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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Gloucester to Ocean City?
The direct drive from Gloucester to Ocean City is 477 mi (767 km), and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Gloucester to Ocean City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Salem, Cape May, Mystic, Providence, Hartford, and New Haven, as well as top places to visit like Salem Witch Museum and Canobie Lake Park, or the ever-popular The House of the Seven Gables.
The top cities between Gloucester and Ocean City are New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Salem, Cape May, Mystic, Providence, Hartford, and New Haven. New York City is the most popular city on the route. It's 4 hours from Gloucester and 4 hours from Ocean City.
Salem, located on the north coast of Massachusetts above Boston, is renowned for its 1692 witch trials. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Witch House, once home to a trial judge. The city also boasts the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses an extensive collection of global art and artifacts, including a reconstructed Qing-era Chinese house.
1% as popular as New York City
7 minutes off the main route, 4% of way to Ocean City
The City of Boston, which is the capital and largest city of Massachusetts in the United States, has a population of 675,647 as of 2020, making it the most populous city in New England. It covers an area of approximately 48.4 square miles and ranks as the 24th-most populous city in the country.
13% as popular as New York City
6 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to Ocean City
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The capital city of Rhode Island in the United States is Providence, which houses prestigious educational institutions such as Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. The RISD Museum showcases American art and silver. College Hill features a range of 18th- and 19th-century residences that line its streets. Waterplace Park provides the location for an art installation called Waterfire, which illuminates the surrounding tidal basin during most summer evenings and special events.
0% as popular as New York City
14 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Ocean City
4
Hartford
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut. It’s home to the Mark Twain House & Museum. The 1874 mansion contains thousands of artifacts, including the desk at which Twain wrote his best-known works. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center includes the author’s Victorian house and many period furnishings, plus a garden. The broad collection of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art includes Renaissance and impressionist works.
0% as popular as New York City
3 minutes off the main route, 26% of way to Ocean City
Mystic, located in Groton and Stonington, Connecticut, is a charming village with a rich maritime history. It was once a significant seaport where over 600 ships were constructed during a period of 135 years. Visitors can explore downtown Mystic with its waterfront shops and restaurants or take a short drive to attractions like Mystic Seaport, America's leading maritime museum, Mystic Aquarium, and Olde Mistick Village.
0% as popular as New York City
17 minutes off the main route, 26% of way to Ocean City
I'll never travel to Ocean City without this trip planner again
New Haven, a charming coastal city in Connecticut, is renowned for being the home of Yale University, an Ivy League institution established in 1701. The university boasts impressive museums such as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Yale University Art Gallery. Additionally, visitors can explore the historic Grove Street Cemetery with its striking 19th-century Egyptian Revival gateway and delve into local history at the New Haven Museum.
0% as popular as New York City
3 minutes off the main route, 33% of way to Ocean City
Brooklyn, one of New York City's five boroughs, is coterminous with Kings County and is located in the state of New York. With a population of 2,736,074 in 2020, Kings County boasts to be the most populous county in the state as well as the second-most densely populated county in the United States. The Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and its waterfront park on the other side from downtown Manhattan.
2% as popular as New York City
9 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Ocean City
New York City is made up of 5 districts situated at the point where the Hudson River converges with the Atlantic Ocean. Its hub is Manhattan, a densely inhabited sector that serves as one of the globe's major centers for business, finance and culture. Some of its emblematic landmarks encompass towering skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building alongside vast Central Park. One can enjoy Broadway theatrical productions in neon-bright Times Square.
Most popular city on this route
9 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Ocean City
The biggest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, is renowned for its wealth of history that can be seen at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (the site where both the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed), as well as other locations pertaining to the American Revolution. The steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are also famous, thanks to Sylvester Stallone's victorious run in "Rocky.
7% as popular as New York City
11 minutes off the main route, 66% of way to Ocean City
Cape May, located at the southern tip of New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula, is a charming city and seaside resort known for its stunning Victorian houses and historic charm. The Emlen Physick Estate, now a museum, offers a preserved interior from the era. Visitors can explore the Washington Street Mall with its array of shops and restaurants. For panoramic views, the Cape May Lighthouse provides breathtaking vistas across the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
0% as popular as New York City
26 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Ocean City
Best stops along Gloucester to Ocean City drive
The top stops along the way from Gloucester to Ocean City (with short detours) are Central Park, Top of The Rock, and Freedom Trl. Other popular stops include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fenway Park, and Times Square.
Located in Salem, Massachusetts, the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion was built by sea captain John Turner in 1668 and inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables. The house is a well-preserved example of early seventeenth century New England architecture and features seven gabled roofs and classical facade.
Very nice tour of the house that inspired Hawthorne's book. The docent was knowledgeable and friendly. The tour was a bit expensive but the care they took keeping and restoring the facility was evident. Good for families and adults.
Michael Stahle — Google review
A must see stop if you're visiting historic Salem and want some great history of the colonial days. Absolutely beautifully restored homes from the famous novel and historic Salem. The tour is a must if you want to view the interior of the homes, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and had answers for every question we could think of. I really thought it was cool that we got to go up the hidden staircase was super neat and unexpected. Well worth the money for the tour (it's the only way you can view the interior of the homes anyways).
Aaric Ray (aroc_ray) — Google review
We did the walking tour in the garden. The paid tour has times and we would've waited an hour and a half, so opted for the outside.Approx $15 a person for this part. Beautiful gardens. Very peaceful place and the view of the water was incredible.
Susan Thompson — Google review
Our guide was outstanding, she showed us The House of Seven Gables and explained its history so well. Getting to see the original structure (atic) the secret staircase, the reasons for the rooms and ceiling heights as well as the grounds was quite an experience. The Hawthorne house was also quite impressive with how they moved it to the property to save it from being turned into a parking lot. Honestly well worth your time if you're in Salem.
Jon Testa — Google review
Definitely a must go in Salem! Originally, I wasn't going to take the tour but because I don't read times places open, I found myself with some free time. I was not disappointed! I highly recommend the guided tour of the House of Seven Gables. There's a self-audio tour of the grounds, but as a fast reader, I opted to read versus waiting for the voiceover to finish.
This place is so cool and there's lots to see. The staff is informative and patiently answers all questions. Definitely recommended!
Cassandra Elwartowski — Google review
A fantastic building and some classic historical early settlers architecture. The entire house and gardens has been made into a museum exploring the history and people that lived there. There is a great link to the literary classic the house represents and there is also a great self guided audio tour that you can access through your mobile phone while exploring the gardens.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
This was well laid out. The location had several historical buildings in the property, including the House of the Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne's birth home. You pay for a guided tour of the Seven Gables and then can go on self-guided tours of the others (one was not open when I was there) and the grounds. The tour guide was very informative. The grounds are beautiful. There is also a gift shop with several interesting things in it.
Tina DeCola — Google review
I love touring historical homes, and this one was fabulous. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and was very patient with those of us who really wanted to soak it in, especially with pictures. Everything about this historical home (and the grounds) was beautiful. This, along with The Daniel's House, made the trip to Salem worth it. Big Zero for the rest of Salem, which is just a big tourist trap, mainly for those interested in the occult.
I took a ton of pictures, but I've only attached a few. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here!!!
Emily Weaver — Google review
It's one of the historical houses of old times. It's over advertised, as most of the places in the US. Unfortunately, very little remains from the original home as it was restored and modified according to the novel. If you just walk by yourself, it won't be really interesting. Tickets will be more expensive with the guide, but it's really worth it. We had an amazing guide. It's like you are watching a fairytale. He is a very talented one. Tour takes around 30 min. As he said, the price of every ticket goes to support the newly arrived immigrants in Salem. Still recommended to see!
elena korobova — Google review
Simply breathtaking! House was amazing and the tour was informative, captivating, and entertaining. Tour guide did an amazing job presenting the info I really can't say enough to praise the experience. Also had an 8 year old who thoroughly enjoyed the place, including the scavenger hunt! Well done and stunning house and grounds!
Thomas White — Google review
Amazing tour of a historic building in Salem, MA. We didn't buy tickets ahead of time, so when we walked in and paid, we were given a time to return to the building for the tour. The tour is very affordable and is open year-round. We visited in September 2022 and had an excellent experience. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and painted a very realistic picture of the history of the building in regards to the local area. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Hannor Bonannor — Google review
We had a great time visiting. A few places were closed understandably given the time of year. Our guide Rebecca was wonderful sharing tidbits from the ye house's history throughout.
Sarah Fortino — Google review
My three friends and I thoroughly enjoyed coming here. Great history and plenty of photos to take. The gift shop was super cute. And the views of the garden/property and water views were beautiful when we were there on 10/09/2022. I'm so glad we had this on our list of places to visit on our 3 day trip. We came all the way from Pennsylvania and had been planning this trip for 2 year's and had to wait because of Covid. We're all hoping to come again next year as well. Thank you to everyone working here. Everyone was so friendly and nice.
I sure hope someone was okay, as we were leaving there was an ambulance, fire rescue and police there.
Lauren Kety — Google review
If you are a fan of history and Nathaniel Hawthorne, you will love this stop. The tour is a bit pricey, but if you are a fan of his work, you will enjoy every bit of this stop. Stroll the property, learn about the hidden stairwells and other surprises, and how the house grew to the House of the Seven Gables. We also learned how the house became a Settlement House. Again, if you love history or Nathaniel Hawthorne, this is worth it. If not, you may want to pass. I loved it!
Ellen Dunman — Google review
I really enjoyed this tour! We paid extra to go inside and it was very informative. Lots of great information. Warning, there is a very tight stairway your tour may pass through, but they may take you an alternate route if you ask.
Author Neva Squires-Rodriguez — Google review
Interesting facts and tidbits about this historic house and it's colorful past. Built in 1668 on Salem Harbor and surviving many owners and several architectural modifications, this National Historic Landmark is truly magnificent. I simply love the architecture of precolonial and colonial America, and if you do as well, it is truly a must-see.
Ken Healy — Google review
This is an American classic! A settlement of historical importance of what would become the United States of America, before consolidation of such.The grounds were very nicely kept and several exhibits were there to visit while waiting for the "guided tour". The woman who guided us through the exhibit was extremely well versed in early (pre "USA") America. Probably not enjoyable for the very young, or the very mobility impaired! We were there on an early April weekday, the very busy summer crowds will surely require Patience and things to entertain the youngsters.
Wayne Gotcher — Google review
Awesome piece of history. Took the guided tour so we can see the house and the grounds. Loved the architecture, and if those walls could talk I'm sure it would be interesting. Went with my wife and 2 kids (13&15) and we talked about it for hours. A must see.
JJ Setaro — Google review
Great historical visit. Lots of interesting details on the guided tour. Salem is very cute and it was nice to be there outside of the Halloween madness.
Jennifer — Google review
Interesting museum. You can choose to either tour the gardens only or the gardens plus the inside of the houses for different price points.
I visited during October in a weekday and had no issue getting tickets at the ticket booth. That being said, October is a crazy month in Salem and it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance if this is an attraction that really interests you
Franco — Google review
This was an amazing tour! My 11 and 12 year olds loved it too. There’s so much history and really cool things to see in this museum. Our tour guide, Louise, was great! Knowledgeable and nice-she led us through the house and kept the tour moving at a perfect pace. I never got bored and I never felt rushed. There is some really neat information! Everyone is friendly and nice and their gift shop is just perfect. Walking through Nathaniel Hawthorne’s house was pretty awesome too. Being an English teacher made this experience even better! I could see everything, in person, that I taught. If you need a tour, take this one!!! There are some surprises too!
Melissa L — Google review
Would definitely go back. This place is well preserved, and the tour was excellent, although we got a little lost between spot 1 and 2. We did the grounds tour and visited the Hawthorne House. It's beautiful and pristine. The views were amazing, and my children enjoyed the games in the counting house. The gardens are beautiful, and early evening is a great time to visit.
Laura Vanderbeek (LaurelLeafLane) — Google review
I visited Salem for Halloween. This was my first stop. The tour is approximately 45 minutes long and contains lots of history. The tour relays all aspects of the family and house's history. Our tour guide did a good job discussing some of the more sensitive/controversial portions.
You are lead through the house, which includes the original wings and the expansions. The tour includes low ceilings, stairs, and narrow stairwells. If you have issues with tight spaces there are a couple of rooms you may have to skip. The outside grounds and view of the harbor is beautiful. The tour was a good starting point for my evening in Salem.
The Salem Witch Museum is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about the infamous witch trials that took place in the town in 1692. The museum has large and lighted exhibits that illustrate the story of the trials, as well as modern witchcraft practices, after the events.
Well they were definitely sold out of tour but the outside of this house is so unique! From another tour I was on the house has changed over the years, including paint color, location, and the stained glass details. Still, really neat!
Megan — Google review
My family and I expected maybe a little more for such a famous museum but it was still a good experience and history. The presentation is different and definitely not boring (if you have good imagination that is).
Bought the tickets online only, it took about 3 to 5 minutes right at the entrance line.
Lost in the East Coast — Google review
From the seamless online ticketing process to the well-structured tour, everything was well organized and hassle-free.
The museum's setup is unique and interactive. Upon arrival, everyone gathers in the first room, where you're seated and immersed in a captivating 360-degree show about the history of Salem. The visuals and narration transport you back in time, allowing you to experience the events firsthand. It's a remarkable 10-minute journey that sets the stage for the rest of the tour.
After the show, the group is divided in half, with one group proceeding to the second part of the tour while the other explores the gift shop. I found this division to be a great way to manage the flow of visitors, ensuring everyone has a comfortable experience. The second part of the tour delves deeper into the Salem witch trials, providing additional insights and historical context. It was fascinating to learn about the individuals involved and the impact these events had on the community.
What impressed me most was how efficiently the entire experience was conducted. Despite covering a significant amount of information, the tour was completed in less than an hour, making it perfect for those with limited time. This concise format allows you to absorb the key aspects of Salem's history without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Regarding the gift shop, I found it to be decent, but I would recommend checking out the Witch City Mall for a wider selection of souvenirs and mementos. However, the museum's gift shop does offer a good range of items related to the Salem witch trials, ensuring you can take a piece of history home with you.
Donna B — Google review
Buy tickets in advance to ensure you get to experience the show. In the first room, make sure you sit in the MIDDLE. If you can’t sit in the middle, the right side of the room would be the next best option. You have to rotate in your seat to see each diorama(wax figure displays). You go into two different rooms to listen to a recorded explanation of the origin of the witch trials. Half of the group moves to the second room and the other half has to wait 10-15 minutes in the gift shop. The gift shop is priced like most gift shops. Paid $32 for a t-shirt.
Adam Eaton — Google review
It was a cool visit, though I don't think I'd go again. I wouldn't say it's worth $17.50 a person. If you do go, sit on the stools as it's much easier to turn for the 360 show. Not a bad experience but definitely not a traditional museum or a very long visit, maybe 45 minutes total.
Katie K — Google review
A great top to cool off on a hot day and learn a little something. There are two rooms you go into. The first is a big open room that is dark and with seating to watch the presentation. Around the room and elevated are different scenes from the history of the witch trials. The second room talks about the history of witches.
graham forde — Google review
I know that everyone wants to visit the witch museum when visiting Salem, but honestly I don't think it is an experience worth paying for. The manikins look like they were made in 1692 and never updated. The audio sounds like something from a 60's B rated sci Fi flick and the story is something you could just get from a YouTube video for free. Just go sit in the common and watch any video online about a witch story from the time. Not to mention that the presentation is made so if you are sitting on one of the walls you won't be able to see the part that is highlighted during the story right above where you are seated. If you are seated in the center you can view the story that is highlighted on turns on a 360 rotation one at a time if you turn around as the room doesn't.
After the first room they take you in turns (meaning in 2 groups) to a smaller room to hear another audio tour. At least the sound on this one is a bit better. Again lots of outdated decorations and a wall full with things to read (the timeline of the story) but no time to read them as you are brought into the room to hear the audio tour and then told to move along to see other outdated decorations in the room.
Then at the end you are lead into the gift shop to buy stuff. So basically you pay to enter a store.
Having done it once, I would tell friends visiting me, that this is definitely not worth paying for. Maybe if it was free and you wanted to sit for a while, but you can't go in when you want to, so my recommendation is, skip it.
Chris “BostonGreekGeek” Vaxevanis — Google review
Was alot of fun when we went! I would definitely check it out if your interested whichy vibes and doing the witch walk for fun, or if you're interested in the Salem witch trial and actual history! The gift shop was fun too! full of neat stuff , we enjoy the whole experience!
Amanda Wertsbaugh — Google review
The Salem Witch Museum is a beautiful building. The actual tour is just OK compared to everything else offered in Salem Massachusetts. My teens enjoyed it, but were quickly done and ready to go on to the next thing. When sitting, be prepared to have to do a 360 turn. The round stools look easier than the benches were. When we visited tickets were only able to be purchased online with specific entry times.
MIMI B — Google review
The building was very cool and the staff was friendly. The museum wasn't what I expected or hoped for but I'm still glad I went. I wish there would have been more things to look at. The gift shop was nice.
Maddie Mayfield — Google review
Nice place to visit and learn what happened in during the Salem Witch trials. It's listed as an hour but really is closer to a 35 minute tour with voice overs and mannequins to explain what happened. It can feel rushed for the price a family will play and that was the only reason for the 4 vs 5 star rating.
Jon Testa — Google review
The museum is a tourist spot and is outdated. I feel the museum definitely needs to change something to keep customers returning. I'm surprised they don't offer any additional services such as walking tour or live action play. The gift shop has many awesome gifts. I don't regret going to the museum, but it's still the same thing from 15 years ago. I will not go back next year unless if they offer something different.
Kristin Brown — Google review
The building is neat. The idea is very fun! There isn't much to do!!!! The museum consists of 2 areas to view with audio information. Then, you go into the gift shop. I would love to have a little more to see.
Victoria J. — Google review
I really enjoyed the presentation and tour at the Salem Witch Museum. I bought my ticket on line and was able to go right in. There was a small group of about 15 people. We were brought into a room with several attractions. There was plenty of room for us to sit and see everything. After, they bring you into another room and go over the history of witches. You are then let out in the gift shop. Perfect opportunity to purchase books, mugs, and shirts.
Tammy N — Google review
You definitely get an overview of what happened with some neat scenes in the main theater. Your tour starts in the main theater (you can sit anywhere and it's fine). Second, is another presentation in a smaller room from a guide which you can tour after the talk. Then you can browse the gift shop. They have a good selection in the gift shop. The museum is worth the visit. Very glad we went.
Mark Money — Google review
Was not worth the price we paid to get in. For my self husband and daughter it was $50. You were escorted into a large room that is dark, and there’s a story that plays that lights up each section of the story.
The mannequins you can tell they were old. If you aren’t sitting in the middle you won’t be able to see all of the light up sections. We were sitting on the side wall and ended up not being able to see the sections behind us.
My 7 year old daughter didn’t really care for it. After the first tour we were escorted into the gift shop while the tour that went in front of us is in the second part of the tour. So we had to wait into the gift shop until the other group left the one room. My daughter said the best part of the tour was the gift shop that she was able to get a spell book from.
It is not stroller accessible. You have to climb up 7 small steps. We had to carry the baby stroller up those steps, down another set of steps and back up another set. And not handicap accessible that I could see. I guess for not being there ever it’s a cool thing to do, but I won’t be a repeat customer. It’s something you do once and call it good.
Samantha Martin-Braginton — Google review
Whether you’ve never been to Salem or have some knowledge of witch trial history, this should be your first stop. Susan the Manager was our guide during the off season of late April in our group of only 10 (4 of us). Yes, it is a tad campy and a tad dated, which is why I loved it. Great starter and “base” information for pre-or teens. I love that it is primarily a seated presentation, great for those disabled or those with mobility issues who can’t do a standing/walking tour. 5 stars! Keep in mind this isn’t CGI , nor should it be. Classic New England history presentation at its best!
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Canobie Lake Park
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Expansive, kid-friendly theme park featuring roller coasters, water rides, carnival games & shows.
Well put together park. The rides are fun. From the point of view of an extreme coaster enthusiast, these guys have done a great job considering the height restrictions imposed onto the park for rides. Yankee Cannonball is comfortable and fun. UNTAMED is short, but action packed. The park has an excellent, above and beyond; selection of rides for the little ones. My daughter was 4 and had an absolute blast.
saabgt3 — Google review
My first visit to Canobie was during Screeemfest! Parking is easy & free - if you arrive slightly early you'll be parked pretty close to the entrance. During the first hour of opening, the lines for rides weren't too bad. Towards the end of the night, you had to wait in lines that were at least 30 minutes long. Some lines for rides like The Yankee Cannonball were 45 minutes plus. Even though we didn't get to do as many rides as we were hoping, we had an awesome time & there was so much to see. At dusk, the views over the lake are incredible. We were blessed with an incredible sunset. Lots of spooky decor around the park - we really enjoyed walking around taking it all in. The lines for the haunted houses were crazy so we chose to skip it. I was surprised by the food & drink prices. They are reasonable compared to most parks. A cocktail with a souvenir beaker was under $20 ($15 if I remember correctly), turkey leg was $13, & huge loaded baked potatoes were $9. We were all very satisfied with the food - it was filling & delicious. We had a great time at Canobie & can't wait to return!
Ariana Gardner — Google review
A very nice family amusement park that has rides for everyone in the family. To small kiddie rides for the children, to family friendly rides and all the way up to thrill rides, this place has a nice mix. It also has a small water park included with admission in the summer (although gets very packed on hot days) and water rides, plus some shows/other entertainments. Their Halloween event is always a blast with haunted houses too.
Tanner B — Google review
The owner of my workplace was generous to treat us to a picnic and day at Canobie! We had a great time.
I have been coming here since I was young. It’s very clean, and not too big. They have a water park, but that was way too crowded for us, sadly. That’s ok though, because we were able to cool off on the flume ride and the Boston Tea Party. They have plenty of benches to sit down and of course the people watching is always entertaining. I’m not good with rides, but my husband had a good time! My son is autistic, and we weren’t sure how well he would do. He tried the skateboard ride, but it was a little too intense for him. There are a lot of options for calmer activities. The food choices were pretty much standard to any amusement park. I was very happy to find a place for alcohol. There aren’t a ton of options, but they have beer located outside the Boston Tea Party ride in a cool looking old style pub, and inside the water park. They also offer AC inside some of the arcades, which was definitely needed as it was very hot that day. I had a great day, and slept like a rock that night!
The Victorian Ghost — Google review
What a blast ! Had a great time ! Plenty for young kids to do! Dedicated splash pad area, really cool water park for kids and probably the best lazy river I have ever been to. My kids (age 1 & 4) had plenty of options of things to do. The water park was my favorite, on hot days nice to be in the water around noon to 1
corey duclos — Google review
One of my favorite dates to date. Downside were the long lines. We did ScreamFest and purchased the express passes. $25 to knock out 5 haunted houses in an hr. Worth it considering the lines were so long others were likely waiting the hour to 30 min each. We went on 3 rides had dinner walked around watched the freak show for a bit and then went through the haunted houses. Definitely cannot wait to take the kids. One of the coolest things though, these parks have a fast lane for disabled individuals. Make sure you check with customer service!! If you have someone who physically or mentally cannot wait in lines but enjoy the rides they can get in pretty quickly. Just make sure the attendant sees you. ❤️❤️
Kendra Brook — Google review
This place is great for kids. The lines are usually very long for the adult rides so if you go you should make a day of it to get the most in (if that's your thing). The other attractions are fun and plenty.
sevenstevearmy — Google review
Awesome place to visit. The water park portion is really fun. There is a crazy water activity place with waterslides and water guns, etc. So much fun!
The amusement park rides are great. Awesome view from the Ferris wheel. Roller coasters are a lot of fun. Other rides as well. There are lot of good options. We ended up getting Mexican food.
Plan a day of it. There is a lot to see and do. We were there all day and that really wasn't enough time. Next time, we'll try the rest!
Nathanael Verrill — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Canobie Lake Park Theme Park with my family, and it was an experience we'll cherish for a long time. The park catered to all ages, from toddlers to teens, and even adults, ensuring that everyone had a fantastic time.
The variety of rides was impressive, with something for everyone. The little ones were thrilled with the toddler-friendly attractions, while the older kids and adults enjoyed the more adrenaline-pumping rides.
One of the highlights of our visit was the flexibility to bring our own food and water, especially for the kids. This is a thoughtful provision that not many places offer. However, if you happen to forget, there's no need to worry. The park offers a wide array of dining options, ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes. And for those who fancy a drink, they even serve beer to lift your spirits!
I highly recommend planning your visit on Fridays or Saturdays. The park hosts a spectacular fireworks display and dance party after closing hours, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit. You can check the schedule on their website to plan your day accordingly.
In conclusion, our visit to Canobie Lake Park Theme Park was one of our best family outings. It's a place that truly offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for family fun. We can't wait to go back!
Nishnger — Google review
I had such a blast here at Canobie Lake Park tonight for Screamfest. I always have a great time whenever I visit. So many fun rides, games, food and so much more to do. I can’t wait to go back again.
Sophia Cormier — Google review
We spent the day here, we enjoyed both Castaway Island and the amusement park. One thing both my wife and I noticed, the lifeguards were extremely attentive, very active and moving around, constantly scanning the pool. They had a lot of staff, and all we encountered were friendly and helpful. The value for the price of admission was incredible. The park and the bathrooms were very clean and well kept. Sometimes these places can look faded and worn but we were both impressed with the overall look. There is a good mix of rides for ages 4-16. We would recommend stopping here for a great day!
Kelly McCaig — Google review
Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire holds a special place in my heart. Having visited as a child, I'm delighted to see that it has maintained its charm and beauty throughout the years. The park's impeccable upkeep is evident in the well-kept flowers that grace its walkways, creating a delightful atmosphere.
Now, as an adult living out of state, I cherish the opportunity to bring my children, aged 8 and 10, to Canobie Lake Park, allowing them to create their own cherished memories. The park's waterpark is a huge hit during the summer months, providing a perfect escape from the heat.
However, with the availability of season passes, I've noticed that the park can become quite crowded at times. The long lines near the entrance during exit times, especially for simple treats like apples, popcorn, and cotton candy, can be a bit frustrating. I personally experienced a wait of over 30 minutes. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall experience and the joy it brings to my family are well worth it. Canobie Lake Park remains a treasured destination for both nostalgia and creating new memories with loved ones.
M. D. — Google review
What a fun experience for families!! There's something for everyone! From crazy roller coasters to cute little toddler rides! You can spend the whole day here and feel energized! Lots of restaurants and food options... essentially your basic amusement park food.. cute souvenir cups for ice's and drinks.. the kids had a blast! It's a short drive from Boston so it's convenient for people visiting the area.
Bugs Subu — Google review
I have gone to canobie lake park since I was a kid, so over 15 years at this point. I have never done before Screamfest and my friend didn’t warn me you can only buy tickets online. So I arrived and noticed the ticket booths were closed and asked is there anyway to buy tickets in person and they said it’s online only. I do put 50% of the responsibility on my friend for not telling me this. But then 50% responsibility is on Canobie for two reasons. The first reason being this is a location with plenty of booth stations and you could easily have one open to address those who don’t buy online. The BIGGER reason though is this. THEY HAVE NO CELL SERVICE OR PUBLIC WIFI THERE. It is pretty crummy trying to break through the cell service to contact friends and to see if anyone has strong enough cell service to buy a ticket for me. If you are going to have mandatory online passes and you are very aware of your lack of cell service. You should invest in a couple of quality WiFi routers at the front gate so people can hop on it and purchase tickets OR if you don’t want to open a booth, invest in a digital station where you can go to a machine and purchase one.
Now for the second part of this experience I’ll be getting more into the screamfest experience. This experience comes with the caveat that I know staffing can be short some night and all that understandable stuff. I get that. However, nothing really felt that spooky. The walkers around the park had lack luster energy as well as in the haunts. The only one I felt had more energized haunters were the works in the location near Untamed. The other two felt pathetic. And not due to lack of ambience or visuals. The ambience and visuals were great. But the haunt near the tea party ride and near the mine ride were a bummer when it came to being actually scared. Because you can have the coolest visuals you want but when there are a lack of people or the people minimally engage it just ruins the experience. For instance when we went through the haunt by the tea party, I think we managed to walk through 6+ rooms before running into another worker. Then, the workers just hide in corners and barely move. Or just stare at you by a wall. Where is the getting up in your face? Where is the following a person for short periods of time? Making repetitive noises through yelling or banging objects? Again, some workers did do that, but for the 2 I was disappointed in, they really didn’t do a lot.
For the last part of the experience I will talk about the express pass. So, first of all you pay $50 to get in. Then, because we dealt with 40mins of trying to get me into to the place we were running short on time and they close at 11p, AND they obviously have long lines. Now we are thinking we will do the express pass. They have signs for it around the park but the signs don’t actually lead you to the direction of getting them because we tried 2 spots in the park and the people said no. Then we went to the front to guest services and they said go to the gift shop next store. We thought we would pay $25 cause it said that online. No, if you buy it at the shop it’s $30 and online it’s $25 if you match it with your ticket and add it on. Well, obviously with no cell service we couldn’t do that so we had to pay the $30. It was worth it in the sense that you get to the front quick. But again with my review of the actual haunts themselves, it doesn’t feel worth it to spend $80 for the lack luster experience.
All of this to say, I love Canobie lake park as an amusement park and for anyone trying to go there for rides whether it’s spooky season or not, it is a great time. Clean park, clean bathrooms. A lot of food options. I hope they put up more roller coasters cause one can only handle so many spinny ride options, which there are a lot there. And they took down the cork screw which was a roller coaster. But yah as an amusement park, I still love it as an adult. As a spooky place, definitely bummed.
Renee C — Google review
This park is impeccably clean! I mean, spotless. Not even a stray bottle cap on the ground. The bathrooms are spotless. The cleanest amusement park I have ever been too. The lines to rides are long, but move fast. The staff, primarily teenagers/college students, are the sweetest most helpful people! With their energy, you can tell they love their job! I can't wait to go back in October!
The Pilgrims' first attempt at establishing a permanent settlement in the New World was fraught with difficulty, but the hard-working people of Plymouth Colony persevered and eventually succeeded in building Plimoth Plantation, a replica of their original 17th century settlement. The museum is situated on carefully chosen ground that reflects the topography of the original settlement and includes replicas of the two-story fort and houses of some of the founders.
Very cool piece of history and very knowledgeable and polite staff! Kids enjoyed touring the ship and the experience overall. It’s much smaller than we thought! No lines and it just got back from some major repairs, I think they said $13-14 million worth. Go see this piece of history!
Buy tickets online ahead of time and buy the package deal for other events. It makes for a great afternoon! Then walk along the water and visit an ice cream shop for a post-tour treat!
Cody — Google review
This was a very interesting location to explore. There were staff positioned throughout the ship answering questions and sharing information. We were shocked to learn how long they were on the boat but mostly by standing in the space they lived in. It was surprisingly small. Physically being in the space and imagining the number of people, livestock, gear and things was mind boggling. I recommend taking the time to explore this piece of American history.
Andrew Kassouf — Google review
Another piece of history. We loved seeing the replica. It was so interesting and the staff on board was very knowledgeable. This is definitely worth the stop to tour the ship.
Donna Smith — Google review
Seeing the Mayflower II replica, was like taking a step back in time, and experiencing what it was like to be aboard the ship that the Pilgrims used for their journey to the New World. The staff was very friendly and let us walk about the ship answering any questions that we might have. Down below, we could see the quarters where the passengers and crew slept and some interesting artifacts. The ship was beautifully crafted and an enjoyable learning experience
Frank Fazio — Google review
Came here on a Thursday in July after I found a Groupon deal. The deal I got had entry to the Mayflower, Grist Mill, and the Plimoth Plantation. I love history, especially Massachusetts history and my kids thankfully do too. My three daughters loved it and learned a lot from the staff inside the ship. The ship is a replica and a good one at that! I highly recommend if you're in Plymouth, Ma or doing a history trip in New England.
Danny Otero — Google review
How enchanting to step back in time! To be on a ship built to scale and to try to imagine the 102 people plus the crew living on this ship for 6 weeks while traveling to a new world! WOW! I highly recommend this experience!
R. Andrew Yarbrough — Google review
We had a good time walking on the water to get to the mayflower, visited the mayflower then walked for some food, overall made a couple hour adventure out of it.
corey duclos — Google review
This is a recreation of what they think the Mayflower looked like in 1620. Some modifications like the location and height of the deck are for tourists but overall this will give you an excellent idea of how cramped the ship was for 100 people to spend a year on. Very quick attraction so I’d recommend getting the three attraction pass to visit the grist mill and recreation villages while in town.
Jonathan Harvey — Google review
Our walk through of the Mayflower II exhibit was interesting but sadly, uninspiring. A very secular, scrubbed history was displayed without delving into the inspiring stories behind why the pilgrims actually came to America. I'm glad I read the book by Tim Ballard, the Pilgrim Hypothesis, so I could actually really experience the amazing miracles of the Mayflower and the founding of America.
Ken Krogue — Google review
Fun tour on this cool reproduction of the original Mayflower. You can see how the pilgrims and the crew lived on the ship. Nearby, you can visit Plymouth Rock. Good tour to go on your own or to take your family with you. There were plenty of kids around. If you want to visit a significant checkpoint in American history - this is your opportunity!
E Aslanian — Google review
We bought a ticket for the grist mill, the mayflower 2 and the Plantation. We had two following days to visit so three. The Mayflower 2 is a rebuild from 1957 and passed the ocean once. If you are the size and get all the explanations from the guides and text boards the first pilgrims risked the life's to start a new chapter. 102 people and 8 animals plus crew sailed 66 days.
Impressive to see!!!
BS — Google review
Visited the Mayflower replication during a slow period. Parking was difficult to find but it is available with a short walk. I was amazed at the small size. Imaging over 100 people packed between decks of this small ship made me feel very spoiled. The “crew” were helpful in their explanations.
Dan Hegsted — Google review
If you don't get dizzy, then I recommend this place. As with Patuxet, they are open seasonally, not year round. It's a short exhibit, however, an enlightening one. The basic necessities that we take for granted were neither basic, nor given to people in that era, let alone those on the ship. The crew and volunteers are so happy to chat and answer your questions. I purchased a combo ticket with Patuxet museum.
From there, walk over to Plymouth Rock monument to get the full experience before enjoying a stroll down Water Street. It's a charming town with charming people.
Tax Professional — Google review
Really neat reproduction of the mayflower and informative for how the pilgrims traveled and what they experienced. Staff were friendly and explained what it was like on the voyage and how difficult it was for them. Definitely should be on your list of places to stop while in town.
Jozef Watson — Google review
If you’re visiting Plymouth, I’d say this is a worthwhile site to visit. Lots of info, staff were knowledgeable, etc. It was interesting to see the size of the ship, a well as to get a feel for what the pilgrims had to go through in order to arrive here.
4/5 due to the price of admission. Almost $100 for my family of 6 to spend 30 minutes exploring seems a little steep.
Ryan A. — Google review
This was a good experience, if you buy the whole tour in plimoth museum which I recommend, it is included, I loved being inside of the bout because I have never been inside of a travel boat. Inside you can see how they traveled to a new place that was the start of a new life.
Ruben Ayes — Google review
An excellent visit, loved the storytelling by the staff. We learned a lot!
Carol David — Google review
Very nice recreation of the Mayflower. Interesting to view. Just a "stones" throw (joke intended) from the traditional Plymouth Rock. This is a full size historical replica of the tall ship that brought the Pilgrims from Plymouth, England, to the New World in the year of our Lord, 1620. Tours of the ship are available led by guides in period clothing. If you are in town to visit Plymouth Rock, make sure to take the short walk over to see the ship (or at least a lifelike replica) that made the passage possible!
Bill Delperdange — Google review
Expensive. However, my family really enjoyed the tour. The employees aboard the boat were very helpful and knowledgeable. It was a lot of fun to walk around the ship to imagine what life would be like. I also liked how they had character cards allowing you to follow what happened to each character. It helped put the time period into perspective.
Plymouth Rock is a famous rock in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts, that is widely believed to be the spot where the Pilgrims first came ashore when they arrived in 1620. The claim originates from 1741, when a 94-year-old man named Thomas Faunce stated that his father and several passengers on the Mayflower told him that the stone was the landing spot. There is no historical evidence to support this claim.
It’s literally a rock in an encasing right off of
The street. There is a museum for the mayflower a few feet away, but it was not open at the time I was there. I went early in the morning around 830am during the off season, but I’m sure it gets packed up, and there does not seem to be much parking. It’s definitely cool to see, but I wouldn’t go spending and entire day there, you only need a few minutes. As far as the idea that it’s where the pilgrims landed, I will leave that alone (wink wink). I hope my review helped.
Ronnie T. — Google review
Beautiful little town with tons of history! Perfect for walking! I visited in mid October and the weather was perfect. Enjoyable time walking to the different delicious restaurants and shops located within a very manageable stroll! Definitely worth your time for a afternoon or a short weekend trip! I love mural hunting and the painted shells placed throughout the area was brilliant!!!
Jimmy Ferrazas — Google review
Nice town to visit if you are in the area. Not sure I would make a cross country trip just to see it but it was interesting. There is a mayflower replica nearby. Gift shops and restaurants are also nearby.
Amy Wadel — Google review
An excellent addition to any New England itinerary. The Mayflower II sits at port just ahead. The stone marked with the year 1620 AD. The oldest town in Massachusetts has many historical treasures to reveal. As part of the Cape Cod region, the area boasts a beautiful vista of the waters to the East. Boston is only 30 to 45 minutes away, depending on the time of day. There are plenty of novelty shops along the way to pick up souvenirs. I especially enjoy the ice cream shoppe across from the Rock.
Richard Grant — Google review
Always love going here, plenty of trails to walk with the family and your pup. There is an abundance of restaurants and ice cream. Tourist attractions are fun and educational. Stick around and watch the sunset.
James Vrooman — Google review
Not what I expected!
Plymouth Rock is very well seated away from the public, which is probably best to keep from deterioration from touching. It's inside an enclosure several feet under ground level, so all photo's are taken from a top down view.
Near by is a replica of the Mayflower and various other statues. Lavatory facilities are available. Walking around the trails was pleasant and dog friendly. The views are beautiful.
There is parking near by, and if you don't mind walking a few streets away free two hour parking as well.
One visit is enough, but would visit with relatives again.
sek three — Google review
A great place to see your elementary history textbook come to life. The rock is surrounded by a guard structure with park ranger on duty. No touching, but plenty close to enjoy it. While on premises, go across the street to the pilgrim grave and enjoy the view of the bay and replica Mayflower.
Brandon W — Google review
Interesting history behind this rock! Marked as 1620 but first time someone claimed as pilgrims landed here was a claim by someone in 1700. Not sure if that is enough evidence!
TIP: Cute downtown area. Find a parking on Main Street for a two hour parking and walk 2mins to get to water rather than paying to park at the water!
Amir Tahmasebi — Google review
Didn't realize that Plymouth rock was literally just a rock. I thought it referred to the land in general.
But here it is. Plymouth rock in all it's glory.
Not much to look at but cool to think about all that came from such humble beginnings
Dallin Yarrington — Google review
Wow, a rock. What else can I say? The area seemed nice and clean, there are some shops along the water, beach type areas. We parked and took a look at the rock, it has a nice walk through building around it. Then we walked up some stairs and looked out to the water using the binoculars. Nice area to stop on our road trip.
Jasmin G. — Google review
Super small and underwhelming- but.. the park surrounding it, is absolutely beautiful. Nice for a quick walk by but this is not an all day event at all. Make sure to check the shops out, just one street over!
Jules Vidro — Google review
It's a rock, that we "think" is the one the Mayflower and first settlers arrived at (read the history and you'll see why the quotes). I am a fan of history, so can say I was there and saw it, but I wouldn't plan a trip just for that. We did a trip that included Boston and all together it was very worthwhile - but be aware of the distance between Boston and Plymouth. The ranger at the rock was very informative and nice to chat with.
Jessica Kullman — Google review
Definitely worth the stop, just to see, feel, and learn the history. The area is really nice, with paid parking nearby. Stop and see the rock, walk around, there are other statues, and the Mayflower II is docked nearby. There are nice restrooms, and a also a couple of nice little souvenir stores. There is also a museum, but we didn't have a chance to stop by there.
Leilani-Z — Google review
It was neat to see a piece of history and to read about it and learn more.
I feel the rock could have been on some type of pedestal or something to elevate it.
I'm not sure I completely understand why it was moved to begin with years ago, hence the big crack in it from dropping off the truck that moved it.
It kind of feels like it's in a mausoleum versus a showcase. (I hope this makes sense to someone)
I did not know that the Mayflower was a replica built from 1955 to 1957. I'm pretty sure I can understand the reasoning behind it, that a boat from 1620 would not withstand this many years in the water as a showcase.
It is beautifully done and if the museum was open I would have gone in. But because this is a winter visit we took the chance, overall with shops / restaurants and museums being closed until spring.
It is a nice waterfront walk and there is more history here than I could show.
For anyone planning on visiting Plymouth Massachusetts and this area specifically, I would suggest at least two nights in 3 days. If you are a history buff or someone who wants to learn more, I think that would be sufficient time to get it all in.
Michailah Williams — Google review
I like hearing and seeing where history happened. It's a great place to visit to reflect on that! We visit Mayflower II as well. Well worth-it trip! Recommend to anyone!
Jennifer Magi — Google review
It was a beautiful rock. A meaningful trip for my friends and family. We had friends from Germany come and visit and we took them here. It meant a lot, it’s a beautiful and worked up monument to history. But it’s also a small rock 😂🤷🏼♀️
Michelle Tretola — Google review
Easily accessible! There is something humbling about witnessing a piece of history. As I had no previous conception regarding the actual size of Plymouth Rock, there was some shock relating to how small the rock was, this was a misconception on my part. Nevertheless, the fact that it remains is a testament to it's importance in American history.
Chelsey Kreil — Google review
It's a small rock, so don't expect a big boulder. But it is very cool to see where America all started. Really nice park, and shops/restaurants all around.
Kaley Mierek — Google review
This is a good rock. I went here and was satisfied with my experience. It’s said that the Pilgrims first landing in North America was at this rock, but there isn’t any historical evidence to confirm this. This is a small rock located in Maude a memorial with a roof like the Pantheon. This rock gets very busy with tourists, but I was here during the morning after Easter so it wasn’t very busy when I was here. I gave this rock five stars because it was a cool experience to get to see what is thought to be a piece of history. If it was super busy when I went here I would’ve rated it lower.
Qwerty — Google review
Plymouth is a great, old, scenic, New England town with a charming waterfront filled with working fishing boats,and seafood joints, plenty of shops and restaurants. A replica of the mayflower ship resides in the harbour. Plymouth Rock is a symbol of the first Europeans to venture to North America. It's a big rock on the ground surrounded by a beautiful iconic structure. It's worth taking a look for 5 mins or so, (or however long you can stare at a rock.) Take a picture and move on.
Laurel — Google review
Plymouth Rock is a must-see for any American history buff or anyone curious about the origins of our nation. While the rock itself may be small and underwhelming at first glance, the weight of history it carries is immense. Standing on that very spot where the Pilgrims first stepped ashore in 1620, you can't help but be transported back in time and imagine the challenges and trepidation they must have felt. There is some amount of legend however, about Plymouth Rock, as to whether it was actually stepped upon by the Pilgrims, its movement from one place to another and how it has been chipped down in size over the years . Either way, it is a major symbol of our country.
The park surrounding Plymouth Rock is well maintained, with gorgeous views of Plymouth Harbor. There are also informative plaques and markers that tell the story of the Pilgrims' arrival and the early days of Plymouth Colony.
Overall, visiting Plymouth Rock was an incredibly enriching experience. It's a place where you can truly connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of American history. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in our nation's story.
Frank Fazio — Google review
Really nice to be able to see some history and was a beautiful view all around
Tina Lopez — Google review
Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city packed full of attractions, shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. I love it!!
ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ ΚΟΦΦΙΝΑ — Google review
Fantastic to see history like this. I never knew the Pilgrim father's landed at twenty minutes past four and how significant it was. Any later and they would have missed the Indians that fed and saved them.
Robert Paul — Google review
Great history there in that town wish we would have arrive earlier in the day so we could have seen more of the sights.
The app for the electric cars is a must to get around if you know where you want to go. Loved the graveyard, little secret, it has the best view of the bay.
Didn't like the fact that we had to pay for parking and there was very few sports to park.
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile path that showcases important landmarks and historic sites, including meetinghouses, churches, burial grounds and museums. It's a comprehensive tour of the city's past that can take up most of your day to complete. Due to the extensive walking required throughout the trail, it's recommended as a standalone activity for visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in Boston's history and heritage.
The public garden is a park located in the city of Boston that features a lagoon, fountains, and other sights. It is popular with children who have read Robert McCloskey's much-loved book, Make Way for Ducklings, as the Public Garden where it took place and the statues honoring Mrs. Mallard and her brood are located.
The most gorgeous park in Boston! I always explore different spots and I love how they keep it so well manicured and updated each season! Absolute must any time of year if you’re a tourist visiting the city or a local looking for a chill spot to read or just... be.
Daniel Mundo — Google review
Serene park with beautiful views of the city and surrounding community. It's a great place to set up for a morning workout or yoga session. Lots of sculptures to view and amazing landscaping. Very quiet in the morning. Gets very busy as the day goes by. Take a ride in the Swan Boats which are a landmark of the Public Garden's since 1877.
Cisco Rod Azarhr — Google review
This garden is beautiful! There is a lovely lake at the center. Ducks and geese are all around. There are signs asking you not to feed the wildlife😊. You can also be given a ride around the park on a pedal boat. You pay for someone else to pedal you around. The natural beauty is evident throughout. I loved the flowers. I visited mid-April and the tulips were beautiful! One of my favorite flowers!
April Williams — Google review
What a gorgeous park! So lively with people and things to do! I came on an earth day and got to enjoy the festivities. Also feels really safe and I got some good runs in with the gorgeous scenery.
Bell — Google review
The Boston Public Garden is a large park surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. The sceneries are visual treat by themselves. This gorgeous park has something to offer for everyone. You can just sit on benches and enjoy its tranquility, listen to live music being played by up and coming artists, set up a place for mediation or stroll around and admire the stunning flowers and the exceptional landscaping. I was fortunate I got to see the colorful foliage. There are statues of historic US figures, a large pond called the lagoon, and a historic bridge that stretches over the lagoon with a scenic views of the water and the island in its center. An iconic feature in the park is the bronze Mama duck with her eight ducklings heading to the lagoon. Truly, it is one of the most captivating park I have ever seen thus far.
Dr. Beverly Vendryes, Ph.D. — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. If I lived in Boston, I would come here regularly. With it being the end of April, pretty much everything is in bloom. The tulips were gorgeous. Loved all of the trees. Coming here has made me want to redo my yard. Love that it is within steps of the Green Line. It’s a must if you are visiting, but also if you live here.
Ben McGuire — Google review
Very beautiful, easy access, historical park with seasonal blooms and calming water features. Ideal for an impromptu picnic or relaxing sit on a bench. Family friendly with plenty photo ops. A quick walk through just a portion of this magnificent park will definitely return for further exploration!
anna gough — Google review
Beautiful park! Lots of weeping willow trees to provide shade. Peaceful and relaxing if you want to have a picnic or read a book.
There is also a swan boat ride that you can take in the small lake.
Wendy G — Google review
America's oldest botanical garden. Brilliant and inspiring in good weather and bad. Come and celebrate the splendor of this greatly loved place and the diversity of visitors who travel here from across the world.
Gene Bolinger — Google review
Boston Public Garden
The landscaped, 24-acre Boston Public Garden, established in 1837, was the first public botanical garden in the U.S. The Public Garden contains lovely manicured paths, the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, a 4-acre pond with swans and a variety of other birds, and several memorable statues throughout. You can enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Swan Boats, pedal-powered gondolas which have been in operation during the summer months since 1877.
Source: Trolleytours.com
Duc Hoang — Google review
A charming park, full of live music (when we were there were players with typical Scottish music), people getting married in the park, children playing… a charming diversity! The beauty of the place is unique (beating many parks in the USA). Well maintained and clean. We loved this place and we will definitely be back.
Raquel Andrade — Google review
It was a lovely time. The weather was beautiful, there's a children's playground, swan rides, a carousel, and lots of small wildlife. Clean and family friendly.
Ash Lee — Google review
Beautiful park. Lots of walking trails and sculptures. Lots of shade. Very clean. Nice information center and gift shop in the gardens as well with rest rooms.
Kristin Macdonald — Google review
Walking through public gardens on a sunny afternoon is absolute bliss…. Sitting down on a bench with a coffee to just watch the world go by all while listening to a podcast
Rian Lanigan — Google review
I love this public garden, all seasons are beautiful. So much open space to wander around, have a picnic, boat ride, ice skating and more. It's nice to see people from all over the country - even the world - enjoying the beauty here in Boston.
Theresa St. John — Google review
I wet a group of runners here to do a little shake out run before the Boston marathon. It's a beautiful public space. A nice lake with boats on and a well kept garden. It would be nice to spend time here with a family, having a picnic or just walking around.
Ryan Berrisford — Google review
I've been to this place to see the blossom trees but I think it was little early as trees were not matured yet. Beautiful landscape and bit crowded. It has little space for swan-boats that's an added attraction.
Zia Siddiqui — Google review
Beautiful with lots of walking paths.
Probably better in the summer but still nice!
Jon Antonucci — Google review
The Boston Public Garden offers a serene escape with its well-maintained grounds, diverse flora, and picturesque spots for photography. It adds a charming character to the city, showcasing the beauty of nature.
Full Review: Nestled in the heart of Boston, the Boston Public Garden is a tranquil oasis that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets. The garden's well-maintained grounds are adorned with a diverse array of flowers, trees, and other vegetation, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection.
One of the highlights of the Boston Public Garden is its educational aspect. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the diverse plants that call the garden home, adding an enriching layer to the experience. Additionally, the garden provides a serene backdrop for photography enthusiasts, with plenty of spots that are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.
What sets the Boston Public Garden apart is its understated elegance. Unlike some grandiose gardens that overwhelm with their size and scope, this garden is more modest in scale, allowing visitors to appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of nature. It adds a charming character to the city, inviting both locals and tourists alike to slow down and appreciate the natural world around them.
The Boston Public Garden is a delightful destination that offers a peaceful escape and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to learn about plants, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or simply take in the beauty of your surroundings, this garden has multiple avenues for enjoyment.
Daniel Yoon — Google review
Always a wonderful place to walk through and to just sit and enjoy a quiet spot in the city. Take a break from the city and enjoy the many flower gardens, wonderful trees, water, and some amazing views. My favorite time is early Sunday mornings. Grab a coffee on Newbury Street and then go for a peaceful stroll.
Mark Mazzaferro — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking garden. The willow trees were swaying, warm ray of sunshine beaming in the pond, Chinese music in the background, everything was perfect. Such a beautiful piece of land! Learned so many different trees too
M K — Google review
Beautiful even if under construction. We visited this october ‘23. A breather for the city. Homeless people are making it look bad, they don’t know how to throw trashes properly and just pollute and leave them. Limited roadside parking. $2 per hour maximum of 2 hrs
Nico Samneil Salado — Google review
Really has been cleaned up the past couple years. There used to be a bunch of druggies hanging out inside acting a fool, but now it’s returned to that old beauty. Absolutely my favorite place in downtown Boston to enjoy a nice day. Fabulous environment for the kids to enjoy the scenery as well. It’s always nice to see other people also having a great time whether it’s sitting out for a picnic, playing frisbee, taking pictures or just sitting and people watching. Anytime I am in downtown Boston, this place is a must. I very highly recommend you take event a moment to pass through it, you will not be disappointed.
Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox and occasionally features big-name concerts. It's an historic, small-capacity ballpark with a kid-friendly Wallys Clubhouse that can be visited during between innings of a Red Sox game.
Walked up and booked the guided tour ($21) that started ten minutes later. Despite a slow start (it’s amazing how many adults need the bathroom), it was an enjoyable tour and a good chance to get inside the ballpark in the off season. It’s definitely made me want to see a game here, despite not being a fan.
Tom Beck — Google review
My first visit here to this Beautiful Old Park. I was not disappointed, George an usher and our tour guide earlier shared some the the historical information of this stadium. Like the seats under the cover are the original seats from 1934. As I stood there and touch these seats I could feel the excitement from the fans that had sat in these very seats. Really enjoyed being at park, Boston Fans are fantastic and true to baseball.
RUSSELL HENNINGER SR — Google review
The most amazing place in the world! We had such a great time. The atmosphere, the fans, the history, the energy, the nostalgia, the excitement! There's nothing better. We got engaged here and took our kids for the 1st time and like every time. it did not disappoint! Food is also great in the stadium and staff is always so friendly and helpful, making sure you have a great time.
Cassie Hamilton — Google review
We stopped by on Thanksgiving just to see the park whilst on our short stay. Even though we knew there was no games on, or bars open it was still a great trip to be able to walk around and see all of the great moments outside of the park as well as being able to take some great pictures. With all the different bars around, and food places I can imagine it's a great atmosphere when there is a game on. Would love to return and watch a Red Sox game.
Jade Boyd — Google review
The location was perfect for the Northeastern graduation. The reserved seating close to the field was great, and the attendants were very professional and helpful.
The "game presentation" was fun with the giant flag dropping down from the Monster Seats. That never gets old!
This was for all the graduate students, and we were moved along afterward to make room for the undergrads, coming in for a 2pm event!
Jim Murphy — Google review
Always a great tour! Will, our tour guide, was fun and knowledgeable and very passionate about Red Sox baseball, which made the visit even better. I appreciated that the tour moved quickly, so my kids didn't get "bored", and had chances to sit peppered in between walking. Take a jacket if you are visiting in the spring - up high the wind will chill you!
Anna Hyatt — Google review
So much history and one of the few stadiums left with all its history there. It was one of my best choices I made going to it. It's about an hour 35 to 40 bucks. Also a picture is taken between 40 and 50 for the set. No home clubhouse or anything on the field during the tour. But at least your allowed to go to the top of the Green Monster.
chris sanchez — Google review
Awesome ballpark! We did the stadium tour. So interesting to learn about the history of Fenway and the Green Monster. They have Fenway Gardens on the rooftop where they grow their own produce. Amazing! Their museum has a wall of World Series baseballs. Definitely worth the visit!
Kathy Nichols — Google review
Great ballpark to visit with many services. Private tours are very conducive to children infusing interaction with historical education. Show up early because they are prompt, leaving the time they say. Rich in History and relatively rather clean for a ball park. Their service coordinators to set up the tours are extremely helpful and go above and beyond. Be prepared to walk a mile or so from the parking garage or take a cycle taxi for a speedier arrival.
Kurt P — Google review
Who doesn’t like Fenway Park. It’s one of the best venues for a concert, smaller than Gillette and much more intimate. I’ve been to two concerts this summer (Pink and Zac Brown) and I thoroughly enjoyed both. Plenty of options for reserved parking. I would recommend eating beforehand at a local restaurant unless it’s ballpark food your after
Thomas Plante — Google review
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! To watch a baseball game live in person has been a bucket list item of mine for a long time. To get to check this off at Fenway park, one of the most famous and historic grounds is perfect. The atmosphere is crazy, the game was high scoring with lots of runs and a couple homers. The food was classic. A truly great experience and I can’t wait to do it again.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
This is one of the greatest venues of the United States sports history. The Fenway park represents an iconic representation of the baseball inspiration. Everyone must go and visit the stadium. The tour is a good way to learn about the history and also have the opportunity to visit every corner of it.
Maurizio Acquavella — Google review
What a trip! I could never get enough of this wonderful, grand, beautiful treasure of a ballpark! Everything about this night was absolutely perfect! Boston knows how to celebrate baseball and this ballpark does it all just right. Parking was super convenient. Close enough by for just a 10 minute walk after the game, the game views in the stands were absolutely amazing, the crowd was fun-loving and passionate, the sunset that night was absolutely spellbinding, and the atmosphere was electric! What a homage to baseball and to just celebrating how life can be so beautiful and fun. ✌️👍🙂❤️🙂
Ken Morris — Google review
Family friendly Fenway! Easy to access by the Kenmore T stop on the green line. Would not recommend parking near the stadium on game day. Fenway franks are a must try. Plenty to see if you’re in need of a stretch during the game. Bathrooms are clean and well kept (wish they would switch to auto faucets instead of push faucets, though). Great place for a family outing!
J Conderino — Google review
Picked this tour with our Go City pass. We love seeing different ball parks and the history here is something you could spend multiple days taking about. Our tour guide was thorough and did a great job for a large and diverse crowd. My only suggestion is they cap tour groups to 25 people as any more ends up costing time.
Would love if they took you to the dugout and other inside areas like many other ballparks. It would be so awesome to see the whole facility!
None Required — Google review
First time sitting in the green monster seats was an experience. The view is spectacular. I was afforded a cool breeze on a not so cool day sitting in those seats. Easy access to food and restrooms was a plus. I would suggest anyone to try these seats as it's a fabulous view not only of the game but of the city itself.
Daniel Gately — Google review
Took a tour of the ballpark to get a little history, movie trivia, and a look around. The tour covers a lot! You get to see a lot as well. The only thing is nowhere does it say where to meet up. So if you're on the tour, look for Gate D to go across the street inside the gift shop. Tour starts their. Look for the men in red jackets. Hope this helps.
Amanda Young — Google review
The atmosphere and vibe here is lively and so much fun! I can see why it’s an iconic place to come to when visiting Boston. I’ve been here twice now and can definitely say it was worth paying the tickets for.
Food: They had stadium food such as hot dogs, fries, cotton candy, etc available. They also have a short selection of beer available to purchase.
Atmosphere: I’ve been lucky to sit in good seating both times I’ve been here and it was an awesome experience. The fans are fun to be around and it can get rowdy in here as well. It’s a very nostalgic place and I can see why people enjoy coming here. One thing to note is that the stadium and field itself are rather quite small. I was surprised to how small it feels in the stadium.
Price: The food and beer is pricey but it is normal for stadium food.
Parking: Parking is limited and I would suggest taking the T to get here.
Millie Obregon — Google review
This was a truly amazing experience. My friends and I got tickets for standing area up top. It was the best choice for us because there where a lot of us and we wanted to be able to talk and mingle. There's a bar up there that never really got super busy so it was easy to grab drinks. If you're coming to watch the game with a bunch of friends, this is definitely the best option.
Omni Sage — Google review
Born in New York, I’m not a Red Sox fan. As a baseball fan, I think this stadium is great. Lots of history made here. We took the stadium tour before the game; in depth and very informative. Most seats have a good view. Typical baseball food and concessions.
Gerry ONeill — Google review
Really cool place, even though I'm a Yankees fan I had a great time touring the park. and I got to see the history of the park. Really loved the museum, where they have a lot of signed memorabilia. Overall a great place to visit, not just for a baseball fan
Volvy Schwartz — Google review
Fenway Park Tour - it was really fun to tour the park and learn the history. I was a little disappointed we did not get to go in the locker room or inside the green monster. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kind of funny!
Tips: go in the spring or summer. We went in February and it was a little too cold and the field was covered by a tarp and there was no grass. The tour meets in the pro shop across the street. We were the first ones there so we walked around the store a while. By the time the tour started there were so many people (about 50) that we had to split into 2 groups and we ended up at the end of the line so we were in the second group. So we had to stand outside for 10 or 15 minutes so the first group could get started. They will check your bags - backpacks are not allowed.
Kim Parks — Google review
I was in Boston for the weekend so I caught the game. The atmosphere was incredible, very family friendly with lots of crowd engagement. The event is more than just a baseball game, it's an massive event and day out.
Accessing the stadium was fairly easy and it's easy to move around when you're inside.
An historic venue, definitely worth visiting if in town.
Ryan Berrisford — Google review
Just did the Fenway tour last week & it was wonderful! The tour guides were knowledgeable & took the time to make the experience enjoyable for everyone in the group! We got to see baseball history & experience the beauty of Fenway! Reasonably priced & well worth the trip! This is a must see! Can’t wait to travel up & see a game from the Green Monster!
Kim G — Google review
Pretty good. I'm not a fan of baseball, but the wife is. Got a history tour of the stadium and that was slightly interesting. Having access to non-normal ares was pretty cool. I just wish we could've gone to an actual game after so I could have tried some of the food
The Great Satan — Google review
The Fenway Park tour was better than we could have expected. We had a wonderful tour guide that explained everything well and despite us having a large group it was easy to hear her. The tour takes you through the history of the ballpark and gives you a lot of opportunities for photos. After going through different sitting areas including the oldest wooden seats in a MLB ballpark you get to go through the press box. They end the tour with a trip through a museum with lots of game used memorabilia. Outside of the ballpark there are statues and World Series signs to see. Finish the tour with the Fenway Park store filled with souvenirs.
Christopher Sund — Google review
Outstanding ball park. I've been to many new and some of the old parks that are torn down and Fenway is absolutely historic. It's like no other park. I can't wait to see Wrigley.
j9 — Google review
The park tour was a great experience, especially for being only $25 each! Despite it being quite cold and windy in February, the tour guide was friendly, welcoming, and just privded a great time overall. Unfortunately, the tour during the winter results in seeing a field under construction as they re-sod the field before every season, but that is to be expected. The tour gives you a nice overview of the history of the stadium and the Red Sox as a team while keeping a bit of humor to the story. If you're in town, this is a great use of time and money. The only weird thing we noticed is that they take a picture of your group for you, print it out, and then try to sell it to you, and if you choose not to take it, they just throw it out, which seems quite wasteful. Maybe we misunderstood, but both my wife and I were under the impression that the photos were available for purchase, not for free. Regardless, we had a great time and I highly recommend the tour!
Zach LeBlanc — Google review
Loved the tour.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and included the whole group from the start asking were people were from and what team they supported.
You start from underneath where they would sell food then you enter the stadium and you go all the way up the top and also into the press area. It was a great tour even if I am not a baseball fan but I really appreciated the history behind the place. It's a must if visiting g Biston. Account fir couple of hours minimum.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is a world-renowned art museum with an extensive collection from ancient Egyptian to contemporary American. Kids will enjoy the clever touches, such as special family labels and games to help them explore the collection.
Huge art museum with an array of styles. Came here during the first weekend of the month, as they participate in Bank of America’s Museums on Us, so we got free entry as a result of being cardholders. There is public transportation line with the museum as a stop, but it also was a nice walk to get here from our hotel. Masks were recommended but not required. There is a cafe inside if you need food.
You can easily spend an entire day here looking through all the exhibits. We spent an afternoon until the museum closed at 5, and I wish we were able to spend more time. No flash photography. There were water bottle refilling stations by restrooms. Coat check is available. You’re in for a good time here.
Shanelle S — Google review
I love this museum. Every time I go, it feels like a new experience. The only issue is that it can be a little hard to navigate. I definitely suggest bringing the map along. The cafe near the gift store makes excellent coffee too.
X. V. — Google review
Exploring the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston was a truly enriching experience that exceeded my expectations. The museum's extensive collection spans centuries and continents, offering a diverse array of artistic treasures. What drew me in, in particular, was the captivating world of the Asian exhibits.
Wandering through the halls dedicated to Asian art felt like embarking on a cultural journey. The carefully curated pieces showcased the beauty, history, and intricate craftsmanship of Asian cultures. From stunning traditional paintings to awe-inspiring sculptures, the collection truly captured the essence of the rich artistic traditions of Asia.
The MFA's commitment to providing a comprehensive narrative shone through in the way each exhibit was thoughtfully arranged. The detailed descriptions and historical context provided a deeper understanding of the pieces, turning each visit into a fascinating exploration.
The museum's ambiance enhanced the overall experience, with well-lit and spacious galleries that allowed for contemplation and appreciation. The staff's passion and knowledge were evident, contributing to a welcoming and educational atmosphere.
Visiting the MFA is not just a trip to a museum; it's a cultural immersion that transports you across time and space. Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone seeking to broaden your cultural horizons, the MFA in Boston, especially its Asian exhibits, is a must-visit destination that promises a truly memorable and enriching experience.
Ava French — Google review
The MFA was surprisingly amazing! I knew it was a good art museum, yet I had no idea we had such an incredible bounty of art history and culture in Boston! The cafe and amenities were great and high-quality, and the displays were simply awe-inspiring. The Egyptian section is very thoughtful, and the European paintings almost made me cry with the effort and skill. The gift shop is also quite nice!! Haha!
Will Brown — Google review
They sell tickets at the front door but allocate time to lineup. If you are visiting on weekends, do it before noon. After noon line gets larger and larger.
You’ll need a full day if you’d like to see everything. However, it can be exhausting. There are some areas where you can sit if you need to rest.
Great experience, lots of exhibitions from Egypt, Americas, Asian… spectacular!
You also need to lineup to enter the cafeteria. Food is bit overpriced, but ambiance and service worth the extra bucks.
Parking in the back is plenty, so, no worries there.
Parking Max rate is $30.
Credit of some photos: @lifetopixels809
Sara Mencia — Google review
The MFA is a must go. I’m assuming if you are looking at reviews you probably know this and you are really looking for information about parking and logistics. I got you.
PARKING: there are MFA garages and parking lots that are on Museum Rd. Additionally there is street parking but it’s limited and you must pay unless it’s Sunday. All museum parking accommodations are expensive but offer quick accessibility to the museum. You can also park on Forsyth Way. I recommend going early in the morning if you want an easy street parking spot. Again, Sunday is free. Lastly the museum website has information about parking. All in all it’s not bad so don’t let that deter your visit.
2. TICKETS: I would recommend getting advanced tickets if you are seeing a special exhibit, additionally an advanced ticket is just an easier experience overall. Again, if you are seeing something special that costs more then plan in advance to get a ticket with a specific time.
3. IF YOU HAVE KIDS: the museum is kid friendly and I was surprised that they did not ask us to check backpacks or our stroller. There were many families with their young kids and the strollers did not seem to be a problem. Made our lives easier so I am assuming that the museum is pretty accessible for wheelchairs too.
4. Check out my photos to get a sense of the space. Loved our trip here and I will be back! Highly recommend.
Derek Rodenbeck — Google review
Went with my college-aged artist daughter and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent. It's great Tha MFA has a program for students get in free by presenting their student ID and email. We spent most of our short time with the Impressionists but they also had an impressive musical instrument exhibit. You could spend days here though our short visit was also worth the effort.
Brett Booz — Google review
Amazing collection of modern art and history. You definitely need multiple visit to go around and appreciate all of it.
Art from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Africa and the Americas… art from the Flemish and Dutch, Islamic art, contemporary art, and more. So much to see and be in awe of.
Maria Al Haddad — Google review
The Museum Of Fine Arts (MFA) was worth every cent! What a special surprise birthday gift from my fiance. The John Singer Sargent Exhibit was amazing! His paintings were/are so detailed, so clear as if the portraits of the people posing for his expertise painting session would have reached out or moved. Honestly his paintings are magnificent, just absolutely stunning! Each painting displayed was so large and placed in beautifully carved wooden frames with a plaque of a description. To think just how old each painting was truly set my mind into nostalgic mode. Honestly a will set you back and think before technology. I am still in awe!!! Also, the Cafe was delicious, plus musical entertainment with dancers and amazing Lime Green glass art by Dale Chihuly is next to the courtyard. I seriously didn't want to leave MFA, but we were there for 4 hours and had to move along to other plans. ⭐I highly recommend!
Jennifer — Google review
An amazing experience. The Egyptian hall has the most Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. The Greek and Roman halls were also extensive. The coins hall was also excellent. Definitely recommend coming early to have time to examine the museum with time.
Sus Paul — Google review
If it had not one work of art within its walls, this museum is a beautiful work of art in and of itself. The experience was similar to that of being at the Smithsonian without the crowds and the field trips. I could spend a week here. There is a great restaurant in house and 2 gift shops. Would recommend the app for a self guided tour and if you're visiting Boston, buy a city pass that includes the admission to this and other worthy attractions. There is a separate cost for special/traveling exhibitions.
Gerard G — Google review
Large collection of fine art, very well curated, displayed, and maintained. You can buy tickets at the door, but you can also buy it online if you want to skip the queues. Expect the whole or half day if you want to savor the whole section.
Daniel — Google review
Beautiful museum with different sections dedicated to American, European, Asian, and Egyptian arts among others with nice lay out. In the central yard there is a restaurant with excellent food and service.
I visited on Sunday. There was short waiting time online to get a ticket. Adult regular ticket cost $27.
Talal Zraik — Google review
There was so much too look at, they have a great collection of all kinds of different art from all over the world dating back thousands of years as well as more modern collections too. I wish I had more time to explore. I really enjoyed the ancient Egypt collections. Will definitely be back.
Brianna Dowsley — Google review
This is an absolutely fantastic museum to visit! It really is huge (even a day's not really enough) and is filled with little rooms, corridors, and nooks of artwork. Broadly split into American, European, and Ancient Art (and most other things too- I'd recommend the musical instrument room!), there are maps everywhere as well showing roughly where you are as well as an app too to give you a bit more depth on the artwork. I think everyone has their favourite section- I really like the recreated rooms from lost mansions in the New England area- and they have good examples from major artists such as Monet, Degas, and Copley.
They do great exhibitions- the current one is on Sargent and costume and was fantastic! So interesting to see the clothing worn in such famous portraits! There are also a lot of his paintings from private collections too that you may not have seen so worth going to if you're a fan!
Not surprisingly, it does get busy but I think it absorbs the numbers well and you can always find a quiet spot away from the crowds. The downstairs Garden Cafeteria is a good spot to get lunch and there's also the atrium restaurant too (this one does get busy, usually a queue!). There's multiple shops dotted around too with an exhibit one, a small one by the entrance and then a larger Main Shop. If you're into books- the main shop is great for them and they're very diverse, not just art!
Natalie D — Google review
This museum offers free admission for students with a valid student ID card, making it an excellent destination, especially for art enthusiasts. I was thrilled to discover a vast collection of Buddhist statues and artwork during my visit. As someone who appreciates art, this museum was truly a treasure trove worth exploring, especially considering the complimentary entry. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in experiencing a diverse range of artwork.
Reetu — Google review
Whew! Oh yeah! You cannot see everything in one day. And that is how massive, impressive, and extensive this place is, which is an awesome testimony on how huge this place is. This is not an art gallery, it's a curated work of love and delightful experience that helped me understand and appreciate the world and people around me. By no means would I categorize myself as an arts person, I am far from that. I thought I'd would have been bored by going to the Boston MFA. My expectations where flipped upsidedown in the opposite direction. This was an amazing experience for me and my daughter. We could not see it all in one visit because we ran out of time after being there for hours, but we have been returning there because we're hooked. It's an outstanding place to go, to have fun while learning about many intriguing people, fascinating cultures, works of art, forgotten artifacts, along with historical and religious events and their stories. If you are in or near Boston, you must come and visit Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Truly, a five star experience.
Dana M — Google review
As I approached the museum, the grand neoclassical façade promised a world of treasures inside, and it did not disappoint. The museum is well-organized, with clear signage directing visitors to various exhibits—making the exploration both effortless and engaging.
Inside the museum, I was struck by the thoughtful presentation of art from across eras and continents. Notable was a bronze statue, possibly from the 15th-century, its verdigris patina lending an air of timelessness. The sculpture seemed to gaze at passersby, offering a silent narrative of history’s depth.
Equally impressive was a dramatic painting depicting what appeared to be a historic scene of chaos and grandeur, its dark, swirling sky looming over classical architecture. The painter’s mastery of light and shadow brought the scene to life, engulfing me in the depicted moment of turmoil and majesty.
Jamal Brooks — Google review
Fantastic experience. Great way to spend an afternoon/morning, so many great pieces and architecture. Highly recommend for anyone who admires art &/or history.
Andrew Pitts — Google review
The MFA is a great museum that has a varied selection of pieces and works. If you like Egyptian art, they have mummies. You like Roman statues, your in luck, they have some too. You like the impressionists? They have masterpieces from Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso? Absolutely a must! It's a nice size that can be visited in a day. Staff was helpful too. We visit every time we go to Boston.
Ryan Ursaki — Google review
Decent variety of artwork spanning across the ages. The general map they hand out is too high level so it’s hard to find specific artists and where they are located. Ex, John Singer Sargent. And the online search wasn’t efficient enough for this either. Cafe next to the store is available to sit and rest tired legs. Coat and bag check available. You can spend multiple hours here and not be able to see it all.
So Maryn — Google review
Absolutely world class, in every sense of the word. The galleries are extensive and you can easily spend an entire afternoon here and still feel like you didn’t see everything. It’s also easy to get to, since there’s a T station right out front!
This historic bridge in a national park marks the spot of the first Revolutionary War battle.
A great walking path and tons of history to be seen. Amazing and I wish I could visit here more often. The scenery is great and the little places and historical sites you find along the way are very interesting. They offer things like historical battle recreations and working musket demonstrations too. The little pieces of trivia along the trail are also very interesting.
JT_MaxMissles — Google review
Lots of great history of our country. Probably one of the best "videos" at any National Park. Very nicely done, tells the local story of the Old North Bridge, Paul Revere's ride, and the battle that started it all. A great side trip is the cabin near the bridge, where you can learn about Ellen Garrison. She doesn't give up her seat LONG before Rosa Parks.
Guy Savage — Google review
Manageable paths are compromised of sand and small stones. I imagine if it rains hard enough the paths can be quite muddy and washed away. However, we walked this trial in a drizzly Dec 2021 afternoon.
Lipe — Google review
This was such a lovely, beautiful, and historic place. There were a number of historic buildings and sights along the very long trail. The trail was open to the public, and was free to enter, and the trails were very well kept. There were a few descriptions and signs for a few of the buildings, explaining their history, too, which was great to see
Messy Recipe — Google review
She found this place and we wanted to get out so figured we’d check it out. It was actually really cool! It was like you got to experience what they experienced way back when, within reason. Walking down the same roads, in the heat, but them not knowing if they would make it or be ambushed. The plaques were very descriptive and helpful. Lots of history in a pretty small area. Definitely glad we went. PET OWNERS PICK UP YOUR POO BAGS! We saw like 3 or 4 around the park which is absolutely unacceptable. We took our dogs but would be a shame if they every ban dogs due to lazy people. There was also a restroom facility and water about halfway of the area we toured so that was helpful. Everything was very well maintained and such. You can go in the one house if it’s open that day and talk to a staff person about stuff.
Brandon Polley — Google review
Very good place for educating you for American Revolution. This park is huge. There are two visitors center on east and west side each. The east side visitors center has a very far away parking lot so you will need to walk some distance after you park your car. The west side visitors center is convenient with easy parking lot access.
John Z — Google review
I was in this area at the end of winter. One of the main trails we walked on was such a beautiful place, including passing on a straight route full of trees, walk around a big magnificent pond full of ducks. It’s possible to fish there.
The region was so big to finish walking around in a day. Therefore, I can say it’s a good place to visit multiple times.
Eli Moslemi — Google review
This place is awesome. Its a very large park with 2 visitors centers and several historic buildings. Rangers are personable and helpful. You can drive to each site.
Ruben Stemple — Google review
This park has many historical sites and is mostly built around events that happened between Lexington and Concord. The road also doubles as a very nice walking or running path. This park doesn't require entrance fees like many other parks. There is a visitor's center that has lots of good information and some guided tours along with many history markers and houses. However, the week we were there the visitor center was closing at noon instead of 5:00 like is posted online. I don't know how to tell people to check closing time because they just put up a temporary physical sign at the entry. It might be possible to call them.
We had a wonderful tour/walk with a friendly park ranger who told us about a nearby skirmish site, what we know and what we wish we knew.
Brandon Call — Google review
If you are a Revolutionary War buff, you will love this place for the historical sites. The North Bridge was my favorite spot. We listened to a costumed ranger talk about the minute men. They do this twice a day at Hartwell tavern. They also did a musket firing demo. You could visit this park and just hit the highlights without spending a lot of time, or slow down and look at every site.
Prudence Lahti — Google review
Such an amazing experience to stand where the revolutionary war started. Parking is close by to the top of the hill closest to the museum and gift shop. As you step out you are over looking the field that shows the north bridge in the background. If you follow the path down the hill and around the field it will bring you to the bridge. Such a great place, rich with history beneath your feet.
Grayson Bolin — Google review
Very nice place. The trail will take you to several historical sites and houses. The visitor center is also very informational. Highly recommend if you are into history.
Robert M.003 — Google review
Nice clean walking trails. Cute ponds/streams for photo ops. Benches are available for rssting.
Erika Morris — Google review
Wonderful little National Historic Park near Waltham MA. Free admission. Multiple ranger tours. Really well done 25 minute video to start your visit. 5 mile long trail that covers many historic sight. Trail is pretty flat and parts are accessible. Plenty of parking. Plan about 3 - 4 hours. Definitely recommend.
William Lieberman — Google review
This is a great area surrounded by nature and full of history. The Battle Trail is a nice walk or bike. I rode my bike and there was some good little downhill in the northwest direction. I did round trip and it was around 7 miles.
The old buildings remind you of what was and how we got here. The battlefields hold so much memory. Imagine a redcoat or blue coat hiding behind a tree with musket in hand, as you walk through. Stop by all the signs and get the facts.
Enjoy your visit and bikers remember that walkers are on trail.
Home of the NFL’s New England Patriots, this jumbo stadium with coastal accents also hosts concerts.
Great Place, Staff was very Helpful especially for a person on crutches the view from the top level is Great as you can see from the pics. Prices for food/drinks pricie but just like most other stadiums. Great Experience for my 1st time, Definitely planning on going to see the Patriots Hall of Fame & also Patriots Place 👍
Hector Negron — Google review
Okay Stadium staff are very friendly here some of the food is good from the concession stands there are a lot of nice things to see around Stadium after or before the game we have been a few times 4 games and a few concerts they put on decent shows up here the different events they put on up here are very well done you will enjoy your trip up to here there's a lot to see in Massachusetts it's always fun up here
Ted Kidwell — Google review
The venue is going under some renovations, likely to improve. Well connected with public transportation when there's an event! There lots of clean restrooms, and the services are very good. The acoustics for a concert are good, but not great. Looking forward to go back
Carlos Cabrejas Ant?n — Google review
I delivered a load of office chairs to the Stadium. I was amazed by all of the work that was being done. Pouring concrete, building new rooms, and restaurants. Truly amazing. People were so friendly even though I was wearing my Bills hat and my truck had a Bills fan license plate. It was a great experience for me.
John Brewster — Google review
Got to experience a snow game at Gillette, truly an incredible experience. Have been to three games now and really enjoy the stadium, but crazy as it sounds seeing it in the snow made it so much better.
Gillette is a unique NFL stadium as it’s located pretty far from a true urban area. You can really see this sitting in the nosebleeds, just forest in all directions. This means it can be challenging getting out of the area after the game if you drive. There is a train for $10 that goes here specifically for games and concerts from both Providence and Boston, this is personally my favorite way to get to and from Gillette.
Another cool aspect is the lighthouse, you can apparently pay to go up and see the field from that vantage. Additionally, Patriot Place Mall provides a lot of dining and shopping options for before and after the game. Definitely grateful to have had some memorable experiences at this iconic stadium!
Ben Roth — Google review
If you’re a revs fan the stadium is too big, and we hope to move to a new venue. Overall though, this is a really good stadium with a whole shopping complex centered around it.
Averse Pepper70 — Google review
Wicked nice stadium. Beautiful restaurants and "town" outside of the actual stadium with a large variety of shops.
The price for food and beer was absurdly expensive at Gillette. Clean facilities.
Went for Monster Jam, loved every second of it. This stadium is MASSIVE and has ample parking (price varies depending on the event being hosted)
Chris — Google review
One of the best experience watching Ed Sheeran perform with John Mayer. The stadium was full with 70 thousand people and were crazy the whole show. The staff in Gillette Stadium gets kudos for their friendly nature and helping everyone out with any questions. We'll organized parking, food and everything. The whole show was great experience.
Mahesh Shanmugam — Google review
This place is absolutely wonderful. It is very clean and the people who work here are so kind. Only downside about it is that the food is hella expensive! Overall amazing! I came here today to watch my first Patriots game and it was awesome.
Niya Jones — Google review
This was a beautiful gift given by the Kraft Foundation, we had such a wonderful time cheering on my Patriots and enjoying the TB12 ceremony!!! The seats and overall experience was something I never thought I would get to do!! Thank you Patriots for making this southern lifelong fan so happy!
Jessica Heinz — Google review
Have been to a few Patriots games the last few years. Some recent parking changes have made getting into Patriots games somewhat easier. General parking (across Rte 1) is now free! This makes getting into the stadium much quicker. They also now have delayed exit lots where they PAY YOU to park there (but you're not allowed to leave until 90 minutes AFTER the game ends). I would actually do this next time - a $75 Visa gift card is worth it to me.
The stadium itself is very good. No obstructed seats, and the suites are pretty roomy. Food in the suites is somewhat average but hey, you're in a suite being served food and drinks with a private bathroom, so who's to complain about average food. Entry through the stadium gates is simple - just scan your e-ticket and you're through. There is always ample stadium personnel available to help you and they are always VERY friendly. The lighthouse just opened and for $5, you can go up and get a great view of the field and surrounding areas.
Patriot Place is filled with various restaurants and shops (plenty to do especially if you're waiting to leave from those delayed exit parking lots).
Frank Lukovits — Google review
Real nice stadium great views all around. No issues getting down near field for pregame warm-ups. Traffic to and from stadium not the best because you're on route 1 with limited access to get to the highway. Felt safe. All around good experience.
Paul Capozza — Google review
Excelente place to come with your family. Depend of the game, tickets are a little expensive, but the experience specialty with kids. I highly recommended. Great and very easy access to parking lot. I recommended at least you come to a New England Patriots game and a New England revolution soccer game. There is a lot of cleaned bathroom, a lot of places to buy food, all in good quality. Highly recommended a+++++++
Rony Peterson Jabour — Google review
Have been to this stadium multiple times for Patriots games, New England revolution soccer games, including my first ever concert! We saw Ed Sheeran play here on his Friday night stadium tour of North America. The sound was amazing I cannot believe that it was the first time I ever saw a concert here at the stadium.
Matt Greil — Google review
Gillette is a great place to see Taylor Swift because Taylor Swift is epic and her production is fantastic. To that extent, my experiences there have been great. But the parking and road management leaving is absolutely stupid, and really badly designed. I'm pretty sure it is a safety hazard to funnel thousands of people exiting the main entrance up a stairwell (to the shopping area) to cross a road packed in like sardines. Thankfully no one fell, but the stairs in a crowd like that is just not safe and I'm pretty sure that has got to be some kind of code violation. It took 45 minutes just to walk across the street. Leaving the parking and getting onto the road was okay once we reached the car, but again they shut down any turns on the road for at least five miles if not more and it's bumper to bumper the whole time because no one can exit that road. It's the stupidest set-up imaginable. But, for the rare occasions Taylor performs there, I'll deal with it. There is literally no one else on earth I would endure the Gillette exit hellscape for. Obviously they should put in pedestrian bridges or tunnels to cross over/under the road to the satellite parking across the street. It's truly the stupidest stadium design I have ever seen.
Teri Humphrys — Google review
Nice venue for a concert, though the sound was actually kind of s*%t--not sure if this was because of where our seats were. We were in section 129 and sound was very fuzzy. Bummer. Very easy to get into and out of. I expected it to be worse getting out. We did notice that people who paid $50 and $60 for parking in the private lots (gas stations, etc. along Rte. 1) had a longer walk to the stadium and back to their cars and still had to deal with traffic on the way out, possibly even more than those of us coming out of general parking. Save your money and use general parking.
Jennifer — Google review
Game was good seats are good, however if you have knee or hip problems and you want an elevator good luck, elevators are locked and you have to walk a 1/4 of the stadium to get to an elevator in the club section.
Robert Burnish — Google review
Went to a concert at this stadium. Although it was raining on the day we went the stadium was very nice. Lots of places to buy drinks, treats, and concert memorabilia. Easy to get in and out with lots of staff and state troopers to guide us along. You have to walk to and from the parking areas but it wasn't too far to go. At the end of the concert, the state troopers closed off part of the double highway. There were 5 lanes all going one way, so leaving was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I'd definitely like to go back someday.
Linda Berry — Google review
The last two times I came to the Patriots game I had really great seats! but too bad they lost both times! but other than that it's always so fun to tailgate before the game, if you don't tailgate then you can walk around the outside shops. There's so many different things for you to do with your children if you have children & or go on a date night.
Laura La Rosa — Google review
Very nice outdoor stadium. With the Patriots history here, it's nearly a historic monument. The stadium was opened in 2002, and it's home to the tallest lighthouse in America.
Martin Mendoza — Google review
Very nice stadium. Doesn't appear to have any horrible seats. Even the nose bleed seats had good views. The food was all very good with excellent prices compared to what I am used to in NYC. Also mad props to the Krafts for providing free parking for the Army Navy game!!!
john sikora — Google review
Able to go to Gillette for the first time. Stadium is beautiful and all the staff was incredible. Well run machine. Only negative for us was the no cash/ visa only. It's understandable with sponsorship ties. Seating, food, and everything was great. People who sat around us were super. Not one bad thing for the day.
Mike G — Google review
Billy Joel & Stevie Nicks we’re amazing!! The whole show was awesome and they played all of the hits. Though, there was a huge problem with Gillette that should be spread to everyone if they buy tickets up in the 300’s. The view of the stage is nearly blurry and the screens don’t even help. Whole show it rained and everybody’s view was getting blocked as people kept walking up and down the aisle stairs. The pictures may look not that far away but it really was. Another complaint is that we tried to find our parking spot and an hour later we found it. Multiple security workers told us to go all different ways and one of them told us to go walk on the side of the road. The last complaint is that they didn’t even use the brand new big screens they just added in. Everyone was complaining. Felt like a wet dog after the show too. Bought food inside the venue and it was surprisingly cheap. $15 for a burger and French fry meal. Definitely a good venue to attend as long as it’s not raining and you gotta have good seats. Will be returning for Metallica next year, I hope I will be pleased….
Luca DePalo — Google review
We love going to Gillette stadium for Revs games. I am not a stadium expert by any measure, but the concrete looks really great, the seats all seem to fold nicely, and most importantly there is a really nice area in the middle for sporting and dancing. I think Taylor Swift loved it there briefly last summer, so if you are into dancing and singing then you may love it there too.
Jon McBee — Google review
The greatest place I have been in a long time I am from Houston and a huge Patriots fan and seeing this stadium for the first time in my life up close and personal. It was amazing to me and it's different especially with stores around as if a big mall before entering the stadium.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and it has a number of modern design features that make it a great option for kids. You can meet a variety of animals here, including snow leopards, giraffes, elephants, and zebras.
I like this zoo so much. They have so many animals. The size is good for a family. The Roger Williams Park also huge, includes museum and a lake that you can play swan boat. Will definitely go back when weather is better. Highly recommend to go early like 9am then you can easy to find a parking spot.
Lisa Lin — Google review
A very fun, clean. and welcoming zoo all around. I have come here a few times and experienced a normal zoo day, as well as the October pumpkin carved event, and the Asian Lantern Spectacular. The lantern event was stunning. It’s fun being in the park at night, but the light displays were incredible to see. The size and scale of them all - and a few even moved! If you get the chance, highly recommend.
Traca Rafferty — Google review
We have a membership because my son is obsessed with this zoo! It’s always very clean, and the staff are always super nice. My son is autistic, and if you have a person in your life on the spectrum, I highly recommend. My tip would be to go during the week, and get there right as they open. The park can get really busy with lots of families, so it can be very overwhelming to those who have sensitivities and sensory problems. My son adores the zebras, the elephants, and the giraffes! All the animals are very well taken care of, and have roomy enclosures. The staff do a lot of work in conservation, and ensuring that endangered species are protected well.
The Victorian Ghost — Google review
One of the best zoos I have visited. I've never been able to see or be near a cheetah! I must have been lucky to see that all the animals were out today. There was a fun dinosaur exhibit for the kiddos the week I went. I didn't expect the zoo to be so big! I ended up staying for 2-3 hours and enjoyed every minute! You can tell the animals were very well taken care of ❤️ There is also a cute little petting farm here.
Robin Fang — Google review
Our recent visit to the zoo was nothing short of magical. All thanks to DJ Hill, our incredibly knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, who made the experience truly unforgettable.
DJ Hill's passion for the animals was evident, as he told us about special and personal connections he had to some animals in the park.
The highlight of our day was an unexpected surprise - the sloths! We were thrilled to see these amazing creatures up close. This was an added bonus we didn't expect, but it made our tour even more memorable!
But the most magical moment of the day was undoubtedly the engagement proposal. DJ did an incredible job at incorporated the proposal into our animal encounter. My girlfriend was surprised and overjoyed!
The zoo, the Zuuber tour, and DJ Hill played an integral part in making this day one of the happiest days of our lives. We can't recommend this experience enough!
sean lumaye — Google review
It's been a while since I've been back home, and they've done a great job enhancing the zoo. I wish I had the time on this trip to visit the lanterns at night. I love the new rainforest exhibit they added with the sloth!
John Christian Abrahamson — Google review
What a fantastic zoo. We were very happy to see the large enclosures the animals had. The zoo is very large and very easy to make your way through the entire zoo. There are many benches along the way if you get tired to take a rest. They time event the tickets so the crowds were not overwhelming. All the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. There is a good variety of animals. This was the nicest zoo I have ever visited. If you get tired of looking at animals they have a very fun zipline you can do for an added cost inside the zoo. There are carriages to rent for children and wheelchairs for those who need one. Parking was easy and ample. Very affordable prices would definitely recommend this for children and adults.
Debra Clen — Google review
This is a good zoo but not many animals can be found. You can cover entire zoo in maybe 2-3 hours. What i like about this place is how well it is maintained. Parking might be a struggle if you chose to come mid afternoon. Plan coming before 10 am and you might get a spot closest to the zoo. Overall a good experience for my toddler
Suraksha Hegde — Google review
I visited for the first time for the jack-o-lantern spectacular and WOW that was amazing! So many, literally thousands, of carved pumpkins and so many neat and interesting designs to be seen. I didn't find parking to to be much of an issue, even on a busy Sunday night. We bought tickets in advance and showed the barcode on our phone for entry with no line. I highly recommend this!
Alex Bennett — Google review
I haven't been to the zoo in a while and the experience on Monday was wonderful. It had a lot of updates made including my favorite, the rain forest building. It was great even though I couldn't find the sloth, lol. The mythical creature area was well worth the extra cost as well. 😍
Amy Queen — Google review
Easy to get to.
Very walkable.
Plenty of rest stops and photo ops.
Gluten free food options 👍👍
Bring a mask to go into the rainforest exhibit
Everyone seemed super friendly.
Plan at least a 3 hour trip
William Brent — Google review
Get the membership! It pays for itself after 2 times and allows for discounts for special events. My son and I can casually walk around for a couple hours and just take it all in. The exhibits are well kept and the animals are very clearly taken care of. Each time we go we try and spend a little time learning a little something extra about one of the animals by utilizing the qr codes posted around the exhibits. Restrooms are all over the zoo so you aren't searching for one when you need one. My only big complaint is about the food which leaves something to be desired, but knowing that I just pack a lunch.
Lisa Pero — Google review
An incredible zoo and a fun time for the whole family. Vending machines are way over priced, though so bring a water and save your extra money for the gift shop or a quick lunch.
On the positive, it is absolutely one of the best zoos I've been to and I very much recommend it for everyone.
Coffee Stain — Google review
This zoo was equally wonderful and disappointing depending on the exhibit. Some of the animal had great enclosures while others seemed to be in too small a space with very little greenery. The donkey, the zebras, watusi and the wildebeasts are sad. It was nice to see some animals I haven’t seen before. This was not the best zoo but for sure pretty decent. It was clean and the employees were very pleasant.
Yvette Leonard — Google review
My self, my daughter, and five of my grandchildren attended the Christmas light spectacular and it did not disappoint. So many beautiful light displays to take on, Christmas carolers and hot coco made for a wonderful evening. This zoo does such an amazing job on this event every year and I would recommend to anybody from anywhere to visit.
Tracy Zanfardino — Google review
A Lil Providence Treasure!
Located in one of my favorite parks on the East Coast, RWPZ is a family-friendly experience for all ages - both a zoo and nice walk around the wetlands. Our favorite part was the Faces of the Rainforest building, where some animals have an open enclosure and are allowed to roam the building! It was surreal to explore the rainforest (and yes, it's very humid conditions) with sloths, birds and golden tamarins moving about. Watch out for the bird poop though!
You could get pretty close to some of the animals, especially those in their indoor enclosures. It allows you to view animal adaptations and behaviors more vividly (especially in the Rainforest)! The animals were fairly active earlier in the day (and probably would be again at the end of the day)- as typical with most zoos.
The zoo was easy to navigate, had food and restroom facilities open even during reduced winter capacity, and most animals were viewable to the public (some moved to indoor enclosures instead of their typical outdoor ones). There's some construction to build new buildings, renovate exhibits or move new animals into exhibitions (like the serval, penguins, and red pandas), so that's something to keep in mind.
Education: since there is no public educational programming in the winter, I don't feel like the zoo taught me much. There was some information about each animal (what you normally see displayed in zoos but I will say the fun facts and sometimes mentioned conservation efforts) but little to no information about their natural habitats or conservation efforts themselves. The Rainforest exhibit is on the newer end and is educational, so I'm hoping it's just a matter of upgrades.
Cost: $10.50 (admission was discounted 50% in the winter; admission is typically $21 for adults)
AZA Reciprocity: typically honored with a 50% discount; was not in effect during our visit because of the winter discount
Accessibility: while the walking paths were clear from the snow and clearly marked, most exhibits didn't have automatic doors
Wait Times: only ticket booth was open so there was a short wait (less than ten minutes) to purchase tickets or show them an online ticket for entry; there is a pretty $5 processing fee for online tickets so we decided to purchase tickets online
Travel: about a 1.5hr drive from Boston or accessible by bus (arrives directly to the front gates)
Parking: free parking is available on-site and pretty plentiful; overflow lots are located nearby in the park
Restrooms: the best thing was the plentiful restrooms at every corner! the hasbro background area for families with children even had a changing area, separate from the neighboring restroom
Collectibles: collectible penny machines are $1 and presently didn't have RWPZ enamel pins
Recycling Program: recycle your e-waste by the ticket/entrance booths for free
Food Pantry: open to those who need it. that's a grab and go style food pantry by the entrance for visitors to leave non perishable items in or take items they need
Other Notes: minimal reptiles at this zoo
Jenny Lau — Google review
I visited the Roger Williams Park Zoo, taking advantage of the first beautiful day of the year. Despite it being a busy day, the zoo never felt overcrowded, allowing us to enjoy our visit at a relaxed pace. It had been several years since my last visit, and I was impressed to see clean grounds and has a thoughtful layout. The selection of wildlife was diverse and engaging, making our trip truly memorable. Highly recommend for a pleasant day out!
John Jones — Google review
Went for the Jack O Lantern Spectacular, bought tickets ahead of time so it wouldn't be too much of a hassle getting in.
Well, I can tell you going through the ticket booth is the least of your worries - finding parking was the most draining part about the visit.
There were no signs pointing where to go specifically for the event.
The roads and the signs within the zoo weren't lit either so it felt like every man for himself trying to find parking.
Once you do find parking, you're hoping you can come across other people so you get an idea of where to go.
Also if you go too late, a lot of concession stands are closed so if you get there past 7, make sure you're dressed warmly and have eaten something already because the lines at the places still open will take forever.
The actual tour was nice, they definitely go a long way to set the atmosphere. The Lanterns were so cool but everyone also wants a picture so expect to inevitably bump into people. They had different themes throughout the tour and it was amazing seeing how intricate they could get.
Sensory warning -
*If you get overstimulated by a lot of sound, I highly recommend sound reducing headphones* and expect to encounter kids with flashing light toys of some sort.
Overall it wasn't bad but there's a lot that could be improved in terms of organization and making it easier to plan for the throngs of people, especially on the weekend.
Get there at least half an hour before your scheduled time slot so you have a chance to find parking closer to the event entrance.
Alex Sunflower — Google review
Great walkable zoo with nice exhibits. Cheetahs were most active late in the day at closing (feeding?) time. The walk-in building with the tropical birds and monkeys was very cool as the monkeys, birds, and sloths were all free within the building and 'jungle' as you walked through it.
Jon Whitney — Google review
Love visiting for the Jack-o-lantern spectacular for the past few years. Plenty of incredible works of art to admire. Go on a weekday so it's not too crowded. Parking is free and decent if the crowd is light. Stroll at your own pace and take in all the sights. Definitely fun for all.
Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It offers a re-creation of an 1830s settlement with costumed staff, rides, and activities for family entertainment. The village meticulously recreates rural New England life from the 1830s, complete with historic buildings, working farms, and costumed interpreters.
This is a remarkable destination. So many interesting things to do and see. I highly recommend getting the membership, even if you only go for one day you get a discount at the shops. you can see a lot in a few hours or spend the day enjoying all the attractions. If it's raining just bring an umbrella, there are plenty of indoor attractions.
W M — Google review
This place was wonderful and very educational. It really is like it's own little village. There are some small hiking trails where you can see some awesome views. Watching the staff with the oxen was awesome and informative. I want to go back in warmer weather for the boat ride. The only thing I wish was that there was more "characters" dressed up. I am thinking maybe because it was cooler or because of COVID. The "characters" who were there were fascinating and knowledgeable. We spent a few hours here and it was lovely.
Ash — Google review
Great place to stop and learn about New England life in the early 1800s. There are many buildings of the period, furnished as they would have been. The have knowledgeable people in period dress there happy to educate and demonstrate many of the roles and daily tasks of a blacksmith, Cooper, cabinet maker, potter, and banker. They also did some baking and braiding straw for hats as well as read some letters of what it was like for women and the issues of that period.
Laura Carrington — Google review
Had a fantastic time at Old Sturbridge Village! It was absolutely beautiful all decorated for the season. Dress warmly for the Christmas Lights celebrations! It's cold but it makes it all the whole better when you slip into a house and look at all of the items and listen to the historians talk about what they really love.
Will visit again!
Renn R — Google review
I have been here in all four seasons and am always impressed with the museum. People are dressed in period clothes, willing to teach a bit about early American History as folks wander from room to room, building to building. They do a great job. Nice shop, great pub, they host special events year round. Good for all ages, really nice way to spend a day.
Theresa St. John — Google review
We went in March and were able see how people who lived in the 1830's were able to collect and boil down maple sap to make molasses. All the houses were open and though the people who worked there wore masks they were not required of visitors. The village was a true village with blacksmith, saw mill, school etc. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable with the wagon ride being interesting and full of history as well. There were outhouses for visitors to see but 21 century plumbing for visitors to use. There were changing tables in the restrooms. The walking was easy and stroller friendly. The roads were sandy/gravel. A good pair of hiking shoes would be fine here. The chickens roam freely here. The cafeteria had sandwiches but there were no posted limits on outside food, the menu changes with the season so check their website before you go. Overall the experience was educational and laid back. We will be going back in warmer weather.
Eric Maurice Levesque — Google review
This is a beautiful historic place to visit. It transformed you into a time of simplicity and elegance in craftsmanship and liveliness. The kiddos will enjoy every minute of the walk and scenery. They even have at tavern for eats and games. You'll even catch a glimpse or two of the townsfolk strolling about the grounds. And interact with them as well. Perfect place for the whole family.
Jaz — Google review
One of those places that you can go to over and over again. The amount of skill people had to have back then is amazing. Watching the blacksmith, the Cooper and the housewife making do with the ovens of the time. It's is an amazing step back into history. The actors seem very realistic to the period. The animals all look very well cared for. A wonderful time even in the rain.
Laurie St. Amand — Google review
My wife and I decided to check OSV out on a beautiful Sunday. I myself am not the biggest fan of museums and historical sites, however this place is amazing. All of the buildings are curated perfectly and the workers are very interactive and eagerly want to share information. There is something for everyone to enjoy. My wife and I could have sat in the blacksmith shop all day. Veterans and active duty have free admission.
Darren Branner — Google review
Excellent! My 7 year old son and I had an amazing time. Great for all ages. Hands on for kids...and kids and heart. The costumed reactors are everywhere and give really interesting information. The grounds are beautiful, and the town is actually pretty big. It's like stepping back in time. In fact, I told my son we were going to be taking a time machine back in time to 1835. He was very into it, and wants to return for Halloween and Christmas.
erin rettino — Google review
The Christmas by candlelight was so peaceful. The mulled cider was an awesome treat to keep warm in the cold. The cookies are to die for and probably the best cup of hot cocoa I’ve ever had. Reading the “make a wish” area under the bridge makes you really take a look at life
**I thought the lighting ceremony would have been a little more organized, we all waited about 10 minutes past the lighting time, the light came on and that was it. No cheers, no leading up to the lighting. Just on and done with.
B C — Google review
One definitely can spend a day here, even with quite a few exhibits closed (02/23/22) at the moment for seasons and/or reasons! Also, asking questions of the people who work there is still a great way to learn. Mind the occasional horse poo; you'll be just fine. ✌️
Janna Oakfellow-Pushee — Google review
I went to the Christmas by Candlelight event on Sunday. Advice to heed is dress warm and you will do fine. My husband loved the 2 big bonfires they had going and I loved the carol singing at the church and the horse ride. Kind of like a trolley ride but with 2 big big big horses pulling them. And of course all the lights. Very pretty and puts you right in the festive mood. This was my first time doing this event and I will go back again next year if they are still doing this. Job well done.
Claudia Morgan — Google review
Honestly a great place to go for all ages. Plenty to see and do. My favorite part are the various games they have scattered throughout the village. Free to play. You can go into every building. And they usually have someone in every building to chat with you about it. It really immerses you in the experience. I wish they sold more old timey clothes. Food is good. Plenty of it. Places to eat and bathrooms on site. It's a large place so expect lots of walking. But there are plenty of places to sit. Lots of animals as well.
Morgan Baker — Google review
It is lovely to just walk the village and enjoy the sights. The villagers tending to the shops and farm are well presented and tell a fascinating story of 200 years ago. We visit often.
Bill B — Google review
Phenomenal experience. This was my family’s first time at this fun Halloween event at Sturbridge Village and we loved it! From the historical village, living exhibits, fun and willing to play along staff, we had a great time. Our 3rd grader especially enjoyed the ghost stores by the fire. The gentleman that entertained the audience with the spooky but not too scary stories was an excellent storyteller. We enjoyed the popcorn and cookies at the concession stand and the many different shows to attend throughout the evening.
Erin Grimmett — Google review
We attended Sturbridge Village on one of their Homeschool Days and it was wonderful. The workshops were affordable and practical, my girls especially loved the sewing & cooking. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds were well-kept and really immerse you in the experience. We were lucky enough to see the newborn lambs, which were absolutely adorable. Great place overall, we plan to visit again soon!
Amanda Kimberly — Google review
This is a great place for children and adults alike. We went on the tail end of Maple Days, and it's getting a bit too late in the season to see the full mapling process. February would likely be a better time to visit.
It's a very immersive experience. The guides are dressed in period clothes to explain the structures/buildings, and what it's for; and there are even live demonstrations. I like that the guides are not "in character" because it allows for much more natural conversation/interaction, and an actual engaging learning experience.
Wynn T — Google review
2-18-24 - We brought our kids here 25 years ago. Was working nearby and decided to revisit. I love this place. Hiking around in February. Snow on the ground. No crowds. Ample time to chat with the reenactors. Lots of space and inspiration to imagine life in 1838 New England -- before screens, electricity, and AI. Before world wars and school shootings and SUVs. Kids shrieking with joy when they see farm animals, fascinated by the shoemaker and candle making. A lovely experience.
Julie Garrett — Google review
Great place to visit, arrived around 11 a.m was there for about 4 hours. No long queues, so we were able to walk around leisurely.
Lots of great places to take photo's. On entering you receive a timetable of various activities taking place throughout the day.. Like basket/chair weaving, blacksmith, silversmiths and carpentry demonstrations.! etc
All attractions give historic information regarding to the buildings.
I Would highly recommend.!
Carl Cornthwaite — Google review
Loved it, a trip through history there’s so much more potential for this village, not advertised properly like have more items customized with village names and the chance to sell the products made at the village as well, like a notebook made as a print house and such. All in all I love the experience. Staff on board are very knowledgeable and very kind and answer all kind of questions. Very patient was children.
Farah Hayes — Google review
We came for Homeschool Days, had a fantastic time. Joan led a water color class. She kept us entertained with fun facts about the village and did a great job showing the students how to see patterns and how to draw simple botanical examples. Blacksmiths, Tinmaker, Towne House poetry and tour, newborn lambs, and well presented history rounded out our amazing day!
Tim Kunsa — Google review
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1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
The Mystic Aquarium is a beautiful aquarium with a great range of species. It is especially well-known for its beluga whales, African penguins, seals, and sea lions, sharks and rays, fish invertebrates, and reptiles and amphibians exhibits. There are also many interactive features for children to enjoy.
Visited on 3-13-22. Small indoor aquarium with larger outside. It’s very very cold outside dress warmly! We have visited Aquariums all over the US. Loved it here. Very friendly staff. Thought tickets were pricy but part of proceeds go back to feeding animals so was happy about it that. Will be visiting again!
Make sure you see the sea otter show! It’s phenomena!
Penny I — Google review
Went to the Mystic Aquarium and had a wonderful visit. Very educational and many interesting sea creatures to view and learn about. Many exhibits one can touch the animals, the visiting children were all ecstatic while learning about ocean life and conservation. A big shout out to the food prep there, I had a BLT that was really amazing! I highly recommend a trip to the Aquarium, quite fun.
Paul J. Manning — Google review
We went for out first time as a family & it was worth the drive.
Once you walk in, they take your photo, for later you can order a keep safe memory.
The seal show was so cute, you're able to see the penguins swim through out the water. You'll see fishes,turtles, sharks, you can touch stingrays. They have an area for the smaller kids to play, you can have a boat race. Definitely a fun family day that the kids will enjoy.
Also they have a lot of parking ! And a gift shop.
Jess Cruz — Google review
Had a super fun time at the aquarium! So many different animals and the staff was so attentive and kind, always coming up to us and explaining information about the animals. Seriously super cool and definitely a must see if in the area! Pro-tip buy tickets days or weeks in advance!! They’re always more expensive day of.
emma — Google review
Mystic Aquarium in CT exceeded all my expectations! It's an incredible place that blends education, conservation, and entertainment seamlessly. The exhibits are beautifully designed, providing a captivating and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From the majestic beluga whales to the playful penguins, each animal encounter left me in awe. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, sharing fascinating insights about marine life and conservation efforts. The touch tanks were a highlight, allowing me to interact with gentle sea creatures up close. The aquarium's commitment to marine conservation and rescue efforts is commendable. It's an ideal destination for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. I had a memorable and enjoyable time at Mystic Aquarium, and I can't wait to visit again!
Maggie Hall — Google review
What a wonderful treat to see and experience! Excellent viewing above and below water. California Sea Lion show was quite amusing. Nice, contained space but not too small making you want more.
Michael Dawson — Google review
Spent a nice Friday here with my daughter. They had a dinosaur exhibit that was free that day so we got to explore that which I'll say was awesome, so many interactive games for kids and a playground inside. If it wasn't free that day we wouldn't have spent the extra to experience it however it made it such a unique visit (after I've been there about 4x now) so I'm glad it was an option and I'll likely think twice next time about spending the extra.
It's a beautiful aquarium and we really had a great time. Food options are nice there too. Staff is all nice.
Jaki — Google review
It was spring break week, so a lot of families. First time visit and love the attractions of sea life. Staff was attentive and willing to answer questions. Unfortunately, I only had a few hours there, but I enjoyed our time immensly.
Blair Snyder — Google review
We went on a rainy day and it was amazing. We saw all the animals and my kids had a blast. The staff is friendly, kind and accommodating.
The animals are all very happy.
My sons really enjoyed the sea lion show.
Can’t wait to go back.
Antonia Buissereth — Google review
A very nice aquarium, with amazing beluga whales, sea lions and penguins all outdoor,as well as the indoor aquarium. Disappointing that for the steep price, the virtual reality experience, as well as the dinosaur exhibit has additional expensive prices. Mostly helpful and friendly staff. Could have been a more information to when show and feeding times are.
Dan E — Google review
A smaller aquarium but fun for all ages. A normal visit will be about one to two hours depending on what you want to see. Everything is nicely organized and usually not over crowded. It's a great time for the family if they have an interest in aquatic life, with plenty of exhibits and interactive ones.
Michael Amaral — Google review
Went here for a day trip and it was fantastic. The exhibits are wonderful and great for people of all ages. The aquarium was clean and the staff was friendly. All of the staff was so nice and genuinely seemed like they enjoyed their jobs. The staff was knowledgeable and great with younger kiddos. We arrived early which was good because the parking lot is fairly small for how high the demand is. It was $44 per person but you can spend all day there. The jellyfish and the touch tanks were the best in my opinion. Overall, we really enjoyed our trip and will be back in the future.
Jillian Kara — Google review
Oh my goodness! This is the best aquarium I've been in my life so far! I've been to a lot of aquarium Sea World in Australia and Florida and many places in USA this is by far the best so far I've been! It's an hour drive for us but is worth it! We watched 4D theatres twice inside Dino Seas which is seasonal from
Florida we have to pay extra! We came to mystic for free for me and my 3 kids under the Ct summer museum program for residents! We watched sea lions show indoor arena! We will have to find Africa penguins later! There's so much to do here! It's amazing!
Meng Meng Swineford — Google review
Amazing. Lots for the kids to do and fun as a grown up too. The California Seals show was great, but so were all of the other features of the aquarium. There's a lot to do outdoors there too.
Rich Youmans — Google review
My first time at this aquarium, and it was amazing how they had plenty of rental wheelchairs, and most tanks were easily viewed from that level.
It was a lot of walking, and I have a number of injuries still healing. I was grateful for the option of using the wheelchair like a walker or sitting and being pushed when needed.
We LOVED the mermaid exhibit! My only comment would be that I ended up waiting in line twice because the woman sending people to wait at various windows sent my brother and I (our group) and then asked if it was okay if another group joined. I said I had waited half an hour to have the experience and to get a picture. She added three kids to our window anyway and the mermaid didn’t interact with my brother and I at all, just the kids. We got no picture and had to go back in line for another one.
Adults like mermaids too!!! By the time we got in like the second time I did get to interact with the mermaid but not a good picture because my brother had given up and was sitting across the way.
I was just disappointed is all. He came all the way from NY for this. We were so excited, and we just wanted to be treated like equals with the kids, in terms of wanting the experience.
Kristy Johnson — Google review
Took my toddler and 7&9 year old niece and nephew there with my sister in law last Saturday. We had a great time. We walked around the tanks for an hour and then saw the sea lion show. It was a great activity to do to get out of the house in the winter. We reserved tickets through our EBT cards and the admission was free!!! Definitely a plus😁
rebecca kurth — Google review
We brought our oldest child for a preparatory tour/ sleep over at the USCGA and my youngest and I needed something to do. We found this place. It is absolutely amazing and totally worth the money.
We stayed for hours! If you have young kids make sure you splash out the extra 12 for the Dino thing...little kids adore it!.
The staff was professional, the exhibits were amazing, and we just had a fantastic time!
Marc Cascio — Google review
I was thinking of going somewhere fairly close , within an hours ride, to do something out of the ordinary. I came up with the Mystic Aquarium. I brought my 17yr old son along. I wasn't sure ifhe would still enjoy it as an older teenager but he really liked it, not in a way that a young child would but with a more scientific point of view as well as a healthy dose of teenage boy gross humor describing various fish and animals.
Gross descriptions aside, it's a great place to go to see fish from all over the world as well as the displays of local fish and wildlife.
There are outdoor exhibits with seals, penguins and Beluga whales. Indoors it has interactive exhibits ,where you can "pet" some of the fish as well as an outdoor tent where you can pet some Cow nose rays.
There is also a California sea lion show which was both fun and educational.
You can take your time while there but you have to purchase tickets in advance for a specific time. If you just show up like I did they have kiosks where you can pick a time and buy your tickets . Luckily for us there were openings for the time that we got there so we were able to go right in. It's such a big place that it probably could accommodate you when you get there but if you want to be safe I would go online and purchase in advance.
Masks are required indoors so make sure you bring one.
We spent about 2and 1/2 hours there which was enough time to see the exhibits and a show but I would have liked an extra half hour to an hour to go thru the exhibits a little more slowly.
We got there at 130 and it closed early(4pm) because it was New Years Eve.
I would allow about three hours to see it all especially if you have small children in tow.
All in all a great experience! Enjoy!
Jordan Cabral — Google review
A very cute aquarium! The prices have gone up immensely but I know they are an intricate part to supporting and maintaining marine wildlife off our New England coasts.
I wish the signage to the marine life had said where they were from. We love learning about where each animal comes from and there are not enough verbiage to educate.
The staff needs to have a stronger voice to the ignorant and blatantly irresponsible patronage who do not follow the rules. Washing your hands, using the two finger pet rule and avoiding certain areas of the petting pools is so dang important. Repeating the rules in a passive aggressive manner does not make people listen. Back bones and strong representation to the aquarium recommended.
Otherwise, a beautiful clean aquarium for the public to be enjoy. Kid friendly. Handicapable friendly. Educational to a point thanks to the staff.
Beth Smith — Google review
It's decent size and nice for a visit. We had a pleasant time. You have to buy time slot tickets either at the door or possibly online. We were unaware and had to wait two hours before we could enter. We grabbed lunch and walked around Mystic Village which was enjoyable.
It is very crowded most days so expect to be in the vicinity of others. Don't expect to immediately be able to experience an exhibit without first having to wait and take turns with other patrons.
The animals seem generally happy. The exhibits are clean and the aquariums are too. It's difficult to truly get a full learning experience because of the crowds however the staff is mostly knowledgeable.
There are interactive areas for children, information hubs for different exhibits, and a few regionally themed aquariums that were interesting.
We paid extra for the dino exhibit. It was interesting with life sized robotic dinosaurs. If you have experienced something like this before it's probably similar to what you have experienced albeit it was nicely done.
Overall if you've never been to an aquarium this is a decent experience. I probably won't go again just because of the crowds, it made it difficult to enjoy what they had to offer. Four stars because they do what they do pretty well but for me it wasn't anything I haven't experienced somewhere before.
E Holly — Google review
If you're going to go more than once, which I recommend, just get a membership. Tourist season in Mystic is impossible for any reason, and the aquarium is no exception, but it's definitely worth frequent visits the rest of the year. I'm still glad I get to see a variety of pinnipeds here, but I wish the California Sea Lions could be enjoyed in a regular habitat, not just the theater tank. The facility is tidy and the staff looks genuinely happy to be there.
April Cook — Google review
You must go here!! One of the best aquariums I have ever visited! Seeing multiple beluga whales in person and interacting with them through the glass is something I will never forget. The aquarium has a huge outdoor section with several cool exhibits — beluga whales, seals, penguins. The indoor section is great as well with a large variety and tanks and exhibits. The sea lion “show” was both entertaining and educational, shedding light on some ways to be more environmentally friendly!
Allie C — Google review
BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME! Nice place. Smaller than the Boston aquarium. Fun interactive things to do and GREAT customer service!!! We went at 9am and people were already waiting in line. So pre-buy tickets! All the staff that we came in contact with provided excellent knowledge about the animals, facility and area. We went on a long holiday weekend. If I was to go again I would go at a time with less kids.
Lyndsay B — Google review
What a fun place! It’s not the biggest aquarium in the country but it makes up for it in guest service and interesting exhibits. The sea lion show was cheesy but cute. The main gallery had interactive exhibits and lots of interesting info. We saw the sea lion feeding and the attendants did a great job of explaining their actions and behavior of the animals. And of course the belugas were so dang cool! If we lived closer, we would definitely get season passes but a trip every year is definitely warranted!
Nick Armes — Google review
We have been here quite a few times and it never gets boring! Sad that the penguins area was out due to construction but well be back again. The beluga are always happy and the sea lion show was spectacular as usual. They updated it! Enjoy some of our photos and the video of the beluga saying hi
Piotr Zukierski — Google review
We had so much fun at Mystic Aquarium! The highlights of my trip were seeing the penguins, beluga whales, and the sea lion show! If you are debating whether or not to see the show, I highly recommend watching it (great experience for both kids and adults). I’d recommend getting there a little early to get a good seat and there’s a little bit of audience participation at the front middle row if you’d like that.
Inside the aquarium, there were a few interactive exhibits where you could touch the fish or crustacean and one where you learn about waste.
All the staff were very nice and welcoming. We had a really wonderful time seeing all the animals. Overall, highly recommend this aquarium!
Iris Liu — Google review
Do arrive by their opening, so you can secure proper parking. The first seal show is at 11 AM, which was amazing. Play with sharks and sting rays. Learn more about the Long Island Sound and the technology inspired by it. Explore the aquatic life of the Amazon. Best of all use various links to go on a listening tour. The staff are friendly, so ask for help and directions. This is a place to frequent often, so get a membership to enhance your learning.
LMartin 1635 — Google review
This aquarium is great every single time it truly never gets old! It’s such a beautiful place and you can tell the animals are taken care of and loved. Everyone who works there is very informative!
Chelsea — Google review
So fun! There are so many things to do here. We got there bright and early and had bought our tickets online so we got right in. It was a lot less crowded in the early morning. It’s about half inside and half outside. They have feeding schedules posted for each out door animal. There are workers at each station telling you all about the animals which was neat and they answer questions. There is an outdoor play area for smaller kids(8 and under) it is in the shade. Definitely lets the kids get some energy out. There are so many add ins throughout the aquarium. My daughter did the hurricane simulator and loved it. Only $6. There are a few touch tanks: shark, star fish, sting ray etc. the food and drinks are over priced but that’s to be expected. The dinoseas was a nice add on which wasn’t too expensive. They have quite a few interactive activities, a kids play area, 2 4D movies and some neat animatronic dinos and turtles. This is all indoors. The sea lion show was awesome! It is less than 30 minutes. Very entertaining and interactive. You are able to come and go as you please you just need a stamp before you leave. Great experience and pretty affordable. Recommend dining elsewhere or packing from home. The food is tasty but pricey.
Christina Welte — Google review
It’s always amazing to visit here at Mystic Aquarium. My toddler loved it! The gentle giants beluga whales❤️. Food options are less but overall awesome and don’t miss the sea lions show.
Mystic Seaport Museum is a museum in Mystic CT that creates a 19th century whaling village in the former George Greenman & Co Shipyard. It has exhibits of traditional crafts and trades, demonstrations on such topics as ship rescue, oystering and whaleboat launching, and many artifacts from the past. The site is open year-round and provides a great opportunity for learning about maritime history.
Amazing place to learn about old ships and whaling industry. Very fun for kids and plenty of space for them to run around. Great level of access to ships and buildings
Jorge Alexander Casanova — Google review
We had a wonderful experience at the museum! Quite a lot to see and do! We enjoyed the Charles W Morgan boat, the blacksmith shop (the gentleman in there was awesome. Very informative!), the cord building, and the boat tour. All the staff we interacted with was very friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this for families. We saw people of all ages enjoying the exhibits.
Deb O — Google review
I did not expect to have such a wonderful time at this place. Staff is very friendly, and they are actively working in the houses throughout the village. You can see ships being maintained, food being cooked, coast guard personnel learning blacksmith techniques, and more. There are plenty of exhibits for kids to include an area to have them build a Toy Ship, a planetarium, a kids museum, playground, and acres to run around and be loud. For adults there are ships to board, curated museums full of history and much more. After you pay your ticket fee you have 19 acres and 40 buildings to explore, to include a gift shop, restaurant, and plenty of public restrooms available. There is a north and south entrance, each with plenty of parking available for free. This is the best thing I've done in area, and would gladly come back!
Isaiah E. — Google review
Amazing place. Spent a whole day there with our 3 kids. Great exhibitions, fun on ships. Educational and fun workshops all around.
Maria Blum — Google review
I recommend buying tickets online to avoid any waiting. Also, combining Mystic Aquarium with Mystic Seaport museum and village is cheaper than buying tickets separately.
It's a very interesting place, where you could easily spend at least 3 hours. There is a LOT to see - you can visit any house in the village and see how they lived and worked, talk to the people who demonstrate different types of work that was done in the village (making huge ropes, boats, medicines, watches and clocks, etc). I liked the whaling museum! I loved how they told us about printing!
The lighthouse inside had a movie, telling a story of lighthouses in America.
And much much more...
Definitely recommend to visit! Great place for families with kids!
Yulia Berry — Google review
What a wonderful museum. Stopped here by chance when driving by and couldn’t be happier. The town is amazingly cute and the museum is easily the best I’ve ever seen. Just down the road a bit from mystic seaport and the whaling ships this place is a must see. Clean and expansive with incredible artwork and artifacts. It includes four full whale skeletons (including sadly a baby) and a plethora of whaling artifacts. The piece de resistance for this museum the scrimshaw room. I’m a fan and fairly knowledgeable and have seen what I suspected was the largest collection in the world this is even bigger. It has to be the largest single collection in the world. Just the accessories made of whale bone were extensive but there was an endless number of incredible scrimshaw teeth by all of the best known artists of the whaling period. You will never see such a collection anywhere else in the world and at the value these fetch there will never be a bigger collection built. If you are in cape cod area and have an interest in healing bring your family here. Even at a fast pace this place has hours of enjoyment for everyone.
David H — Google review
100% worth the trip!
When going to the museum, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
This museum is sprawled out on about 19 acres and over 20 something or 30 I don’t know buildings. It is massive!
A very cool experience, and great for the whole family!
Staff was amazing
Aren — Google review
It’s a great place to learn lots of history. Well preserved museum town. Initially I thought I wasted spending for this place. But as I enter each museum rooms, it was very interesting. Great way to learn about the past of a port town. Lovely demonstration by the volunteers in each stall. Worth the visit. Needs at least 4 hrs to cover. Easily you can spend whole day.
Sathish Jayapal — Google review
Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place to visit. Very historical and very educational. Lots of good preserved old ships and buildings. For sure you can taste pure history. Free parking lot on the side, adult admission about 25$. Restaurant and gift shop. Highly recommended
T.T.Puslecki — Google review
We absolutely loved everything about this wonderful museum within museum. So many fascinating little sea cottages, each telling their own story. A few little nosh places, opportunities for boat rides on the Bay, a make your own wooden boat bungalow, so much to learn and see! Make sure to give it all day! And you can come back within the next 7 days with your receipt!!!
Sanda Bailund-Vana Wolk — Google review
Great place to spend an afternoon. I really enjoyed the extras that change with the days. We saw a fish cleaning demo and it was really interesting. The big band live music the day we visited really drew a crowd of locals. Bringing your own chairs is a good idea if you're coming for the music. Lots to see all in one visit, I can see why the tickets are valid for two days. If you come on a nice day, you can take row boats out and for a small extra fee get a ride on an old ship. But go book that right away or it will be filled up.
Natalie Koffarnus — Google review
This is a really neat seaport to check out, just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to walk around, there's a lot to see! I enjoyed the way they laid it out and how you can walk around at your own pace to the various buildings and museums. The exhibits themselves are also set up really well to tell you a story as you walk through. Very well done. My only issue was that besides the staff you see when you buy tickets to get in, there were no other staff walking around or in any of the museums. So if you had any questions or wanted to know more, you were on your own. I'm not sure if that changes once tourist season starts, but it was the biggest thing I noticed. There were also a few exhibits that were closed when I went.
Alice Beamer — Google review
Mystic Seaport Museum is a snapshot of a moment in time, a look back at the era of whaling, and a reality check of just how recently that era faded into the past. The historic buildings are beautiful. The amount of care that went into that architecture is wild. Most of the buildings are authentically from the 1800s, including some that have been moved onto the grounds from other locations in the northeast. The result is stepping into a time capsule of the heyday of the whaling era.
The "Museum" is active and alive, with regular demonstrations of things like their mid-1800s blacksmithing shop, their original printing press, and even demonstrations of things like rope making. The volunteers are well-informed, friendly, and happy to teach you something new. Make sure you check out the daily calendar to find out what demonstrations will be going on that day. I do wish they had printouts of the day's schedule instead of just telling you to take a picture of the sign. (Tip: Make sure you favorite that picture before it gets buried in your pictures of the museum!)
The whaling ship is gorgeous, truly a special piece of history. The lower deck still kind of smells... Like whale guts. Ninety years of whale guts. I can't imagine having been on that ship when it was in use. Make sure you stop to read the signs explaining things, you'll learn a lot. The firefighting boat was closed inside when we went, but it was still really cool to look at from the outside.
Most of your museum day will have you walking around outside, going from building to building with minimal shade. Make sure you wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water, and plan on a very active day. There is a cafe, but it's at the far end of the grounds and not exactly intuitive to get to early-on in your day unless you skip past a bunch of stuff and double back.
That said, I do have a few caveats for visitors with different accessibility needs, including people who use mobility devices like wheelchairs or canes, people who tire quickly (including the elderly or small kids), and parents with strollers.
1, It's a LOT of ground to cover. It's really spread out. Be prepared for a lot of movement or plan on spending two days if you want to see everything.
2, They've done their best to adapt some of the buildings to be accessible, but most of the buildings (and ships) date to the 1800s and there's only so much they can adapt a lot of that architecture. So a lot of things, like the whaling ship (arguably the main attraction) remain inaccessible to wheelchairs, walkers, & strollers. As it is, I was only just barely able to navigate some of the staircases with my cane.
3, Use the bathrooms when you come across them. They're spaced out weirdly and not the easiest to find when you're looking for them.
4, The entrance is nowhere near the exit. It doesn't matter whether you park by the entrance or the exit, expect a long trip at one end of your day. We parked by the entrance. In retrospect, we should have parked by the exit.
Still, overall it's definitely worth checking out and there's definitely a lot of things to fill your day with!
Kai T — Google review
There's so much to see here! Dress for the cold if you need to, because there's a lot to explore outside. You can easily spend many hours, or even a couple of days here, so give yourself some time to visit properly. The staff seem happy and are clearly enthusiastic about the museum and whatever area they specialize in. Exhibits include salvage and restoration projects, living history demonstrations, art and science, etc. There is some food services available inside, but I didn't stop at any. Holiday decor is classy and gave me ideas for my own historic home.
April Cook — Google review
Great working shipyard. The tour is a must. Very interesting and informative. So much history in this outdoor museum. Beautiful old ships and interesting seeing ships being restored.
Mike Moessl — Google review
This is an amazing museum to experience first hand the great New England shipbuilding traditions in its authentic and historic context. Highly recommended!
Carl Friedrich — Google review
We enjoyed spending several hours walking through the grounds and the shipyard. The Charles W Morgan was a wonderful wooden whaler ship. It was great that they let you walk up and go inside the LA Dutton that they are refurbishing. There is a lot of history in this area. We loved it!
Donna Smith — Google review
The museum is located on a beautiful piece of land. I'm surprised they open up at 10 am, especially during the summertime. My daughter and I had a wonderful time. I recommend offering a 21 and over hours only event, maybe once a month. Many individuals who were at the museum didn't seem like they enjoyed the sound of kids laughing and having fun.
Kristin Brown — Google review
The Seaport is awesome! We have been coming here since we were kids in the early 60's. There is always so much to see and do. It is a wonderful experience.
Denise Horn — Google review
We stopped here randomly on a road trip. It is a beautiful town, it wasn't their peek season but definitely worth seeing!
My favorite park and enjoying it since I have a ton of benefits that sadly expire this year but my local park has a ot to offer if you plan it right!
Tekknick Fon Fabre — Google review
It’s always a good time for Our Family💙❤️💙❤️💙
Sonja Glass — Google review
Great place for everyone to have fun. With a variety of Rollercoasters and rides. They have a Waterpark as well and there is a place for children to enjoy aswell. Would recommend coming here.
M. Javed Nadeem — Google review
It's a parking lot pretty big and boring
Eden “Snich” Warren — Google review
The employees are so nice and kind. The park is beautiful.
Mackenzie Nowak — Google review
A+ on a fun time with the family and friends!
Donna A — Google review
Had a great time no issues. Parked close. Had a membership as well.
Mike — Google review
Had a reservation and wouldn’t let us into the closet parking then parked cars 6 feet behind us making it near impossible to get out.
The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford was the residence of author Mark Twain and his family from 1874 to 1899. It is where he created some of his most famous literary characters. The house contains many artifacts and a beautiful arboretum/greenhouse section that visitors can enjoy. While interior tours may need to be booked in advance, a visit to this historical landmark promises an unforgettable glimpse into the life and works of one of America's greatest writers.
This was a great find on our trip to Hartford. My wife and I are both big fans of Mark Twains works. To see the desk he wrote at and the house he lived in breathes new life and gives color to his works. Unfortunately the interior tours were booked the day we arrived impromptu. We will plan another trip here and schedule a tour of the house. We were able to look in at the arboretum / green house section which looked delightful. A beautiful house and wonderful artifacts. Great memories!
Cave Arnold — Google review
The museum and gift shop is nice and the house is incredible. It is 11,500 square feet. It is a magnificent house and has so many unique & detailed design elements from stenciling on the walls to intricate hand carved woodwork. There are so many rooms. The house is very dark because that was the style back then. There was a 1 hour guided tour, which was very informative. Photographs inside the house are prohibited.
Sharon Doyle — Google review
The tour was very memorable. So many artifacts throughout each of the ornate rooms. I really was astonished at all of the details that have been so carefully preserved. It felt like a trip back in time… Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about Mark Twain and the people in his life. I learned a lot about the late 1800’s. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Mark Twain houses as well as the museum which offered a lot of history.
Lisa Bowman — Google review
It was a nice place to visit. I had the museum ticket by which I visited Aetna Gallery and film room on the first floor. The second floor has Art Gallery but unfortunately was closed due to constructions. The cafe and garden were also closed. It was small, short, and quick tour around the museum.
K Send — Google review
One of my "bucket list" visits.
The museum is great as well as the tour of his home.
You can even have a tour of the house by an actor in period costume who portrays someone who knew Mark Twain such as his wife.
If you wish to tour the house I strongly suggest you purchase tickets in advance online at the Museum website. I did so. The day I went they were "sold out". There were a large number of "walk-ins" who were disappointed and could not tour the house.
Tour is limited to eleven people with a tour every fifteen minutes.
Tour itself lasts approximately an hour.
Photos are not permitted of the interior of the house.
A great stop for those with teenagers who have had to read one of his books for school.
They also have one of the nicest gift shops.
You can cover both the Mark Twain House & Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe house on the same day since they are literally right next to each other.
Glen Mc Call — Google review
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visit to the museum and house. Unfortunately no photos are allowed inside. You would appreciate the house tour much more if you are familiar with Mark Twain’s books’ heroes.
Mike Z — Google review
We opted for a tour with a guide, and the lady (in maid costume) waited until we had paid for the tickets and joined the group.
The very first time you enter the historic home, you get the whiff of damp and moldy air, like a home that has remained closed for a while when you return. The smell and the air remain with you for much of the tour. The tour itself is very well laid out and short though our guide plays the role to perfection, including all the gossip and stories about everything and everyone in the household. For those who don't know, she refers to her erstwhile employer by his real name and not the pen name as in the house name.
Like all historic homes, going through the home makes one grateful for modern inventions and comforts. The dimly lit rooms and the sparse comforts of the old world toilets does remind you of the life as it used to be.
The gift store is decently stocked with all kinds of mementos, but those who don't know, Mr Clemens was a cat's person, and there's hardly any dogs associated mementos.
Naseer Ahmed — Google review
We visited the museum and house led by our wonderful tour guide, Mark Twain's daughter. She stayed in character the entire time, even when we encountered an unexpected bat visiting as well. This is an absolute 'must visit' for anyone that appreciates literature, wit, architecture, and an interesting story!
Jennifer Grumbling — Google review
Beautiful place with a lot of history. Has a cute gift shop. One thing that ruined the experience is the super chatty guide. All he did was throw a bunch of years. He was reciting the years so fast as as someone us chasing him. Any turn or step you make he was like a super strict teacher saying don't touch that. I would recommend for him to ne a bit friendlier to visitors. Otherwise this beautiful experience will be ruined.
VALERIYA I. New York — Google review
The house and museum were nice. However, our tour was not. The guide gave little information and was rushed. The tour ruined my twins experience as they were bored and did not appreciate the guide constantly telling them to not touch when we had a constant eye on them.
Robert Roush — Google review
The tour of Samuel Clemen's house was very informative and gave us more insight into his life and writing. The house is well preserved and has much architectural detail that is unique. For example, Tiffany did the wall treatments long before he became known for his work with stained glass. Also, we did not realize that Clemens and Harriet Beecher Stowe were neighbors and influenced each other's views on social justice. Plan to take the Stowe house tour after your visit to the Twain house for a more complete experience. There is a snack bar and bathrooms on the premises so a day trip is easily accomplished. Also, be aware that no photography is allowed in the house itself.
Lisa Emblidge — Google review
I enjoyed touring the house. The information provided was informative. The pictures helped create visuals to remember the stories about te family. We were only able to see the first floor. The video inside was also very informative and gave you a better insight about Mark Twain. Recommend for those visiting the area. It took roughly an hour and a half.
Mary Ramey — Google review
The only way to access Mark Twain’s actual house is with a specific timed ticket. There are no photos allowed in the house but it’s a great tour. I learned a lot and the home is beautiful. To walk the grounds is free and we did that as well after our guided tour. The home is 3 stories and truly stunning. It is a fantastic example of craftsmanship and how wealthy people lived. A very enjoyable experience and the staff we are very pleasant and kind.
Tommy Martinez — Google review
We did the ghost tour at night. It was a fun Halloween time event to do. I brought my 15 year old daughter and she liked it as well. I wouldn't recommend it for kids younger than 13 just because it's alot of talking and walking, which I love, but definitely don't think younger kids would appreciate it. We didn't have anything spooky happen however and I wouldn't go so far as to say I feel it's haunted but it was a neat tour and great for people who like historical stuff mixed in with the weird and strange.
Mara Bellmar — Google review
We loved our tour here! My husband and I just did the general house tour with our baby and had a great experience. The tour guide Justin was very thorough and we learned a lot. Beautiful time of year to go, grounds where gorgeous. Would also recommend the other exhibits.
Rashae Williams — Google review
A great museum and house tour for one of America's best authors..!
It may be advantageous to book your preferred house tour slot ahead of time.
Ryan Smith — Google review
Wonderful tour of the house and museum. Very informative. Such a great writer. So much history was told about Mark Twain. Great short video to watch. I recommend to watch this before you take the tour.
Mike Moessl — Google review
Had such an amazing time! Was super lucky and picked a day where I got to be on the tour all to myself so I definitely had a bit more time to look around and appreciate the wonderful architecture and craftsmanship of the restoration crew. The library is definitely my favorite part but I loved the drawing room as well. The tour guide was well informed and knew lots of really cool and funny things about the clemens family. Once the tour of the house was over I got to see some cool exhibits and see pens that Mark Twain actually used! Not to mention all of the beautiful paintings and a small collection of books and personal momentos
Andrea Chabotte — Google review
Seemed expensive and we were on a time crunch so we didn’t do the tour but the house looks pretty remarkable. My wife is a book fanatic and seemed to think the gift shop was even better than target … it’s a good thing we have to travel home by air or we may gave ended up spending a small fortune on book lore. If you are a writer or a reader or a book lover this is a place you should definitely stop - or if you are like me and just happen to be married to someone meeting this description well … consider this a warning … this could be a time consuming and expensive stop.
Jeff Paul — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Learned so much about Mark Twain. I never was one for history when I was younger, now I find it interesting. We did the 90 min tour, our entire group stayed longer to hear more. Wouldn't recommend it for little ones.
Dawn Smith — Google review
A beautiful house of a best American writer (in my opinion).
To walk inside the house, you need to buy a ticket and book a tour (included).
It’s better to do it in advance because the place is popular and there are a lot of tourist’s buses.
The house is very interesting, definitely recommend to visit.
Photos inside are not allowed.
Marina Simonova — Google review
The tour guide was knowledgeable and the Twain’s house is a must see. The architecture was grand and beautifully rustic. It was nice to get to know such an interesting family.
pj c — Google review
Didn’t have a chance to do the tour but loved loved loved the book lore and unique books for sale in the gift shop! I left with a unique book mark, a couple stickers, a book on medical quackery and a gift for a dog lover … but I could have left with so many more fun books! Maybe someday when I make it back to tour I will leave with even more books …
Beth Paul — Google review
"The loveliest home that ever was." ~Samuel Clemens. It is a lovely home and wandering the grounds and exploring is a wonderful experience. The house has all of the charm and the tour guides explain each room. You have to opt into the guided tour to see the inside and you're not allowed to take photos inside but that makes sense. We don't need people bumping into things to take a selfie. A fun and enjoyable experience and highly recommend.
ki3L — Google review
Take a trip back in time, when you visit this luxurious house built by Samuel L Clemens and his wife Livy. Set in an idyllic location on a knoll in Hartford, you will see how nicely the home was constructed. Inside and out the place speaks of character, just like Mark Twain.
This stone mansion with unique decor & a medieval-style facade belonged to actor William Gillette.
A great state park you must visit, sitting high above the Connecticut River this truly amazing stone castle is beautiful. when we recently stopped in for the first time (lifelong CT. resident), I couldn't believe what I missed all those years. great spot for pictures with the river and blue sky a background. on our visit characters were outside strolling on the porch engaging all those who came to visit their home. Very easy to walk around, some inclines but no too bad when you take it slow. Working restroom and food on site. just show up and enjoy some time walking around this beautiful CT park. *wear some comfortable shoes, makes the inclines a little less inclined.........
James Fox — Google review
Great park to visit for all ages. Picnic areas and trails are great. Parking is great. Tour was wonderful and I was glad to have booked ahead as it was sold out by the time we arrived. The guides provided great information and answered all our questions. Would highly recommend for singles, couples or families.
ca dowd — Google review
Me and my family have visited Gillette Castle and the park numerous times over our 8 yrs residing in Connecticut.
This castle has some Tiffany light fixtures and and wonderful stairs throughout. Some cool secret passages that Gillette had built inside to spy on his company, sneak away whenever he wanted,and hear what was being said without anyone knowing he was there.
During Christmas the foyer is and throughout the first floor full of Christmas tree and so many wonderful decorations. The property is kept in good condition and there is such good history here. It is a place to visit and you will be so glad you did.
Also during the holidays outside the castle at the cider house there is a fit pit lit for the evening and fresh made cider is made and handed out. Such a beautiful and wonderful experience.
Spiral Tote — Google review
What an amazing creation. Made from rough field stone. Truly impressive. Not able to go inside because it was out of season but, I will definitely be back so that we can. Inside is supposed to be very unique. This home was a labor of love for sure.
Sean Parrott — Google review
What a beautiful state park and castle. Tickets to enter the castle are super cheap, only $8 a person. You can’t go in without a tour guide but once you are inside you can do your own exploring. You can also take your time and they do not rush you. The grounds are absolutely stunning. It’s definitely definitely worth the 2 hour drive from NYC.
Veronica Lanni — Google review
Dont let the fact that it is in the middle of nowhere scare you away. This place is gorgeous! We didn't do the indoor tour as it was booked out a couple hours, but the outside was great to see. Great view of the water. Some walking trails around it, not sure how long they are. Free parking. Bathrooms and gift shop.
Tonya Tracy — Google review
I absolutely loved this place. It is a stunning destination to visit when you’re in Connecticut. There’s a beautiful overlook at the back of the castle that provides a scenic view.
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy the fall foliage, this should definitely be on your list. The castle is open on weekends, but you’ll need a ticket for entry. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so I highly recommend purchasing them in advance before your visit.
Rashid Ahmed — Google review
The tickets to get inside the castle were sold out on Saturday, which was a bummer. But nevertheless, it was still a great experience to view the castle from the outside. There seems to be much more than the castle as well, as trails and views of the water are available too. The structure of the castle itself is quite amazing and you can capture some awesome shots. The gift shop s very small, so you may not be able to find something that fits your fancy.
The Cider House was a great lil addition. The hot cider was delicious and the people were so knowledgeable about the castle grounds and things to do. I'd highly recommend you visit at any time of the year. But seeing it in the fall seems right as the ambiance and vibes match really well. I will definitely come back to visit the inside of the castle.
William E. Ricks — Google review
Call it nostalgia or simply lovely…I hadn’t been to this location since I was a kid! I walked around and took the different paths. It was quiet and I felt the energy of the place—remembering it’s origins and stories. A few others were enjoying it anew with their kids and others just wanted to walk around feeling that energy too!
CR Joy — Google review
Beautiful castle, amazing construction! Love the experience of walking back in time! Must take historic ferry to the castle… only $5 per car… a short 5 min hop over the river… no more tours until May 2023… but worth the walk through!
Peter Ying — Google review
This place is awesome. It’s tucked away in the Forrester area of Connecticut. The grounds are filled with beautiful tall trees as well as the historic view of the castle. The gift shop offer great souvenirs and the town has colonial charm all over it.I recommend this place to any one local and foreigners to visit. You won’t regret it.
Trini — Google review
Such a beautiful place to relax and get some positive energy. Definitely coming back on summer time because I really want to get inside of that museum.
Polina Muradzian — Google review
Absolutely worth the visit. Get to see a great part of the state driving there and the castle is a sight to behold!
John Sherman — Google review
Really worth the visit. You can take many nice pictures from all angles of the castle, including the view of the river. The added bonus is the really shady trail. Parking (free) is near the castle too. There's a $6 tour of the castle if you are interested. We were hoping the ice cream shop would be open but it was not. Overall it was a really good experience for our family.
Hiep Huynh — Google review
Beautiful castle and nice easy trails around the property.
cam cameron — Google review
Gillette Castle State Park is an enchanting destination that seamlessly marries history, architecture, and natural beauty. Perched high above the picturesque Connecticut River, the castle itself is a remarkable feat of design, the brainchild of the eccentric actor and playwright William Gillette. With over 200 words, it's easy to sing praises for this remarkable locale.
The castle's striking medieval-inspired architecture stands as a testament to Gillette's creative genius. Its grey stone walls, turrets, and unique interior details transport visitors to another time, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. The surrounding grounds, meticulously landscaped with gardens and walking paths, provide stunning views of the river below, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a serene picnic.
Inside, the castle unfolds like a living puzzle, with secret passages, ingenious contraptions, and Gillette's own quirky touches at every turn. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable docents who expertly weave tales of Gillette's life and the castle's history, bringing its captivating past to life. Visitors have the chance to explore the nooks and crannies, immersing themselves in the world of a man known for his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
Gillette Castle State Park is not just an architectural gem; it's a testament to the creative spirit. Its beauty, history, and the sense of stepping into a whimsical world make it a destination worth visiting. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply seeking a day of exploration in a unique setting, Gillette Castle exceeds expectations and stands as a true testament to human imagination.
Raghu — Google review
Nice quiet state park with Greta views of the CT river. You can hike down to the river. They have nice grills and picnic tables by the water. There is a hidden beach area that looks very clean. The castle looks very unique and is a main attraction in Connecticut. Must visit
Family-friendly theme park featuring roller coasters & other rides, plus a water park.
Super clean amusement park with tons to do for both little, big and adult kids. Clearly marked height and aggressiveness descriptions so we knew what to expect for our family and their personal ride aversions. Sprawling water park with tons of cabanas, picnic seating and fun activities for everyone. Very few lines when we went on a Saturday in late August. Great times. We'll be back!
Chad Fillion — Google review
Very fun park, and a nice change from visiting a Six Flags. The food selection is decent, but the lines can be long. Ride lines don’t get too bad. Riding Boulder Dash is an absolute must do, that coaster makes the park. The park has a nice family atmosphere, and the water park is good.
saabgt3 — Google review
Overall great day. We got to the park just before opening and there were no lines. Park was well kept and clean. As the day went on , it got a bit busier and the bathrooms a little less clean. Lines for the rides were pretty quick. We came with teenagers and they had a good time.
Nice section of rides for smaller kids. Park food was definitely pricey and quality wasn't the best, but I expect that from most amusement parks. I do wish they did not charge for parking. Overall great experience.
Sarah Benson — Google review
Some of the rides were not working when I came to Lake Compounce and I was very disappointed the Boulder dash the sawmill I believe it is called the tornado , the wild cat All closed. A lot of people cut me and my children in line because they had 1 of their family members holding up a spot for them there was no staff to reassure that no one was cutting the line which is one of the main reasons there is a lot of wait time in the water park area I was very dissatisfied about that . My last trip to Lake Compounce was last Saturday and I only had a chance to ride the lazy river and get in one of the pool for 10 minutes. My children wanted to get on the waterslide that is for small children it has three slides that go down into a small pool area to employees held the line up for over 15 minutes and then decided to close the ride down 15 minutes early I took photos of this instance because I felt like that was wrong they knew they were closing the attraction early yet they still made the children wait in line for 15 to 20 minutes and then turn them around when they could have got on some thing else I’ve also took photos of this incident I have been a resident of Connecticut my entire life I come to Lake Compounce very often and I don’t believe I will be returning . Too many incidents for me to continue to waste my money and time
Errol Wayne — Google review
Great theme park for the family in Connecticut. The staff do a wonderful job. The rain came down and we were offered a voucher to come back another day. Great value. Even in the rain it was a super enjoyable day.
John O'Leary — Google review
This is a great amusement park featuring a unique wooden roller coaster (Boulder Dash) which is a true mountain coaster. They have rides for all ages from toddler up through the coaster enthusiasts. As part of your admission you have access to their large water park.
We stayed on property at their campground. Very clean and secure.
Tom Joly — Google review
First time being season pass holders first time going it was fun but alot of the rides were not working..hopefully they will when school let's out :))
Lareisha Rodriguez — Google review
A great family park. Good selection of flat rides with 2 standout roller coasters. Boulder Dash is a world-class wooden coaster... It's absolutely fantastic. Phobia Phear Coaster is a super cool multi-launch coaster with some dizzying inversions. Very unique! Ride staff are super nice and friendly. Not a destination park, but if you're in the area it's worth stopping by. The park's history is a nice touch.
The Yale University Art Gallery is a museum that exhibits art from different regions and time periods, housed in the notable Louis I. Kahn building among others. The gallery offers an impressive display of artwork, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in various genres and styles. On weekends, finding parking is manageable, and the staff is welcoming and helpful. Lockers are also available for storing personal belongings while exploring the exhibits.
I love going to museums and when they are free, that’s the best. Well I gotta say that this might be the best one I’ve ever been to. I was not honestly expecting much but I made the day trip up from NYC and I just loved it. The art on display is amazing. You can really get lost in everything that they have to offer.
Parking wasn’t too hard to get on a Sunday. And the staff was very friendly. They do have lockers for your stuff so that was helpful. The only thing that they didn’t have was any kind of gift shop because I collect magnets from my trip and they didn’t have anything to add to my collection.
Jose Ortega — Google review
Absolutely love the gallery! It is free and located at the heart of Yale campus.
Will recommend 2 hours to go through all exhibits. There is also a gift shop and a sculpture garden.
Adati Tarfa — Google review
Outstanding collection and free admission! Knowledgeable docents and even security folks were sharing info about pieces in their respective rooms if you asked a question. Our tour guide was very good and personable. I highly recommend this museum.
kathy hayes — Google review
Place is free to visit, no Pre-registration required. Masks are required, amd they do have masks to offer i believe. There are also portable stools to take with you if necessary. Bathrooms are on 1st floor and every other floor thereafter i believe. I believe the area is handicap accessible as well.
Photo exhibits, modern art, western, eastern, African, and more art from around the world.
Past, present and novel art.
Sculptures, paintings, mixed media.
4 floors with different layouts, something for everyone.
Takes about 2 hours if you rush through. 4 hours if you take your time. 3 hours if you pick and choose what you like.
Staff is overall friendly, vigilance varies. You will be reprimanded for pointing at greek sculptures or breathing too close, no exaggeration, but more modern art had pretty lax security, euro paintings staff were more friendly, guiding and talkative. My father sparked conversation with one of the spanish speaking staff that was Ecuadorian, which made him feel a bit more engaged.
Gift shop is pretty bare bones, mostly paper media.
Location is right in downtown and parking is busier on weekends.
Tours are also available for those who wish lore engagement with the history and media.
Overall 5 stars, especially as the no cost to visitors makes up for any small inconvenience.
Jason Ramos — Google review
Amazing place with many different artists and exhibitions! Unbelievable that is completely free!! It has four levels in total, you will definitely need a whole day to enjoy the gallery at its fullest. I highly recommend this place.
Jorge Rodriguez — Google review
Pleasantly surprised at the quality and impressive amount of art from around the world, at this gallery. From ancient art to modern art, Yale did not disappoint. I was excited to see paintings from Monet, Picasso, and many other famous artists. It's free to visit, so go and check it out! Parking is available in local private garages or on the street.
Joe Kralicky — Google review
Really cool place. The staff here were friendly and helpful with any questions we had. Parking is not super convenient. Had to pay to park in a garage a block over. Plenty of cool things to appreciate inside!
Adam Wuoti — Google review
Absolutely stunning! Exceeded expectations tenfold! The halls are beautiful in addition to the art. Very nice courtyard and easy to access. Highly recommended!
Courtney Thompson — Google review
Short version: This museum offers a varied collection of art and is great for museum lovers. The security and guards are respectful & insightful, and admission is free. However, if you're not a fan of museums, you might want to skip it. 3/5
Full Version:
This museum is a haven in New Haven for art enthusiasts. As someone who doesn't usually enjoy museums, I found the experience surprisingly pleasant. The museum boasts a diverse collection of sculptures, paintings, and other artistic works that cater to a wide audience.
One of the highlights of the visit was the respectful and insightful security and guards, who added value to the experience. Additionally, the free admission was a nice touch.
While the art was displayed in a decent fashion, nothing particularly stood out as exceptional. For those who do not typically enjoy museums, it might be best to give to not chance it. Museums are for museum lovers and this will place will not create any converts.
Daniel Yoon — Google review
Keep coming here for this extensive collection. You will be surprised how such a relatively small gallery is able to deliver this unique experience.
All the staff here is amazing and surprise surprise the admittance is free.
Well done Yale.
Alessandro Frati — Google review
I highly recommend this place. The gallery is exquisite. The masterpieces they have on display are amazing! Where would you get this kind of thing anywhere else? Thank you for keeping it free and available to the public. What an amazing place to visit. Highly recommend.
Hleumas H — Google review
This art gallery is an absolute treasure trove for art enthusiasts and culture aficionados. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported into a world of artistic marvels and captivating stories. The first thing that struck me upon entering the Yale Art Gallery was the stunning architecture. The gallery spaces are thoughtfully laid out, allowing visitors to navigate through the exhibits with ease. The natural light that floods the galleries creates an enchanting ambiance, enhancing the viewing experience. Last but not the least, the collection housed within the Yale Art Gallery is nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning a vast range of periods, styles, and mediums, the artworks on display showcase the evolution of human artistic expression.
Mahjabeen Rahman — Google review
Amazing place. I rode my bike over and locked it at the bike rack outside of the art gallery entrance. Entrance is free and they have free lockers to store your backpack and water bottle, it is an art gallery after all.
It was truly wonderful seeing ancient artifacts including statues, pottery, currency, and mosaics. I only got through 3 exhibits before I left and I'm excited to return to see the remainder.
I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area.
Britt Snider — Google review
Absolutely love this place. It was my first time here. I drove through the beautiful foliage from NYC to see the European Art section and it was well worth the visit. The British gallery across the street was closed. They have a well organized section of perhaps 20 or 30 paintings in the special exhibits section on the 4th floor.
What I love about the Gallery (aside for the charming town it's located in), is the manageable size. Each room is small enough, to take in its richness without feeling overwhelmed (like my beloved Met). Although I spent longer with the artworks that moved me, I still didn't finish the European Arts section.
Non-security employees are students who come from all over, which add to the perspectives I encountered.
I look forward to returning to the art gallery and Yale libraries.
Such feasts for the spirit are free, all are welcome, and indeed, there is something for everyone.
Tax Professional — Google review
Has artifacts from all over the world and different eras, the museum has lot to offer, especially after being free for entry. Also some great art pieces.
Must visit if you’re in the area.
Neil Samant — Google review
Took it for granted how robust a collection they’ve got for a long time. Came back to New Haven for a day trip and found it very easy to spend hours browsing the collection here. It’s wonderful that this gallery is free and open to the public. Cool gift shop too. Free lockers to use to store your backpack also. Would recommend stopping here if you are a person who wants to enjoy art.
Adam Moftah — Google review
It was an absolutely fantastic experience to visit the Yale University Art Gallery! I was always fascinated with artworks across multiple cultures and eras, so the gallery perfectly provided satisfaction with an array of artworks across the globe from different time periods. The gallery itself was an articulately designed building at a much larger scale than expected and it was evenly divided into different sections, each showcasing various artworks from different areas of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed the special showcases as well and will want to recommend the gallery to everyone who wishes to visit New Haven sometime in the future.
Kwon Tae Woo — Google review
Stunning collection! Stong on modern art. African art collection by far the best I have ever seen: it is a showcase rather than the sideshow that it is in many museums. Convenient location near New Haven Green, free admission, self-service lockers, clean restrooms.
Charles Clark — Google review
Beautiful collections. Free admission. What particularly stood out to me was all the variety of Asian exhibits! It was a nice change of pace to see pieces from South, East and Southeast Asia rather than the usual in other museums. We don’t know too much about art and we spent close to 2 hours here.
The Long Island Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction that features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays showcasing marine and island wildlife. The aquarium boasts one of the largest coral displays in the Western Hemisphere, as well as a massive shark tank and touch tanks for hands-on exploration. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with penguins, sea lions, and seals through interactive features like selfies, meal prep sessions, boat rides, shark dives, feeding stingrays, and frolicking with sea lions.
Went on Mother's day which is you have a paid child than mom's go for free. Even though my son could have gotten in for free since he's under 2 it was worth paying for him instead of an adult ticket. They gave an otter presentation which I really enjoyed. The butterfly garden was also my favorite. Great fun place for anyone who is an animal lover! Highly recommend
Nicole Calderone — Google review
This place is always a fun time! Its great for bringing a date or taking the family! The sea lion show is a definite highlight! My kids also loved the sting ray petting pool!
michael lapadula — Google review
I didn’t hate it or love it but it’s definitely not worth the $50 entrance. The sea lion show was okay. The butterfly area was also oky nothing special. The monkeys were nowhere to be found. Finished in 3 hours.
Jancy Rosero — Google review
This aquarium would be great for children, low viewing level so kids can see in. The place is well decorated, there is a huge shark tank you can watch from above and below. You can feed turtles and manta-rays in the front area. Don't forget there is a sea lion show that is a must see. Plus in the back there is a jungle gym tree and some tunnels to play in.
For adults, I think it is lacking signage with information about what's in each tank and a few facts about them. Plus it felt like a few of the tanks were smaller than they should be (not my profession, just seemed smaller than other aquariums I have been to)
Over all a good aquarium, maybe they need to clean up in general a little and adjust how tanks are set up.But I would go again.
Ethan Wright — Google review
My favorite aquarium on the East Coast!
That’s my second time in this aquarium and nothing changed still beautiful!
The Atlantis theme awesome Poseidon the Greek God unbelievable as a idea love every second there with my family! Picture with the Penguin and the sea lion show amazing experience! Butterfly garden breathtaking with the music . Snorkeling I’m sure unforgettable for the kids . Tickets for adult $42, parking 2 blocks away $12 for the day (not include for the tickets also if you wanna do the snorkeling it’s extra $39
picture with animals extra $22 (food kids eat inside the aquarium) fresh,
drinks have free refills soda slushes too.
Opening hours not so late weekdays 10-4 weekend till 5 if you wanna enjoy all adventures better to start there earlier.
I know it’s cost a lot together but once in the whole worth the trip!
Brigitta Danyi — Google review
Plan to spend the day. The aquarium is expensive. If you plan to come twice a year it’s worth it to become a member. There is a lot to do to keep everyone entertained. There are shows throughout the day and the staff is knowledgeable and happy to chat about the animals they care about. Also, checkout the rock wall and climbing play area. Food is also expensive so pack snacks.
Anne DeSimone — Google review
Cute place, it's small but tons to see. And just when you done you have seen everything there always more. It's worth checking out!. And includes the butterfly room too.
Christine Butler — Google review
We've been at the weekend and on a week day, it is definitely better to visit on a weekday as there is free parking and free entrance to the butterfly farm. This is a nice aquarium, with a great shark tank, sea lion shows and various fresh water and salt water tanks. There are also otters, snow.monkeys, bugs, porcupines, etc. My son loves coming here with all the different things to see. His favourite are the sharks, turtles and Ray petting pond.
Karen Humphrey — Google review
What a great place we have here on Long Island!
I recommend visiting at least once, you will definitely want to come back again.
It is interesting not only for children but also for adults!
I really like the exhibition with butterflies.
Every time I am charged here with positive and good mood, it's like returning to childhood, I want to smile more often!
Also, I want to thank you for the wonderful and informative boat trip on the Tour boat on September 3rd.
In conclusion, I want to say that this is a really interesting place to have fun with both children and grandparents, for the whole family. If you plan to visit the Aquarium several times a year, buy a membership - it will save you time and money.
Natalia Ilina — Google review
The staff get a 4.5. They are really knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. They are so great with visitors especially the children. However, it is really expensive for such a small aquarium. Spent almost $100 on tickets for 1 child and 1 adult plus parking. They charge you $12 to use the playground onsite. The glass on the attractions are hard to see through. My baby struggled to see the creatures. But he did have a great time and so I give it a 3.8.
T M — Google review
Great place to take the kids but the cost of admission, parking, and food was high. Seven dollars for a small soda is outrageous! We did have a good time though.
Patricia Campanelli — Google review
My 7 month old loved the aquarium but a lot of the exhibits were closed or under construction..Maybe because of the off season (we went on a weekday in mid May) but for the price of admission I expected more. The penguins weren't out and we didnt see sea lions. Many of the tanks looked like they needed to be cleaned and some of the animals looked sad to me. The people working there were very friendly and the girl at the desk did tell us if we waited until 3, the price was half off, which we appreciated. Overall a fun experience but definitely pricey.
Julie Lanty — Google review
The best aquarium in New York.
(Personal opinion)
Absolutely loved the experience. The staff was kind and educational. Indoor and outdoor was exceptionally clean. Well kept and very welcoming. 10/10
Crystal Brown — Google review
I recently visited the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, and it was a mixed experience. There were various captivating exhibits to explore, with the highlight being the stunning butterfly exhibit that's a must-see. However, my visit was marred by the fact that several exhibits were closed, possibly due to ongoing development or arriving too early.
One disappointment was the high cost of food, as I paid a hefty $21 for a grilled chicken sandwich that was mostly filled with lettuce and a side of sweet potato fries. On the positive side, despite the setbacks, the overall experience was enjoyable and fun (I'll update this review in the upcoming days, but I'll leave it like this for the time being so I don't forget to review it).
James Poe — Google review
Amazing place! Highly recommend to each & everyone whatever age & size. There's shows, so much hands on activities. Great for all the senses to be aroused. My favorite part and only reason I went was for the butterflies. Great butterfly conservatory that's open year round... that's phenomenal. Highly recommend.
🦋The sting rays you can touch and see up close and personal. The sea lions, penguins, monkeys, and ottors are amazing as well & up close and personal.
🦋There's a rescue owl here, lavender brown.
🦋If you love nature, this is the place for you and your loved ones.
🦋there's a cafe here!
🦋there's a gift shop
🦋The staff are all informative & courteous.
🦋there's many events here that take place.
Zarina — Google review
Today's visit went from bad to absolutely horrible and ruined pretty much the rest of the day. I normally buy tickets at my local library because it's $27 instead of almost 48 at the library. So I purchased four tickets this morning because my daughter gets in for free and I had a friend whose birthday was next Wednesday. When we got there the lady tried to explain to us that his birthday was in fact technically 8 days because they count today as a day which still makes no sense because his birthday was next Wednesday. Which one week equals 7 days not 8. We even pulled up a calendar and tried to do the math with her but she said that we either paid for him or he didn't get in. Whatever! I had another ticket in the car so I just had my one friend run back to my car and grab another ticket. Things took a turn for the worse when we went to the reptile exhibit and we watched the uromastyx lizards get into a full on fight one literally was bitten the other on the side so bad that there was blood. We decided to knock on the door that said employees only to alert them that the one lizard was harmed. We were met with a teenage looking boy sitting down and a bunch of kids just laughing saying oh that's how they play. We tried to explain to them that we all work in an animal store and that lizards don't in fact play with each other like that. I even tried to tell the guy that they should look at the reptile to check out the wound because it was bleeding and he said that the lizard was perfectly fine. Not too sure how a lizard that looks like it was getting half eaten and bleeding everywhere. Perfectly fine but whatever. I honestly don't think I will be returning in the future. It's sucks because the butterfly lady and the lady at the sea turtle were wonderful if only the rest of the staff could take notes.
Tiffany Jakubek — Google review
It is a very beautiful place, with a great setting and a wide exhibition of marine species, nice for children over 3 years old, young people and adults ... The bathrooms are comfortable, the employees are very friendly, the games area needs to fix some machines The food is expensive for potatoes and hamburgers. They should have cheaper options. I recommend you read the menu before eating the food, it is on the top of the cash register 🥲🤔🫨🧐🙈🙉🙊😉😉😉
Carlo baldu — Google review
It's almost enchanting lol great place a bit expensive and the parking is eh, it's there.
Thomas Rooney — Google review
Great place. A little pricey even for seniors but well worth it! There's something for everyone. I especially liked the butterfly exhibit where the butterflies fly about the room landing on shrubbery people and benches. It's a sight to behold!
Margaret A. Burns — Google review
Great place to visit. Lots of things to see and experience. You can also feed the stingrays, turtles and fishes.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a notable 5-acre waterfront center in the SoNo district that showcases Long Island Sound's marine life and maritime culture. With more than 30 fresh- and saltwater exhibitions, including a touch tank, theater, and cafe, this aquarium offers an excellent experience for families with young kids as well as adults.
This is a awesome aquarium! It’s on the smaller side, but my family spent 2 hours looking around. The stingray tank is one of the best touch pools I’ve experienced, they’re very well taken care of. It’s only $3 to feed them too! This aquarium is probably best for families with young children, but it was still enjoyable as an adult. I appreciate all the love for the seals as well! It’s a great exhibit.
My favorite part was all of the octopuses, all three were pretty active. I got lots of great pictures.
The gift shop is also pretty affordable compared to other zoos/aquariums!
Lauren Shinoski — Google review
Very beautiful, amazing, and very well run place. The many animals that you'll see are really amazing and absolutely great creations of God. I've been 3 times so far and would go again and again with friends and family. I feel the price is very much worth it. Please, by all means go and experience animals that you may not have ever seen. You'll absolutely love feeding the small sting rays. Just so much to see and enjoy. The staff are very well educated about the animals and are very nice.
HammyLuv Young — Google review
Great Aquarium and bigger than what I expected. They have quite a good selection of fishes and sea animals. They are clean and well organized. It was not crowded which is good. Its helpful to get there as soon as they open and park in the parking lot across the street ($8 for all day parking). The admission was a good price considering other Aquariums I have been to. Around noon time they feed the seals, that was fun to watch. One thing that I enjoyed was that they had water fountains available for you drink water and to refill your water bottle for FREE. I had a great visit and will come back in the future.
Yanibel Colvin — Google review
For the price I definitely thought they would have more to offer, still had a good time! Would recommend for kids and family time. Went around 3 and was able to see everything in the aquarium in under 20 minutes :): the 4d theater was great but also short !
Cinthia Diaz — Google review
A big space but a pretty quick walk through. Different types of animals to see. Not too crowded when we went on a Saturday afternoon. Reasonable ticket prices. Gift shop, had a good selection. Cafe upstairs was nice. Food was fresh and the employees were very nice! Overall, nice place to visit if you are in the area.
Gracie Gbadamosi — Google review
Love the new exhibits they have! Last year the butterfly exhibit wasn’t around, and many mistake it for being at the zoo, but it isn’t! It’s very much alive and bustling with life this year. The expansion they did looks nice, and I highly recommend a visit if you are or aren’t a local! Not to mention if you show proof of Ct residency your ticket and children are free of charge! Only the parking garage- which I was there for maybe 4-5 hours and cost me 6$- pretty good- cheaper than the tank of gas to get there 🤗
Sara Assemi — Google review
Second year we go here & I love it , my kids definitely enjoyed it today . One thing we missed from last year was the butterflies hopefully they be back soon. This aquarium definitely was worth the 1 hour & a half drive ❤️❤️ Btw Residents showing their SNAP EBT card and CT ID at the door can receive Aquarium admission for just $3 per person, for up to 6 people. (No more than 2 of the 6 can be adults). The offer is valid year-round ❤️❤️
Julie Alicea — Google review
We went for my birthday and it was absolutely perfect! I was looking into multiple aquariums, but my husband insisted on this one and I am so happy he did! The little store, the various exhibits, and how close you can get to the marine animals is all enthralling and great. The staff are knowledgeable and kind and the aquarium is truly an experience to be had. Absolutely recommend!
Jen Abreu — Google review
Great place to visit once in a while . We bought a membership this year so if we go one more time we save tons of money . (Family of 6). Animals are beautiful and look to be in good health , staff is passionate and knowing. My one complaint is the cafe . Cost me $100 for a couple chicken tender plates and a salad that was gross . It was chaos and kind of self serve . Next time we visit I’ll eat at a local restaurant for that price .
Marissa Greenwood — Google review
We absolutely enjoyed our trip to the Maritime Aquarium...and so did our 2.5 year old son! The Seals were our favorite! It really exceeded our expectations and we're looking forward to our next visit. There were so many areas to explore and it was staffed really well for a Monday morning. It's entirely indoors, so perfect during the winter or on rainy days. Parking was easy with a (pay) garage adjacent to the Aquarium.
Mallory Entrieri — Google review
I live in Norwalk and have a long history at the Maritime Aquarium! Words cannot describe how much I love and appreciate this place. I love the staff, the volunteers and most of all, the beautiful animals they have. A big highlight is being able to touch the stingrays and tiger sharks! Soooo fun! Definitely a must see place in the North East!
Echi — Google review
The aquarium is delightful and great for all ages! I read some Google reviews before going and everyone seemed to have wonderful things to say about the place. I now understand why. The place is completely indoors, even the seal feeding! Which made it great for the rainy day today. We enjoyed the butterflies at the flutter zone. There's a few places where the visitors can pet and feel the animals, including stingrays and jellyfish. There is food for the stingrays for purchase. There is an exhibit where the kids can design a virtual sealife animal and have it swim on a screen. There is a toddler's play area with lots of toys and seating for parents. There are nursing rooms and changing rooms if you'll be coming with small babies. We did not have time for the 4D movie, but there is a schedule of the movie showings throughout the day. The 2 options were happy feet or octopus. There was so much to see and do and the hours just passed by while we enjoyed our time. It's a great place for visitors of all ages. I highly recommend this place. It's probably the most well-designed aquarium I've ever been to.
Chaya Levine — Google review
One of the best aquariums I’ve visited in years. Worth the visit for all ages. Plenty of animals to see and interactive activities. Best of all is they rehabilitate animals to return to their natural habitat and house those that are unable to do so. We enjoyed a seal show, touched sting rays and got up close using the dome looking glasses they had in different exhibits. Very cool! Highly recommend.
Pilar — Google review
This is a solid aquarium. It's not the biggest one out there, and coupled with the fact that it's all indoors (which I love), this means that it doesn't have large exhibits, but I'm ok with that.
Little kids will enjoy it, lots to see, even some areas where you can touch crabs, stingrays, and some fish. Plenty of room to push a stroller around (although, you should still try to bring a small one), and it even has a little play area for kids.
The cafe, while not having the most thrilling menu, definitely had tasty food. And the parking garage is right across the street.
We'll definitely be going back again. It was a great day.
Mudi Kenney — Google review
It's a great aquarium that's not too big, but not too small. Perfect for anyone with younger kids. The shark exhibit is amazing, with many large tiger sharks easily visible. The meerkat exhibit allows the kids to safely get very close to the animals. The stingray tank allows the kids to touch the rays safely. Overall, it was a fun trip that the kids enjoyed.
Ameer Ahmed — Google review
As with many things in this small state this is the best/only aquarium of proper size just like the one only zoo in the state. The good news is it is worth the drive and almost makes living in this state tolerable.
Good low cost parking ( about $4 to $8 for a regular or long visit) no problem finding a spot even on a weekend. Lots of diverse sea life. Lots of interaction with sea life at no additional cost. Bonus points if you come in warmer weather as they have a lovely observation point to take in the river which is very instagramable and they usually have food trucks but remember to bring cash
Elias Fernandez — Google review
No matter how many times I've been, I still find visiting the Maritime Aquarium enjoyable! Always plenty to see and do with children and students. Clean and welcoming environment.
Robin R — Google review
A super fun place to visit, especially with kids! I came with my niece and nephew, and we all had a blast. I especially loved being able to interact with the sturgeon, as I've never seen those in a touch tank at any other aquarium. And the river otter is amazing. They also have sea turtles that are enormous!
Lauren Turek — Google review
I loved visiting this aquarium I touched many sea animals and I had so much fun. Excellent choice to spend the day, I saw so many kids here which I thought was great cause kids can learn a lot in here as they learn of the ocean creatures.
Mei Li Jin — Google review
Beautiful, organized familiar place. It’s always a good choice even if you don’t live close. The kids love! There are a lot of activities and also a playground space for the little ones. You can pet rays and it’s a cute experience!
Bianca C. — Google review
I came here often, as a kid 30 yrs ago, when the place was new. It was my absolute pleasure to bring my own kids. It hasn't changed much, and my kiddos loved it as much as I did!
The tour and museum were so much better than anticipated. Very inspiring. I would highly recommend.
My Umdnj — Google review
West Point is classic. The real deal. So lucky to have a bright young senior who was accepted. Hope she makes the right call and chooses ARMY.
Rafael Infante — Google review
Only one West Point on the planet, with the rich history, architecture, setting, and ranking as the #1 military academy in the world. Must be experienced to be understood! You will see the iconic views of the Hudson River and the inseparable connection to the USMA. To fully engage I suggest reading some sources of information in advance of a visit. The history, military mission and lifetime commitments of that Long Gray Line, on and off the battlefield, are the soul of West Point. I felt an unanticipated visceral and emotional response when I arrived for my first visit with my grandson, when he was 10, at his request. Proud beyond description that he is now a graduate.
Carolyn R. Wall — Google review
Did the bud tour in April 2022. The tour guide was great - friendly and enthusiastic and not dry at all, there was just the right amount of stops during the tour, and the bus was comfortable. I'd say this is a highly recommended detour from NYC! (Note that the bus leaves right on time so do not be late!)
Andrew Yin — Google review
My first time here & the history/location exceeds my expectations. Beautiful, scenic views from this location even in the middle of winter! A bold mix of Old World & New Future. I look forward to visiting this place when it gets warm outside!
Sedrick Jackson — Google review
Beautiful Campus. Cadets and Service Members, thank you!❤️🇺🇲
kim steffen — Google review
There’s so much history to appreciate in this centuries old establishment…we took the tour and wowed on the compound where Military leaders are trained. You come out with a lot of respect for the commitment, service and dedication of the men and women who serve the country. Hats off!
Yolanda DeWit — Google review
Loved the Visitor's Center. I came after booking a bus tour. While waiting for the tour to start, I started walking through the visitor's center but only got a few rooms in and I had noticed 30 minutes had flown by. I returned later after the tour and finished the visitor's center, which took me about an hour to complete.
The visitor's center has a ton of modern and interesting exhibits about West Point, its history and the academy's 4-year curriculum, which I found very interesting. I was thrilled to learn of what the cadets go through, from their first day through graduation. There are a few interactive exhibits including two movie rooms.
I also found out that the visitor's center and neighboring museum are both completely free! You do not need to book any tour or obtain a pass to visit these buildings.
Currently, masks are required in both buildings at all time.
I highly recommend the visitor's center, museum and bus tour ($18 ish) to everyone of all ages.
Jason Persaud — Google review
Great history amazing views, free. Recommended booking a campus tour.
Eric — Google review
The visitor center is an attractive building with a fantastic view of the Hudson River from the entry foyer. There are videos to watch and many, many photographs with lots of text on display portraying cadet live at West Point. A display of the different uniforms, with explanation, and/or a model of the West Point campus would have provided a welcome break from all the reading. Definitely worth visiting, though.
Terri Taylor Tattan — Google review
Visitor center has some exhibits you can check out for free. It's almost a mini museum, but there is an actual museum in a different building. We came here after doing the bus tour. It is very nice and clean inside. They do have bathrooms and plenty of parking.
Toni Sterling — Google review
Such a beautiful facility! Great museum outlining the cadet experience.
Leave lots of time for the gift shop!
GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!
Kykuit, also known as the John D. Rockefeller estate, is situated in Pocantico Hills hamlet in Hudson Valley and offers tours of its 40-room home, gardens and art collection to the public. With panoramic views that include a stunning view of the New York City skyline just 25 miles away, visitors can appreciate the history and beauty of this landmark estate that was home to America's richest family for four generations.
A very good tour. The grounds were beautiful and very well maintained. The house was also very beautiful and this is something for you to do. Make sure to go on a nice day to get the most beautiful views. I don’t like that you have to take a tour to go on the grounds, because I would have just liked to walk around but it was a very good tour so it was ok.
Joshua Friedberg — Google review
The house is beautiful. The art is magnificent. The tour guide (Kelly) was knowledgeable and passionate about her subject. I could have spent the day just exploring the grounds and gardens. I don't recommend this tour for younger children but a teen that is into history or art will enjoy it. The grand tour was extensive and could be a lot of walking since it's 3 hours, but it was so worth it.
Susan Valenta — Google review
Very nice and scenic tour of the Rockefeller Estate. In my opinion, the tour felt shorter than expected but it was completely worth it. Gorgeous views of the estate's interior and exterior plus a beautiful garden/courtyard and breathtaking views of New Jersey. The tour groups are small about 15 - 20 people. A free shuttle will take you to and from the estate. Not the most comfortable but still better than nothing.
Matthew Kim — Google review
This house is just as much art museum as history. I went on a fantastic tour with a very informative guide, whose name I sadly cannot remember. I picked the most expensive tour, which was around $60, if I recall correctly, but the tour was well worth the price. The tour included the house and the grounds as well as the secret art museum underneath the house which led into Rockefeller’s reception cave (?! This man was loaded!). We also got to see the coach house with a great number of historic coaches and cars.
Having been on many tours of historic homes and places across the eastern half of the country, I can easily say this was one of the coolest places I’ve seen. The art alone, both historic and modern, makes it worth the visit. There are a number of Picasso pieces and tapestries (who knew Picasso did tapestries?!) and a Noguchi sculpture among the large collection. The sculptures and art pieces are all very well placed and the gardens are kept immaculately along with the fantastic architecture.
I cannot recommend this place highly enough. If you enjoy history and art, then the three hour tour is 100% worth it and you are ripping yourself off if you settle for less.
Alex Moore — Google review
Did the classical tour. Book tickets in advance online and make sure to get there a little earlier to sign in at the desk. We were a little late but they were nice enough to let us sit in the next tour and catch up to our regular group. The mansion is nice and our tour guide was very informative. She knew a lot of information and was able to answer everyone's questions. The tour does involve standing and walking for a bit so it might not be for young kids. The mansion is pretty and there's a lot to look at so the tour does last around 2.5 hours.
Win Chun — Google review
Went for the Grand tour (3 hours) and our guide Brian was a great storyteller, knowledgeable about the estate, friendly and professional. The tour started with a shuttle ride to the estate. The shuttle left the meeting spot on time, as stated on the ticket. Brian explained the history clearly and provided all the details which I much appreciated. I really enjoyed the tour, 3hrs went by really fast. There is no food and drinks for purchase on site and no breaks during the tour. The tour was semi fast-paced which I didn't mind because I wanted to see as many arts and sculptures as this place has to offer. However, if people become tired during the tour, there is an outdoor beautiful garden area to sit and relax, and can rejoin the group later. Highly recommend.
Nick K — Google review
This tour was my personal hell... 18 people on a warm day, crammed into small spaces, and then vomited obscure facts on tons of objects all while being told you're not coming back here, so get your pictures now... except inside, pictures of that China with the off centered logo and repo paintings are not allowed. Would rather pay $25 for 30 minutes to walk the grounds.... some people loved the tour and asked about the longer tour... you essentially repeat the classic tour and get even more babble.
Trypp Adams — Google review
Such a special place to visit with a diverse collection of art, furniture, family history, and architectural designs of craftsmen of times long past. There are expansive views of the Hudson River Valley and many peaceful outdoor garden areas to enjoy. It is a great tour which should not be missed!
Rose M. — Google review
Kinda hard to get tickets but worth the visit. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. I told him it was my friend's birthday and he made mention of it on the bus ride over. That made her feel very special. They really made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Great views. The gardens were really coo. I was surprised at what was still in bloom. Overall great experience. I highly recommend.
Raychael Chavez Coombes — Google review
We took our 2 girls (age 9 and 13) for the classic tour last week. Everyone really enjoyed the history, art, and beauty of the property. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the Rockefeller family. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see how the richest family in America lived
Peter Joffe — Google review
Google maps is WRONG,
Set your navigation to:
381 N. Broadway
Sleepy Hollow NY
Google maps will take it to the exact location, but you need to go to the other location on Broadway for a shuttle to take you there (see photo)
This place was a little on the expensive side considering touring mansions
The shuttle was a comfortable and clean ride of only 6 minutes.
The Mansion is grand, lavish, beautiful well kept.
I was a little disappointed because at the admission desk they didn't offer the grand tour. So I was not able to see the bedrooms. Very disappointed.
I definitely will be back again perhaps in the fall of exchange colors.
Isaac K. — Google review
The inability to enjoy and experience even the outdoor gardens without the constant policing with hand radios and containment of the group for an exorbitant fee mar the spectacle of opulent surrounding that is Kykuit. We would have preferred to simply leisurely stroll the grounds without a guide and not even have entered the home.
Marius Jaskowski — Google review
I have long wanted to visit Kykuit, but it never seemed to make the cut on my weekend trips up the Hudson River Valley from NYC. I have visited so many Gilded Age house museums. And the website for KyKuit wasn’t enticing enough - although some of the links to short videos about the house actually are quite intriguing. And I had read Ron Chernow’s Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller and I was obsessed with what JDR had accomplished and then gave away - not all by the best means.
But Oh how wrong I was. Kykuit was one of the most rewarding house museum tours that I have ever experienced - granted we elected to take the 3 hour grand tour. Not for a moment was anyone in my group of 4 not fully engaged and enjoying the tour - my 2 younger adult Italian-German cousin’s kids, me - truly jaded NYC born middle aged male and my Ghanaian born partner.
A big part of the complete engagement and enjoyment clearly goes to our very knowledgeable and insightful tour guide - Bonnie McGee. She brought the house to life for us with her in-depth knowledge of the stories of the family and literally every single object in the house, in the art galleries and in the gardens. She illuminated the objects through the storytelling that she so expertly did.
I could have spend many more hours exploring the house and hearing more stories.
But on a purely visual level, the home, the gardens, the art, the view out to the Hudson, the carriages and cars are visually breathtaking. The house is not the over the top ostentatious (but also fabulous) homes of the Vanderbilt’s (The Breakers in Newport, Biltmore House and Gardens in Asheville), but the house possess the now ubiquitous “quiet luxury” status.
I highly recommend the Grand Tour of the House, Gardens and Galleries - it is a must do on any trip up the Hudson River and just moments north of NYC.
Spectacular!
Uri Vaknin — Google review
There is nothing to be said about this estate other than fabulous. The tour guide was fantastic as well. Im sad, however, that there are not grounds only tours because I would love the joy of walking these grounds in all 3 seasons but cant afford to drop 65.00 each time to do it. I do hope that can be considered moving forward so that once the home is savored the grounds can be enjoyed in different ways.
Ingrid Hill — Google review
Breathtaking! History buffs, lovers of architecture, design, and manicured gardens will adore this place. We opted for the three hour tour which gives you a great overview of the interior living area (photos not allowed inside) along with the garden grounds and basement art gallery. Loved it. Park at visitors center and tour bus will take you up to the entrance to the estate. Must see when visiting Sleepy Hollow!
Jackie Rupp — Google review
Not being allowed to take pics inside is a bummer. Everything else is great. Property, both inside and outside, was beautiful. We were there on 10/7/23 for the 12:15 grand tour - definitely recommend the 3 hour grand tour for the full experience. Our tour guide was truly phenomenal.
Fatima Skornjan — Google review
If your tour is at 1:00 pm, that means the shuttle picks you up at the Visitor Center at 1:00 pm. They will announce the shuttle for your tour has arrived and then you hop on.
Also, check in with the Ticket desk in the back of the visitor center to get your tour bracelet before the tour start time.
Overall, really enjoyed our highlights tour (1.5 hours). Our guide was excellent and she clearly has great respect for the estate which she demonstrated with fun anecdotes and details. Would recommend a visit to Kykuit! (Photos only allowed outside the house). Plenty of parking in the overflow lot up the hill. Visited Sept 2023.
Laurel Clare — Google review
This was one of the nicest for I’ve ever done in my life . I bought the grand tour tickets I got to see more than I ever would’ve expected. I felt like the further into the tour you went the more surprises you get👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great for art enthusiasts. I’m glad they don’t allow to take pictures indoors because it definitely would’ve been a spoiler
Josy J — Google review
Did a grand tour of the estate. Tour guide was well informed and charismatic. There were many sculptures and art pieces throughout the estate (though you can't take photos inside the houses themselves).
Jason Lau — Google review
To be honest I expected way more for 45$. I have visited many mansions in NY and I that’s the first time I feel disappointed. This is a 6 floor house, for 45$ you can see 1 floor and for 65$ 2 floors. House itself pretty small. There is art gallery in a basement that is also shown, but you don’t spend too much time there, so you can’t get the “gallery experience” (actually walk around and admire art). All tour you with a tour guide. You don’t have time to self-explore and take pictures. And I don’t understand why they so strict about that.. it’s far not the most impressive gardens, neither the most old. So there is no reason why people can’t just explore themselves. I mean of course there is a reason, but it’s not about preservation of history or something like that. It’s pretty commercial reason in my opinion.
I didn’t learn anything interesting, maybe the family didn’t have very interesting live, or tour guide didn’t do a good job.
Either way, in my opinion it’s not worth the money and time.
I would recommend Old Westberry Gardens on Lon Island, also Vanderbilt mansion (Eagle’s Nest) and Coe Hall Historic House Museum. The price much lower, you can learn more, explore yourself and spend the whole day over there.
Central Park is a sprawling green space in Midtown Manhattan that is visited by millions of people every year. The park encompasses 843 acres and has a variety of attractions, including a zoo, carousel, boat rentals and a reservoir. The park is renowned for its beauty and diversity and features iconic structures such as the Bethesda Terrace with its 1,600 colored tiles ceiling and the Alice in Wonderland statue.
Central Park was 🤩 it’s just like the pictures you recognize where the movies take place and it brings you back makes you feel part of the moves, for some reason the street noise is also blocked you can forget your in a city 🌆 unless you look at the buildings, but it’s beautiful the birds 🦢 chirp, and dogs 🐶walked the horses 🐎 also get their exercise it’s really cool to see a very active park, I thought it would be big empty, and scary but it’s a nice busy, tidy, clean and it was easy to find the things I was looking for!!
It’s impressive to look out and see the line of trees against the buildings on the other side!
aldo bardoino — Google review
I mean it’s Central Park! Listen, I was optimistic about ever going to the city, but the opportunity can about and I jumped on it. Best decision ever!! It’s only something I feel can be experienced in person. Pictures do not do justice! Central Park was amazing! It’s crazy how you can be in the park and not hear the city at all beside a faint siren, but other than that you almost forget your in a big city…. Walked it from top to bottom and still did not see everything. Plenty of places to sit down and relax and just take it all in…
Listen, if you have ever thought about going… DO IT!! I did a bus trip from Bowman bus services and was not disappointed at all. Make the trip!
Matt Butler — Google review
mean it’s Central Park! Listen, I was optimistic about ever going to the city, but the opportunity can about and I jumped on it. Best decision ever!! It’s only something I feel can be experienced in person. Pictures do not do justice! Central Park was amazing! It’s crazy how you can be in the park and not hear the city at all beside a faint siren, but other than that you almost forget your in a big city…. Walked it from top to bottom and still did not see everything. Plenty of places to sit down and relax and just take it all in…
Listen, if you have ever thought about going… DO IT!! I did a bus trip from Bowman bus services and was not disappointed at all. Make the trip
Shahidur Rahman — Google review
Entry : Free
open 6 am to 1 am daily.
Running, walking, cycling
Can rent a bicycle for a park visit.
Pet allowed.
Central Park's 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan.
This park is home to artificial lakes, waterfalls, meadows and wooded areas. You will also find the Central Park Zoo, among other attractions in this green space of New York.
P.C.B. (Prem) — Google review
Now this is what all parks around the world aspire to be like. To have such a lush extensive area within NYC is already amazing. Add on the different activity areas, dedicated walking and biking routes and you could very well spend an entire day here. The grounds were clean and well manicured and it was very easy to arrive via the subway.
Michael Benissan — Google review
This park is pretty good in central New York, and it’s massive. There are many things to do, and the people are playing music. There were so many small shops selling so much stuff like a gift, and they were like, I love it! There are so many musicians playing the tune. Excellent painting. There is so much to do in this place if you live nearby. It’s a perfect place to run in the morning.
sanjay — Google review
Title: Central Park - Urban Oasis of Tranquility and Recreation
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Central Park in New York City is nothing short of a breathtaking masterpiece, an expansive green haven that seamlessly blends nature with the vibrant cityscape. Visiting Central Park is like stepping into a different world, where the rhythmic pulse of the city is replaced by the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds.
This sprawling oasis offers an incredible array of activities for all ages. From leisurely strolls along the winding paths to paddle boating on the iconic Central Park Lake, the park caters to diverse interests. The meticulously maintained lawns, picturesque bridges, and iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation or capturing memorable moments.
The Great Lawn, with its vast open space, is an ideal spot for picnics, sports, or simply soaking up the sun. The Central Park Zoo and the Conservatory Garden add a touch of wildlife and horticultural beauty to the park's charm. The numerous playgrounds make it a family-friendly destination, ensuring there's something for everyone.
What sets Central Park apart is its ability to offer tranquility within the heart of a bustling metropolis. The Bow Bridge and the Bethesda Fountain are not just architectural marvels but also serve as serene retreats. The park hosts cultural events, concerts, and festivals, contributing to its dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Central Park is not just a destination; it's a vital organ in the heartbeat of New York City, providing a respite from the urban hustle and a canvas for countless recreational pursuits. A visit to Central Park is an immersive experience, revealing the harmonious coexistence of nature and city life in one of the world's most iconic green spaces.
Anto Mathew — Google review
Central Park is the most precious asset for nyc. This city highly dense and developed, yet the Central Park preserve the original landscape. The design of the park around the nature is key to preserve the time. Tress are standing tall and animals can be seen. A wonder of the city. How a city planning preserve this little miracle is so impressive. Any season is good season to come. A piece of small wonder itself.
The Foodie Architect — Google review
Stepping into Central Park for the very first time on a beautiful sunny late Winters day was crazy, exciting and an absolute highlight of New York City. This park has everything and anything you could need from a park, and provides such a beautiful space for Manhattan residents and visitors. I felt extremely safe here during the day wandering as a solo female traveller, and spent over an hour just walking around taking it in.
Erin — Google review
What can I even say about this magnificent place. Iconic, obviously, but also with so many things to do, see, take pictures of and experience.
Just jogging with this amazing view is unforgettable. So many musicians performing near or underneath bridges, chubby squirrels running around, people in bridal attire and so.many.amazing.dogs!!!!
The place is very easy to reach by Subway, Columbus Circle is the easiest way to get to the most epic sites. Get ready to walk, but a pizza pretzel and enjoy NY
Gene Lamkin — Google review
Best park in the world. You can spend days and hours here and every time you walk through it’s a new experience. Love grabbing breakfast and coffee and taking a walk. Sometimes through the Rambles and sometimes by Strawberry Fields. Love people watching and love watching the rowers on the lake. Beautiful scenery and perfect picture taking.
A.L. Harris — Google review
Central Park is iconic and cherished destination. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural offerings make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring New York City. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle, Central Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Rimple saraf — Google review
Very beautiful and big. Got on a horse Carriage and enjoyed it. I truly suggest doing the horse tour so fun and the guides are so kind. Stay hydrated. It is amazing to see these awesome sites and the carriage ride is just part of the experience. Be ready for fake Buddhists to offer you peace for money lol
Sarah ? — Google review
Central Park in NYC is a heartwarming haven where dreams come alive. It's a joyful chorus of wagging tails as dogs play among welcoming faces. The tranquil lake mirrors the happiness of cyclists exploring winding paths. The zoo's excitement adds a touch of whimsy, and the charming bridges are gateways to enchantment. Amidst lush greenery, Central Park is a masterpiece of delight, where each visit paints a new stroke of happiness in the bustling city
Mahima Arora — Google review
Central Park is beautiful! When I visited New York, this was the first place I went to see, and it really was the best way to start off my trip. There are so many things to see in the park. I love it!
Marissa A — Google review
Central Park is located at the neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City. It is the fifth largest park in the city, containing 843 acres (341 ha), and the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors annually as of 2016. Horse carriage and pedicab tour including guide is available here. Great for walking and jogging through east and west Drive loop.
Kalu Thapa — Google review
We opted to take a guided bike tour and were happy we did. Our guide offered several tours (60/90/120 minutes , half-day, etc) and we chose the 2-hour one for $200.
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the park, its history, and the surrounding areas - we had a great time and the time flew by - a great way to see some of the park!
kp w — Google review
I only went through half of Central Park but what I did see was impressive. I imagine this would look very atmospheric walking through In Autumn when the leaves start to change colors. The bridges were very nice to walk across and seeing skyscrapers from the park was a very unique perspective
Erik Benoit — Google review
Central Park in winter is more than just a pretty sight; it's an experience that touches the soul. It's a reminder of the simple joys of life, the beauty of nature in its starkest form, and the magic that can be found in the midst of a bustling metropolis. So, grab your mittens, lace up your boots, and head to Central Park this winter. A wondrous adventure awaits!
S — Google review
After comic con we decide to head over to Central Park and play some catch with the football. It was such an amazing day for walking and just being outside. The kids had a blast and so did the adults enjoying nature in the city. Coming from Florida and seeing the city it was also nice to see some greenery!! The Park has a lot to offer and you can explore in multiple days.
Patrick Kelly — Google review
This will be our favorite park. I and my wife visited New York for the first time, and a walk to Central Park was our must- see. A walk through the park provides a view of all the stunning buildings on Fifth Avenue. The park is full of trees and great monuments, fountains etc. I think everything looked most beautiful in the winter sun,now on January! We spent a lovely afternoon there with take-out coffee. A place like from a fairy tale, and I will always remember this weekend trip.
Joshua T. Hilliard — Google review
Just breathe taking autumn experience.
Central park is huge. I wasn't able to walk true the entire park, but what i saw was amazing.
Great experience and feeling.
So peaceful and same moment exciting.
Great runaway between all this tall buildings.
Stacey McKenzie — Google review
Amazing back to nature experience. Vast types of trees, ponds and bushes. Bathrooms and benches available. Turtles and squirrels galore. Good for walkers and bike riders. Maps or GPS recommended as their isnt a lot of signs.
Michael Mille — Google review
The park is beautiful. Me and my husband did a lot of walking and sightseeing. You came across a few Bridges and the angel which was a beautiful sight. I would definitely recommend coming here but atmosphere is very beautiful. We even came across an officer who was friendly enough to take a picture with us.
Rosa S (Rocky's lady) — Google review
Want to get away from the noise and intensity of NYC? We spent most of the day strolling through the park, and there is plenty to see and places to relax.
The park attendant volunteers are fantastic and one of them gave us a free map and marked it up with the kind of attractions we wanted to see.
Andy Jenkins — Google review
Central Park, a verdant oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape of New York City, offers an extraordinary escape into nature. As I strolled through its lush greenery, I marveled at the juxtaposition of a sprawling jungle in the heart of the metropolis. The park's expansive beauty instantly captivated me, providing a serene backdrop for my jog.
The experience was nothing short of amazing, as I navigated the winding paths surrounded by towering trees and vibrant flora. The fresh air was a welcome respite, a stark contrast to the city's usual hustle and bustle. The sight of people engaging in various forms of exercise created a motivating atmosphere, encouraging me to push my own limits.
Jogging along the park's well-maintained trails became a rejuvenating journey, both for the body and the mind. The diverse scenery, from the iconic Bethesda Terrace to the peaceful Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, added a layer of visual splendor to my workout. It's not just a park; it's a dynamic haven where nature, fitness, and urban life seamlessly converge.
Central Park is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving green spaces and fostering a sense of well-being. Whether you're a jogger, nature enthusiast, or someone seeking a tranquil retreat, this iconic park delivers an unforgettable experience, making it an essential gem in the heart of New York City.
Mahesh Pillai — Google review
Said to be new yorkers green lung and Sunday park stroll place - and it sure was. Nice to see the cherry blossoms, very pretty. The various attractions within the park makes it all interesting, but way too much walking like me.
Chak Hong — Google review
What an experience. With limited time in the city, Central Park was on top of our list.
We saw the sheep meadow, springs, strawberry fields, the chess house, ponds and more than I can recall.
The park was clean and felt secure, with plenty of city dwellers out getting some sun.
We will definitely visit again with more time. We highly recommended taking the time to visit here.
Jason Olson — Google review
Central Park, a sprawling 800-acre park in the heart of New York City, offers a peaceful retreat amid the urban bustle. With its picturesque landscapes, winding pathways, and charming attractions like the Central Park Zoo, it's a delight for visitors of all ages. However, the park's only downside is the scarcity of restroom facilities, which could be improved to better accommodate its large number of visitors.
sulema pimentel — Google review
On a school trip to NYC early December 2023, I visited Central Park for the first time in my life. What a beautiful place to be 😍 You can spend hours exploring and you'll never get bored. I'd love to come back one day with my family!☺️
мoonlιgнт — Google review
Went here a few weeks ago with a few friends because we were in the area for a trip, and it was such a beautiful park television and pictures don’t do it justice at all. The park as a whole is huge, there’s lots of places to sit, talk and eat. It’s also surround by tall buildings as well as many places to eat. Definitely plan on coming back again in the future!
The Met is a gigantic art museum located in the heart of New York City that boasts an impressive collection spanning centuries. From ancient Egyptian pieces to cutting-edge contemporary American art, there's something for everyone at The Met. Special exhibitions come and go, so it's always worth checking what's on before you visit.
This has been one of the biggest and one of my favorite museums I’ve visited. In summary, it contains art from all over the world. A large part of the paintings are European. The art includes not just platings but also sculptures and other works of art. Some of the highlights there are a full size Egyptian temple, a weapons and armor gallery, and a diverse Southern Asia gallery with large pieces of art. I would recommend booking tickets in advance and you do have to where a mask everywhere in the museum (except while taking pictures).
Ranium — Google review
One of the best museums that I've ever been to, aside from the Louvre in Paris. It's one of the few places that is always on my list whenever I'm in New York.
The MET is a big museum with lots to see, it's hard to see all the art and artifacts within a day so if you're looking to explore as much of the museum as possible I recommend going early. You can grab a ticket from the ticketing desk when you're there or from the automated kiosk, I highly recommend the automated kiosk since it is much faster.
There's audio guides for the art and artifacts within the MET which I highly recommend, since it gives context to what you're looking at.
The museum is beautifully set up and built, they have permanent and temporary exhibits. Every exhibit is made with such care that you feel as though you're transported back in time. The Chinese courtyard inside the museum is one of my favourites.
I also got a chance to see a lot of beautiful dresses for their fashion week exhibit, which was very tastefully displayed and set up.
I highly recommend the MET for anyone looking to checkout a museum with lots of interesting arts and artifacts! It's definitely an experience like no other.
L T — Google review
One of the best museums in the world.
It’s possible for a visitor to spend a day here and have seen something beautiful in a beautiful place. Two days would probably make it feel like it does to me. A familiar, beautiful place. Probably my favorite place to spend time in the City.
It’s quiet and crowded. Special exhibitions are often packed but worth it (show up early).
How kids engage the Met is often something joyful to see.
TIP: if you visit with a local, they can buy tickets for a reduced price. Weekends and Friday evenings are crowded.
Paulo C — Google review
This is an amazing and beautiful museum, the world collection is comprehensive and reminded me of Paris.
The American wing and the collection of the American Arts are unique and thoughtful.
It's such a perfectly organized museum with great private galleries, outdoor-looking indoor spaces, and cafes, you get to see a lot and sit down and have a decent coffee or meal. We visited on weekend, and they managed the long line so fast and efficient, I can only say that it speaks to having great management team.
The gift shop is one of the bests that I've seen, has great souvenirs; artistic, unique and high quality.
Azy S — Google review
I brought my son to view the Arms and Armor exhibit because he is 10 years old and into medieval knights and swords. We were very impressed by the medieval collection. Such detail and variety and eras. We were also impressed by the Japanese, Chinese, Ottoman, and Syrian collections. I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and varied the entire museum's collection is. It is such a large building and so well organized and maintained. It's nice to see how much they focus on education and they let kids under 12 in for free
Khurram Hassan — Google review
The museum was phenomenal! It is huge with art work from many different regions! The museum is divided into regions and there was definitely more than enough to see in each section, so be prepared to walk a lot! (Don't worry though, there are many places to sit)
I highly recommend buying tickets online ahead of time because if you wait to buy it in person, be prepared to stand in line for a while.
Be sure to check online what unique exhibits they have going on at the time, because they are definitely worth seeing and you don't want to miss out on it!
Mohammed Yaman Allaf — Google review
I was ready to give this 4 stars or less but, honestly, the museum was so well put together I have to go 5 stars. The collection is incredibly vast but displayed in a way that makes it accessible. The descriptions of the pieces are helpful and thorough. The audio guide (free on your phone) was very helpful as well. We spent 3 hours here and did about 3/4 of the exhibits. I got in free as a military member. Good for families but I imagine younger children will tire quickly. Overall a great experience.
Tyler Harris — Google review
The MET did not disappoint. We recommend going for at least one full day to really take in all of the art work. We felt like we didn’t have enough time with the Art after going for 5 hours. The museum is thoughtfully curated and everything feels super intentional with their design choices. We had the chance to see the Van Gough exhibit that is on view while we were there and it was STUNNING. We also really enjoyed all of the beautiful glass pieces and their extensive stained glass collection that is on display throughout the entire Museum.
Dominique Holliday — Google review
Just incredible! I must say, I was pretty impressed with Chicago Institute of Art, MET took it to next level!
I would suggest visiting before noon, as it gets really packed afterwards! We were able to explore everything without being overwhelmed with crowds!
Being from India, i thoroughly enjoyed the Ganesha exhibition and Art of Asia section! Roman, middle eastern and European paintings were amazing exhibitions as well!
Will be back to explore different sections!
Preyas Shah — Google review
Per its name, you can tell that this museum is all about art. I decided to go with friends and try the Date Night at the MET. There is honestly not much difference, although I do feel the Zen garden and American Wing is much prettier at night, rather than the day. That said, I recommend coming early to this museum. It is quite large and will take up most of your day. If you just want a quick peak, then grab a map and make sure you plan your route ahead of time. There is a mini floor 1.5, although the stairs is a bit tricky to locate. Nonetheless, feel free to find the areas/topics that fits best for you. I also do not recommend buying tickets in advance as the pay-what-you-wish can only be done in-person. There is practically no wait time, so you should just buy the tickets in-person.
Stephen Kwok — Google review
The Met is a world class museum with thousands of pieces of art from all over the world. It’s simply massive! You cannot see it all in one visit, and I think it’s wise to plan ahead of time what you want to see. It’s easy to get a little lost.
Erin — Google review
I was absolutely awestruck by everything there while I was visiting New York. It is such an amazing experience and the home to such beautiful art. It is the pinnacle of art and history, with its rich array of artwork from various cultures, regions, and historical periods. I literally was in the museum all day, but there was still exhibits to be seen; however, they were closed for renovations. I personally could just live there. I will advise to purchase tickets in advance and the line through the main entrance can get pretty long.
Bianca Diaz — Google review
Fantastic way to spend an afternoon. So much history and amazing works of art all throughout. Avoid the MASSIVE ticket lines by buying online or using the mobile kiosk by the Egyptian section entrance. There are also some spots to grab a quick snack or drink that are beautifully hidden so as to not be distracting. Most visitors are respectful and there are employees at every corner. Be sure to visit every exhibit and area! There are great pieces in the American and European paintings but also the Greek and Roman sculptures and Asian works of art. Truly a massive display of artistic history!
David Lopez — Google review
Such a grand museum with so many things to see - you should consider spending an entire day here or prioritize the exhibitions you'd like to see because it is A LOT. The tickets are free if you are from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The MET has such a huge and impressive reputation, and I feel like it delivers. I know their Egyptian exhibition is one of the most comprehensive and oldest but it makes me sad to think that all these artifacts were taken from their original homes in Egypt. There was a special exhibit comparing Egyptian and African artifacts which was very interesting to see the juxtaposition between the two. The elevator to the rooftop is relatively secluded and hard to find but the view is stunning as you can see a beautiful NY skyline from their rooftop.
Amalina Ariffin — Google review
Absolutely loved my visit to the MET! This museum is a gem in New York City. The Byzantium exhibition was captivating, and exploring the ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome sections was like traveling back in time.
The only disappointment was that the European Painting section was closed during my visit, but with such an extensive collection, there's always something new to discover.
The MET is a must-visit for anyone in New York who appreciates history and culture.
Saiana Andreeva — Google review
We went to The Met on Friday afternoon, and it was busy, but not packed.
The museum was incredible!! It was a really immersive experience with several vignettes/rooms and life-size exhibits set up and countless beautiful artifacts and works of art. The museum flowed really well and had some really unique pieces. I would highly recommend a visit to The Met during your time in NYC.
Allison Beecher — Google review
Definitely one of the top museums in the country to visit. Well done organization, an unbelievable amount of artifacts from different cultures and eras, and learned a lot along the way. The modern art painting section is probably the weakest part. It’s hard to get to everything, and if you only have 3 hours or less, make the modern section your last visit.
Brady Crump — Google review
As a native New Yorker, I love coming to this Museum. I’ve been here numerous times and keep coming back. It is a very educational experience!! The museum is vast and hosts Art from different regions of the world. If you are visiting New York, I highly recommend visiting this place. Bring the kids as well.
Stanley Arden — Google review
The Met Museum is amazing. You could spend two full days in here and still not see everything. There are so many different great eras in history covered, something for everyone.
The App is very helpful, it gives you a full map of all if the floors and areas within the museum. It also tells you a little about each area... My best advice is to arrive as soon after opening as possible.
Susan Oldham — Google review
Very cool museum, but be warned - it's gigantic! Took my 10 and 13 year old, we made it about 4 hours and didn't see close to everything. There is food available and several restrooms. We found it hard to use the map to get around, but there are lots of helpful staff members.
Jessica Baker — Google review
Being a native of New York, I enjoy visiting this museum. I keep returning here despite my many visits. It's a really instructive experience! The large museum features artwork from all across the world. I really advise going here if you're ever in New York. Bring the youngsters along as well.
Rockefeller Center is a famous complex in midtown Manhattan that is home to TV studios, an ice rink, and a giant Christmas tree. The complex is a popular tourist destination all year round, but it becomes especially busy during the holiday season when visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of concerts, shows, and skating at the ice rink.
Took the center tour. Did not realize the number of buildings and the art adorning them. Very insightful. Then to the top of the rock. Three observation deck levels. What an amazing view. And, from the very top level, the view is 360. Great way to spend an afternoon in New York City.
Ed Rigsbee — Google review
Absolutely stunning place and I loved Top of Rock! Once I came back home, it was super exciting to be able to recognize this place in so many movies! The tree is magnificent and the holiday lights make it the perfect place to take beautiful portrait pics! The vibe is also 💯. Do note that there is always gonna be a long line and too much crowd here so your best bet is to either go super early in the morning or stay up super late to get a crowd free pic!
Akshaya Kumar — Google review
Really good views across Manhattan in all directions. We originally had tickets for a day when it was raining but we were able to exchange them. It was very easy to do so by asking at the ticketing desk and I'm really glad we did. Fortunately the day and time we swapped too was sunny and had good visibility providing excellent views across the city.
Steven Hunt — Google review
We visited at sunset, it was amazing. Big lines to get in so highly recommend you book in advance and buy the "express" tickets so you can jump the queue's.
The views of Manhattan as the buildings light up are amazing.
Highly recommend you do this viewing platform. 👍👍👍
Andrew Geoghegan — Google review
Amazing place, just beautiful and must see for a first time visit. Top of the rocks is definitely worth it as you can see all of New York and really take it in. We went in the evening to see the sunset, that was amazing. We went up empire state building in the morning and Rockefeller Center in the evening, which was really cool. All service is really good and it goes really fast to go up and down, really well organized.
Adnan Ahmad Siddiqi — Google review
Top of the Rock: Although the wait to get in was unexpectedly long, even for pre-ticketed customers (the ticket says NOT to show up before your scheduled time, which didn't work out well for us), the friendliness of employees and the efficiency of the operation more than made up for it. I was really impressed with how kind and accommodating employees were. I wish I would have gotten the names of people who helped me, because their customer service was outstanding! (One star off for expensiveness.)
Sally Mitchell — Google review
Everything from the entrance to the ride to the top was welcoming and impressive. Original art deco finishes still impress. Took a tour, well worth the money.
Views are incredible and the three decks though busy were not overly crowded.
Vadim Yudkovsky — Google review
This place is really, really, really awesome… especially during Christmas… bright lights shining so bright, huge huge huge grand Christmas tree with so many lights….. large skating rink … many shops lit up… I lack words to describe it…. Pure delight… you should go see it….
The only thing that’s a bit negative is the huge crowd of people that visit here every Christmas… so so many people… moving around is not all that easy….
Kelechi Ukaoma — Google review
Enjoyed our time at the iconic Rockefeller Center. Went to Top of the Rock and loved the amazing views of the city.
There was a skating rink at the time we visited and got to people watch for a bit. I loved walking around and seeing all the surrounding buildings and architecture.
marissa maksy — Google review
My personal favourite New York skyline view. At night it is especially incredible. I would recommend the Rockefeller Center over the Empire State Building because you can actually see the Empire State Building from it, which I think is an essential part of the skyline.
I would personally highly recommend going here for a night view, and going to The Edge for a day view
Wait time wasn’t too bad. Maybe 20 min. Definitely buy tickets online in advance
Top of The Rock is a 70th floor observation deck in Rockefeller Center that offers breathtaking views of the city from all directions. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City and can be reached by taking the elevator to the top.
I loved this entire experience. Staff were very helpful from start to end and the views! Oh the views were stunning and that was an understatement. Each of the 3 observation decks gives a new perspective and more photo opportunities.
I am not a lover of heights but this building was perfect for seeing this amazing city without worrying about how high up I was.
Highly recommend especially if like myself you love the Empire State building. The views are simply stunning.
Jenne Holmes — Google review
Great views from great central location so views excellent from north, south, east and west. We went late at night after short walk from Broadway. Lights of NYC amazing. The darkest area you see is of course central park with no lights.
Tip - save your picture taking for the top level as no glass on that floor. Strange feeling that you were going to drop camera every time you took a picture.
Gary H — Google review
Fantastic experience. Absolutely worth the money. Probably the only observation deck which has 360 degree view of the NYC including Central Park, Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and World One. Visited the place at 7:00pm when sunny, stayed till the night and saw all three views from the top (Sunny, Sunset, and Night). And all three have a charm of its own.
Nitesh Dubal — Google review
Top of the rock was one of my favorite activities that we experienced in the city. The view of the skyline at night was incredible. We went at night, got in right away, and enjoyed amazing views with not tooany people. Highly recommend if you're looking to visit an observation deck.
Amy Flaugher — Google review
A visit to Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center is an absolute must-do in NYC! You're treated to a spectacular 360-degree view of New York City that is truly breathtaking. From downtown Manhattan to the lush expanse of Central Park, the vistas are simply stunning. It's awe-inspiring to realize that behind each towering skyscraper lie countless stories of people living and working, offering a glimpse into the immense scale of this vibrant city.
One of the highlights of the experience is the opportunity to sit on a ledge on the second level of the rooftop, reminiscent of the famous photograph of construction workers having lunch. For $25 per person, you can elevate to this unique spot and rotate around your axis while securely fastened with a safety strap. While some may find it thrilling, others may feel a bit apprehensive. Nonetheless, those who dared to try it described it as an exhilarating experience.
Overall, Top of the Rock offers an unforgettable perspective of New York City, providing visitors with a captivating glimpse into the city's boundless energy and endless possibilities. It's an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Maarten Stemvers — Google review
There was almost no wait, the staff was friendly. Visibility was poor that day because it rained but it made for beautiful photos of the skyline and gave a magical look to everything. The gift shop was not too expensive although the selection was small. The elevator was fast, the bathrooms were clean, and although it was Christmas it was not too crowded. Even though it was Christmas it was not too cold. They followed the covid protocol strictly which is always a plus. Everyone was wearing masks and had to be vaccinated. Just check to make sure that any stores in the center that you want to go to are near the exit and are open otherwise you have to walk outside and all the way around. You are allowed to bring food and drinks and there are metal detectors. If you have a small bag you can go faster. Don't worry about wearing a belt it's not a problem. Overall it was a great experience and you get to see all four sides of the city from multiple perspectives and multiple floors. It is wheelchair accessible. On good days you can see into Brooklyn and even the Narrows bridge.
Zachary Norensberg — Google review
Visit the observatory after dinner.
I went a little late around 9:30, but I could go to the observatory smoothly without lining up.
It's mid-August, but the observatory is cool, so if you're a woman, you'll be able to enjoy the night view more comfortably if you have something to wear.
If you want to see the observatory at the best time of sunset, you need to get a timed ticket early, otherwise you won't be able to enter at your desired time.
This time, I went to Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, and Edge Observatory, and all of them have wonderful views.
The Top of the Rock, Empire State Building is a classic observatory, and the Edge is a modern observatory. ”
Beautiful Diver — Google review
What better way to celebrate a wedding anniversary than a bit of time at the Top of The Rock?
The hubs and I decided to end of anniversary looking out over the city. We visited late on a weekday evening so there wasn't much of a wait. There was a small crowd, but still plenty of other people.
Top of The Rock presents some of the best views of NYC. And it's open fairly late, so it's a great spot for dates that go late.
Gwendolyn R Houston-Jack — Google review
Top of the rock gives you an amazing view, not only for the empire state building, but also on the central park! It was my most favourite view spot, out of the 3 or 4 that they have in NYC. In the evening it gets pretty crowded, and if youre not a tall person, you may not see a lot, so rather go during the day. But as a 1.80m human, definitely worth it to see NYC with all the lights on.
Moritz Weidner — Google review
One of my favorite views and destinations when visiting New York City with first timers. The 🗽🏙️🌇🌆🌃 views are epic, as you get equal parts, Central Park and lower Manhattan and everything between the two rivers. The staff are temporary so you do get some mixed customer service experiences, however, for the most part it is a smooth experience getting up and down.
They do have ♿ handicap accessible options, with elevator access and ramps as you make your way up. However, it is a little busy at the top and can be difficult to move around if wheelchair or assisted.
Don't forget to check out the multiple levels to get all the 📸📹 photos you need and visit the gift shop at the top and ground floor. Tons of restaurants and food options downstairs as well.
Jordan Burleson — Google review
Gorgeous views. It is a bit of a pricey experience, but 100% worth it! We visited toward the start of the day and didn't have much of a wait at all. Security was very smooth and the 360 view was just stunning. There are a couple of different levels so that you can easily get that perfect shot without anyone else in your picture. Definitely would reccomend it!
Beth K — Google review
Mesmerizing experience!! We got the observation deck-general admissions and the beam experience. The beam was overall good, it was short lasted a min or so, and we paid $25 for it. The view was great but you’re not allowed to take your phone and have to leave it in the storage near the beam. Overall this observation deck gives you a perfect 360 degree view of New York city.
theimperfect_ glutton — Google review
Outstanding views of NYC, aside from that, not sure what the fuss is. You are herded into a line at your appointed time, then you go up to the top (if you are lucky you end up in the express elevator), and wait in lines to get to 1 of 3 observation decks. You get to see all three, and the view is amazing, but the cost of admission is a bit steep for what it is. Once you are ready to go down to the gift shop (you can't leave without going through it), you wait in a longer line then to get in.
Christopher Rhodovi — Google review
Believe the hype. Top of the Rock’s three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks deliver spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. With terraces facing east, west, north, and south, Top of the Rock’s panoramic sights make it the ultimate observation deck in NYC. This is one of the most fabulous place in NYC. I recommend booking tickets in advance for a day with ideal weather.
Martin Vanta — Google review
Stunning view across the whole city. Would recommend getting up their early so it’s not so crowded. We arrived at 9am (first elevator up). There are three decks, all with little different settings, I liked the lowest and highest deck the most - but that’s just my personal impression. It’s also relative good for persons who are afraid of height as there is enough space and slowly reach the rim of the decks.
Hollywood — Google review
This place offered some pretty amazing views of NYC. If you don't mind spending the money to go into this place, then it is pretty worth it. I definitely recommend scheduling your date and time before just showing up. We did spend a good 30 minutes in line waiting to get in. In all fairness, it was the weekend, the most popular time is right before sunset, which was around 7pm, and there was going to be an eclipse. I'm sure if you book the same time any other weekend or weekday you wouldn't have to wait in line as long as we did. The elevator is pretty cool and the staff was very friendly. Can't wait to come back and experience it all over again.
Jian Melendez — Google review
I went to Top of The Rock a few weeks ago at 5:00 pm.
WhenI went up there it not that much people at that time so I pick some quality spot to wait for the sunset time.
Then people getting more cloudy when the sunset time almost come.
And it's really worth to wait so long.
The sunset light started and the building was starting light up.
It's great place for tourists, couple, parents, or just alone.
Highly recommended this place.
LilyAlice ST — Google review
Top of the Rock is one of the most important points on the NYC map. Here you can see the city from above, not covered by bars and glass. But Rock has a lot of competition in New York. We started visiting the skyscrapers from there. You won't regret it, even though it is the lowest skyscraper you can visit.
Irek Fojcik — Google review
There are amazing views of the city. One deck has glass windows that don't obstruct the views but blocks the wind so it wasn't as cold as it would have been. The upper deck doesn't have the glass. Definitely wear comfortable clothing that's appropriate for the weather because you are outside.
Kristen Rabeler — Google review
WAW!
I visited Top of the Rock 10 years ago during the day and it had the best views on the city.
This time we visited at night time and the views were breath taking. The photos don't do the views justice. They were much more impressive in real life.
This is also the best place to have a nice look on the Empire State Building.
StefanS — Google review
This place is 100% recommended. Great view, lots of walking space, cool experience. We got the observation deck-general admissions and the beam experience. The beam was overall good, it was short lasted a min or so, and we paid $25 for it. They also had a cute little cafe with good food varieties. Be sure to go up the stairs to the very top deck for the best views.
Harneet Kaur — Google review
A wonderful experience here. The line at my allocated time was quite long, but moved quickly and efficiently. It may be worth paying for the VIP entry however. View of this magnificent city is outstanding. I do wish they had more staff to police people who "hog" tie view for selfies and time-lapse photographs and don't move to let others have their turn, but I was able to find spots with a bit of work. Definitely a great experience and a must-do when you come to New York City. Loved it. Go at sunset!
Lachlan Burnet — Google review
Top of the rock was an overall nice tourist attraction. A personal favourite of mine as if you go up the Empire State Building, you don’t get the empire state in the pictures!
Overall very well staffed with an easy to navigate layout.
Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or on the day. There is a small wooden booth out the front of the rockfella centre. April 2024 it was a light orange colour. Or you can also purchase inside.
The entrance is around the side of the rock, not in the actual building. The entrance is next to the NBC entrance, not heavily signposted or directed so maybe a sign or two out the front or on the lamps could help people find their way.
The experience going up and at the viewing platforms was very enjoyable. The glass was extremely clear and clean. Elevators going up were nicely kept. Staff were interactive, friendly and welcoming. But not pushy, nor overbearing.
I think you can pretty much do with just the general admission, you can pay to do “the beam” also but from what we saw of it, more of a gimmick and not necessarily an addition to any view. :)
Bethan Hannah — Google review
A great way to view Manhattan from a historic landmark! We booked tickets in advance which is highly recommended. The morning-of was rainy and cloudy, with next to zero visibility from the top. The staff allowed us to change our tickets to another day, although we had to wait about 30 minutes with everyone else doing the same. We were able to switch for a better day without issue.
Definitely aim to show up exactly on time, as they won’t let you go up early and during busy times are very strict on the timed entry. If you already have tickets I recommend entering from the ground floor as you’ll line up from there. Lower level lineups just take you up the elevator to the ground floor where you have to wait again.
The Beam seems like a cool photo op but got a big NOPE from me. After seeing how high up that beam rotates up and over the glass, no way José! I’ll keep my feet planted firmly on floors 67 to 69. There’s a cafe on the first level of the experience, along with a gift shop on your way out.
Personally night time was the best, it’s incredible seeing the city from this perspective and you won’t regret it.
Nile Livesey (Scolirk) — Google review
The Top of the Rock observatory is one of the best spots to see New York City. The view of the Empire State Building is amazing! You get a great look at Manhattan from up there.
The elevator ride was a bit plain. It could be more interesting, maybe with screens showing fun facts about the city or the building. Just a suggestion to make it even better!
I loved my visit and would recommend it to anyone wanting a fantastic view of NYC.
Nakib — Google review
Incredibly crowded at sunset with tons of people pouring in and very few leaving. The entrance system is chaotic; miscommunication between staff resulted in us started and stopping progress more than once.
The views are amazing once you've fought for a good spot. Once it's dark, glare off the glass can be challenging.
Grand Central Terminal is a Beaux-Arts marvel, with its impressive proportions, exquisite workmanship in architecture and fittings, and more than 60 shops and restaurants. This popular transportation hub is a key landmark in New York City and has been used as the backdrop for countless popular films and TV shows.
Awe inspiring. Every time we visit Grand Central it a treat for the eyes and for the mind. The massiveness of the space is impressive. The cleanliness of the space is beyond impressive, considering the number of people that walk through this building every day. The staff are beyond helpful, and the amenities are vast and unique. A MUST visit when in NYC!
Gordon Mitchell — Google review
Grand Central Station in New York City is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. The historical experience of walking through the grand halls and taking in the beautiful architecture is truly breathtaking. From the grand marble staircases to the iconic Main Concourse ceiling, the attention to detail in the design is impressive. The station is not just a transportation hub but also a popular tourist spot, where visitors can take a tour, visit the food court or shopping area. The architecture of the building is just as impressive outside as it is inside. It is a great place to take a walk around and see the city from a different perspective. Overall, Grand Central Station is a must-see destination in New York City for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.
Payam cf — Google review
Grand Central Terminal is an absolute marvel and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring New York City. As a visitor, my experience there was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the grandeur of the terminal. Its Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by its iconic celestial-themed ceiling, elegant chandeliers, and intricate details, creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. It's not just a transportation hub; it's a living work of art.
Navigating the terminal was surprisingly easy, thanks to clear signage and helpful staff. It's the gateway to the city and beyond, with its extensive network of trains and subways connecting you to various neighborhoods and attractions.
The dining options inside the terminal are exceptional, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, there's something for every palate.
What truly impressed me was the Vanderbilt Hall, a magnificent space often used for exhibitions and events. It's a testament to the terminal's versatility and its role as a cultural hub.
Overall, Grand Central Terminal is a quintessential New York City experience. It's a place where history, art, and transportation converge, and it left me with a deep appreciation for the city's grandeur and sophistication. A visit to Grand Central Terminal is a journey through time and architecture, making it an unforgettable part of any New York City adventure.
Kytka — Google review
There are signs pointing to Grand Central Terminal when you are near and multiple entry and exit points. It's quite a busy place, buzzing with people who are actually catching the trains and others just absorbing in the atmosphere and admiring the architecture brilliance. It's worth visiting this iconic location and taking a few pictures
William Lin — Google review
It is a place that you must necessarily visit, and it’s free admission.
Amazing architecture wherever you look.
I was there several times in the past.
Currently and as a consequence of the pandemic, the area of restaurants and shops has lost its charm because most of them are permanently closed.
In the market you can find rare delicatessen and seasoning , but it’s expensive.
Eduardo Moser — Google review
I will defend the statement that public transportation in the United States pales in comparison to its fellow developed nations, but Grand Central Terminal is one of those places that makes me happy to use NY public transportation.
It's an architectural marvel less iconic than the Empire State Building, but so much more aesthetic. The food options within and nearby are tempting. The staff are approachable & know their stuff.
Veean Chen — Google review
Incredibly beautiful architecture! Very well organised tracks and the it’s kept very clean. Another interesting fact is that you and your travel partner can stand on opposite corners of the arched entryway and speak against the wall. You’ll be able to hear each other speak 😁 That’s the beauty of the whispering gallery of the grand central terminal located on the lower floor near the dining area.
Sushmita Kadam — Google review
2014年 9月の終わり頃に
ニューヨークのマンハッタン区にあります。
100年以上前に今の形の駅舎となったそうです‼️
大きな大きな立派な歴史的建造物‼️、、、星条旗がドーンとありました‼️
外観もりっぱな駅舎ですし、中でも圧倒されました 😄😄
路線を利用される方や待ち合わせの方、見学にいらっしゃる観光客でたくさんの方が行き交います大きな駅でした ( かっこいい ♬ )
(Translated by Google)
Around the end of September 2014
Located in Manhattan, New York.
It seems that the station building in its present form was built more than 100 years ago! ️
A big, splendid historical building!! ️,,, the stars and stripes were booming!! ️
It's a station building with a splendid appearance, and I was overwhelmed 😄😄
It was a big station with lots of people coming and going, including people using the line, people meeting up, and tourists visiting (cool ♬).
sakura — Google review
This is not my first visit 😍😍Grand Central Terminal in New York stands as an architectural marvel, its iconic celestial ceiling and opulent interiors evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Serving as both a bustling transportation hub and a cultural landmark, it encapsulates the city's vibrant energy and rich history. It is a must !!!
Muneerah — Google review
Grand Central Terminal is a majestic architectural masterpiece that transcends mere functionality. Its iconic celestial ceiling, adorned with constellations, mesmerizes visitors as they traverse the bustling main concourse. The historic charm is palpable, from the iconic information booth to the whispering gallery. Beyond its role as a transportation hub, the terminal offers a diverse array of dining options, upscale shopping, and cultural experiences. Navigating the labyrinthine corridors reveals hidden gems, adding to the sense of discovery. Grand Central Terminal is not merely a transit point; it's a destination that seamlessly blends history, elegance, and contemporary allure, making it a must-visit landmark in the heart of New York City.
vedant shirke — Google review
A Grand old building with a convenient shuttle train between it and Times square! The S train. Nearby is a great food court with many options called Urban Space. Inside the terminal options seemed limited.
Udo Wahn — Google review
Grand Central Terminal is a masterpiece of architecture deserving of the highest praise for its breathtaking beauty, fascinating history, and vivacious energy. I was completely enthralled by the grandeur and elegance of this famous New York landmark as a visitor.
First off, the terminal's architecture and design are absolutely stunning. With its tall ceilings, elaborate details, and stunning celestial ceiling, the Beaux-Arts structure is truly stunning. The elaborate details can be found in every nook and cranny of the building, from the ornate chandeliers that light up the main concourse to the bronze clock that dominates the terminal.
Dakshit Golakiya — Google review
Beautiful. And even when it's full of people, it doesn't seem very loud. The ceiling is gorgeous. The bathrooms are nice and clean which is a plus!! Just got to visit the market, or people watch. You will not regret it!
Erika Adkins — Google review
I came here just to see what it looked like. The inside is gorgeous, and it is just as busy as advertised! I stopped by the market and was overwhelmed by the selection of items.
Maybe next time I visit NYC I'll actually brave the subway system.
Merry Contrary AKA J Honore — Google review
If I could live here I would. Absolutely gorgeous and historic place that you could get lost in. For a moment all I did was stand and people watch. Check out the little museum in there too it’s super cute.
Trinity — Google review
It's worth a stop for the beautiful scene out of many movie. It's impressive how big the place is. It's clean, well maintained and has a good security. There's also a great market in the lower level of the terminal for any food lover.
Chuong Nguyen — Google review
On screen, you've seen Grand Central Terminal in dozens (if not hundreds) of movies & TV appearances. But seeing this historical building in person is well worth a visit. I love the soaring, vaulted ceilings with the starry constellation painted above. And the (reportedly) $20 million opal glass clock sitting quietly atop the circular Information Booth. And the marble staircases, and the chandeliers, and the kinetic energy of scurrying commuters coming & going. New York really knows how to put the "Grand" into their "Central Terminal"!
Glenn Leong — Google review
The Central Station is magnificent. The architecture is grand in many ways, both due to its size/height and the fact that the station is very large, with shops and restaurants.
It really is a very beautiful place that is worth visiting.
Alexandre Santos e Alves — Google review
I visited the iconic New York Grand central station and was mesmerized by its architecture and grandeur. It is free and definitely worth visiting to marvel at the building and some some great shots
Totally recommended if you are in New york
sunny shandilya — Google review
This is an iconic place that every tourist should come and see. Impressive architecture, you’ll see many people taking selfies in the main hall. I’m not going to write a book on this because well it’s still a train station. They have a food area with tasty options. They actually havea good variety of food for everyone. We stopped by Shake Shack and that was the busiest one. Train station was clean and there were places to sit and eat.
Nicholas P — Google review
Grand Central Station, is a historic train station located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is renowned for its magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture, including a grand main concourse with a celestial-themed ceiling adorned with constellations. Opened in 1913, it serves as a major transportation hub connecting commuters and travelers via Metro-North Railroad to suburban areas in New York and Connecticut. Grand Central Terminal is not just a transit hub; it also houses restaurants, shops, and exhibits, making it a vibrant cultural and architectural landmark in the heart of the city.
Charlie — Google review
The Grand Central Station in New York is an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern functionality. Its iconic Beaux-Arts façade, adorned with a majestic clock, welcomes visitors into a bustling hub of transportation and commerce.
Kevin Hofmann — Google review
Of course, very busy. It's clean and the employees are helpful. If lost, don't be afraid to ask. They could use more restrooms, and they are not easy to locate.
They do have a food court and small bar, which is nice while you wait to catch your train.
I didn't see a lot of security but still felt safe.
Their are homeless around that bathe in the sinks.
Cassie B — Google review
Must have to see on NY trip list. Building is so impressive. All those structures are finished with art style. Of course look also on ceiling. All that art will make you WOOOW. For sure will return for more exploration.
Times Square is a bustling destination in the heart of the Theater District that is known for its bright lights, costumed characters, and curious tourists. The area is also home to New York Citys annual New Years Eve Ball Drop.
I loved going to Time Square at night. It was really nice and everyone was doing their own thing, lots of people there but there were no issues or trouble. There are lots of cool stores to shop at, lots of eateries even off the main streets. There were people out there Performing and so much to see and do. Everyone was happy and the vibe was good.
I do highly recommend going to Time Square at night!!! The lights and screens on the buildings are so colorful and huge, it's a sight to see!!!
Julia Pricella Ferri — Google review
This is definitely the hearth and would of the city!
If you are in New York, you have to go to Times Square, no doubts about it 😍
This is the place that concentrates one of the world most famous advertising spots, ads and news!
The feeling of just walking in this area is amazing and it’s free 😂
This place has been the background and stage of many movies, famous events, concerts, etc. There are plenty of options for shopping, eating and drinking. There are many theaters and attractions just concentrated in these few blocks.
Last but not least, if you are in New York in late December you should consider attend to the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration… obviously in Times Square! 👍
Antonio Perez Coss — Google review
World famous.. Need I say more? It's busy, so keep yourself safe and enjoy it. Try not to be ripped off by the costumed guys, photographers and so on! But it's an amazing place to visit and people watch...
Rana Ramnik Singh — Google review
Very fun just to walk and check it out there’s vendors and lots of photo opportunities. Be careful the “professional “ photographer out there selling pics will definitely try & block your own nice photos so you can buy from them but other than that I respect the hustle and it was a great time.
Roy Campas — Google review
My first visit to Times square and it was bustling, busy, full of people, and I must have heard no less than 10 different languages being spoken within a three block radius. Everyone was happy, and a good place, the street performers were entertaining, the general vibe was just one of happiness. I think people really sincerely just happy to be out again without their masks.
Rob Strotman — Google review
Had a great time here at Times Square, I am happy that there is a big Police presence here so that nobody gets way out of line. FYI… don’t go to Times Square if you cannot stand being around a lot of people. This place gets busy even on a weekday/ weeknight.!! Fun times though, highly recommended if you’ve never been here.
Art DeLaCruz II — Google review
Times Square is a tourist venue that everyone must visit in their lifetime. After you experience it, you will be satisfied and will probably not have a desire to go back. Going to see it comes with different suggestions than if you are going to experience it. If you just want to see it, go on a weekday night. You get to see all the lights and crowds of people, as well as go to shows and shop. On weekdays, it seemed like things were a little less expensive. Maybe they have more sales to bring in people on these days. You will probably encounter street performers, but they aren’t as pushy on weekdays. If you want to experience it, I recommend going on a Friday or Saturday night. The crowds are larger, the shows have their A list actors but are more expensive, and the street performers will all but push you into a photo and then tell you its $20.
April Smith — Google review
The tourist magnet of New York City! Lots of fun to visit, visually stunning with all the digital advertising on the buildings. Lots of shopping and some chain restaurants as well as food carts. Lots of good smells and happy people looking around in wonder. I fully enjoyed myself.
Gregory Schmerber — Google review
Gets busier by the minute. Its a good place if you love crowds and performances and people just taking pictures and performers dressed as superheroes but you have to pay them. Its an amazing experience for tourists. There are restaurants and you can do shopping amd etc.
Dler Mhamad — Google review
They quote New York as “The City Never Sleeps”. This can be understood in real if someone visit Times Square. Maybe the shops are closed but yet they are well lit and there are people on the street every now and then.
Rab Tanjim — Google review
Other reviews claim that Times Square closes early, but we got there around 11:30, and that was not the case. Vendors were barely setting up at that time. There were street performers and shows everywhere! I would suggest to not drive there because the traffic is horrible! Other than that, it was beautiful and full of people! Check it out :)
Maria Lainez — Google review
I went to time Square at 3 am on a Saturday/Sunday morning on a stop over in NY. It was a destination, I arrived, and quite frankly, the ambiance in the wee hours of the morning rival its known busyness of its day.
A Marketing Wonder to be sure, the lights of the billboards and all enticing g you with a promise of the feelings the products they display can inspire. Enjoy the experience!
Tytans Of Capital — Google review
Incredible vibes. Could have spent a whole day there probably. It's amazing when you're standing there yourself and not watching through a screen, really was something else. Great selection of shops, restaurants and bars too.
Maybe too many random people approaching you asking you to buy stuff for my liking, and who were quite persistent, but that was my only gripe.
Terry McCusker — Google review
Great city. Some of the people are very rude, so be prepared! It was very expensive but worth every penny. You appreciate that Britain isn't that expensive in comparison.
Would definitely go again as the positives outweigh the negative.
We stayed in the Crowne Plaza Times Square, and the location was perfect.
steven rolfe — Google review
Times Square in New York City is an iconic and bustling hub that captivates visitors with its vibrant energy and neon lights. It's a place where the city truly comes alive, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
The bright and colorful billboards that adorn the surrounding buildings create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially when they light up at night. The sheer scale of advertising and digital screens is a testament to the area's commercial significance.
Times Square is not just about advertisements, though. It's also home to numerous theaters, including the famous Broadway theaters, where you can catch world-class performances and musicals. The TKTS booth, where you can buy discounted same-day theater tickets, adds to the entertainment value.
Despite its reputation as a tourist hotspot, Times Square offers a sense of excitement and community. Street performers, costumed characters, and vendors add to the lively atmosphere, and you'll often find musicians and artists showcasing their talents.
However, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to visit at different times of the day to experience its various facets, from the hustle and bustle of the daytime to the dazzling spectacle of the nighttime lights.
Overall, Times Square is a symbol of New York City's energy and diversity. While some may find it chaotic, it undeniably captures the essence of the city that never sleeps and is worth a visit for the iconic New York experience.
Kiran M — Google review
I love NY. It was an amazing experience. Ground Zero I would definitely recommend. It’s hard not to cry. All the historical landmarks makes a dream come true. I’m a country boy at heart. Now I’ve feel in love with Big lights. To be here. It’s like being in the center of the Universe.
Midas Mulligan — Google review
Times Square has a three minute light show every night starting at 11:57 PM. I took my daughter to see it on our visit to Manhattan. It was alright.
Aside from that, we shopped in the area. She liked Sephora. There was a Hershey's chocolate store that looked interesting. The Lego store, a bit outside of Times Square was very impressive.
Mark Sidloi — Google review
Always bright always fun. A place that lighten ups your mood. So many things to do and stores to go for every age. Great food options too, be it street food or restaurants. Love the vibe.
Neha me — Google review
This was very underwhelming. There were (obviously) a LOT of people. The more annoying part was the stupid costume characters looking for money. They were everywhere and in the way.
It was great to check off a box for me. But it wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It was a decent place to “pass through” on my way to somewhere else. But there wasn’t much to do in Times Square itself.
I would not go back. But it’s definitely more of a “one and done” place.
Jarrod Dibble — Google review
Times Square is a vibrant and iconic hub in the heart of New York City. Known for its dazzling lights, towering billboards, and bustling atmosphere, it epitomizes the energy of the city that never sleeps. The area is a major entertainment and commercial center, offering a plethora of theaters, shops, and restaurants. While its lively ambiance is a magnet for tourists, some may find it overwhelmingly crowded. Despite this, the sheer spectacle of Times Square, especially at night, creates a memorable and quintessential New York experience.
Abraao Mattos — Google review
The busiest place we visited in NYC. Everything is larger than life and so much to absorb.
Do watch out for the hustlers selling questionable merchandise and those selling professional photographs. There seemed to be a swarm of people dressed up as characters, charging to be in your photo.
The 3D billboards were awesome and hopefully show up well in the videos posted.
We enjoyed the candy store, looks small, Huge basement. What trip to Times Square would be complete without a hot dog, it was good, not sold on the red onion sauce, prefer raw onions.
Be sure to visit, leave plenty of time in your schedule and just soak it all in.
We will visit again during our next visit.
Jason Olson — Google review
My first visit to Times Square was all I expected and more, of course crowded as expected, but the volume of vendors, street performers was a bit overwhelming at first and for the most part I felt safe and comfortable on the street. We left a show around 11 pm and it was just as bright as turning the day, was mind blowing how bright it was..
DFW Food Dude — Google review
Times Square, located in the heart of Manhattan, is a bustling, iconic destination that truly never sleeps. The dazzling lights, massive digital billboards, and vibrant energy make it a must-visit spot. Whether you're drawn to the Broadway theaters, eclectic shops, or diverse eateries, Times Square offers a sensory overload of entertainment. The atmosphere is electric, especially at night, with street performers adding to the excitement. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, and prices at some establishments are steep. Overall, if you're seeking a quintessential New York experience, Times Square delivers, but be prepared for the hustle and bustle.
Antany Charles Alphonsus — Google review
Times Square is undoubtedly an iconic destination, but its allure can be overshadowed by the overwhelming crowds and flashing billboards. However, visiting early in the morning offers a completely different experience. Before the chaos sets in, Times Square feels surprisingly peaceful, allowing visitors to appreciate its vibrant energy without feeling suffocated by the masses. The neon lights still dazzle, but the hustle and bustle are replaced by a sense of tranquility. Exploring Times Square at this hour provides a unique opportunity to admire its architecture, snap some memorable photos, and truly soak in the atmosphere. For a more enjoyable experience, I highly recommend visiting Times Square early in the morning to witness its magic in a quieter setting.
Slobodan Kunst (Bobby) — Google review
Despite it being an ingenious ploy to get us to take pictures of ads and stare at ads and share ads all over the internet, it is very pretty. Shapes and colors. I love being a pawn in big companies marketing schemes.