Boston

When we were kids we thought it was fun to ride on the train when we went to the city.

I would think the rail, It's been 10 years since I drove into Boston and it wasn't fun.
One add on, Salem is 20 miles north of Boston and with the teens being into the witches and Twilight type shows, your daughters may enjoy a day there. Staying a night or two between there and Kittery Maine would make that an easy addition.

Went last year. Take the train Not any parking in Boston

We have had to go into Boston regularly and it is a pain. There is nothing orderly on how the streets are arraigned. It's not like driving in NY. We've been going to the same place but I would try to get there tomorrow without the GPS. Take the train!!!!

Take the bus tour. Normandy can tell you where to pick up the bus. After taking the tour some years ago I would never recommend driving into the city.

Train. As Ed C stated there is no rhyme nor reason to the roads-they are converted cow paths. Parking is expensive and scarce during tourist season. Drivers are rude, obnoxious, sometimes stupid and often times scary aggressive. Having lived in MA until last year I speak from experience.

I agree with everyone else: take the train or subway in. You will save lots of hassle, and probably not be much different in terms of money given the prices for parking in Boston proper (if you can find it). Navigating Boston roads by car is challenging, and managing among the Boston drivers is a separate but I think equally daunting challenge. Getting around on foot and by subway is much handier in my opinion.

Driving under Boston isn't too bad, at least during non-rush-hour times, but that's not at all helpful if you want to see Boston.

Besides the Freedom Trail (and Old Ironsides), you might want to see the New England Aquarium (nicely done, with an enormous central tank), the Museum of Science (and especially the Van de Graf generator show), the excellent Museum of Fine Arts, and the Gardner museum...and probably a bunch of other destinations.

We also drive regularly into Boston for Dr appt. Have left at all different times of the day traffic is horrible and we know our way around and what lanes to be in etc. etc. Take transit in and preserve your marriage,and blood pressure.

It has been almost 50 years since I drove in Boston. It was beyond awful the. I can't imagine how bad it is now. You are staying at a campground that caters to tourists. Get their assistance.

kyteacher wrote:
This summer we are headed up to the northeast from Louisville, KY. Before going to Acadia we are camping at Normandy Farms in Foxboro, MA. We are planning two days in Boston. I am traveling with my wife and 2 daughters (14/11). We want to check out the Freedom Trail along with some other touristy stuff. We've never been to Boston before.

My question, from there is it better to drive in to Boston and pay to park downtown each day, or use the commuter rail and subway system?

Does anyone have experience with either?

Thanks in advance.

If you want to stay with one transit the MBTA (T) will almost get you anywhere in Boston. We have taken the green line in many times, Riverside station exit 22 grove street, directly off I95.(relatively easy to get to) you will need to download a parking app to pay for parking https://www.mbta.com/stops/place-river

Maybe a 20 to 30 minute drive from Normandy Farms pending how traffic is. As mentioned don't drive in boston

If you can take in a game at historic Fenway Park.

Have fun :C
Mike