There's Old Ironsides at Boston Harbor, but I remember it having some ladders to negotiate. Harvard Square is beautiful with many outstanding museums. We had fun rating the clam chowders in various holes in walls a couple blocks outside of Harvard. Have fun! And I remember that buses have frequent routes to and from Harvard, making it easy to get to.

Duck Tours are amphibious vehicles that drive around the city and then go into the Charles River. Touristy, but very fun. People quack at you as you go by. The Freedom Trail is a long walk, but it doesn't mean you have to do the whole thing and you can go slow. There are red lines in the sidewalk that you follow. The Public Gardens are lovely, and reread Make Way For Ducklings first. The author used the gardens for the illustrations. There are swan boat rides there. The Public Library has Tiffany windows and murals. The Aquarium is wondeful. And I have not been there, but next time I go to Boston, I am definitely going to the Old South Church. Their pastor was on TV this week, and I googled it. It is just gorgeous, inside and out. And the ISG Museum is a must-see. Have fun!

Great suggestions. Thanks! Excited to see churches. Will check out the Freedom Trail. My mom adores Make Way for Ducklings - has a signed copy. It's been 25 years since my husband went to Harvard. Hadn't thought of it, but might be fun for me to stroll around there with him and hear him tell stories.

I forgot the best thing ever. The Glass Flowers at one of the Harvard Museums! Google it.

OMG those glass flowers look incredible! Thanks.

It's been a long time for me, so I may be out of date....hopefully others will let me know. But Legal Seafood was like a "thing" as is hitting the bakeries in the North End -- Italian and fabulous. But I believe the Freedom Trail brings you up that way anyway for the Old North Church anyway. Regina's Pizza is there, but they also have a place at Fanueil Hall which is also along the Freedom Trail. The Gardner Museum is a must see. I'd also go see the Boston Public Library...the old half has the most luscious, peaceful courtyard which is a lovely break from the city's hustle bustle and isn't far from the Public Gardens.

I'd recommend taking the T as much as possible as it goes most places you'll want to go and parking and driving in Boston can be a nightmare. As the saying goes, Boston is an hour away from Boston. Not sure how much time you'll have, but you're not far from Lexington and Concord. I'd suggest doing some research ahead of time as many towns around my area are already starting various events in celebration of the 250th anniversary. I can imagine those places will have lots going on -- and they have some beautiful old New England architecture.

Do see Harvard Yard and spend some time in Cambridge. There's a lovely stroll along the Charles River on either side. If you want something more touristy, you can always ride the elevator to the top of the John Hancock Building to see the view of the city and the surrounds.

It's been awhile since I was last in Boston but on several visits, I enjoyed eating at Union Oyster House. It's touristy, no doubt. Decent food, good chowder. I'm sure locals know better places but that's subjective too. It's been there for centuries. Literally.

I took a look on Trip Advisor, it's still reasonably well thought of (by people of the sort who would consult with and contribute to that site).

Also be aware that while beautiful, Beacon Hill is a real big hill and if your party includes people who are not good on uneven sidewalks and some steepness, you may want to bypass it. If you do go though, be sure to see Louisburg Square which is just lovely.

I agree with Annie that the train system is very user friendly and the traffic isn’t. Boston is still my favorite city. I went to college there and still miss it. Harvard is a gorgeous campus and Harvard Square is a must see. And yes, walk along the river.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions.

Interesting there is a John Hancock tower in Chicago and Boston. Who knew?

@Annie Deighnaugh - We are staying on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. My parents are not great with steepness, but I just looked at an elevation map and think the part we are staying on is pretty level.

I'm going to hunt down some hole in the wall places for seafood.

I’ll add my recommendation for the Gardner Museum- absolutely not to be missed. Take an audio or guided tour. Also, the MFA is wonderful, similar to the Met in its stellar and varied collection. Years ago, I went to the Kennedy Library and very much enjoyed it. Yes to Cambridge and Harvard, too- and the Harvard museums if you’re not museumed out, lol.

Charles St runs along the river so shouldn't be too elevated. It's a great location for your stay...lots nearby.

The John Hancock building...the new one, when I was there, was called the Plywood Palace. It was very dangerous actually. The winds blew so hard, they warped the frames holding the glass and sheets of glass would come sailing down off the building, which they then replaced with plywood. It was a mess. But they've long since fixed it.

I just checked on line. Apparently the observation deck on the John Hancock closed after 9/11 and never reopened. The one on top of the Pru (the prudential building) is however still open if you want to see it.

I meant to mention that the Boston Library also now has a Tea Room which is lovely to see and an interesting and historic spot to take a break.

I was going to mention the church on Newbury St if you are there on a Sunday as they offer a free Bach Cantata, but apparently that is only Sep-May. I used to enjoy going there.