Last summer we decided to extend our road trip with a stop in Boston, Massachusetts for a few days on our way home from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Boston is a beautiful and very historic US city and a great place for families to visit in the summer months. This was our second trip to Boston – the first was about 10 years ago when our kids were much younger.
The driving distance to Boston from the greater Toronto area (GTA) is approximately 8 hours and is completely manageable in a day. We were on our way home from Nova Scotia, but the most direct route to drive from Toronto to Boston is to cross the border into the US at Niagara Falls and then drive along the I-90 across western New York.
Where to stay in Boston?
Boston is an extremely walkable city. We have stayed at a few different hotels, the most recent being the Hilton Faneuil Hall which is now the Dagny Hotel Boston. This was a great location and close to many well known Boston attractions including Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium and more. We actually spent the first night of our trip in the Seaport District but decided to change locations to be closer to the attractions we wanted to see. When our kids were younger, we enjoyed a previous stay at the Omni Parker House (home to the original Boston Cream doughnut). This is a beautiful old hotel (though the rooms were very small). There are many hotels to choose from when booking your trip but I would definitely prioritize location! I always check Tripadvisor in advance to read the recent reviews and traveller photos.
What to do in Boston…
There are so many things to do in Boston. One of my favourite ways to see a new city is with a Hop on Hop off tour. There are a couple options for this type of tour in Boston that will take you to all the historic landmarks and popular tourist sites. It’s also a great mode of transportation for getting around the city. Tickets are typically valid for either 24 hours or 48 hours. I recommend checking Tripadvisor in advance for a tour company or booking this with the concierge at your hotel.
On our last trip we visited many of the sites along Boston’s historic Freedom Trail including Boston Common, the Granary Burying Ground (final resting place of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere and others) and the Paul Revere House. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile walk that is mostly marked by red brick and there are a number of guided tours throughout the day.
We also visited the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, the Cheers Bar and the pro shop at TD Garden. If there is a specific tourist attraction you want to see, I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance or checking with the concierge at your hotel. Many attractions also offer AAA/CAA discounts. Make sure to ask about this!
For sports fans, Boston is home to the iconic Fenway Park. Fenway is about a 30 minute walk from the Faneuil Hall area. If you are not there for a game but still want to see the park they offer tours throughout the day.
What to Eat in Boston?
There are so many delicious options for places to eat when visiting Boston. If you are looking for something quick, there are a number of vendors within Quincy Market selling lobster rolls, chowder, pizza, pastries and other delicious treats. For dinner, I recommend either seafood or Italian in Boston’s North End. We had a great meal at Limoncello. The North End (Boston’s Little Italy) is also the home to the famous Mike’s Pastry. These pastries are so good there is always a line up of tourists and locals alike.
If you have a specific restaurant in mind, I recommend making a reservation in advance either by contacting the restaurant directly or using Open Table.
Overall, we highly recommend Boston as a great destination for a family road trip. The drive can be done in a day and you will not be disappointed when you arrive at your destination!
Fun Family Road Trips 