OT: Boston ideas

[ThreeMusketeers]

Hi there, we are taking a small trip to Boston this summer with our 4 yo daughter...we want to stay on the coast..(out of the way) and relax for a few days on the beach, and then go into the city for some fun. Does anyone know of a good CLEAN hotel on the coast that would suit our need? Also, what is there to do inside Boston for a small child?

Thanks

 

[shamrock30]

The Children's Museum and the Aquarium would probably be your best bets with a four year old, as well as the Swan Boats in the Public garden.

Cape Cod is beautiful, but it's very busy in the summer. Cape Ann (north of Boston) also has quite a few nice beaches and is less touristy. Ipswich or Newburyport are other possibilities. You would probably get better hotel suggestions if you could narrow down the area you want to stay in.

 

[kelleigh1]

I think more information might make it a little easier to make a recommendation. If money were no object, I'd suggest the Boston Harbor Hotel which is right next to my office. The price for a room there is probably around $400 per night.

Did you want to stay in the city? That could be tough unless you're willing to pay.
If outside the city, how far away would you want to be?
Would you be looking at public transportation to get you into the city or would you drive?

Salem may have some nice options on the waterfront. Or if you don't mind a longer commute, Plymouth has some nice places.

I also agree with the other poster as to recommendations with a 4-yr old. Another option might be a Duck Tour.

 

[MOMO2DK]

Hi,
If you want to stay north of the city there are alot of nice beaches and depending on where you stay- an easy train ride into Boston.

If you want to combine R+R along with the attractions of the city, rent a beach house on the north shore and take the train into Boston for city fun. My suggestion is the Gloucester/Rockport area.

I'm a born and raised North Shore girl- PM me and I can elaborate further on places to see/stay etc...

Martha

 

[beattyfamily]

Boston is a beautiful, fun city to visit. My girls love when we head to Boston.

They love going to the Children's Museum, the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, the North End for eating and the Italian festivals (there's one almost every weekend in the summer months), the Duck boat tours, which starts by the Prudential Mall, and then the Swan boats in the public garden is also great, cheap fun.

Have fun planning!!

 

[mudnuri]

If your going in the summer, get your duck boat tickets on line before you go...

I'd recommend staying somewhere outta boston, salem, plymouth etc.. or the north shore. Its not that hard to get into the city, and in reality, will be much more relaxing for you if you make it "day trip" into the city for the aquarium, swan boats etc. We've done it staying in boston (near Mass General due to moms doc appts) staying outta the city, and then just day trips from southern vt.

Is Ocean Spray still in Plymouth? I remember going there and doing the big company tour when I was little...and of course, the rock. Salem is a quaint place, might not be interesting enough for a 4 year old..not sure

I probably luck out in that I can drive around Boston with no issue's since I've been doing it since i was 16 but its really not that hard to navigate if you do not want to use public transportation.

One thing to remember, the ocean is pretty darn cold in New England, so dont expect to be swimming in it for 2-3 days. Your ankles will be frozen pretty quick just standing in the waves!

Brandy

 

[kdtwiss]

Hi - I live in Salem, so I guess I may be able to help. What I need to know first is your reason for staying on the coast. Were you interested in staying somewhere so you could swim in the ocean right from your hotel? Or more just a scenic thing. If ocean/beach swimming is the goal - you probably should head for the Cape or Gloucester/Rockport area. Salem has no ocean front hotels with swimming. Though if you are adventureous you can camp at Winter Island which has a small rocky beach. Boston hotels will not have swimming, but will offer more to do within walking distance (though more $$) If you want midway between Cape and Boston - the Daniel Webster Inn in Plymouth is wonderful. Great little indoor water slide from what is made to look like a pirate ship. quiet nice clean hotel.The Cape Codder down the Cape in Hyannis has two bigger water slides and indoor wave pool. Great place! One of our favorites!! Let us know more what you are looking for and I am sure we can help!

 

[salmoneous]

Get you daughter a copy of "Make Way for Ducklings" ahead of time. Then you can go seek out some of the sights from the book. The swan boats are probably a must. There's also the MWFD sculpture.

If you decide to do the Duck Tours (note - completely unrelated to the ducklings book) let me emphasize the previous posters suggestions to order tickes as soon as your travel dates are set.

 

[kelleigh1]

Is Ocean Spray still in Plymouth? I remember going there and doing the big company tour when I was little...and of course, the rock.

Brandy

The Ocean Spray location that you're thinking of in Plymouth with the tour is now closed. They moved to Edaville Railroad in Carver, but it's just not the same. We used to go to the one in Plymouth all the time growing up and it was great, even as an adult we enjoyed it. I've been to the new location and it just doesn't interest me anymore.

 

[Hannahsmom]

I would definately agree to staying on the Cape if you are looking for swimming. The beaches on the south side of the Cape that are protected by Nantucket Sound are warm and reasonably calm waters. My Dad is from Hyannis, so we spent many summers there. True, it is busy during the summer, but so is every other beach community.

I would recommend staying on the Cape and making day trips into Boston. We used to drive to Braintree and take the train in. That way we didn't have to drive in Boston Very convienent. The last time we were in Hyannis we stayed at www.SaltwindsBB.com. Great location, about 2 blocks from the beach, and Main Street is within walking distance. The couple that own it go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Plus they have an inground pool, which is rare with BB's on the Cape.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I must second the Rockport area although Salem is reall nice too but a little too advanced for a young child.

 

[Clancycat]

If you're interested in staying south of Boston, there's a hotel right on Nantasket Beach in Hull. You'd still be close enough to get into Boston easily and could enjoy the beach.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If you want midway between Cape and Boston - the Daniel Webster Inn in Plymouth is wonderful. Great little indoor water slide from what is made to look like a pirate ship. quiet nice clean hotel.

I second this but wanted to say the name of the hotel in Plymouth is the John Carver Inn http://www.johncarverinn.com/ It along with The Dan'l Webster Inn in Sandwich and the Cape Codder in Hyannis are all properties of the Catania Hospitality Group, and I agree all are wonderful (other properties listed at the bottom of above website). Lots of fun things to do in Plymouth including Duck Tours, Colonial Lantern Tours, Mayflower and Pilgrim exhibits, restaurants, beaches, scenic walking, shopping, etc.

In Boston the Duck Tour would be fun, as would the IMAX theatre at the Aquarium, dinner in the North End and/or Fanuiel Hall, walking through the Boston Common and Public Gardens, Freedom Trail, catching a game at Fenway Park (if by some miracle you can score tickets) or the Fenway Park tour if the team's out of town (given daily in the afternoon). Have a good time whatever you decide. So much history all around!

 

[shamrock30]

Here is one motel possibility in Gloucester: http://www.vistamotel.com/home.html You can get a waterview from at least some of the rooms, and they also have efficiencies, which might be nice with a 4 year old. It is within walking distance to the beach. You can take the train from Gloucester into Boston's North Station. It takes roughly one hour. I wouldn't advise driving in Boston if you can avoid it.

 

[Kimberly815]

Enjoy Boston! I love it!

The Museum of Sciene may also be good for your 4 year old. There are a lot of hands on activities.

Also there is the Stone Zoo in Stoneham which is not that far outside the city.

 

[BostonTink85]

I just want to let the OP know that, if you do stay down the cape, which is an awesome place to stay in the summer, know that you're going to have atleast an hour to an hour and a half drive to get to the Braintree T station. The T is so easy to use, I'd definately recommend taking it over driving into the city and trying to find places to park, etc. Almost everything in Boston is within walking distance. Also there are a few nice hotels in Quincy, not on the beach but you're close to Boston. If you have any questions feel free to PM me!