleasant in the summer, and, if you don't mind walking a bit, or taking the Silver Line, it's a good location.
Apr 11th, 2013, 11:32 AM
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I agree that the Seaport isn't the best area, but if you got a good deal, there are some decent things to recommend it:
1) The area is pretty safe. It may have some stretches of parking lots, but it is a pretty safe area.
2) It is easy to and from the airport. The Silver Line goes direct to the terminals and is free from the airport to the Seaport.
3) As "out there" as it looks, it is closer to South Station than, for example, they Hyatt in Cambridge is to either Central or Kendall Square. It is less than a mile if you chose to walk it, or you can take the Silver Line.
4) The hotels are largely all new and offer the amenities that a new, business-oriented hotel offers.
5) As noted, there are some decent places to eat in the area, including the Legal Seafoods flagship and Ming Tsai's new Blue Dragon. Menton is also in the area, thought probably not what you are looking for with kids.
The Park Plaza is $337 a night for the first week of August while the Westin Seaport is $229.
Just to clarify, that price is for the Park Plaza Towers, regular rooms are going for $231. The Park Plaza is not the best hotel (and almost certainly a notch below the Westin), but the location is simply incredible. Also in that price range is the Revere, which is across the street from the Park Plaza and which is pretty decent.
1) The area is pretty safe. It may have some stretches of parking lots, but it is a pretty safe area.
2) It is easy to and from the airport. The Silver Line goes direct to the terminals and is free from the airport to the Seaport.
3) As "out there" as it looks, it is closer to South Station than, for example, they Hyatt in Cambridge is to either Central or Kendall Square. It is less than a mile if you chose to walk it, or you can take the Silver Line.
4) The hotels are largely all new and offer the amenities that a new, business-oriented hotel offers.
5) As noted, there are some decent places to eat in the area, including the Legal Seafoods flagship and Ming Tsai's new Blue Dragon. Menton is also in the area, thought probably not what you are looking for with kids.
The Park Plaza is $337 a night for the first week of August while the Westin Seaport is $229.
Just to clarify, that price is for the Park Plaza Towers, regular rooms are going for $231. The Park Plaza is not the best hotel (and almost certainly a notch below the Westin), but the location is simply incredible. Also in that price range is the Revere, which is across the street from the Park Plaza and which is pretty decent.
Apr 11th, 2013, 01:03 PM
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I took note of ideas so far in case as suggestions whenever we get such a request for touring Boston area. We are newcomers and still exploring. And not familiar with hotels (well, we do dine at the Park Plaza etc). Agree on using transit not driving. Except possibly for Cape.
No one has really mentioned the historic Lexington & Concord sites where the Minutemen confronted the Red Coats. Very nice walking trail and buildings along Minute Men Nat'l Historic Pk. We like to go out once in awhile for various events...you might well see a mock battle or fife & drum corps at Old North Bridge. Historic houses in the Concord area.
No one has mentioned the Strawberry Banke historic village at Portsmouth. Nice stroll around a number of historic buildings from various periods. Also the navy yard in Portsmouth...we enjoyed a cruise.
No one has mentioned the Freedom Trail with Paul Revere House etc. which I do think are interesting as well as the Boston Common area. Just some ideas if your 12 year old wants a little Colonial history.
OK, maybe beaches too!
No one has really mentioned the historic Lexington & Concord sites where the Minutemen confronted the Red Coats. Very nice walking trail and buildings along Minute Men Nat'l Historic Pk. We like to go out once in awhile for various events...you might well see a mock battle or fife & drum corps at Old North Bridge. Historic houses in the Concord area.
No one has mentioned the Strawberry Banke historic village at Portsmouth. Nice stroll around a number of historic buildings from various periods. Also the navy yard in Portsmouth...we enjoyed a cruise.
No one has mentioned the Freedom Trail with Paul Revere House etc. which I do think are interesting as well as the Boston Common area. Just some ideas if your 12 year old wants a little Colonial history.
OK, maybe beaches too!
Apr 11th, 2013, 01:39 PM
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I agree that Lexington and Concord might be good choices, as your 12-year-old will have studied about them in school. Ditto for the Freedom Trail. A guided walk on the Freedom Trail with a costumed guide might up the interest; the National Park Service has free ranger-led walks along part of the trail as well.
I would recommend against Salem, though, because in my opinion the best parts of it (Peabody Essex Museum, Nathaniel Hawthorne sites like House of the Seven Gables & Custom House) would probably be appreciated more by an older teen.
Avoid almost every "witch" site in Salem, as they are more touristy and kitschy than historically accurate. The one exception would be the Witch House, which is "the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692". If you are set on seeing sites associated with the witch hysteria, then make sure you visit nearby Danvers, which is where it all got started. It has a better memorial to the victims than Salem does, as well as the Rebecca Nurse Homestead (home to one of the victims) and several more buildings associated with, or in existence at the time of, the hysteria.
Visit http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/Danvers.html and scroll down to "Sites Accessible to the Public" and "Additional Places of Interest" to discover them.
As for beaches, Crane's is great, but be aware that admission will cost you $15 (per car) during the week and $25 on the weekend. After 3 PM it is half price. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to...the-crane.html
Singing Beach in Manchester charges $5 walk-on admission (under 12 is free). Parking (Monday-Thursday only, for non-residents), IF it is available (which is unlikely), is $25. Otherwise you'll have to park in town or take the train. http://www.manchester.ma.us/pages/ma...n/singingbeach Be sure to stop at Captain Dusty's for ice cream if you go.
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester is another nice one. It is also very popular, so get there early (you'll have to drive) if you want a parking place. Cost is $20 during the week and $25 on weekends. There might be a discount after 3 PM there as well. This website lists all the beaches in Gloucester: http://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=299
I would recommend against Salem, though, because in my opinion the best parts of it (Peabody Essex Museum, Nathaniel Hawthorne sites like House of the Seven Gables & Custom House) would probably be appreciated more by an older teen.
Avoid almost every "witch" site in Salem, as they are more touristy and kitschy than historically accurate. The one exception would be the Witch House, which is "the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692". If you are set on seeing sites associated with the witch hysteria, then make sure you visit nearby Danvers, which is where it all got started. It has a better memorial to the victims than Salem does, as well as the Rebecca Nurse Homestead (home to one of the victims) and several more buildings associated with, or in existence at the time of, the hysteria.
Visit http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/Danvers.html and scroll down to "Sites Accessible to the Public" and "Additional Places of Interest" to discover them.
As for beaches, Crane's is great, but be aware that admission will cost you $15 (per car) during the week and $25 on the weekend. After 3 PM it is half price. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to...the-crane.html
Singing Beach in Manchester charges $5 walk-on admission (under 12 is free). Parking (Monday-Thursday only, for non-residents), IF it is available (which is unlikely), is $25. Otherwise you'll have to park in town or take the train. http://www.manchester.ma.us/pages/ma...n/singingbeach Be sure to stop at Captain Dusty's for ice cream if you go.
Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester is another nice one. It is also very popular, so get there early (you'll have to drive) if you want a parking place. Cost is $20 during the week and $25 on weekends. There might be a discount after 3 PM there as well. This website lists all the beaches in Gloucester: http://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?nid=299
Apr 11th, 2013, 02:59 PM
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The greenhead flies that someone mentioned are typically not a problem after the first week of August. It varies a bit from year to year. (Not all North Shore beaches get them, but Crane and Wingaersheek definitely do.)
Apr 12th, 2013, 10:12 AM
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Oh my gosh! Thanks so much everyone for all the ideas and suggestions. I'm fairly new to posting on these forums and I'm really blown away by how helpful everyone is! We are from Texas so I really don't know much at all about the New England area , so I find the task of planning a summer vacation here, a little daunting! This definitely clears a lot of things up. Thanks again!
