With unending historic landmarks on every corner, this neighborhood on the northern side of Charles River in Boston is a living time capsule.
As you go through the unique cobblestone streets and elegant brownstones, you feel all the cultural relevance that makes up America’s history. Even the more modern parts of Charlestown have many stories to tell and tons to visualize.
Where should be your first stop?
What are the must-see locations in this part of Boston?
What should you expect with each visit?
Let’s walk you through the best things to do in Charlestown, MA once you’re in the neighborhood!
- Check out the Bunker Hill Monument
It’s probably the most iconic and intriguing attraction for many visitors to Charlestown, Massachusetts—and for good reasons!
Towering 221 feet in the air, this granite obelisk stands tall to commemorate America’s Revolutionary War in 1775 and remind visitors of the 17 years it took to erect it.
While the massive structure is an impressive landmark on its own, it gets better. With 294 stairs on its inside, you can climb to the topmost floor for a panoramic view of Boston’s skyline, Downtown, Back Bay, Cambridge, and Seaport.
The structure is impossible to miss as long as you’re in the neighborhood. For those relocating to the area, expect to get recommendations about visiting this site from the movers in Charlestown, MA, offer.
Note:
Admission into the Monument is FREE. However, only a maximum of 20 people can be inside at a time. Service animals aren’t allowed.
- Visit the Charlestown Navy Yard
If you want to learn about the Navy’s history and command in Charlestown, visit the yard!
There’s a lot to see here as you wander through the dry docks in the Navy Yard. From the old 1805 Federal-style Commandant House to the 1,000-foot long Ropewalk where all naval ropes were made, and of course, the USS Constitution warship.
The Navy Yard is one of the oldest in the country and part of the original six established in 1800, so if you have any questions, there are interactive exhibits and staff ready to give you answers.
Note:
The entry ticket to the Navy Yard is FREE. However, most of the shipyard buildings are closed to the public.
- Learn About History at the USS Constitution Museum
You might want to see the “Old Ironsides” USS Constitution warship before checking out the museum. The museum houses all the in-depth history of this national treasure.
There you’ll find special artifacts and exhibits that bring the ship’s story to life. You could start your tour of the museum just at the entrance with its film theater showing renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and sounds of cannon fire that couldn’t sink the ship.
While at the USS Constitution Museum, you can also get hands-on experience and demonstration on how to raise a sail, scrub the decks, and fire a cannon.
Note:
Admission tickets to the museum range from $5 – $10 for children and $10 – $15 for adults. Seeing the ship itself is FREE, but you must show some ID and undergo security inspections.
- Treat Yourself to Some Deliciousness at Warren Tavern
Established in 1780, the Warren Tavern is a historic legacy of the Old World, which came about after the Revolutionary War.
This place got its name from the war hero Dr. Joseph Warren, and it has survived since then, standing as one of the oldest taverns in the country.
Just a tour inside will show you collections of time past with its brass lamps and old polished woods. If you’re going to drink at a bar and share a couple of meals with friends, it’s best you do it here!
After a day of touring the neighborhood, give yourself a nice taste of some delicious New England Fare. The menu is a testament to the golden era, from shepherd’s pie to clam chowder.
Note:
Meals can cost in the lows of $7 for a Tavern Onion Soup or as high as $30+ for main course dishes.
- Stop By The Historic Vessel at USS Cassin Young
Still in the Navy Yard, there’s another historic piece worthy of your gaze to look upon.
Just close by to the USS Constitution warship lies this 376-foot WWII 14 Fletcher-class destroyer ship. Like many other historic objects in the yard, the USS Cassin Young offers a dynamic view of naval technology during its era.
Prepare to spend roughly about 45 minutes on a tour of this historic landmark with knowledgeable guides ready to lead you through the tight corridors and its decks.
The exhibitions promise to be an engaging and educational experience for people of all ages.
Note:
Admission to the destroyer ship is FREE, but for safety reasons, it is limitedly accessible. Service animals aren’t allowed aboard.
- Walk the Freedom Trail for Revolutionary History
Get your walking or running shoes ready because it’s 2.5 miles of well-paved path in front of you as you move through the Freedom Trail.
As you walk through this trail by yourself or with a guide, expect to come across over a dozen different historic sites that have significant importance in the Revolutionary period. For instance, the Paul Revere House and Copp’s Burial Grounds.
The trail begins at Boston Common in Downtown and goes from Old North Church around North End to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
Note:
Guided tour tickets are listed by location of departure and are color-coded.
- Catch A Game at Fenway Park
When you’re done with all the history of touring and meal snacking, how about some fun game time with sports?
When thinking of things to do in Charlestown, MA, or in Boston, grabbing a ticket to watch the Boston Red Sox play might be the nice treat you deserve. There’s also a sense of history with the baseball team and, most of all, pride from the fans in the stands.
With a hot dog in one hand and a cup of beer in the other, maybe it’s time you give yourself an electric atmosphere as you cheer on the home team. Or you could schedule a tour of the most beloved ballpark with a random group or with your family.
Note:
Ticket prices fluctuate based on the game and chosen seat.
Endnote—Things to do in Charlestown, MA
The amount of American history oozing in Charlestown, Boston, MA, is enough to satisfy any history buff for a week.
From the amazing soaring 221-foot structure of Bunker Hill Monument to the mesmerizing collections of naval warheads at the Navy Yard, even regular adventurous folks would love a visit here.
To truly experience this neighborhood, start your tour at the most obvious point—the Monument. Then, walk your way to the yard, fill your eyes with plenty of Navy history, and end it at the Warren Tavern.
Just in case these stops aren’t enough for you, there are more things to do in Charlestown, MA that could keep you occupied even longer.
- Plan an escape into the Cityside Harbor Shuttle
- Take a stroll to Winthrop Park
- See what’s going on at John Harvard Mall
- Enjoy a picnic in City Square Park
- Pay tributes to those who served at Charlestown Veterans Memorial Park
