Charlestown Naval Shipyard Park, Boston: Our most recommended tours and activities

Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

1. Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

See all 16 of Boston's iconic Freedom Trail sites in a single tour with an experienced guide. Learn about famous Americans like Paul Revere and John Hancock, along with lesser-known stories of women, African Americans, and immigrant patriots and pioneers. Start your tour just inside the Boston Common at the back of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, located at the corner of Park and Beacon Streets. Discover tales of rebels, gangs, and Midnight Riders, with a few cheap dad jokes for good measure. Gain an understanding of Boston's role in the American Revolution and how the city became a pioneer in the fields of abolition, American education, and immigration. Along the way, learn about the explosive events of the American Revolution like the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre in the places they happened. See Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, the Benjamin Franklin Statue, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, the Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument.

Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

2. Boston: Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Meet at Rowes Wharf and set off on a guided boat tour. This sunset cruise will give you unparalleled views of Boston's famous landmarks. Escape the heat and admire Boston’s beautiful skyline and the historic USS Constitution as the sun sets behind the city. Your expert guide will be able to tell you about some of the city's landmarks and history. As evening sets in, the sunset cruise will highlight popular and famous scenes set at Boston Harbor from both past and present. Snacks and cold beverages including water, juice and soda; as well as a full bar, are available on every boat.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

3. Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing cruise in Boston and take a tour around Boston Harbor. Experience breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and vividly told stories of Boston's past and present as you admire the city's sights from the water. Depart from Long Wharf, then Cruise past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy warship afloat today, marvel at the Bunker Hill Monument, and catch a glimpse of the fabled Old North End Church steeple. Hear heroic tales told by expert narrators and learn about local legends from the Revolutionary War. You'll also discover how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Enjoy the best view no matter the weather, with spacious outdoor viewing decks when the weather is fine, and indoor spaces with large windows if you want to be indoors. Onboard refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase.

From New York City: Boston and the Freedom Trail Day Trip

4. From New York City: Boston and the Freedom Trail Day Trip

Depart New York along the Eastern Coast through Connecticut to Massachusetts and to its capital, Boston. Your first stop is the city of Cambridge where will find one of the most famous and most prestigious universities in the world: Harvard. The tour starts with a walk in Harvard Yard; the oldest academic ground in America. See Widener library, then rub the shoe of John Harvard for good luck. Continue to a panoramic tour passing by City Hall, MIT and Cambridge College. Then cross the Charles River and arrive in the center of the intellectual capital of the country. Visit Copley Square, home to beautiful Trinity church. Next up is a walk along the Freedom Trail through Boston Common Park. Break for lunch at Quincy Market, and try the world famous Clam Chowder or a lobster roll. After lunch, visit the site of the famous Tea Party and the navy ship Constitution. In the late afternoon, depart southwest for an evening arrival in New York.

Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

5. Boston: Sunset Skyline Cruise with Commentary

Admire the Boston skyline from the water on a relaxing sunset cruise. Learn about the city's iconic sights with commentary on board and watch the sun dip behind the city, painting it in bright orange hues. Watch and listen as the USS Constitution fires her cannon at sun down, witnessing a ceremonious moment to mark the end of another day. On this cruise, be introduced to all the history, sights, and lore that Boston Harbor has to offer. Plus, be on hand to witness the USS Constitution's sunset serenade as she fires her cannon and lowers her flag ceremoniously, signaling the day's end.

Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

6. Boston: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor

Admire the sights of Boston with a 2-hour lunch or 3-hour dinner cruise on Boston Harbor. Savor an extensive buffet aboard the Spirit of Boston, and visit any of the 3 climate-controlled decks to watch the city glide by. Upon arrival, receive a personal greeting and have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory. After being seated at your private table, feast on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative meals prepared fresh daily. While you eat, listen to tunes from an onboard DJ. After your meal, go out on deck for panoramic city views. SAMPLE BUFFET MENU Salads Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce | Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Herb Croutons Bow Tie Pasta Salad Scallions | English Cucumbers | Roma Tomatoes | Dill & Mustard Vinaigrette Vegetables, Potatoes, and Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets, Creamed Corn and Cheddar Cheese Casserole, Mashed Potatoes Entrees Baked Ziti Pasta, Oven-Baked Atlantic Flounder, Filet Honey, and Sesame Chicken, Italian Beef Meatballs, Braised Beef Short Ribs Desserts Seasonal Spirit Dessert Display Please note that menu items are subject to change.

Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

7. Boston: New England Harbor Cruise

Boston Harbor is home to 34 islands and nearly every island has a story to tell. From its fortifications and hauntings to lighthouses and wildlife sanctuaries, the harbor is full of rich and unique history that will keep your attention throughout the trip.  Notable things to see include the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, the USS Constitution, Fort Independence, Boston's Seaport District, and Spectacle Island. The motor yacht's design was inspired by classic New England 1920s style steamships. She is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in the Boston Harbor. She is 115-feet in length, features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship. She is built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures. Thus, she is excellent for taking out groups of friends and family to see the harbor. Sit back and relax in the climate-controlled cabin or enjoy the sea breeze on the open top deck. During your harbor cruise, the captain will provide narration and the crew will be around to assist in making your trip more comfortable. Be sure to visit the fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments.

Boston: Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App

8. Boston: Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App

Discover Boston's Revolutionary history on a Freedom Trail self-guided audio walking tour with an app. Explore historic downtown Boston, the North End, and Charlestown all at your own pace and without the crowds. Simply press start and follow the arrow on the app to find your next stop, listening to professional narration along your way. Head off on a historical adventure through Boston's colorful past with this self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail. Start by walking through downtown Boston and see the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams grave, Old South, and much more. Then, continue by following the directions on your app to Boston's North End. See Paul Revere's House, Copp's Hill Burial Ground, Old North, and more to truly get a flavor of what this part of the city has to offer. Carry on to Charlestown to see Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and more. Best of all, take the tour anytime, at your own pace, and on your own schedule. This tour never expires on your downloaded app, so you can take it as many times as you like.

Boston: Go City Explorer Pass including 2 to 5 Attractions

9. Boston: Go City Explorer Pass including 2 to 5 Attractions

Ensure a hassle-free trip with a Boston Explorer Pass that is accessible straight from your mobile phone (also available to print) and is valid for 60 days (starting with your first visit). Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 activities and save time and money compared to paying individual admission prices. With Go City you can save up to 50%* off top Boston attractions. Marvel at the wonders of the sea at the New England Aquarium, explore the city aboard a hop-on-hop-off trolley bus, enjoy a Boston sunset cruise or whiz up to the 52nd floor of View Boston for stunning city panoramas - the choice is yours. Simply browse your digital guide for where to go next, show your pass to be scanned at the entrance or ticket office, and you're in. Choose any 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions or tours from the following: Tours and Cruises • Historic Sightseeing Cruise (April to October) • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Sightseeing Tour: 1-Day Ticket (April to November) • Boston Sunset Cruise (May to September) • Fenway Park Tour • Boston Bike Rental • Boch Center Wang Theatre Tours • The Harvard Tour • North End Boston's 'Little Italy' Tour • Boston Seafood and More Food Tour • Beacon Hill True Crime Tour • Boston Historic Pub Crawl Tour • Haunted Boston History and Mystery Walking Tour Museums and Places of Interest • View Boston • New England Aquarium • Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House Combo Ticket • Museum of Science • Harvard Museum of Natural History • Boston Children's Museum • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston • Museum of Fine Arts • Salem Witch Museum • USS Constitution Museum • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum • JFK Presidential Library and Museum • Franklin Park Zoo • Peabody Essex Museum • Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide included in your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions. *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

Boston: Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise

10. Boston: Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise

Board a luxury classic yacht decked out in holiday décor and set sail for a 1.5-hour evening cruise on Boston Harbor. Listen to holiday classics and get into the holiday spirit with friends and family. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous views of Boston from the heated salon of a 1920s-style New England yacht. Holiday tunes will be played throughout the cruise. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Boston skyline with iconic sites such as the Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and the Marriott Custom House Tower.

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What people are saying about Charlestown Naval Shipyard Park, Boston

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,591 reviews

This was a GREAT Tour!! We went to Harvard (which I did not think I would be very interested in) and learned quirky and little know facts and trivia, then toured Bunker Hill, and Old Ironside! For the money you cannot beat a tour with Stuey!! He’s a great conversationist, and it was just four of us on this private tour!! Besides our tour of Fenway Park it comes in a close second on the list of adventures in Boston!! Thank you, Stuey!!

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

Fantastic tour, Charlie was a Harvard grad and current adjunct history professor and was very passionate and knowledgable about the Revolution and Boston. He painted a great picture that brought you back in time.

Knowledgeable and friendly. Comes at the history from a unique perspective. I learned far more than I anticipated being someone who’s lived in Boston for more than 10 years.

The overall experience was very enjoyable. The boat that we went out in was in excellent condition and was well staffed with a courteous crew.