For DISers who know how to get around Boston

[JESW]

Back in the old days I used to drive to the riverside station and take the T into Boston to Park street or Government Center and I could get anywhere from there. But now we take the train into South Station and I'm not sure how to get to places. We usually just walk over the bridge to get to the Children's Museum.

Now that the kids are older I'd like us to do more things - like go to the aquarium and the swan boats (DD5 hasn't let me forget that we didn't make it over there during the DIS meet! )

What's the walking like from South Station to these locations? Are there sidewalks? (My kids are 5 & 9) How far are the walks?

Anyhelp appreciated - thanks!

Jill

 

[Rippington'sFan]

We walked from South Station to the Aqurium/Fanuel Hall areas with small children and I am guessing it took us about 15 or 20 minutes (can't remember exactly). The walk is well marked. I believe you follow the "Freedom Trail"...somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that. Anyway's it's quite simple. That's all you need to know. You won't have any problem walking it. You'll get an up close look at the disaster called the "Big Dig" along the way.
Anyways have fun!

 

[aprincessmom]

The walking is fine and there are lots of places to get to from there but why wouldn't you just take the red line up to where you want to get to from South Station.

For example, take the Red Line from South Station up to Park St. and you are at the Boston Common, just below the State House. You can walk from South Station to that point but it's just as easy to take the train. From the Red Line in Park you can walk up one level to the Green Line and take the Green to the MFA, Museum of Science, Copley Square, Symphony Hall, etc.

To go to the aquarium from South Station I'd just walk down Atlantic Ave...see the big dig up close and see how different it is now that the central artery is down...it looks WAY different in the daylight

Swan Boats...take the Red to Park and then walk across Boston Common (an adventure...don't forget to stop at the playground as your DD will love it) and then into the Public Garden. You could take the Green to Arlington from Park but it's more fun to walk.

Drop me a PM and we can talk...DD and I take the T all over Boston from South Station

 

[Virgo10]

Everything you ever wanted to know about the MBTA.

http://www.mbta.com/

Roberta

 

[Boo'sMom]

Originally posted by aprincessmom
The walking is fine and there are lots of places to get to from there but why wouldn't you just take the red line up to where you want to get to from South Station.

but why would you want to explore the city from the underground??
The walking in Boston is so easy, and so much fun....

 

[aprincessmom]

but why would you want to explore the city from the underground??
The walking in Boston is so easy, and so much fun....

Because sometimes walking around Boston isn't so much fun for 5 year old legs and feet...this I know from Walking from South Station to the Swan Boats is a pretty substantial walk for a small child.

But you are right, Boston is an easily walkable small city.

 

[ILUVDXL]

My advice would be to take the Red Line to Downtown Crossing. From that point you cn get justt about anywhere.

 

[JESW]

Thanks for all the replies! Where exactly do you get the red line - is it somewhere in South Station?? Funny thing is, both kids can't wait to ride the T! I haven't ridden it for years and all I remember is the crowds and the lovely underground smell!

Jill

 

[aprincessmom]

The Red Line is just below South Station...when you get off the train, head through the station toward the clock. The escalator and stairs to the Red Line are right underneath the big clock.

 

[CamColt]

WAIT! Where is Karen? She certainly knows how to get around Boston. Just follow the Mickey sign and youll be all set.

 

[sue Z]

first of all where are you catching the "T"?

need a starting point!!

If you are going to be on the red line you can get off at the orange line ( Downtown Crossing)or the green line ( park street) stations and switch at the blue line( at State st ( orange Line) or (government center -green line) and switch to the Blue line and get off at the Aquarium station and have less then a 5 minute walk to the aquarum and Fanueil Hall.

this is good if its a rainy day otherwise I would walk !!

starting some time this month (June 19th) the green line heading to the Musuem of science will be using a bus shuttle to and from government center

see link!!

http://www.mbta.com/traveling_T/green_line_lechmere_shuttle.asp

 

[Margie J]

I'd also suggest taking the T into the Government Center (Blue & Green) or Park Street (Red & Green) stations and then walk from there. I worked at New England Medical for 13 years and can tell you that with all the construction, major roadways and crazy traffic in the South Station to Chinatown/Downtown Crossing area it's not always a pleasant walk. If you have small kids I wouldn't recommend it. It's not the distance so much as the safety issue. I'd also avoid the Downtown Crossing station. It's often very crowded and there are always "questionable" people hanging out near there. Again, I knew that neighborhood well and I didn't like it as an adult.

Near Park Street station there is a Tourist Info building with plenty of great maps and other free stuff for you.