Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Boston
- A National Historic Landmark
- Home to the pub that became the inspiration for the TV show, Cheers
Time required: 20 minutes
Web site: http://www.beaconhillonl...
Public transport:
- Subway Red Line: Charles/MGH
Address:
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Thorsten Becker
Things you need to know:
- Beacon Hill is a 19th-century downtown Boston residential neighborhood, filled with brick row houses from the Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian periods
- Known for its gas lamps, tucked-away gardens, window boxes, brick sidewalks, and decorative iron work
- The highest point in Boston (where a beacon, of course, was once located) was right behind the site of the current State House. This hill and two others nearby were substantially reduced in order to fill in nearby marshy neighborhoods, including Back Bay
- Beacon Hill has been home to such noteworthy people as Louisa May Alcott, Michael Crichton, Robert Frost, John Hancock, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry (still there, in Louisburg Square!), Sylvia Plath, Carly Simon, Charles Sumner, and many more
What to do there:
- Start your visit from the Charles/MGH T stop, then walk down Charles Street in the direction of Boston Common
- Turn left on Mt. Vernon Street and walk up the hill to Louisburg Square
- Head back up Mt. Vernon and turn right on Willow Street, then walk down historical Acorn Street. Acorn Street is a narrow lane paved with old cobblestones, considered to be one of the most picturesque (and photographed) streets in America. Read the plaque nearby on Willow Street for more information
- While in the neighborhood, window shop on Charles Street, or stop into one of the fine restaurants
- If picnicking is more your cup of tea, get supplies at Savenor's (on Charles Street) and head to the Boston Common or the Public Garden, right across Beacon Street
Tips & Insights:
- Be sure to visit Beacon Hill during both day and night. Daytime allows you to see the beautiful details all around the neighborhood, while the gas lamp-lit streets at night take you back to the 1800s
- Beacon Hill is a great neighborhood to visit around major holidays. Trick-or-treat whether you're young or old on Halloween, or admire the elaborate Christmas decorations well after December passes
- For a delicious bargain in an otherwise rather expensive neighborhood, head to one of the top-notch pizza joints on Charles Street
