Two days in Boston

[tripleshot]

We are considering a short family trip from Cleveland to Boston since Spirit airline tickets are only $97. We would fly in Friday night 10/7 and leave Monday morning 10/10. So really we just have 2 full days. It's me, DH, and DS (11).

We would like to avoid renting a car. Is this feasible? We're not used to public transportation, but I know it's plentiful in Boston.

Can you suggest hotels or specific areas to stay close to the typical tourist attractions (aquarium, duck boat, science museum, etc)? Any other tips on what to see or what to avoid?

[drloretta]

Paging RockNVoll. She has a list of things to do and places to stay, eat, etc. I think you can get along fine without a car

[tripleshot]

Thanks so much RockNVoll !!

[devonpow]

You definitely do not need a car. Public transportation is plentiful and easy to use. More importantly Boston is actually not that big - you can very easily walk most of it.

For just a quick weekend I would recommend a hotel either by Back Bay (close to shopping on Newbury, public gardens, etc) like the Fairmont Copley or the Lenox hotel, or on the waterfront by the Greenway/aquarium/Faneuil hall (Boston harbor hotel or the Marriott on the waterfront). Both locations are very centrally located for high interest tourist areas plus public transportation and shopping/restaurants.

Definitely recommend walking the freedom trail to hit all the major historic spots. My 9 year old is currently really into things like the navy yard/Constitution and the Bunker hill museum (he likes warfare, lol). For museums the science museum is good for that age. Children's museum will be too young. The aquarium is always good. That time of year all the foliage will be turning so definitely walks through Boston common and the public gardens, even though some things like the swan boats will be closed for the season. October is my favorite month here - enjoy!!

[noodleoo]

That's sounds like so much fun! You definitely don't need to rent a car if you stay in the city. The subway (the T) is very easy to use. The city is also pretty small and very walkable. October is a great time to visit! For your sons age, I think he might enjoy the Museum of Science or the Aquarium. The Museum of Science is near the Charles River, a prety walk and you can walk down Charles Street to Boston Common. If you the Aquraium, you can take a harbor cruise (although it might be chilly in the fall, it totally depends!). You can also walk to Fanuiel Hall or do the Harbor walk which is a beautiful walk along the water.  The North End is a great area to have dinner also nearby. 

Have a wonderful trip!