John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

Things To Do Near John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

As one of many historically significant stops in your RV travels, take a tour of the home that Ethel Kennedy restored to look like it did during President Kennedy’s childhood. Visitors can learn about the things that this family valued the most. See the bed where the president was born along with many other heirloom pieces. Notice that all the clocks in the house are set to 3 p.m. because that is the hour that President Kennedy was born.

Hiking Trails

• Emerald Necklace Trail

  The Emerald Necklace Trail begins at Boston Public Garden and runs down Commonwealth Avenue. It passes through seven parks along its course. Swan Boats, Fenway Victory Gardens and Arnold Arboretum are along this trail, making it an especially pretty place to hike in the spring.

  Location

  Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108

  Length

  7 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Skyline Loop Trail

  The Skyline Loop Trail begins behind the headquarters at Blue Hills Reservation. Climb the steps up Hancock Hill before following the windy trail to the Eliot Observation Tower on top of Great Blue Hill. While this trail can be difficult at times, the stunning views of Boston from the observation tower will make it worthwhile.

  Location

  Park Headquarters, Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside Street, Milton, Massachusetts 02186

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Freedom Trail

  Explore the history of the American Revolution by following the Freedom Trail starting at Boston Commons. This trail, which runs by 16 sites important during the war, is easy to follow because there are red bricks placed in the middle of the sidewalk. Some locations along this trail include the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Old Granary Burying Ground.

  Location

  Boston Commons, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111

  Length

  3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Old North Church

  Visit Old North Church, which is the place that Paul Revere started his iconic midnight ride. The Georgian-style church is the oldest house of worship in Boston, having been constructed in 1723. At the time of the ride, the three-tier steeple was the tallest structure in Boston. One of the eight bells in the bell tower bears an annotation saying it was the first bell cast for the American colonies.

  Location

  193 Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02113

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace

  Since Faneuil Hall first opened to the public in 1742 at the head of the Old Town Dock, it has been an important place for Boston residents to meet. After a devastating fire in 1761, funds from a state lottery were used to reconstruct the building’s interior with John Hancock signing each of the tickets. Talk about the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and other essential discussions leading up to the American Revolutionary War were held in a meeting room above the market stalls at this location. Today, it is a great place to shop, dine and watch street performers.

  Location

  4 South Market Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

• Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

  You may want to start your visit to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway by ordering a meal from one of the food truck vendors. Then, treat yourself to a ride on the carousel, or play in the seven water features. The Beer and Wine Gardens are a great place to end your visit to this park that often hosts special events and art exhibitions.

  Location

  Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Museums

• Museum of Fine Arts

  The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in the United States. The museum contains the most extensive collection of Japanese artwork outside of Japan. You can also see ancient Egyptian artifacts, Dutch Golden Age paintings, French impressionists and British illustrated books.

  Location

  465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115

• Charlestown Navy Yard

  The Charlestown Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution, which is better known as Old Ironsides. This facility was responsible for building, repairing and launching U.S. Navy ships from 1800 to 1974. Tour the USS Constitution, the USS Cassin Young and two museums at this location that is part of Boston National Historical Park.

  Location

  114 16th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• V. Cirace & Sons, Inc.

  Shoppers have been buying Italian treats, wines and scotches at V. Cirace & Sons, Inc. since 1906. It was the first company to receive a liquor license after Prohibition. This is also an excellent source for Italian ceramics. The shop often hosts free tastings.

  Location

  173 North Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

• Polcari’s Coffee

  Enjoy a great cup of coffee while shopping at Polcari’s Coffee. In addition to getting coffee to brew in your RV, you can buy deli meats, candy, pasta, nuts, tea and spices at this location.

  Location

  105 Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114

• Amrheins

  Diners have been enjoying the food and beverages at Amrheins since 1890. It has the oldest wooden bar in America on display and Boston’s first draft beer pump, and both saw years of service in the establishment. You can dine on pasta Bolognese, calamari, clam chowder, and Parmesan-crusted cod.

  Location

  80 West Broadway, Boston, Massachusetts 02127

• Warren Tavern

  Legend records that Paul Revere and George Washington both dined at Warren Tavern, and you should try the food at this establishment that has been open since 1780, too. Try the delicious hamburgers at lunch or the fantastic steak entrees in the evening.

  Location

  2 Pleasant Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129

How To Get To John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

Visiting the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site from the Boston Commons is easy. Head west on Beacon Street and turn right on Berkeley Street. Take the ramp to get on Storrow Drive, and follow it to the Kenmore Square exit. Continue onto Charlesgate West. Then, turn right to get back on Beacon Street. Turn right on Harvard Street and another right onto Beals Street. Your destination will be on your right.

Address

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals Street, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446

Fee: Entry fee $0

After President Kennedy’s assassination, no one may have grieved more than his mother, who gave birth to him in the house located at 83 Beals Street in Brookline, Massachusetts. Soon, Mrs. Kennedy realized that she was not alone in her grief; she repurchased the home where she had raised the future president in order to allow visitors. In finding pieces so that the house would resemble how it looked when John Kennedy lived in it, her goal was to design a place where people could remember her son. When you're on a road trip in the area, bring your RV, and explore the neighborhood where President Kennedy grew up. Renting an RV is also a great solution if you do not have your own.