Is anyone familiar with the Boston area?

[Jeafl]

We're thinking of exchanging our timeshare for someplace in Boston next summer. I would love to do a partial beach vacation, but still see the sights. What's not to miss? We will have our three kids with us, 21, 17 and 14 years old.

Also, would you recommend staying in Cape Cod? Would it be fairly convenient to downtown Boston?

 

[kwelch10377]

Cape Cod really isn't convenient to Boston. Depending where on the Cape you would stay it could be up to a 2 hour car ride, maybe longer with summer traffic. There is a ferry from P-Town to Boston.

I would try and get tickets to a Red Sox game or at the very least do a tour of Fenway Park.

Are you looking for more of a relaxing vacation and on the go vacation?

 

[ckent]

I'd opt for Cape Cod and take a couple day trips maybe into Boston. Boston is a a lot like NYC with smelly subways, dirty streets, high crime areas. Your best bet is to take one of the guided tours that takes you to the sites you want to see.

 

[dejr_8]

I'd opt for Cape Cod and take a couple day trips maybe into Boston. Boston is a a lot like NYC with smelly subways, dirty streets, high crime areas. Your best bet is to take one of the guided tours that takes you to the sites you want to see.

As long as you stay in the tourist routes crime is not an issue.

I would do the Freedom Trail. It is touristy but we still it once year when we lived in the Boston Area. It is a good way to see some of Boston's neighborhoods.

I would only do a day or two at the Cape. To me going to the Cape is more about the cache of saying "I was at the Cape" rather than it being an outstanding vacation destination.

Don't get me wrong. It is a beautiful place but I never understood the overwhelming love of the place that some people have.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Where are your timeshare options?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Boston is a a lot like NYC with smelly subways, dirty streets, high crime areas.

While there are a few areas that are as you describe, most touristy areas of Boston aren't like that. It's a very pleasant and safe city to visit.

 

[abdmom]

The only timeshare I'm aware of that is remotely convenient to Boston is Marriott's Custom House. If you are trading through RCI, there are plenty of timeshares in NH, VT and ME that would be nice. I've never seen a timeshare on the Cape available in summer - and I looked for years while we lived in that area.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I'd opt for Cape Cod and take a couple day trips maybe into Boston. Boston is a a lot like NYC with smelly subways, dirty streets, high crime areas. Your best bet is to take one of the guided tours that takes you to the sites you want to see.

Having lived in both cities I just need to say crime is everywhere & limiting yourself to great history, culture, food, music, museums, etc. is sad due to fear.

Going to Boston for day trips is going to be a waste of time.

When we lived in Boston we always stayed in Chatham on the Cape....we still go at least once a year.

If I can be of any help just send me a PM....

 

[Evi]

Boston is a lovely city check out http://bostonusa.com/ Boston is a very safe city compared to most other large metropolitan cities. I don't know what kind of hoodrats other person was hanging out with when he came to Boston. I live in Boston if you have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[dejr_8]

Boston is a lovely city check out http://bostonusa.com/ Boston is a very safe city compared to most other large metropolitan cities. I don't know what kind of hoodrats other person was hanging out with when he came to Boston. I live in Boston if you have any questions feel free to pm me.

You have to admit. Riding the Orange line can be scary at times.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

You have to admit. Riding the Orange line can be scary at times.

The orange line the red line or any other line can have crime.

I was afraid when I stayed in Raleigh NC because I had heard they had high murder rate. I found it very nice.


If you stay at the Marriott then you can take day trips to Salem, Plimoth Plantation and even a one hour drive to Newport RI.

 

[DisneyKT]

Staying on The Cape in the summer if that is when you are going, is not conveient to Boston. Yikes the traffic. If you are looking tourist stuff, Duck Tours, Old Ironsides,Boston Museum, Aquarium. Lots to see and do. Have fun. If you are looking for beaches then yeah the cape.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

I'd opt for Cape Cod and take a couple day trips maybe into Boston. Boston is a a lot like NYC with smelly subways, dirty streets, high crime areas.

Ummm ouch! We have chosen to vacation in both Boston and NYC the last two summers coming all the way from sweet old Colorado, and have enjoyed both immensely. Walked all over both cities, and used the subway system solely and extensively. Dirty streets, smelly subways? That was not our experience in the least. As a matter of fact in Boston we managed to get from the Westin Back Bay to Lexington all on public transportation.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I live about 40 miles from Boston, used to work there pre-mommyhood, and have been taking DS in to the city on outings since he was a toddler (and yes, using the subway). I find it a great city!!

I agree that commuting from the Cape would not be convenient, but there is plenty to do in Boston. Then if you want a couple days on the beach, you can add that onto the beginning or end of your trip.

We like the Science Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, and the Boston Common & Public Garden. I would definitely do a Duck Tour and the Freedom Trail. There are lots of smaller museums and things as well, depending on your interests.

 

[pyrxtc]

Growing up just outside of Boston, It is a great place to visit. I love going down there still. I would dedicate a few days staying inside Boston and doing the tours, maybe even getting out to Salem one day.

As for beaches in the area, Plum Island is north of Boston, and fairly cheap to rent a house on the beach to do your beach days.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

When I had one day to spend in Boston with Dan Murphy a few years ago, I chose to do the Freedom Trail with him. He seemed to really enjoy it!

 

[BobbinWeez]

I love Boston. I lived in and near Boston for 5 years. It is like any other city in terms of safety. I never felt unsafe. Be sure to check out the North End for places to eat. Walking along Newbury Street is also pretty nice ...great shops....pricey shops but nice. I love the Aquarium and the Museum of Science. I also recommend taking in the Public Garden and Boston Common. The T (Boston's subway) is the best way to get around or walking. Driving can be a headache. If you want to see the Cape be prepared for lots of traffic and crowds. I recommend taking the ferry from Boston to Provincetown. PTown can be a lot of fun....it has the tendency to be a little flamboyant.

 

[dejr_8]

I love Boston. I lived in and near Boston for 5 years. It is like any other city in terms of safety. I never felt unsafe. Be sure to check out the North End for places to eat. Walking along Newbury Street is also pretty nice ...great shops....pricey shops but nice. I love the Aquarium and the Museum of Science. I also recommend taking in the Public Garden and Boston Common. The T (Boston's subway) is the best way to get around or walking. Driving can be a headache. If you want to see the Cape be prepared for lots of traffic and crowds. I recommend taking the ferry from Boston to Provincetown. PTown can be a lot of fun....it has the tendency to be a little flamboyant.

I would not recommend a trip to PTown unless you are fully aware of what you are getting yourself into. Flamboyant is an understatement.

 

[MickeySP]

I grew up in Boston, lived there for 35 years and I love the city.

The touristy areas are safe, just like any city there is crime but for the most part it is fine.

I highly recommend Faneuil Hall area, Freedom Trail and just hanging at the Common or Public Garden. Take a walk on the Esplanade and if you are lucky might be a night with a free concert.

Ptown is a gay friendly area, and like one the sign that says #1 answer to #1 question - No, there are no straight bars in town It is however a great place.

I would not dismiss the North Shore of MA either - Gloucester, Marblehead & Salem among others are great historical places. They also have some nice beaches and wharf areas.

Feel free to PM me. I live about 15 min off Cape, work in Southie and the BF lives in Salem so I am all over our fun state!!

Oh and if you are abaseball fan, they have tours of Fenway Park, a must see. The oldest BB park in the US.

 

[MerMom60_94]

Another place to check out is Harvard Square. It's an interesting area to walk around. To get there you just have to hop onto the red line.