Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the second part of our Boston Freedom Trail Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• (We divided the tour into two parts to make it easier to explore without rushing, allowing visitors to fully experience each site without feeling overwhelmed.)
• The main starting point is on the North End side of the pedestrian bridge that leads from Boston to the Charlestown neighborhood for those who are walking the Freedom Trail.
• The second starting point is at Charlestown’s City Square Park for those who are driving into Charlestown for Part Two of the tour.
• This tour goes first to Bunker Hill and then to the Charlestown Navy Yard to visit the USS Constitution.
• Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and the museums along Part Two of the Freedom Trail are all free to see and enter.
• If you’re just taking Part Two, you’ll need a minimum of two hours to explore everything.
• Summertime weekends are the most crowded time to walk the Freedom Trail.
• The tour drains the phone battery fast, so start fully charged and bring a portable charger.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• No advanced reservations are required.
• Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and the museums along Part Two of the Freedom Trail are all free to see and enter.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Hours vary by season and month. Check NPS gov for updated information.
• Most stops are open 24/7

Get Packing!

​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Portable charger (at least one backup)
• Charging cord and brick (for charging at cafes and stops)
• Earbuds/headphones (wired or fully charged wireless)
• Layers for wind (coat, scarf, hat, gloves in colder months)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat for summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes (no heels or flip-flops)

Best Time to Visit     

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The best time to visit the Boston Freedom Trail is spring through fall. Summers are hot and crowded, especially on weekends. Avoid walking in snow or ice, as the path is harder to see and can be slippery.

Safety Information 

• If you’re going to climb the Bunker Hill Monument tower, make sure you know your limits. It’s a lot of steps. Bring water if it’s summertime because it will be hot, and you can dehydrate while climbing that massive number of stairs!

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Boston Freedom Trail Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Boston Freedom Trail Itinerary.

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