Reviews of Boston National Historical Park (Park)

Scott V

What a great experience. The "Tall Ships" come to Michigan every summer but none are open to tours. Just amazing to see and hard to believe choosing the life of a sailor back then. Must stop destination if ever visiting Boston.

Ruth Zeballos

Awesome place! We toured and have access to the big ship USS Cassin Young by just donating some cash, we learned some history and had a good time!

Tami Smith

It was a really nice, interactive museum. There were some games for kids. My son was very happy they have one of those penny squishing machines. Those things make great inexpensive souvenirs! It was a nice museum, but the ship and it's history was amazing!

Harley Ross

Excellent. Must stop in Boston if visiting from out of town. Better than expected and the teahouse was amazing.

Sean Mason

Good fun, can go at own pace or listen in on guides

David Stricker

What History! If you've never been to Boston this is a must see on any trip. Lots of history here and a great place to take the kids to show them what our country's past was like. Like if this helped you out. Enjoy!

Bob Sharp

Very nice experience. Was on the Old Town Trolley so no extra charges.

Timothy Forbush

It was great, what history! Paul Revere, the North Church, and even a memorial to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who gave their lives for their country.

Justin Quinn

Very cool place to visit. The USS Constitution was amazing. And surprising the USS Cassin was great to visit.

Wendy Easton

Such a great place to visit and learn about the USS Constitution ship and its fascinating history.

David Coulson

The USS Constitution makes this trip worth it, amazing bit of history. The rest is interesting, especially if you're into ship and building them. Only visit the museum if you have kids. The galley is over priced and slow, avoid unless starving. Take the ferry from and to Boston for a relaxing day.

Margaret Lefebvre

Everything in Boston is awesome and presentable. Can't wait to go back

Daniel Jenkins

I got up and ran every day right by here. What a beautiful place. I wish I could spend more time in this area

A M

Love the history of this place and a great view of Boston. Love to sit at the pier and take in the view.

Chris Hannah

Loved it. Great history and location.

old cyclist

Excellent exhibit. Navy personnel were very helpful giving demos and answering questions about the ship

Dustin Wilson

Overall neat place. The Constitution is awesome. The museum's are for kids, and well done.

Paul Mounts

It was clean and people were having fun.

Rebecca Hanson

It is incredible to visit sites that have such significance in our country's history and independence! Those curating these spots along the "Freedom Trail" are doing a great job!! The sites are easy to find and are significant for anyone who enjoys history.

Sam Hart

Great place of history, the ship is a living place of history, the crew will provide detailed knowledge of the ship's history and of life during its time of service.

Linda Lampi

Amazing to see so much history in one place

Hartley Smith

Loads of history in this park you could spend half day just walking here.Taking pictures from every angle of this park.Walking the freedom rail takes you right back into history.Wear good walking shoes and bring water etc. Depending on weather jacket maybe needed. SHMO

Logan Stcyr

Unfortionately the Constitution was closed the day I went but they let me on the USS Cassin Young which was a great experience. The crew on deck were also very knowledgeable and it was nice to talk to them.

John H.

A nice slice of history, there's not that much to do. The museum is rather small, but the complex is pretty sprawling and not overly well marked. There are a lot of helpful people milling around. The Constitution itself is gorgeous (we were there on a Monday and couldn't go up on it). If you like naval history, it's great. Otherwise, it's a nice little stop on the Freedom Trail.

David Graves

The tour was very informational the guides very knowledgeable great history lesson

Kirk Hickling

Was our family's first tourist destination when we arrived in Boston. Used our city pass to get us in and was well worth the visit if you like sailing ships and history.

Chris Stedman

Awesome way to spend the day exploring while getting a little history lesson as well. Follow the 2.5 mile trail and see how Paul Revere warned the city! Easy walk and you can finish across the bridge over by the USS Constitution museum and catch a water taxi back to Battle Wharf where the Coast Guard is stationed!

Korhan Raif

Down town Boston. Very commercialized. I remember visiting 20+ years ago and you could feel the history. Now very commercial , lost its character, if you want to buy a souvenir and eat fast food go here. if you want to learn a about history, the revolution and our great forefathers buy a good book. They even sandwiched Paul Revere house between two contemporary buildings. What’s happened to preserving American history ?

Trent Nutter

Great part of history worth a visit. There is alot of interactive things for everyone. I recommend stopping by.

Dennis Charolle

Beautifully maintained oldest operational Navy ship and tons of history around too.

Jonathan Lopez

Definitely worth the walk through. Take your time and plan places to stop and eat on the way!

Dan Lewis

Meh. Kind of a pain to get to and into, and they guilt trip you at the private museum to "pay by donation" of your choice. It's a shame because the Constitution/Pier 1 is a fantastic site and the oldest commissioned vessel in the Navy. Let me just pay 10 bucks to walk by it and take some pics.

Matt Porter

Loved visiting the USS Constitution. Take your time here and enjoy a history lesson that you can physically experience while leaving the electronics behind!

emeliecheramie

What a great place to take kids. They learn alot and even get to throw tea overboard!!!

Mike Norris

Awesome place to visit, full of history. Be sure to include plenty of time to explore.

Richard Fierro

Really cool place to check out for some Boston history. Great for family day trips, hangouts, and for general going out adventures on a nice sunny day. Great views of the harbor and downtown Boston from here, the skyline and water blend well together.

Robert R

An awesome park in the heart of a deeply historic city, this park is definitely a place any visitor to Boston should make a visit to.

Steven Eckert

I love going to the Old North Church and hear the history and really get the feel of the times. I think this is a must see during a tour of Boston.

donjaime23 .

I keep telling Google I haven't been here, but this place keeps appearing in my review list anyway. So I'm writing this review to get it off my list for good. I'm sure this is a cool place regardless. Go visit it.

Ron L

A rich piece of American history. The restoration and maintenance of the ship is amazing. A great visit for anyone.

Phil Dornan

Was the first McDonalds I've been to that was 80% automated. I hear there are a lot around. Hope they don't do it in Arizona soon. But the food was good!

Matthew Geiger

The wife and I roamed around the place. Took part in the Boston Massacre tour as well as the tour up on the second floor. Wasnt able to spend much time reading in the museum due to prior engagements. A must see if you like history! Also the gift shop had many books on the events as well.

Jacob Collier

Good views of Boston and you can learn a thing or two about the city's history.

khoo chun shean

It's nice but overall Washington monument is better than this for the similar architecture

Steve B

A great time had here. I'm former navy and went back in time 30 years being on a ship that felt like home. The tour that the rangers give of the below and upper decks was excellent. You learn a lot on the history of the ship, the person its named after, the battles in was involved in during World War 2 and the damage that it incurred after several kamikaze attacks and how life was during that era. Gave me a new appreciation of the greatest generation and how they got things done. Touring the USS CONSTITUTION was equally as fascinating seeing the ship in all her remodeled condition and just how life must have been 300 years ago. Once down in the ship you can see how she got her nickname, old ironsides, by looking her construction and that she was built to last generations.

Gourav Anvekar

An amazing experience of seeing a war time ship. Don't miss the story narration in the central deck of the ship. You'll get a deeper dive into America's naval history and the challenges faced by the crew during those scary days

Luk Phillip Mammen

Sweet section of boston. Awesome spot to see historically significant locations.

Tony S

Interesting to see Old Ironsides and the Navy Base. Water ferry saves the long walk via the Freedom trail

Jim H.

The history is compelling and deep. There are two visitor centers - one by the water (next to the USS Constitution) and oneon the southeast corner of Breed's Hill, which is more commonly and mistakenly called Bunker Hill. The Breed's Hill center is more elaborate and interesting, but more could be displayed and said at both locations. The impacts of years of funding constraints that the NPS is suffering nationwide are quite apparent at both.

Gökhan Yıldız

Not very historic for tourists but fun to be in there.

loretta young

Love this place, this is where it all starts, the fun, the historical education, the walking around this great city. So many things to do, to see, and to eat. Have a Great day and stay safe.

marcia Souza

calm, clean, cozy, nice for a walk, the night is all lit up and has several restaurants and pizzerias nearby, it is worth knowing this place

Anthony Winebarger

Patriotic history... Feels great to be America.

Billy Whitt

Was our last stop after Bunker Hill and definitely the best! Oldest ship in the fleet as well as the most spectacular! A most stop if you are touring Boston!

Eric Cephas

The Old State House was fantastic! The play we saw was most excellent. The actors were talented and very accessible afterwards (welcoming and friendly). My 4 year old found many of the exhibits fun and interesting.

Mariann Aspan

Service and food was great. My husband had the shrimp gumbo and I had the cod which both of us really enjoyed. Would definitely recommend

Calvin Bronson

It was definitely an experience walking through the same decks as sailors did and seeing where they slept and imagining how hot it must've been over seas. But overall definitely a great experience.

Gabriel Goaga

We spent a beautiful Sunday visiting the USS Constitution museum and we all enjoyed it. We took the T boat from Boston and the skyline vow is amazing.

Susan Pfordresher

Great stop if you’re into Boston history. Old Ironsides is a very well-maintained gorgeous ship. You can do self guided or they have guided tours as well. Nicest little museum area inside as well as a great gift shop. Clean restrooms on site.

Nick G

If you like history, especially American Revolutionary history, Boston is the place for you. Bunker Hill and the park ranger battle tour is worth the wait.

Megan Tripp

If you think it'll be boring, it isnt. The guy presenting to us was really fun. He made sure to make us laugh while also teaching us about the history. You even get to throw the tea off the boat.

Trey Thompson

If you love historic sites this one comes with custom tours and period dressed folks. The crowds aren't trivial so go early or be ready to Wade through people. Take water during summer as rest stops are infrequent.

Ron

This place is incredible! We went here to see the USS Constitution. It's really awesome. The site is manned by Navy personnel and they do an amazing job. It's free to board the ship and you can explore the many levels it's a pretty tight fit below decks! The sailors onboard are dressed in period uniforms. They have a really great museum/gift shop onsite and there are several places to get food and snacks in the area!

Regina Robertson

Great to see Old Ironsides. Very interesting visit.

Nivin. T. Joseph

Pls be aware about the timings and plan your visit ..

Teri Muscarella

Beautiful view. So much history. Relaxing atmosphere too.

Jason Bellis

A truly historic experience. Walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers. The city and parks are an extraordinary experience. A city full of monuments and parks in hour of our nation's history. From Bunker Hill to the USS constitution, there is so much to see and do here.

Lara Compton

Very cool to have the opportunity to literally walk through our country's history. So fascinating to hear and read about the people, the buildings and the ships that helped to shape the United States. I really appreciated our historians taking the time to make these monuments and memorials accessible to people of all ages.

damon rose

Some of the most spectacular boats in the world. Amazing scenic view of the harbor. The atmosphere is unimaginable. Must see

Paul Fryer

Great museum and visitors centre. Lovely condition tall ship, as a Brit we took some ribbing all in good nature. Great to see serving navy personnel giving to the community and supporting USA history. Some facts, quotes and traditions quoted differ from the English which is interesting.

R Toh

The USS Constitutions is definitely a must-see for anyone who is interested in history and naval warfare. I was lucky on this particular visit because the sailor (yes, an actual current day Navy) on duty was kind enough not only to explain about how the canon works and how many sailors were needed to carry out the firing sequence, he actually demoed the process with the assistance of the group of tourists I was with. We listened to his command and followed the procedure. It was a heck of fun and we got away with an actual experience on how the canon was used in warfare. Summer 2018

Gerald P

Not a very large area but it's pretty awesome and very historical. I thought it was pretty cool.

Prasenjit Mondal

Excellent place to spend some quality time with nature..

Joseph Walsh

Informative tour. Our guide was john hancocks wife. Went as a chaperone for my sons class. Think i had more fun than the kids.

David Anderson

This was cool. It is in the middle of a beautiful neighborhood. Go early because it does close and some of the attractions like the bunker hill museum close and do cost money.

Jeff Savage

Dorchester Heights is a wonderful little piece of American history. Here the early American troops were fortified by a veil of nighttime winter fog, defended by a freak "hurrycane" on March 3, 1776, and ultimately protected by a smallpox outbreak in British- controlled Boston. This beacon on a small hill symbolizes America's role of being a light on the hill, proving to all the world that liberty was indeed possible.

KiriSue AshThorne Tyler

When you visit Boston the first time, you should go here. If you have been in Boston but never been here, you should go here. So much history. I learned much that I didn't know. The staff agrees does knowledgeable and agreed delighted to answer your questions. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

Davidp Ryan

The Constitution and the Navy Yard is always a great take. If you like history and I do, you initially learn and are then reminded of a significant time in our history. A great deal of the displays are being upgraded. The Park Dept. does a great job. The oldest active Naval vessel in the world speaks to all who visit.

Ryan McCauley

Visit downtown Boston at least once in your life. So much history to see. To keep it simple and see all of the histotical sites is follow the Freedom Trail. You can walk the winding trail through downtown in about 4 hours. It's clearly marked by two rows of red bricks the entire way.

Paul Yerhot

The lights at night add a unique viewing experience. Plus no other visitors around!

Gage Maverik

Fun interactive experience. They dress the part, play the roles, music of the era and really give you a sense of being there

Hank Marks

So this park is basically the freedom trail. The visitors center includes a museum, movie, gift shop, and awesome staff. The USS Constitution is outside and I got to go inside and see the decks. I’d recommend going early in the summer to avoid the wait times, but also late enough to see all the stuff on the freedom trail. Check availability on the website.

Alex Christian

A wonderful walk along Boston Harbor. We went on a nice sunny day, about 70° and the cool breeze off the harbor was enjoyable, though if you're a weak southerner like myself, a light jacket is a welcome addition. A beautiful combination of history and natural beauty, and as a tourist I had a great time with my local family.

Ryan Obray

Old North Church is really interesting. The partitioned seating is so foreign to me but this place really is a historical gem. The data sheets in each "cubicle" are insightful and educational.

NATAŠA PRIVOŠNIK

At the end of Freedom trail. Closed on Mondays. Otherwise nice place to visit

Thomas McFarland

Beautiful area, free exhibits....come and learn some history. BTW, Don't Tread On Me was a Patriot slogan and a flag. It is not racist, unless you consider the British to be a different race than the Colonial population. The Colonies were fighting for their freedom from an oppressive government....in this context, it perhaps should be a slogan for people fighting for their Civil Rights. Just a few thoughts on education.

Camille PECASTAINGS-CHRISTIE

Beautiful ship - and it’s free ! If you’re tall, you’ll have to watch your head on the lower levels. Note : it’s closed on Mondays !

kevin miller

Good place to spend a afternoon, at no cost. Just a donation to help with the upkeep.

Miss Perky

Super fun. Worth the stop. We only had an hour, but totally time to run through.

pezdisc

Really great place with a ton of history. I kept saying and thinking that this is where it all began. American History away it's best! I loved the freedom Trail, it was easy to find and follow. I felt safe the whole time and we were out all day long including into the evening. The Bostonians were very friendly and helpful.

Bill Walker

We're all know of the tea party but the detail presented by this for was outstanding. The tech during the inside tour was first rate.

Penny McGhee

Great info on Freedom Trail. Easy access.

Morgan McRay

Take the freedom trail and catch all these great spots

Rick Andresen

Uss constitution with navy ship reunion from uss shasta

Patty Allyn

You could really get a feel for what life was like back then .

Cesar Garcia

Nice park, well maintained, historic attractions and museums are awesome and a basic part of Boston's history

Hayden B

I had a great time here! I learned a lot about the history of the area. The sites were beautiful, and being able to walk in and around the USS Constitution was incredible!

Darby Mowell

I would so willingly die so that the USS Constitution could sail forever

Jamy Stenger

Awesome place to visit with the kids! The staff is knowledgeable and it's a memorable stop during your trip to Boston.

Chelsea Roberts

This place was so neat! You get to go aboard an old naval ship called the USS Constitution which is definitely the highlight. They have a few museum exhibits as well. The best part is it is all free. We really enjoyed our time here.

Mr. A6

Great views of the city I like that the area is so clean. Plenty of info here, I come here for the views of the city. Best time to go is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Your welcome.

Teresea Wells

The Constitution is amazing. Bring a picture ID. You will need it to tour the ship. Loved it.

Isacc Oleta Argil

Iconic place! U need to have very good condition to climb all the stairs!

Gabriel Jurj

Relaxed, friendly, with a family feeling! Don't miss the tasty food too! Well done to the owners!

David Buckingham

Great place to look round and see the history and what was then, in general walk round the city the people are there to help and give you tips on the local events of that day, try a canoly it's very nice

Richard Hendrix

Kind of interesting but I'll tell you this: I never knew that such a place could "Shiver me Timbers" so well...

lori howell

Loved visiting historical Boston and strolling through the park under the shade of the trees.

Sandro Franke

Much to see and to learn... no charge

Larry Finley

Very very interesting and worthwhile visiting but no parking. You have to find street meter parking near by.

Russell Beckett

You have to take the duck boat tour, brilliant.

Dave Clark

A rich source of American history that brings those days to life.

Daniel Kaplan

Only went in the Constitution, but there is another ship to walk around too if you have time. Best of all it's free!

David Lee

The north (historic) end is beautiful....italian food is the best!

Dustin Triplett

Really amazing ship. You have to see her in person to understand.

Mandi Macdonald

Love the city I'm from! So much history

Randall pelletier

I found this place so rich in American history . It's a very friendly and pretty place to visit, especially as part of the freedom trail. A visit aboard the USS Constitution is a must. I would definitely recommend that you go here if you have the time to

Debbie Cornett

All of the sites on Boston's Freedom Trail are remarkable and well explain the history of our country. I'm so glad we made this trip and learned so much.

nancy flores

Boston is the best city to come and bring your children lots of history

Annie Wood

Board the ship! You will enjoy seeing the history and appreciate the craftsmanship. The guides are also really knowledgeable. Well worth the stop while doing the Freedom Trail!

Gina I.

A beautiful Historic Site to see. There's great food in the area and it's close enough to anything you need.

Allen Todd

After the opening battles of Concord and Lexington, local militia surrounded the British held city of Boston. It was here on Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill) that the militia built an impromptu earthen fort overlooking Boston. This fort worried the British Commander. The militia fort was commanded by Colonel Prescott, with approximately 2400 militia. On the morning of June 17, 1775. General Howe led 3500 British troops in an attack on Bunker Hill. After two unsuccessful attacks the British finally captured the fortifications on their third attempt. The British lost over one thousand soldiers, while the colonists lost less than five hundred. Today the site is marked by a monument, an obelisk on Breeds Hill. The park entrance is free. Visitors are welcome to climb the stairs inside of the oblisk.

Jordan LaChance

Very awesome place for anyone who loves history. My children learned a lot and had fun doing it.

Gregory Rosic

So much fun to tour the area with the family! It was a beautiful day and parking wasn't hard at all, nor was it overcrowded. We just walked along the peers and saw some of the best sites Boston has to offer, including the historical ships and buildings and boats sailing past!

Anna Shlimovich

This park is a true gem, and it's free! In good or fair weather there is hardly a better spot in Boston to spend the outdoors. The ship USS CONSTITUTION is marvelous and inspires to study more of American history. It is open till 6 pm and provides many fascinating artefacts. We love it and the district!

Fred Moreno

The whole city is a National Monument. There are some great videos and historical facts inside the buildings

Samir Behara

Had a good time walking along the Freedom Trail. Pretty crowded and lot of commercial shops on the way.

Anne Boucher

I really enjoyed the visit of the Old North Church, especially the crypt and the guided tour! I really recommend the 2 dollars extra!

Jan Dumas

USS Constitution my heart and soul. This old frigate is like a church to me. I visit regularity a must-see if you are coming to visit Boston.

David Reeves

Awesome place where you can see beautiful views and just have a good time

Kathryn Sheehan

It's the best park. If the was a championship for parks, this one would win, and proudly join it's peers in title town. Boston city champions is proud to have Boston NHP

Fabian Belleflamme

Great "park" I can't believe it is free to enter!! The museum is very informative. The information on the actual USS Constitution is lacking however, which might be because it's still an actively listed military vessel.

Sandy Fryar

Fantastic and full of our nation's history!

Anthony Sirizzotti

Boston has such a rich history and this is only a small part of it but worth the visit, and it's free.

Matt Kohlman

Make sure you are ready to climb 294 steps to the top of the monument. Tickets are free and available at the museum across the street so plan to stop there first. The view from the top is great, however some may say it is not worth the effort(our kids did). Personally I would visit again. If you take the green line to north station the walk over the river is worth it.

Darkside

Kids had a blast here. Great for history buffs.

Yuri Goodwin

I loved this walk got some awesome photos

Andrew Lynam

So much to see and do here. Clean parks and fairly friendly people around. If you have time, buy the ticket and take the stairs to the top of the Bunker Hill monument.

Patrick Chaney

Great piece of history that demonstrates the sacrifice of many to get us here. Perhaps we could all reflect on that while we are quibbling over minutiae to the point of making their sacrifice pointless. Read about Bunker Hill and take a look in the mirror.

Kyle R

Great place to visit and get a feel for how the US Navy did things back in the day. We have a modern naval tour guide who was great, very knowledgeable about the ship and time period. Tour is free but donations are welcome.

Donna Wise

It's a great ship. The crew was in a hurry to rush us off before we had a chance to go below deck.

PRADEEP S KHOBARE

Very old ship kept for public view at Boston. We can observe machanism of oldest ship in USA. How it was sailed during ancient times.

C Rod

Most amazing places that brings you think all the man that give their lifes to protect our freedom.

Jackie Wallace

Great display of artefacts relating to the operation and beautiful restoration of the USS Constitution.

Wade Williams

My experience was line few others. I was given a private tour and was allowed to see parts of the ship that others are rarely ever given the option to see. Great walk around the USS Constitution. I learned more about this ship in one day that I ever learned in a history class.

James Newell

This where it all started . Great place to learn about the American revolution.

C Hendricks

Great place to visit and learn about our American history.

Rhonda

We took a tour from this port and had a wonderful time. I want to go back!!!

Frank Mcisaac

Wonderful way to learn about the American revolution. Very close to the USS Constitution as well.

Nathaniel Marcum

Our Cub Scouts group had a sleep over on the USS Constitution. We had tours led by Navy seamen. We slept below deck. We observed the evening during of the ceremonial cannon. Meals were in the Navy Yard galley. The only downer was the bathroom- two toilets for 50 people.

Terri Tuttle

Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, the Comendant's House and a stroll down 2nd Avenue ....a perfect way to wind down this day trip to the city.

Anthony Chiaramonte

A beautiful piece of living history, everyone even if they are not an American should go see it!

Ezra Golombek

Would be great if it was open when I arrived.

Paul Stroud

Amazing ship and a leisurely, "climb all over the ship" self-tour. A beautiful piece of history!

Harriet Stifter

I was able to stand on the deck of the oldest commissioned Battle ship in the United States Navy. It was awesome. I did it on September 11th and thought about all the men and women who fought for our freedom.

John Foreman

Nice but limited National park service museum. Be sure and go up stairs. The navy has an interesting short museum in addition to the two ships. MUST have a photo ID to get on board the ships or visit the navy museum.

Ryan Wilson

It sure was fun seeing the amazing amount of history here and around Boston. I enjoyed my visit.

Michael Misiaszek

A neat contrast between then & now.

Shehan Jaro

Really cool. Got to walk around and inside the USS constitution.