Trips to New England in the summertime are some of my most memorable trips. Whether it’s Boston travel or Portland Maine travel, there’s just something about this part of the US that’s special. We try to visit the northeast every year knowing what’s in store from this pocket of the lower 48.
When you book Boston travel, expect to pay prices that you’d find in places like New York City, Washington DC, and Chicago. Whether it’s restaurants, hotels, or just experiencing the city, Boston certainly isn’t cheap. However, it’s completely worth making the trek.
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Best Credit Cards to Use in Boston
The Amex Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture are versatile cards to consider packing for your Boston travel. Each card offers bonus categories that can align well with your spending on US travel, Boston included.
You earn 4x points on dining and groceries with the Amex Gold Card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on dining and travel. Capital One Venture card members earn 2x miles on all purchases. Points earned from each of these cards can then be transferred to travel partners within each of the credit card programs.
What is the best month to visit Boston?
June to September is a fantastic time for Boston travel. The lows average 58 to 66 degrees and the highs average 73 to 82 degrees. Expect rainfall to occur about 1/4 of the days over these months.
We visited in September during our previous trip to Boston and the weather was perfect. Think, not too hot during the days with a nice breeze at night. You could rock shorts or pants during the day and would need a light jacket at night. This is my kind of summer weather!
How to Fly to Boston
Logan International Airport (BOS) is the main airport serving Boston. This airport also serves as an international gateway for US-based and internally-based airlines. Delta Air Lines has a hub at Logan International Airport so nonstop flights to Boston from cities across the US on Delta are fairly easy. Here’s a rundown of nonstop flights to Boston that you can book:
- Alaska Airlines <> Los Angeles, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma
- Allegiant Air <> Asheville, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Knoxville
- American Airlines <> cities include Austin, Chicago–O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–JFK, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor,
- Delta Air Lines <> Amsterdam, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–JFK, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, San Francisco, Chicago–O’Hare
- JetBlue <> Atlanta, Austin, Chicago–O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–JFK, Portland (OR), San Francisco
- Southwest Airlines <> Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Columbus–Glenn, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Orlando, St. Louis
- Spirit Airlines <> Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Orlando, San Juan
- United Airlines <> Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington–Dulles
Where to Stay When Visiting Boston?
The four major points hotel brands have properties in Boston that are worth considering for your Boston travel. Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott all offer hotels in the city center and just outside of downtown Boston that have the potential to offer solid value with your hotel points.
Hotels to check out include the Hilton Boston Back Bay, Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston, Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel, Hotel Indigo Boston Garden, The Envoy Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. We stayed at the Kimpton Nine Zero and loved it!
Boston Places to Visit in 48 Hours
Day 1
Caffeinate yourself at one of the 18 Essential Boston-Area Coffee Shops before experiencing the Freedom Trail walk. Historic graveyards, Boston Massacre Site, The Paul Revere House, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are close to the trail and are worth a look. Once you’ve had your fill of these historic sites, lunch at one of the 38 Standout Dining Destinations in Boston is a must.
On the afternoon of your first day, walk the Boston Common and then make your way over to Harvard’s campus for a self-guided walking tour. With a tour of this historic campus behind you, pick an Italian or seafood spot from 38 Standout Dining Destinations in Boston.
Day 2
18 Essential Boston-Area Coffee Shops is where to start your second 24 hours of Boston travel. With your favorite coffee in hand, walk the Back Bay area to see the mansions of the city. If shopping is your thing, there’s plenty of it in this part of the city. 38 Standout Dining Destinations in Boston is what you’ll reference after finishing up in Back Bay.
Now, here’s where it’s up to you. You can taste delicious beer the city has to offer from places like Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, Harpoon Brewery, and Trillium Brewing Company. After you’ve had your fill of beer, book a Boston harbor sunset sail before dinner at one of the 38 Standout Dining Destinations in Boston or check out a Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, or New England Patriots game depending on the season. And with that, your 48 hours of Boston travel is up!
Boston Travel FAQs
Is Boston safe for tourists?
Just like any major city, Boston has crime in certain areas. However, we never felt unsafe during our Boston travel.
How can I spend 3 days in Boston?
Two days is likely plenty for Boston travel but you can always space out the itinerary above over another 24 hours.
Is Boston cheap to visit?
Boston pricing is on par with the major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC.
Conclusion on Boston Travel
When experiencing Boston travel, bringing credit cards with you that earn points during your stay helps you to book future award travel. June to September is generally considered an ideal time to visit the city. Logan International Airport is the main airport you will likely fly into. As you’re booking your flight, note that all major points hotel brands have properties in Boston. Overall, 48 hours of Boston travel should give you a respectable flavor of this New England city.
What do you think of this Boston travel guide? What other US cities do you recommend visiting? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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