We took a special trip to Boston this year for Layla’s birthday, a city close to our hearts, and the highlight of the day was a Red Sox game at Fenway Park! Spending the day exploring Boston before catching a game at one of the oldest and most iconic ballparks in America felt like the perfect birthday celebration. Of course, Justice, our honorary Travel Turtle for the day, joined us on this adventure!
Finding parking for a truck in downtown Boston can be tricky and expensive, so we parked at Wonderland Station in Revere. For those unfamiliar, Wonderland is a great option because it’s affordable and offers easy access to Boston’s public transportation system. Parking there is only $7 on weekdays and $2 on weekends. From there, we grabbed a daily pass and loaded up our Charlie Card. Boston’s public transportation system (the “T”) is reliable, efficient, and super convenient when exploring the city. During big events like Red Sox games, the trains do get crowded, but they run frequently, so you’re never waiting too long.
Our first stop was the New England Aquarium. Growing up in New England, I’ve visited the aquarium countless times, from school field trips to family outings, and it never gets old. Today, though, we didn’t go inside—we just made a quick stop to say hello to the adorable harbor seals. You can see them for free, as their outdoor exhibit is accessible to the public. They’re always so playful and fun to watch! If you’re on a budget, this is a must-see stop. Plus, there’s a lovely patio nearby where you can sit, relax, and enjoy views of the Boston Harbor. We highly recommend grabbing a picnic and enjoying it here when the weather is nice!
After the aquarium, we took a short walk to Quincy Market, a historic building in the heart of Boston, originally constructed between 1824 and 1826. Fun fact: Quincy Market used to sit right on the waterfront, but over the years, Boston has expanded its shoreline through landfills, so it’s no longer that close. The market is now a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike, filled with street performers, shops, and a variety of food vendors. Inside, you’ll find everything from clam chowder to sushi. We took in the sights and sounds, people-watched for a bit, and enjoyed the historic vibe.
Just behind Quincy Market is Faneuil Hall, a building rich in American history. It’s part of the Boston National Historical Park and a key stop on the Freedom Trail. Samuel Adams, James Otis, and many others delivered speeches here, rallying for independence from Great Britain. While we didn’t explore the hall too deeply on this visit, it’s worth noting that it’s a great stop for history buffs, and we plan on dedicating a future post to it.
For lunch, we headed to Saus, a must-try spot for fry lovers (you can check out our full review on that here). While we waited for them to open, we took a moment at the nearby Holocaust Memorial. It’s a powerful place to pause and reflect, especially with its six glass towers, each representing a concentration camp and etched with numbers of those who perished. Every time we visit, we’re struck by the importance of remembering this dark chapter of history.
Next, we made our way to the Old State House, another gem in Boston’s historical tapestry. This building is one of the oldest in the U.S., and its balcony was where the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians in 1776. Just outside, there’s a marker commemorating the Boston Massacre. Standing in a place where so much history happened always gives me chills.
After soaking in some history, we headed to Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, established in 1634. In colonial times, the park was a communal space for grazing livestock and even a site for public punishments like hangings. Today, Boston Common is a lively park, perfect for a stroll or picnic. There was a car show going on during our visit, which was fun to see, though the famous Frog Pond was drained in preparation for winter.
Along the way to the Common, we stumbled across Raising Cane’s, a restaurant Layla had heard about but neither of us had tried. To our surprise, this location was decked out in gold to celebrate their 28th anniversary. The entire place was wrapped in gold vinyl and featured gold disco balls—it was pretty wild! Layla grabbed a kid’s meal, and we took a few moments to soak in the flashy atmosphere.
By early afternoon, it was time to head to Fenway Park for the big game! The T was packed with Red Sox fans, shoulder to shoulder on the Green Line as we made our way to the stadium. A tip for fellow travelers—if you’re heading to Fenway, get off at Kenmore Station rather than Fenway Station. It’s a quicker walk, and you’ll get a fantastic view of the iconic Citgo sign as you approach the ballpark.
Once we arrived at Fenway, the atmosphere was electric. As one of the oldest ballparks still in use, Fenway oozes history. If you’re not a hardcore baseball fan, I recommend walking around during the game—there’s so much to see. The food, though pricey, offers some gluten-free options. We kept it simple, grabbing water and a cider (which still set us back $20!). The seating at Fenway is a bit tight, so be prepared for cozy quarters, but we loved the energy and the game.
After the game, we ended our day with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory in the Prudential Building, one of Layla’s favorite spots. Unfortunately, they were out of her go-to meal, the pizza-style chicken parm, but she settled for a chicken sandwich, which didn’t quite live up to expectations. I played it safe with a burger on a lettuce wrap, while Justice enjoyed their three-cheese pasta. I was thrilled to see that they had a gluten-free cheesecake option, and it was delicious!
With our bellies full and our feet sore, we made our way back to Wonderland Station. Luckily, the T was much quieter after the game, and the ride back to the truck was smooth. All in all, it was a fantastic day in Boston celebrating Layla’s birthday, and we can’t wait for our next visit. Boston is a city full of history, great food, and fun adventures.
Have you been to Boston? What are your favorite spots? Let us know! We’re always looking for new places to explore before we hit the road for our next adventure.
Travel Turtles 