Boston Things to Do Tips by adambeau

Old State House.(the back door) haha.
This site is also known as the 'Towne House'. Dates back to 1713, and was the center of all political life and debates in colonial Boston. On July 18, 1776, citizens gathered to hear the Declaration of Independence read-the first public reading for it in Massachusetts.
Today, the building is run by the Bostonian Society as a Boston History Museum.

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Address: Corner of State and Washington Streets.
Other Contact: Hours of operation: daily 9:30am

Old State House. (front)
I really like this picture. :)
Hope you all do, too.

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These bizarre-looking tour vehicles really make a big splash in Boston for both tourists and the locals. They aptly call them, what else? 'Duck Boats'. This is a great way to save your feet some blisters after following the red painted line on the Freedom Trail's sidewalks that often change from cobbled to brick to cement and then back again, and the tour guides really love 'quacking up' their audience with plenty of ducky humor. The 'Bears' you see riding inside this one, are some of our famous Boston Bruins hockey players.
These amphibious boat-cars are even more fun than they look and shouldn't be missed. Kids love 'em, too!

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Other Contact: Boston Duck Tours, 617-723-3825

Boston Public Gardens and Boston Common. An absolute MUST see park. This near 50-acre park is the oldest public park in the United States of America. It is a thriving green haven from the modern high rise office towers that shelter its borders. Historically, in 1830 cattle grazed upon its pastures, and up until 1817 it was used for public hangings. Prior to the revolution the British camped on Boston Common and left from here to face the colonial resistance at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. It is bordered by Tremont, Beacon, Charles and Boylston Streets.
In late spring/early summer, both swans and swan boats are returned to their respective landscapes.
Park Rangers patrol on horseback.

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Directions: In Public Garden facing Boston Common. Far left is statue of Edward Hale, A Preacher of Peace. If you look real close-far right middle-you might see the shiny gold dome of the New State House sitting

Public Garden - facing Hancock Tower (tallest office building in Boston) is highly recognizeable by the tremendous number of blue windows which illuminate the city skyline in a vast, ever-changing display of reflected brilliance. One walk around this mighty structure is not enough, and, for those seeking lofty gains, the Hancock Observatory is a pinnacle. I prefer even more bang for my buck, and the Prudential Tower just a few blocks away provides both a formal drink, a 'best of Boston' dinner, dancing, and a 'high point' to one's palate. The city views are just astounding from the top floor 'Pru' restaurant called Top of the Hub, and is again, a must see experience for all tourists. Before or after dinner, both Copley Square shopping and Mall are all accessible from inside the Prudential Center. Business Travellers are apt to find their next meeting a few steps away in the Hynes Auditorium and Conference Center.
Unfortunately, in my photo (a cold/windy day in March), the swan boat ponds look rather gloomy. Even the willow trees looked weeping. But did you notice the bulbs in the soil? :)

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New State House. Here's the gold domed building that's sure to please any political buff.
Historic info: New, as in built in 1798, directly across from Boston Common. The land was once owned by John Hancock, the first elected Governor of 'the Bay State'. That gold dome was originally made out of wood shingles and is now actually copper covered by 23k gold. In the House of Representatives chambers, a wooden codfish is hung to signify the importance of the fishing industry for the commonwealth.

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Address: On Beacon Street at Park Street.
Other Contact: Hours of operation: M-F 10am-4pm

Kings Chapel and Burying Ground. A short walk from the New State House is the oldest burying ground in Boston proper.
History: King James II ordered the Anglican parish to be built in Boston to ensure the presence of the Church of England in America. Colonists were not 'willing' to sell suitable land to the church, thus, the King ordered the Governor, Andros, to seize a corner of the burying ground for the church.
It is the final resting place of many colonists, including: John Winthrop and Mary Chilton-the first woman to step off the Mayflower.

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Directions: On Tremont Street at School Street. Open daily 9am-5pm late spring, summer, early fall. Winter closes at 3pm. Kings Chapel open 10am-4pm, closed Mondays.