Budget Trip to Boston

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

Hello, I'm a pro at planning our Disney trips, but, now I'm looking for advise from all my Budget friendly Dis friends on an over night trip to Boston.

My daughter and her friend are going to a concert at Foxboro in August. Our plan is to spend the night and then go into Boston the next day.

Where should we stay? And what are some things to do? There will be 4 of us. I would like to go to either the Sience Museum or the Aquarium, and do the Duck tours.

TIA

 

[handicap18]

If you have to be in Foxboro for the concert then I would stay close to there. Traffic for concerts is crazy and Parking starts around $40. There is a hotel within walking distance from Gillette Stadium, but I don't recall the name. Its changed a few times. If you stay at the hotel your parking is included. I believe there is also a Marriot hotel right in Patriot Place next to the stadium.

Foxboro to Boston is an easy drive. You can park in Quincy and take the Red Line into downtown so you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Boston is the 2nd highest city to park in behind only New York.

 

[LovesTimone]

On company trip we went to Boston. Some of the others went on the Duck tours, and hated it. This was the consensus from everyone that we talked to, said it was over crowded, hot and just not what they thought it would be. We did the whale watching, and that what we did watch, only one sighting, just glad we did not pay for that. Lots and Lots of sea sick people and unattended children.

We did enjoy the JFK library very moving, and a great way to spend part of the day. We also walked some of the freedom trail, and got detoured in North end some really great restaurants, on some of the side streets, and of course Mike's Bakery... YUMMO.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'd choose the Museum of Science over the Aquarium, plus there are Duck tours that leave right from the MOS, so that would be very convenient.

I'm underwhelmed by our Aquarium. I feel like you can spend an hour there and see most of it.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I've only heard good things about the Duck Tours from friends. I do not recommend the Aquarium. Even with our library passes which deducted almost 50% off the price, I thought I was ripped off. It took us an hour tops. I don't think it's much bigger than the aquarium (Nemo) area in Epcot.

I do like the Museum of Science especially if you are doing one of the Omni shows. Depending on the time of year, I'd do the Duck Tour, walk Freedom Trail (if you like History), and do the Swan boats. I think you can still go to the top of the Prudential Center.

Not Budget minded but we recently took a tour of Boston Harbor at Sunset on the Spirit of Boston. The food was incredible but I think we spent around a $100 a person. It mind be cheaper at lunch.

 

[captainjen]

On company trip we went to Boston. Some of the others went on the Duck tours, and hated it. This was the consensus from everyone that we talked to, said it was over crowded, hot and just not what they thought it would be. We did the whale watching, and that what we did watch, only one sighting, just glad we did not pay for that. Lots and Lots of sea sick people and unattended children.

We did enjoy the JFK library very moving, and a great way to spend part of the day. We also walked some of the freedom trail, and got detoured in North end some really great restaurants, on some of the side streets, and of course Mike's Bakery... YUMMO.

I agree about the whale watch. Went on one and the amount of people who got sick was over the top, the boat was really scary in how bad it was rocking when it hit a wave. I was really annoyed that we were not told before hand how rough the seas conditions were. If I had know in advance I never would have put my three young children in that situation. But I love the JFK Library could spend a whole afternoon there. There is also a lot of things to do at Gillette Stadium that you might want to check out. I also agree that the Museum of Science is a blast

 

[chabs]

Hello, I'm a pro at planning our Disney trips, but, now I'm looking for advise from all my Budget friendly Dis friends on an over night trip to Boston.

My daughter and her friend are going to a concert at Foxboro in August. Our plan is to spend the night and then go into Boston the next day.

Where should we stay? And what are some things to do? There will be 4 of us. I would like to go to either the Sience Museum or the Aquarium, and do the Duck tours.

TIA

Skip the aquarium and the duck tour. The aquarium is small, hot, overcrowded and dirty. The last time we were (last summer) there we couldn't believe how dirty the displays were. Some had so many finger prints on them that you couldn't see through the glass and it wasn't a days worth of dirt either.

The duck tour is awful. You will literally sit in traffic forever and breathe fumes from the exhaust. We went with a school field trip and even the kids hated it. It is long and boring and you can't wait to get out if there.

There is a parking lot right behind Quincy Market. Stay outside Boston and drive in and park there if you want to go to the aquarium or whale watch. It's a short walk. Quincy Market has your regular stores but there is a huge food court and some unique shops too.

The MOS is interesting if you are into that kind of thing. It is really big and you can spend most of the day there. I think it is more for kids though.

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to get around. Boston traffic is horrendous. I'd rather drive in NYC any day over Boston. It literally takes you 20 minutes to move 20 feet and there is always some kind of construction.

 

[anl]

My son and I went on a duck tour and really enjoyed it. I know there is more than one company so maybe that's the difference. It's a very walkable city if you just want to wander the city for a day. And the weather was great! We live in Texas and would have been burnt and drenched with all the walking and outside exploring we did. It was great!

 

[fripouns]

I'm from the Boston area. I guess a lot depends on the ages of your kids. The MOS is definitely a great place to go. Also, I really like the Duck Tours. I know someone mentioned sitting in traffic. Traffic in Boston can be bad so maybe doing the Duck Tour in the middle of the day may make a difference. The one time I did it, I was even able to drive the boat on the river which was cool.

As far as parking in Boston, it is very expensive. I would park at one of the "T" stations (our subway system) and take the T in. Someone mentioned Quincy which would be a good option for that. This also eliminates trying to navigate through Boston which is nearly impossible if you don't know how to get around. There is a Marriott vey close to he Quincy station and I know from experience a lot do football teams used to stay there when in town to play the Patriots. It wasn't bad price wise. And as far as budgets go, staying outside the city is FAR cheaper!

I second the Swan Boat idea in the Public Garden. That is neat and pretty cheap as well if I remember correctly. Nothing fancy but a part of Boston culture.

Quincy Market would be good for lunch but be warned it can get crowded. It is a like a big food court with good food options. If you want a sit down place and really experience Boston/New England, Durgin Park has good old fashion Yankee cooking. It is also located by Quincy Market. Honestly, you will not starve in Boston!

Again, a lot depends on the ages of your daughter and friend.

Good luck and have fun planning! I love Boston!

 

[KBoopaloo]

Another vote against the aquarium. I'd recommend walking over there and visiting the seal exhibit outside for free and that is about it. I find it super dated, dark and depressing.

I really enjoy the Duck Tours and have taken lots of out of town friends on them but I can see both sides of it. I did a whale watch once, got the sickest I have ever been and would never do it again!

I'd recommend walking the Freedom Trail and choosing what to visit as you go. Some sites charge admission and some sites don't so you can do a lot of it cheaply and it leads you right into the North End and all that yummy food.

 

[3boymthr]

Definitely skip the aquarium. Overpriced for what you get. My kids are 11, 14 and 18 and still love the MOS. The 11 yo is doing a Duck Tour in a few weeks. This is the highlight of their 5th grade year. If you are up to walking the freedom trail is also really great.

The MOS has a ton of reciprocal memberships so if you have a museum near you that you are a member of check to see if the membership is reciprocal. Parking at the MOS for a member is cheap, especially compared to parking elsewhere but you have to get there early.

I live in the area of Gillette and literally work within walking distance (they park for concerts and games at my building). If it's in your budget I'd stay at the Renaissance which is right across Patriot Place plaza from the stadium (about a 5 minute walk). If the Renaissance is not in your budget the I'd suggest staying in Mansfield. You can actually avoid traffic by doing this. There are a bunch of choices there but if you stay in the Cabot Industrial Park you will be less than 10 minutes from Route 1 by back roads - the Route 140 on ramp will put you on Route 1 walking distance to Patriot Place. (Avoid getting on 95 or 495 the day of the concert - traffic will start backing up around 2 PM - the time they close our building when there is a concert - and getting bad by 4 PM - and it's about 3-4 miles from the 95/495 ramps to Gillette).

If you decide to head to the concert early or stay at the Renaissance there's some decent shopping and nice places to eat at Patriot Place - there is also a movie theater and they offer a shuttle to Bass Pro, a Christmas Tree Shops, Bed Bath and Beyond and more.

 

[TravelMommy]

Aquarium is small and costs a fortune; We really enjoy Quincy market area.

 

[abmitch01]

The renovated Children's museum is fabulous, stuff for all ages. Museum of Science is not to be missed. Aquarium, meh, call ahead and make sure the construction is done or you won't see much. they have great IMAX films. For art even kids enjoy, the Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum is wonderful and can be done fairly quickly. I thought the duck tour was fine but i wouldn't do it again. You can catch it right outside the museum of Science.

 

[Judyat]

We went to the aquarium this past winter. It was recently redone and we really liked it. Also did the Duck tours years ago and that was fun and you get to see a lot of Boston as well as cruise the Charles River. They make it fun. I think they leave from the Science museum which is also great. Having a guide for the Freedom trail is also great. They point out a lot of things that you would otherwise miss. The hip on hop off buses are also good. You can often get special deals on groupon and Living social. We have friends who go to Foxboro for the New England Revolution soccer games. They told us parking was free but maybe that's if you park at the outdoor mall that's very close and you can walk from it. If you like lobster rolls the best are at James Hook. It's a little red shack at 15 Northern Ave right next to the water. They have 3 different sizes and they are all lobster with no fillers. I think the most expensive is $17.99. You can easily walk from Quincey market there and they are so much better than the ones at Quincey market. We always enjoy Boston. Lots to see and do..

 

[waffles77]

Honestly, if you want to do boston on a budget, I would definitely recommend doing the freedom trail- its free! You'll get to walk through the heart of boston and really get a feel for its history.

I would also suggest lunch at Quincy market.

Enjoy yourself!

 

[Jimsig]

As far as parking in Boston, it is very expensive. I would park at one of the "T" stations (our subway system) and take the T in. Someone mentioned Quincy which would be a good option for that. This also eliminates trying to navigate through Boston which is nearly impossible if you don't know how to get around. There is a Marriott vey close to he Quincy station and I know from experience a lot do football teams used to stay there when in town to play the Patriots. It wasn't bad price wise. And as far as budgets go, staying outside the city is FAR cheaper!

The Marriott in Quincy is closer to the Quincy Adams T stop then the Quincy Center stop.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

We live nearby in RI. I agree with staying at the Renassaince and taking the T in, though parking at MOS is not hard. My kids loved the Duck Tour as well.

Just an FYI, we use our zoo membership to get into the MOS for free, it is reciprocal to most zoo memberships, so if you have one you should check its reciprocity.

If you had more time, I would suggest checking out the Citypass for Boston.

 

[abmitch01]

if you have a Bank of America card, the first Sat of the month ,many museums are free

 

[3boymthr]

if you have a Bank of America card, the first Sat of the month ,many museums are free

If she is going to One Direction this may or may not apply as they are there from Thursday to Saturday. If she is going to Luke Bryan it definitely won't apply.

 

[middlesista]

On company trip we went to Boston. Some of the others went on the Duck tours, and hated it. This was the consensus from everyone that we talked to, said it was over crowded, hot and just not what they thought it would be. We did the whale watching, and that what we did watch, only one sighting, just glad we did not pay for that. Lots and Lots of sea sick people and unattended children. We did enjoy the JFK library very moving, and a great way to spend part of the day. We also walked some of the freedom trail, and got detoured in North end some really great restaurants, on some of the side streets, and of course Mike's Bakery... YUMMO.

I also agree about the North End and Mike's - great eats! Too bad you did not have more time, some great places to visit just outside of Boston.