Boston’s Seaside Secrets: Top Things Near the USS Constitution Museum

From harbor views to hearty bites—discover Boston steps from the USS Constitution.

Published: March 26, 2026
USS Constitution Museum

You’ve checked off the USS Constitution Museum—admired the ship’s grand rigging, soaked in maritime tales, and maybe even learned more about cannonballs than you ever thought possible. But the fun doesn’t end at the Navy Yard’s gates. This historic corner of Boston overflows with delicious seafood, hidden parks, quirky museums, and classic New England charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good harbor breeze, grab your walking shoes—there’s plenty more to explore within a short stroll (or trolley ride). Ready to turn your USS Constitution visit into an epic Boston adventure? Let’s dive in. 

Our favorite things to do near the USS Constitution Museum include: 

  • USS Constitution 
  • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley 
  • Charlestown Navy Yard & Harborwalk 
  • Paul Revere House 
  • Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Warren Tavern 
  • Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 
  • Museum of Science 

USS Constitution: Step Aboard a Living Legend 

You absolutely can’t skip the USS Constitution herself—America’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Docked right next to the museum, “Old Ironsides” invites you to clamber aboard and imagine life at sea in the age of sails and salty crackers. Uniformed Navy crew members stand ready with stories that bring 18th-century naval battles to life. From the weathered deck, gaze across stunning harbor views or, below deck, wander between hefty cannons and hammocks strung just inches apart (impossible not to picture a rolling night’s sleep in there). 

What strikes us on every visit? The atmosphere—part living artifact, part high-seas adventure. There’s a contagious pride in each step. Whether you’re a ship superfan, a curious kid, or someone drawn by the call of Boston’s harbor breeze, the cutting-edge restoration means everything feels shipshape and inviting. It’s equal parts history lesson and fun—and you leave ready to sing sea shanties all the way down the dock. 

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: Your Easy Boston Adventure 

Hop aboard one of Boston’s iconic green trolleys right outside the Navy Yard and let the city come to you. One stop might drop you at Paul Revere’s house, the next at the Museum of Science—all while your driver spins tales of Redcoats, revolution, and Boston’s famously fierce chowder rivalry. 

Why do we love this? Zero navigation woes, friendly faces, and the ability to customize your day—linger where you like (North End cannoli break?) or breeze past the sights that don’t spark your interest. The views from the open-air top are unmatched, especially when you zip over the Charles. It’s the ideal way to connect the USS Constitution with the rest of Boston’s best, all at an adventurous, roll-at-your-own-pace rhythm. 

Charlestown Navy Yard & Harborwalk: Stroll, Relax, Repeat

Charlestown Navy Yard

Step straight off the ship and into one of Boston’s most scenic neighborhood strolls. The Navy Yard’s wide promenade is made for slow ambles, Insta-worthy snaps, and fresh air galore. Walk along the water’s edge as yachts bob, tugs glide by, and ferries crisscross the harbor. There’s something peaceful about the blend of historic warships and modern sailboats sharing the same skyline. 

The Harborwalk trail also leads to hidden gems—a stealthy little pocket park, local benches spaced for people-watching, and unbeatable sunset spots. If you’re traveling with kids, seek out the playground and interactive sculptures along the way. Or, just sit awhile and watch the city slowly morph from a working port to a nighttime hub of twinkling lights. It’s pure Boston—authentic, atmospheric, and just the right amount of salty. 

Paul Revere House: Meet Boston’s Midnight Rider 

A quick jaunt across the river (and an easy trolley or walk) brings you to the North End, where the Paul Revere House stands as a testament to Boston’s revolutionary spirit. This modest wooden house, dating back to 1680, is the oldest structure in downtown Boston. Step inside to see centuries-old furniture, family portraits, and kitchen tools that tell the tale of Revere’s midnight ride—“the British are coming!” 

The experience? Intimate and refreshingly unpretentious. Passionate guides spin yarns about the real Revere—artisan, neighbor, political mover—and you’re free to roam the rooms, peering out leaded windows onto bustling Hanover Street. Afterward, the North End (‘Little Italy’) is at your fingertips for espresso, cannoli, or a lobster roll if the mood strikes. Historic, hands-on, and filled with local flavor—this is Boston at its best. 

Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours: Dive Into Local Flavor 

Seafood fans, this one’s for you. The Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour leaves from just down the way, making it easy to follow the shoreline into Boston’s culinary heartland. Guided by foodies who know their briny stuff, you’ll visit top seafood joints—think clam chowder that blows away the competition and fish fresh off the boat. The guides dish out history with every stop, connecting modern tastes to centuries of New England seafaring tradition. 

This is a feast for the senses—aromas of fried clams, the sound of seagulls, sea breezes in your hair, and the sparkle of the waterfront all around. Each bite tells a story, and the laid-back vibe makes everyone feel like a local by tour’s end. A must-do for anyone who gauges city quality by its oysters—or just loves a good foodie adventure with a dash of harbor history. 

Warren Tavern: Raise a Pint Where Paul Revere Did

Tavern Sign

No trip to Boston is complete without a nod to its legendary tavern scene—especially at Warren Tavern, one of the city’s oldest watering holes (opened in 1780!). The wood-beamed ceilings, creaky floors, and softly glowing lanterns transport you right back to colonial times, but the menu is pure 21st-century comfort: think baked mac and cheese, crispy fish and chips, and a chowder that gets regulars raving. 

It’s more than just a meal—this is where patriots like Paul Revere gathered for ale and debate. The cozy, historic setting (with a giant stone fireplace, absolutely perfect come winter) adds an extra layer of story to every order. Grab a local craft beer, try the famed roast turkey dinner, and see why travelers and locals return again and again. The energy is relaxed yet buzzing—perfect for unwinding with friends after a full day of adventures. Bonus points: staff here know their Boston history and will happily share a story or two if you ask. 

Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour: Relive Boston’s Revolutionary Past 

If you love history with a side of theater, you’ll want to join the Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour. Let a costumed guide (think tri-corner hats and petticoats) lead you right from the Navy Yard onward—past red-brick paths and centuries-old churches, all the way to Faneuil Hall. These tours absolutely bring the drama: bustling market squares, secretive graveyards, and tales of revolution jump to life with every stop. 

What makes this tour shine is its interactive storytelling. You’re not just listening—you’re in the thick of Boston’s wildest nights, hostage to its crankiest revolutionaries, learning the real truth behind the city’s biggest legends. Families, history buffs, and young-at-heart travelers always leave grinning and a little more Boston-savvy than before. It’s both educational and immensely entertaining—the perfect way to connect the dots between the USS Constitution and the city’s wider legacy. 

Museum of Science: Wonder for All Ages 

A quick hop across the Charles River brings you to the Museum of Science, a place where curiosity reigns supreme. From full-dome planetarium shows to live engineering demos, this sprawling complex is buzzing with hands-on exhibits sure to delight kids, teens, and even the most serious adults. Dive into the Hall of Human Life and watch robots at work, or unleash your inner meteorologist with interactive weather labs. 

What stands out for us is the open invitation to touch, tinker, and experiment—no “look, don’t touch” rules here! The museum’s striking setting right over the river means extra-stellar city views mid-exhibit. Plus, if you fancy catching a lightning show (Tesla coils in action!), this is your spot. It’s the ultimate brain-boosting, smile-inducing experience, perfect for winding down after a day on the docks. 

 

So, whether you want to channel your inner sailor, climb into the heart of revolutionary action, or simply sit back with a locally brewed pint, the neighborhood around USS Constitution Museum brims with surprises. Harbor views, history, and heaps of local color ensure there’s far more to discover than wooden decks and cannons—this is Boston at its best, and you’re right at the center of it all. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do in Boston in the Morning or Things to Do Near Paul Revere House 

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The Museum of Fine Art in Boston
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Museum of Fine Arts Vs Institute of Contemporary Art Comparison

Revolutionary spirit and great art are in Boston’s DNA, meaning you’re rarely far from a picture-perfect historical landmark, fascinating cultural artifact or priceless Old Master. You can feel it on the Freedom Trail – the city’s comprehensive walk-through of the birth of America, in the family-run restaurants of the authentic Italian district, and in the bleeding-edge contemporary art galleries of Boston’s hip South End neighborhood. And that’s just for starters. Beantown’s art museums are second-to-none, offering deep dives into the history and cultural heritage of Boston, the Americas and beyond. Two absolute titans of the scene, the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art feature highly on the hit-lists of many art-loving visitors to the city. We took a closer look at this dynamic duo to find out how they compare, including a smidgen of hstory, some of the treasures you can expect to find in each, and how to visit… Museum of Fine Arts: the Lowdown Vital Statistics: Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (aka the Boston Art Museum) has been wowing visitors since 1870 and has been growing in size and popularity ever since. The museum moved to its current home – a suitably grand purpose-built neoclassical edifice complete with colonnades and a great rotunda (with frescoes by John Singer Sargent, no less) – in 1909. Since then, it has expanded to include a collection of some 500,000 pieces across 100 galleries, running the gamut from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. One of the biggest art museums on the planet, its stellar collection pulls in more than 1.2 million visitors every year. The MFA in Brief: It’s not easy to be brief about a museum of this size and caliber, but we’ll try. Within its hallowed walls, the MFA houses thousands of rare treasures, from paintings and sculptures to musical instruments, pottery and textiles. In other words, pretty much everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Kahlo. Ogle Nubian pottery, Chinese ceramics and masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, and experience the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, including paintings, ceramics and 17th-19th-century ukiyo-e woodblock prints.  Getting in: Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is open daily except Tuesdays. Hours are 10AM-5PM, with late opening until 10PM on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are included with a Boston pass from Go City. The pass includes access to dozens more activities, tours and attractions, including Paul Revere House, the Museum of Science, a Freedom Trail walking tour, a sunset harbor cruise, and more. Find out how you could save up to 50% with the Boston pass and get yours here.  MFA Highlights Give your neck a workout in the museum’s epic rotunda, where frescoes by John Singer Sargent adorn the domed ceiling.  Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, maker of the historic Sons of Liberty Bowl, which is also – natch – on display here at the museum. We’re in the Monet! We’re in the Monet! The MFA boasts one of the best collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside of France, including landmark pieces by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas and others. Fans of Japanese art will be in clover, with over 100,000 pieces including woodblock prints, fine ceramics and Buddhist statues. Ancient Egypt is never less than utterly fascinating, and the MFA’s collection does not disappoint, with pieces that include Rameses III prisoner tiles, ancient idols, exquisite Nubian jewelry, and decorative sarcophagi. Institute of Contemporary Art: the Lowdown Vital Statistics: A relative upstart in comparison to the MFA, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art opened over 60 years later, in 1936. Originally the Boston Museum of Modern Art, it has undergone several changes of name (and even more changes of location) before settling on the Institute of Contemporary Art (or ICA) in 1948 and, in 2006, the striking industrial-style Seaport District location it now calls home. The building, 65,000 square feet of gallery and performance space, houses a relatively modest permanent collection (hundreds rather than thousands of pieces), supplemented by rotating exhibitions, installations and performances that reflect the very best of the contemporary international art scene. It attracts around 200,000 visitors annually. The ICA in Brief: The ICA’s permanent collection includes essential pieces from established and emerging artists, including many from past exhibitors. These include the likes of Cornelia Parker, Taylor Davis, Nan Goldin, Thomas Hirschhorn, Marlene Dumas and Laylah Ali, to name just a few. Check out the ICA website for information on all current and upcoming exhibitions. Getting in: The ICA is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PM, with late opening until 9PM on Thursday and Friday. General admission costs $20, but Thursday evening admission is free after 5PM – tickets are available from Thursday morning and advance booking is highly recommended. ICA Highlights Jutting out over the harbor, the ICA’s Seaport District home is every bit the contemporary art space, all bright, intimate galleries; its glass corridors and elevators seem to float above the water below. Don’t miss Cornelia Parker’s signature ‘Hanging Fire’ sculpture, Kara Walker’s thought-provoking meditation on racism and gender discrimination, based on characters from Mark Twain's ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, and the fine collection of photographs by Boston’s Nan Goldin. A ferry takes passengers over to the ICA Watershed outpost, where a single artist exhibits work from spring to fall each year. Past exhibitions have included large-scale installations and sculptures by the likes of Diana Thater, John Akomfrah, Firelei Báez and Guadalupe Maravilla. Museum of Fine Arts Vs Institute of Contemporary Art Comparison: Which is Best? Art aficionados will find much to enjoy in both the MFA and ICA. The Museum of Fine Arts takes the prize for the sheer variety and scope of its collection, and is likely to be the better choice for lovers of art history and antiquity. The Institute of Contemporary Art is by its very nature a far more niche experience, but with futuristic sculptures, paintings and installations that are no less eye-popping than those at the MFA. Don’t forget: you can visit the MFA with a Boston attraction pass from Go City, and Thursday evenings at the ICA are free so, heck, why not spoil yourself and do both? Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Boston Save money on Boston attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
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10+ Things to Do in Lexington & Concord, MA

If you’re interested in American history, you know Boston is the place to be for historical landmarks and attractions related to the colonial era, the American Revolution, and the birth of the country. However, visitors often overlook the two sites with some of the most significance for this time: Lexington and Concord.  Attractions go beyond Lexington Battle Green to include museums, 18th-century houses inhabited by famous early Americans, and even immaculately restored taverns. If you're looking for things to do in Lexington and Concord during your trip to Boston, check out this list of the best local activities and attractions, including: The Liberty Ride Buckman Tavern Concord Museum Louisa May Alcott House and more! Lexington Attractions Liberty Ride Though it starts in Lexington, the Liberty Ride is a Lexington and Concord tour along the historic Battle Road. On your air-conditioned trolley, a knowledgeable costumed tour guide will recount the exciting events of the American Revolution as you pass the Lexington Battle Green, the Old North Bridge, Minuteman National Historic Park, and the Lexington and Concord visitor centers. Buckman Tavern Buckman Tavern served as a gathering spot for militiamen awaiting the arrival of the “Red Coats” on April 19, 1775. When the alarm bell ran to signal the enemy’s approach, the men left the tavern for Lexington Common, where the first Revolutionary War conflict would occur. Buckman Tavern was restored in 1920 and today the original taproom fireplace remains next to a reinstalled bar. Munroe Tavern On the day before the Battle of Lexington, Munroe Tavern served as a meeting spot for colonials and minutemen. The next day, retreating British troops overtook the tavern and turned it into a field hospital for the wounded. Today, the preserved Munroe Tavern is run by the Lexington Historical Society. Hancock Clarke House You know about Paul Revere’s famous ride, right? Well, the Hancock Clarke House, home of Reverends John Hancock and Jonas Clarke, was Paul Revere’s destination that night. John Hancock and Samuel Adams were visiting Reverend Clarke, and Paul Revere and William Dawes were sent to warn these legendary Patriots of the arrival of the British troops. Lexington Battle Green Visit the place where the first shots of the battle of Lexington and Concord were fired in 1775, in an event that would start the Revolutionary War. Today Lexington Battle Green is a public park and a National Historic Landmark. A quick must-visit stop for history buffs. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Like many of the attractions in Lexington and Concord, this is one for the history buffs. This free-entry American history museum has a particular focus on Masonic history, but it also contains artifacts and documents of more general interest. The museum hosts an ever-changing roster of special exhibits that tell the story of Lexington's history. Concord Attractions Concord Museum Housing many authentic artifacts and important documents of the Colonial era and the American Revolution, the Concord Museum was founded in 1886—making it one of the oldest and most well-documented historical collections in the country. It is most famous for its extensive collection of artifacts belonging to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Other relics are just as impressive, such as lanterns hung in the Old North Church on the eve of the Revolution. Louisa May Alcott Orchard House Speaking of literary legacies, the Louisa May Alcott House—where the classic novel Little Women was written—is also located in Concord. Real-life family members who resided in the house inspired the story, and guided tours offer insights into their lives. Though over 300 years old, the house has genuine architectural integrity and still contains original family artifacts. Old Manse House With a location right next to the Old North Bridge, the Old Manse House has an important place in Revolutionary History. The house was built by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grandfather in 1770, and Emerson watched the battle at North Bridge in 1775 from his farm fields. The Old Manse House has a renowned literary legacy: it is here where Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted “Nature,” Nathaniel Hawthorne established his literary career, Henry David Thoreau tended the land, and Horace Mann, Margaret Fuller, and John Brown paid regular visits. Minute Man National Historic Park This immensely popular historic site has plenty to offer exploring families and couples. A park commemorating the beginning of the Revolutionary War, this venue offers several distinct attractions. You'll be able to see: the North Bridge, where the militia fired back at the British troops; the Battle Road Trail, featuring a monument to Paul Revere and a restored 18th century home and inn. Visit the Wayside, a house that was once occupied by Bronson and Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. Save on Lexington & Concord Attraction Admission with a Go City® Boston pass Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the USS Constitution, Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Katie Sagal

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