The City of Plenty—Boston, MA
Any motorcyclist with even a passing interest in American history should have Boston on their list of riding destinations. The city boasts the whole package—it’s steeped in history, has plenty of options for entertainment, and is near some fantastic roads to ride.
Settled in 1625 and founded in 1630, Boston is among the 10 oldest cities in the U.S. (depending a bit on how you count them). It’s no wonder, then, that a lot has gone down in Boston over the years.
Although it was the largest town in the early Thirteen Colonies, Boston’s growth stopped in the mid-18th century. Then came the American Revolution, in which Boston played a crucial role, with events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the siege of Boston.
If the city had struggled pre-Revolution, American independence turned Boston’s luck around. Turning into one of the country’s busiest ports, Boston has been booming ever since.
Today, Boston is the heart of the bustling metropolitan area that surrounds it. There’s so much to see and do in the city that it’d be impossible to cover all bases in this short article—so consider this a brief overview of everything Boston has to offer.
So Much to Do, So Little Time
For those looking to immerse themselves in U.S. history, there’s no better place to start than the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile route proceeds through the city passing 17 historically significant locations, starting at the Boston Common and ending at the Bunker Hill Monument.
One of the most fascinating stops along the Freedom Trail is the Paul Revere House. Built in 1680, the building was owned by the midnight rider himself and today serves as a museum in his memory.
Other historical sights worth seeing in Boston include the JFK Presidential Museum and the USS Constitution (or Old Ironsides), the world’s oldest still-afloat battleship. Really, if you’re a history buff, Boston has more to offer than you have time for.
Sports fans can go cheer on the Boston Red Sox (or the opposing team) at Fenway Park. This historical ballpark from 1912 is the oldest active baseball venue in the country.
Speaking of the country’s oldest things, how about the aforementioned Boston Common? It’s America’s oldest public park and a perfect place for a post-ride picnic under a tree.
One of the more unique sights in Boston is the Mapparium Globe, a walk-through whispering gallery with a 1935 world map represented on its gorgeous stained glass. Not only is this a one-of-a-kind work of art, but it’s also fascinating to see the state of the world just before World War II.
Should you find yourself hankering for more art, head on over to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Institute of Contemporary Art, depending on your tastes.
You can’t talk about Boston without mentioning the local unique seafood-rich cuisine. Have some Boston baked beans, the best clam chowder you’ve tasted, or tour the Samuel Adams Brewery.
If you’re planning to take a day off the saddle to explore Boston, I recommend pitching in for the Boston Go card. This pass allows you to visit multiple attractions in the city on a single payment and can save you some money.
As I mentioned, this is only a very surface-level look at Boston. The only way you can find out everything about this wonderful city is to get on your bike and ride in for an in-person visit.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Freedom Trail
- Fenway Park
- Paul Revere House
- Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
- Museum of Fine Arts
Nearby Roads
There’s no shortage of great roads near Boston. For starters, you could take SR 3 and US 6 out of town for a visit to Cape Cop. Alternatively, head a bit northward and pick up Mystic Valley Pkwy to S Border Rd and Woodland Rd for a jaunt around the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
For a longer ride, you can follow the coastline (or nearby smaller roads) up north to Salem and eventually Gloucester to take in the Massachusetts seaside vibe. Another ride on well-paved roads through beautiful woods is heading northeast and taking SR 225 from Bedford all the Peterborough, NH.
In fact, the area northwest of Boston is fun to explore on a motorcycle without a grander goal. It’s full of nice country roads and small towns to reward a moto wanderer.
Recommended Lodging: Longwood Inn
Longwood Inn is a bit outside central Boston, but that comes with one huge advantage. This charming Victorian mansion from the early 1900s offers free on-site parking—something every motorcyclist can appreciate.
The inn offers rooms in multiple different sizes, you can pick one according to the amount of gear you’re lugging around. The rooms are nicely appointed and gorgeous, so you’ll sleep well in a historical atmosphere.
Despite being a bit out of the way, it’s not like Longwood Inn is far from Boston’s bustle. There are many great restaurants a stone’s throw away, and the Coolidge Theater, Fenway Park, and the Museum of Fine Arts are also nearby.
Best Time to Travel
To get the most out of riding and attractions in Boston, I recommend visiting in summer—that is, between June and October. This is New England, after all, so summer months are the most likely to offer warm weather without too much rain.
You can also visit in spring or fall (the latter is good for the foliage) but you’d better pack some warm layers. Winters here get snowy and riding is often out of the question.