Preserving the grounds and home of former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, this historical park offers a variety of activities for you and your whole family to enjoy. Don't miss a chance to learn about its heritage by touring the former homes, browsing the bookstore, or taking in the various exhibits. Enjoy guided tours of the family home and discover a library with over 14,000 volumes carefully stored and preserved. The park also features the birthplaces of 2nd U.S. President John Adams and 6th U.S. President John Quincy Adams.
After opening its doors in 1928, Boston Opera House underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration process to become the opulent city landmark it is. Featuring shows like Les Miserables, Hairspray, The Nutcracker and the Tony award-winner The Lion King, this venue is not to be missed. Enjoy timeless classics, productions inspired by major motion pictures as well as comedy shows.
If you plan on visiting the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum is a must-see. Come and discover what life was like for the crew that served on Old Ironsides. Take a trip into American history and learn about life on the sea, the Revolution, and the War of 1812. A fun, educational experience for the entire family. Be sure not to miss the gift shop so you can take a piece of history home with you!
One of the most famous Ivy League Universities in the world, Harvard is every aspiring academic's dream destination. Established in the year 1636, Harvard is the oldest college in the United States by a country mile. Its collegiate school, initially known as 'New College', primarily served to instruct clergy members, and continued in this vein until the early periods of the 18th Century. Throughout the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, Harvard's reputation has only grown, as did its offerings and concentrations. Harvard broke with tradition in 1977, when it merged with Radcliffe college, essentially making it coeducational. Today, Harvard remains one of the most prestigious learning institutions in the world, and the red bricks of Harvard Yard are a Boston landmark. Its campus covers nearly 210 acres (85 hectares) and is home to numerous heritage sights such as the John Harvard statue, Massachusetts Hall, Widener Library and Harvard Yard.
The Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is a 34.803 hectare (86 acre) stretch of green expanse that offers visitors a chance to experience nature. Complete with nature trails and specialized gardens, the sanctuary ensures an educational and interesting day out. Come here for a picnic with family or explore the wilderness along one of the trails. One can find numerous varieties of fish, birds, muskrats and turtles. The butterfly garden showcases a variety of brilliantly colored insects. Visit the onsite nature center for more detailed information regarding the park. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, heiress and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner built a home modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace. Gardner was a great patroness of famous artists such as James Whistler and John Singer Sargent. She also acquired European masterpieces, and her palace is now a museum filled with works by Titian, Matisse, Rembrandt, and Raphael. The courtyard of the museum is a lush oasis filled with beautiful plants and flowers.