Best of Boston: A 3-Day Itinerary for High School Students

pier with historic building of the harbor site where the Boston tea party took place. in 1773

Itinerary at a Glance

This three-day experience will take groups across Boston and showcase the best of what the city has to offer. From rich arts and culture to historic sites and scientific discoveries, high school students will embark on a journey that is both fun and educational, introducing a wide variety of subject matters.

Subjects Covered

Revolutionary History
Marine Science
Physics
Space Exploration
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Engineering
Fine Arts
Sports History

Day-by-Day Itinerary Details

Day 1: Historical Boston

Morning: The Freedom Trail

9:30am – 12:00pm

Start your day by exploring the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long brick path through downtown Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. We recommend joining a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. Tour guides will provide historical insights and lesser-known stories that are sure to keep students captivated. You can also download the Freedom Trail app for more information. Highlights include the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground (where many famous historical figures are buried), the restored home of Paul Revere, Bunker Hill Monument and the Old State House.

Lunch: Regina Pizzeria

12:30pm – 1:45pm

Make a stop at Regina Pizzeria in the North End for lunch. The casual and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for student groups looking to enjoy some classic slices of pizza. Regina offers group dining options and can accommodate large parties with advance reservations.

Afternoon: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

2:00pm – 4:00pm

After lunch, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Here, students can experience the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party through interactive exhibits, live reenactments and a tour of authentically restored tea ships. One of the most popular parts of the tour involves throwing tea overboard into the harbor (unlike the original event, the current tea crates are empty and tied to ropes for easy retrieval). This museum is the perfect blend of fun and educational, and is sure to help students develop a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

Evening: Dinner and Bowling

5:00pm – 10:00pm

Enjoy dinner at one of Boston’s group-friendly restaurants:

Legal Sea Foods: This Boston staple has several locations across the city and features large dining rooms where students can get a taste of famous local seafood like New England clam chowder and Atlantic cod along with a variety of meat dishes and hot sandwiches.

Kings Dining and Entertainment: This group-friendly establishment regularly hosts school groups, birthday parties and events. The menu features a range of options including burgers, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, salads and more.

Spend your evening at Kings Dining and Entertainment in the Seaport neighborhood for an evening of fun! Kings has a bowling alley, billiards and arcade games, with plenty of space for groups so everyone can enjoy a laid-back evening. (Note: There is also a location in Back Bay near the Prudential Center)

Day 1: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Freedom Trail tour end point to Regina Pizzeria (Note: The Freedom Trail is point-to-point with tours covering various portions of the route. Most tours begin in Boston Common and many will end in or around Faneuil Hall, though the trail’s end point is officially Bunker Hill Monument)

Distance: 0.4 miles
Walking: 10 minutes
Public Transit: Not typically necessary due to proximity
Car: 5 minutes

From Regina Pizzeria to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Distance: 1.1 miles
Walking: 26 minutes
Public Transit: Orange line from North Station, disembark at State Street
Car: 8 minutes

Day 2: Science and Exploration

Morning: Museum of Science

9:00am – 11:45am

Start your day at the Museum of Science, where students can engage with interactive exhibits on various scientific topics, including biology, physics, engineering and space exploration. The museum has been rated one of the top science museums in the U.S., and you’ll quickly see why. There are more than 700 exhibits across 3+ floors, with highlights that include the Theater of Electricity, the Butterfly Garden and the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Duck Boat Tour

12:00pm – 1:20pm

With a departure location conveniently located in front of the Museum of Science, Boston Duck Boat Tours are a unique sightseeing experience that take you through the streets of Boston and onto the Charles River. Students will learn about the city’s history and landmarks from both land and water perspectives aboard a World War II-style amphibious landing vehicle. This is a must-do activity when visiting Boston, and on-board guides are excited to share local knowledge mixed with plenty of humor.

Lunch: Quincy Market

1:45pm – 2:45pm

Head to Quincy Market for lunch. This historic site was opened to the public in 1826 and today is still a bustling hub that’s popular among visitors and locals alike. Inside the market hall you’ll find grab-and-go options from nearly 30 locations – from pizza and seafood to sandwiches and sushi. This is a great option that offers something for everyone. There is plentiful seating in the upstairs rotunda as well as outside in Faneuil Hall.

Afternoon: New England Aquarium

3:00pm – 5:45pm

Spend the afternoon at the New England Aquarium, where students can observe marine life from around the world. Highlights include the Giant Ocean Tank, home to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, as well as interactive touch tanks and educational presentations. Be sure to check out the aquarium’s incredibly valuable Field Trip Guide for lesson plans and a pre-visit checklist to help with activities, meals and more.

Evening: Dinner and Blue Man Group

6:00pm – 10:00pm

Enjoy dinner at one of Boston’s group-friendly restaurants:

Legal Sea Foods: This Boston staple has several locations across the city and features large dining rooms where students can get a taste of famous local seafood like New England clam chowder and Atlantic cod along with a variety of meat dishes and hot sandwiches.

Union Oyster House: Boston’s oldest and most famous restaurant, Union Oyster House provides a memorable dining experience that is quintessential New England. Over several floors each with a unique design, students can step back in time while chowing down on some of the area’s best seafood. Meals are hearty and there are also plenty of non-seafood options as well.

After dinner, head over to see the Blue Man Group perform at the Charles Playhouse. This is one of Boston’s most popular shows, which is part comic musical part artistic show. Students are sure to be captivated and entertained from start to finish.

Day 2: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Museum of Science to Quincy Market

Distance: 1.1 miles
Walking: 25 minutes
Public Transit: Green Line (D or E branch) from Science Park/West End to Haymarket
Car: 5-10 minutes

From Quincy Market to the New England Aquarium

Distance: 0.3 miles
Walking: 7 minutes
Public Transit: Not typically necessary due to proximity
Car: 4 minutes, but walking is generally more practica

Day 3: Arts and Culture

Morning: Museum of Fine Arts

9:00am – 11:45am

Begin your day at the Museum of Fine Arts, where students can explore a vast collection of artwork spanning various cultures and time periods. Highlights include works by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, as well as ancient artifacts and decorative arts. Guided tours designed especially for school groups are available with advanced booking, and be sure to check out the museum’s guide to preparing for your group visit.

Lunch: Time Out Market Boston

12:00pm – 1:15pm

Spread across over 27,000 square feet, this dining destination offers a handful of eateries showcasing some of the best food that Boston has to offer. Groups can stick to one location or pick and choose from the variety of options available, from tacos and BB to burgers and Mediterranean.

Afternoon: Fenway Park Tour

1:30pm – 3:00pm

Take a guided tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. Tours can cater directly to school groups and will explore the ballpark’s iconic features, dive into the park’s rich history, and visit areas like the Green Monster and the press box.

Evening: Departure

Day 3: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Museum of Fine Arts to Time Out Market Boston