Boston Pass: 40+ Things To Do – Includes Franklin Park Zoo

Planning a trip to Boston and want to make the most of your time without breaking the bank? The Go City Boston All-Inclusive Pass promises just that—access to over 40 top attractions with a flexible, pay-once approach. Whether you’re a history buff, museum lover, or family looking for fun, this pass might be a good way to see the city without the hassle of buying multiple tickets.

We’re looking at this pass from a practical perspective, highlighting what really works and what you should watch out for. One thing we love is the ability to pick and choose from a wide array of activities, especially since Boston’s charm is best experienced when you go at your own pace. Another plus is the mobile ticket system, which simplifies entry and saves you the trouble of carrying paper vouchers.

However, a potential downside is that some reviews mention seasonal closures or issues with ticket access, which can be frustrating. So, this pass could be perfect for travelers who like flexibility and are prepared for some possible hiccups. If you enjoy customizing your sightseeing and don’t mind a little planning, this could suit you well.

In short, this pass seems best suited for visitors who want to maximize their time in Boston, enjoy a variety of attractions, and appreciate the convenience of a single digital ticket. Let’s break down what you can expect and how to make it work for your trip.

Key Points

• Flexible durations: Choose from 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days depending on your schedule.
• Wide variety of attractions: Includes museums, tours, historic sites, and even Franklin Park Zoo.
• Easy access: Digital pass saves time with direct entry—no vouchers needed.
• Potential seasonal closures: Some attractions might be closed depending on the time of year.
• Customer experiences: Mixed reviews; some praise the value and guides, others report ticket issues.
• Price point: At $79 per person, it offers good value if you plan to visit multiple sites.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

The Boston Pass covers a broad spectrum of activities, making it ideal if you’re curious about the city’s history, culture, and outdoor spaces. You can tailor your itinerary based on your interests, which is a real plus for flexible travelers.

Museum of Science

This spot is a hit for science enthusiasts and families. With over 700 interactive exhibits, it’s a place where you might spend hours exploring everything from dinosaurs to electricity. The reviews show enthusiasm about its vastness—“everything from electricity and animals to the human body,” says one visitor who appreciated the hands-on experience. Expect to spend around 3 hours here, so plan accordingly.

City View Trolley Tours

One of the more popular features, this hop-on hop-off trolley is a fantastic way to get your bearings and see the city’s highlights in a relaxed manner. The narration is a highlight, making the tour engaging and informative. The 1.5-hour ride offers open-air views, and if you buy the pass for two days, you can hop on and off at your leisure.

However, note that the trolley is seasonal, closed from December to March. For travelers visiting outside those months, it’s an excellent way to orient yourself without the fatigue of walking.

The Paul Revere House

A visit here is a must for history lovers. This National Historic Landmark is one of Boston’s oldest buildings and offers insights into the American Revolution. The story of Paul Revere’s famous ride is a cornerstone of American lore, but the house itself is more than just the story—it’s a glimpse into colonial life. Expect to spend about an hour touring the home and learning about the era.

Boston Observation Deck

For stunning city views, head to the Prudential Tower’s 52nd floor. It’s a quick 1-hour visit but offers panoramic vistas of Boston, perfect for photos and getting a sense of the city’s layout. The reviews mention this as a highlight, especially the “sky-high views” that help put the city’s size into perspective.

Boston Children’s Museum & Other Family-Friendly Stops

If you’re traveling with kids, the Boston Children’s Museum is a clear winner. It’s hands-on, interactive, and encourages learning through play, with activities like wall climbing and maze navigation. Expect about 3 hours here.

Salem Witch Museum & Historic Salem Sites

For a dash of spooky history, the Salem Witch Museum is engaging and theatrical, bringing the Salem witch trials to life with dramatic stage sets. Just note that reservations are needed, and it’s about a 45-minute visit. You also get the chance to explore Salem’s witchcraft past through other included sites like the House of the Seven Gables, if you want more colonial charm.

Harvard & Cambridge

The Harvard Tour offers an insider’s look into the university, guided by students themselves. You’ll visit historic sites like Harvard Yard and the John Harvard Statue. It’s a little over an hour, giving you a taste of academic Boston.

Museums & Cultural Stops

Art lovers will enjoy the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. With thousands of artworks, both offer a wealth of visual treats. Expect about 3 hours for the MFA and 1.5 hours for Gardner, enough to browse and soak in the atmosphere.

Outdoor & Unique Experiences

The iconic Swan Boats offer a leisurely pedal-boat ride across Boston’s lagoon, a tradition for over a century. It’s a relaxed 30-minute activity and a fun way to take a breather. Similarly, the Harbor Cruises provide a scenic 90-minute tour of Boston’s waterways, packed with stories of Boston’s maritime history and sights like the lighthouse.

Historic & Cultural Landmarks

The Samuel Adams Boston Brewery or a visit to Lexington’s Buckman Tavern provides insights into Boston’s revolutionary past and brewing history, although some reviews note these attractions might be seasonally unavailable or require reservations.

Other Notable Attractions

• Plimoth Patuxet Museums: Recreates a 17th-century settlement with live demonstrations and historic trades.
• Galleries & Art Collections: The Peabody Essex Museum houses diverse pieces from different cultures, with exhibits like Native American totem poles and Chinese merchant homes.
• Historic Ships: The USS Constitution Museum tells the story of Old Ironsides, one of the oldest warships still afloat.

What’s the Real Deal? Insights from Travelers

While many travelers praise the convenience and variety, some express frustration. A common complaint is that some attractions are seasonally closed or don’t accept the pass, especially during off-peak months. For example, the trolley tour and some museums were unavailable during certain times, which may leave you disappointed if you haven’t checked seasonal schedules beforehand.

Several users also report a disconnect between Viator and Go City, causing difficulties with ticket access. A few mentioned that their QR codes didn’t work at attractions, requiring multiple calls to customer service. So, while the digital system offers ease, be prepared for potential hiccups and consider planning your itinerary early, including reservations where needed.

On the bright side, those who plan carefully and verify attraction schedules report great value for money. With the pass costing around $79 per person, you’re essentially paying for multiple experiences bundled into one. If you’re planning to visit several museums, take a harbor cruise, and enjoy the trolley, the savings can be significant.

The trolley tour gets high praise for its guide narration and scenic views, with some reviewers calling it “the best way to see Boston” in a relaxed, informative manner. The SkyDeck delivers on its promise of panoramic cityscapes, making it a quick, rewarding stop.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Boston Pass

• Plan ahead: Check the seasonal availability of attractions like the trolley or outdoor cruises during your travel dates.
• Reserve where necessary: Some attractions, like Salem Witch Museum, require reservations, so use the app early.
• Verify ticket access: The reviews highlight that QR codes sometimes don’t work immediately; contact customer service if needed.
• Time management: With over 40 attractions, it’s impossible to visit everything in one trip. Prioritize your must-see sites and book tickets early.
• Download the Go City app: This streamlines your access and helps keep your itinerary organized.
• Be flexible: Expect some attractions to be seasonal or temporarily unavailable; have backup options in mind.

Who Is This Pass Best For?

This all-in-one pass is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without multiple ticket purchases. It suits those who enjoy self-guided exploration, are comfortable planning ahead, and don’t mind dealing with occasional technical issues or seasonal closures. Families, history buffs, and museum enthusiasts will appreciate the variety, but keep an eye on specific attraction schedules.

If you’re visiting during peak season and want to see as much as possible, this pass offers good value for the price. However, if your trip falls in the off-season or you prefer guided tours without surprises, you might want to double-check attraction availability before buying.

FAQ

Is the pass valid for any number of visits within the specified days?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with the pass, but you can visit as many different attractions as you like during your valid days.

Can I use the pass for transportation like buses or shuttles?
Some transportation options, like the hop-on-hop-off trolley, are included. However, other transportation may not be covered unless specified.

What if an attraction is closed when I visit?
The pass is weather dependent, and some attractions may be seasonal or temporarily closed. If this happens, you may be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled.

How do I activate my pass?
Your pass activates upon your first attraction visit. It then remains valid for the number of consecutive days purchased.

Are there any hidden costs?
Food, drinks, and optional upgrades are not included unless explicitly stated. Some attractions may also offer upgrades that are payable directly at the site.

What should I do if my QR code doesn’t work?
Contact customer service for assistance. Some reviews mention calling Go City or the attraction directly to resolve QR code issues.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Pass from Go City provides a solid way to see many of Boston’s highlights at a fair price. Its flexibility allows you to tailor your days around the attractions you care about most, which is perfect if you like to explore at your own pace. The breadth of options—from museums and historic sites to boat cruises and outdoor activities—means there’s something for nearly everyone.

That said, be prepared for the possibility of seasonal closures or technical glitches. Planning ahead, verifying schedules, and using the app will help you make the most of your pass. For travelers who enjoy self-guided sightseeing and want to avoid the stress of ticketing and individual reservations, it’s a practical choice.

To sum it up, if you’re in Boston for a few days and want to pack in a variety of experiences without the hassle of multiple ticketing, this pass could save you both time and money. Just approach it with some flexibility and a bit of planning, and you’ll enjoy discovering Boston through a convenient, economical lens.