I’ve mentioned before, more than once, that Boston Massachusetts is one of my favorite cities. It’s hard to beat the combination of fresh seafood, architecture, and history of the place. Handily, there is one ideal location that combines all three, to provide you with an unforgettable experience on your next trip to Boston – The Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail is a three-mile walking tour along the heart of historic Boston, marked by a red line or red brick along the sidewalks. It begins in Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), and ends in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill Monument. Area maps can be purchased at the Information Booth near Park Street Station, and are also available at most area hotels.

Along the trail, visitors will come across such historic sites as The Granary Burying Ground, which contains the graves of such famous personages as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere. The Old South Meeting House was the site of many famous and infamous speeches and meetings – one held prior to the Boston Massacre, and one held prior to the Boston Tea Party, are among the most noteworthy.

The USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides, is the oldest ship in the US Navy. It is docked in the Navy Yard in Charlestown, and visitors can take guided or self-guided tours. The trail ends at Bunker Hill Monument, which is 221 feet high and offers an observatory at the top for visitors to view a stunning panorama of the Boston area.

Shopping and dining are also available all along the path, so be sure to schedule a full day, or even two, to fully experience everything that the Freedom Trail has to offer.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Freedom Trail” by Hsivonen on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Boston Common” by Mr. Ducke on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Granary Burying Ground – Ben Franklin’s Parents” by David Paul Ohmer on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “USS Constitution” by Jacques Haeberle on Flickr Creative Commons.