Boston

What Sports Fans Should Do When Visiting Boston

Boston has some of the most celebrated sports teams in the country. Fan or not, here’s how you can learn about their history.

Boston has arguably some of the best and loudest sports fans in the world. And it’s understandable, as the city has a team in every major pro sports league like the NFL, the NHL, the NBA, and the oldest, the MLB.

So if you want to go on a tour of sports history, Boston’s one of the best cities you can visit.

The city is accustomed to a winning culture through different periods. Although it experienced a semblance of a drought in the 70s and 80s, things have looked up since then. Since the turn of the millennium, 12 major American pro sports trophies have resided in Boston at one time or another, even simultaneously at times.

So how do you ensure you’ll make the most out of your trip? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Consider Visiting in the Spring

If you want to experience sports madness, make sure to come for the Boston Marathon. It’s Boston for sports fans at its finest after all. This legendary 26.2-mile race happens every year on St Patriot’s Day. Go in early, sign up, qualify, and test your resilience.

But if that doesn’t appeal to you, at least check out the runners from multiple locations, particularly between Hopkinton and Copley Square.

Check Out the New TD Garden

Boston TD Garden — _{Wikimedia.org. (2023). Available at: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Fleet_Center.jpg}

TD Garden replaced the old Boston Garden in September 1995. Although the old building hosted some amazing games over the years, the new arena looks more impressive. That’s even if it does not boast of all the amenities often found in the latest generation of US pro stadiums.

Today, TD Garden is the home stadium for the Celtics and the Bruins. The Garden also has memorabilia for both teams on display for everyone to check out – something no true sports fan should miss out on while visiting the city. As you may know, both the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins were among the founding teams in their respective league.

What’s even better about TD Garden?

It’s right next to North Station. This puts the venue in close proximity to public transportation and makes for very easy access from all over the city.

Book Your Ticket to the Beanpot Hockey Tournament

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Bostonians are hot for hockey, making you almost feel like you’re in Canada. That’s why another great idea for a stop on your Boston for sports fans tour is the Beanpot Hockey Tournament that starts every year in October and runs through March.

Hockey is Boston’s main college sport, quite unlike the South and the Midwest where football is king by a mile. What’s interesting is that the tournament features teams from all major universities in the city. So you can just tell that the rivalry is going to be fierce in the matches.

Visit the Iconic Fenway Park

You can’t plan a trip to Boston and not put Fenway Park on your itinerary. It’s the country’s oldest Major League stadium after all and the site of the first World Series.

The city was under the Curse of the Bambino for some 86 years until it was broken by the Red Sox in 2004. You could say that Red Sox fans have become even more crazed since then.

Finding a ticket on game day is probably among the hardest things to do in Boston unless you’re willing to shell out on Stubhub. But with a bit of planning, you can enjoy a Red Sox game on your next trip. Also, there are plenty of tours of the park available should you want to go beyond the stands.

While in Fenway, give bowling a try, too. The Lucky Strike complex features a full bar, a game room, and 16 bowling lanes. The on-site brewery is a massive hit with locals and tourists alike, and the vast amount of entertainment is perfect for a night out.

Feel Some Thrills at the Gillette Stadium

Boston Gillette Stadium — _{Wikipedia Contributors (2023). File:Gillette Stadium (Top View).jpg. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gillette_Stadium_(Top_View).jpg}

Tom Brady may have left for fairer weather, but that doesn’t mean Boston sports fans stopped supporting their team.

Gillette Stadium in the Greater Boston area is something you don’t want to miss. A tour of this fairly modern football stadium is quite easy to arrange. But catching a game on your trip is definitely going to make for an amazing experience.

Don’t worry if the weather isn’t kind. The stadium is equipped with excellent heating, what with all the postseason games that the Patriots have hosted in the last couple of decades. Still, bring a blanket just in case.

Don’t Forget About the Local Sports Bars

Boston Cask ‘n Flagon — _{Fineartamerica.com. (2023). Available at: https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/caskn-flagon-and-the-citgo-sign-boston-joann-vitali.jpg}

Not everyone can get a ticket for the big game day. But don’t think that’s ever going to stop Bostonians and all other sports fans from rooting for their teams together.

Boston’s sports bar scene is amazing. And Bar Louie and the Scorpion Bar are two of the most popular locations. But you can also check out the massive screens in Foxboro. Meanwhile, Cask ‘n Flagon is a popular Fenway hangout, and Parlor Sports, Champions, and Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill are also fan favorites.

If you’re traveling alone, hitting a sports bar is one of the best decisions you can make. Feel free to enjoy the atmosphere and endless beer on tap at any other sports bar near you. As long as you root for the home teams, Bostonites will show you a good time.

Respect the Tradition

It’s true that not everyone likes Boston sports fans. But the city’s rich sports history is the main reason why the city spawned generations of very loyal fans. And to the local teams, that means everything.

It also means that Boston can be a sports fan’s dream city. There’s a camaraderie around the city that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Related Topics:best places to visit in Boston sports activities parks travel tips stadiums travel

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Boston Travel Guide – Ideas for a Fun Vacation

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Boston Travel Guide – Ideas for a Fun Vacation

Are you planning a trip to Massachusetts? Don’t forget to spend some time in its most well-known city.

Most people who think about going to Boston only see it as the home of some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

But there are more interesting things to do in Boston than people realize, especially for those who like spending some time outdoors. The city’s parks, zoos, and waters provide plenty of entertainment for all.

Take a look at some of the cool things you can see and do on your next Boston vacation.

Tour the Museum of Science

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The Museum of Science isn’t just a Boston landmark. It’s also home to hundreds of interactive exhibits that will grab people’s attention and spark their imaginations.

While at the museum, you may also be able to catch a live presentation that’s sure to captivate you. And the museum also houses the Charles Hayden Planetarium where you can learn more about what lies beyond earth.

Guests of all ages will have plenty to do in a few hours spent at the Museum of Science.

Immerse Yourself in Aquatic Life

New England Aquarium - 1000px — Bu.edu. (2023). Available at: https://www.bu.edu/files/2021/05/Resize-WhaleWatching.jpg

It’s one of the coolest things to do in Boston, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are whale-watching cruises that start at the New England Aquarium and more in and around the harbor area.

The aquarium is one of the most popular Boston attractions as it features tons of exhibits that replicate the different natural environments of aquatic life. And one of the most entertaining is the coral reef rich with fish and plant life. You can also check out the penguin colony or get close to stingrays and sharks.

Once you’re through with the aquarium, hop on the cruise to get up close to a variety of sea creatures. This is one of the most popular tours in the summer, not just for the exciting marine life interaction on tap but also because it provides an escape from the city’s heat.

Catch a Game or a Tour of the Fenway Park

Even if you’re not a fan of the Red Sox, or pro baseball in general, going to the iconic Fenway Park is still a good way to spend a few hours.

Catch a game if you’re visiting during baseball season. Alternatively, take the tour and explore the park, its history, and its impact on Boston’s sports culture.

Visit the MIT Museum

The MIT Museum is another one of the best things to do in Boston.

In many ways, it’s similar to the science museum. However, it has many unique artifacts owned by the world-class university. Some of the exhibits cover holograms, architecture, and even ship-building processes over the years.

It’s a much more eclectic museum than you would expect. Plus, it’s also in a great spot surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops.

Relax at the Franklin Park Zoo

For more fun things to do in Boston and a bit of relaxation, check out the Franklin Park Zoo. It has a variety of exotic animals like giraffes and tigers for you to observe.

The zoo also houses multiple massive habitats. You can tour the different exhibits and enjoy the rest of the park too.

What’s even better is that you can bring pets to Franklin Park if you happen to be traveling with one or more. You can also enjoy a discount when visiting with the family, so you can all spend hours exploring the zoo without going over your budget.

Go Ice Skating

If you’re visiting Boston in the winter, the Frog Pond in the Boston Common is a nice place to drop by and enjoy one of the favorite activities of locals during this season.

Of course, the Common itself is one of the oldest parks in all of America. But during the winter, you can skate on the former natural pond even late at night.

The lush trees in the backdrop add more appeal to it, as it makes the park a scenic location.

Cool Off While Riding in a Swan Boat

Boston’s swan boats are quite famous – so much so that they’re now considered icons.

Enjoy one of the city’s favorites by renting one of the foot-pedal boats and explore the four-acre pond in Beacon Hill. This activity is especially great in the summer because it allows you to cool off.

When riding one, all you have to do is take in the mesmerizing scenery as you go cruising – someone else does all the paddling for you.

Test Your Wit in an Escape Room

Among the best things to do in Boston with kids is to try your luck in an escape room. RoomEscapers is the most popular attraction of this kind in the city.

Most sessions last one hour, and the puzzles and clues might teach you some history, too. It’s because everything appears to be based on events that happened in the New England area.

So if you’re looking for an interactive history lesson or reenactment, RoomEscapers is a sure bet.

Indulge in Something Sweet

Whether traveling with or without kids, a trip to Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop can bring you a good measure of joy. It’s one of the country’s most iconic chocolate shops after all.

Aside from sampling the goods, you can also learn the history of chocolate during colonial times. The fact that the staff wears period-appropriate clothing is a nice touch in addition.

Check Out the City’s Skyline

There’s a lot of Boston entertainment at your disposal, no matter which part of the city you visit. And one of the city’s most popular hotspots is the Skywalk Observatory.

No trip to Boston should end without a visit to the city’s highest vantage point. Here you can get a 360-degree view of the city. And if you’re interested in learning more about the local history, there’s also an Acoustiguide tour available.

While visiting during the day is great, you can experience an even more amazing view in the evening.

Great for a Visit Any Time of the Year

Boston is such an important city in US history. At the same time, it’s also a very fun vacation destination.

Plenty of clubs, bars, restaurants, and attractions cater to adult visitors. And the city’s gorgeous architecture, amazing museums, and scenic outdoor locations could hold anyone’s attention for days on end.