A presidential slice of New England
With its historic red brick homes, leafy parks, and quintessential New England charm, Braintree is a fantastic base for exploring Boston and the wider region. It's anchored by a characterful downtown core, with some buildings dating back to the 1600s. Over the centuries it's played a pivotal role in the American narrative, and the area was the birthplace of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Aside from its proud heritage, Braintree offers easy access to a host of Massachusetts highlights. From the Boston Harbor Islands to Beantown itself, there's a lot of New England to explore within a short distance of Braintree vacation rentals.
Cruising islands near Braintree
For many visitors, Braintree vacation rentals serve as a jumping point to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Made up of countless islands and peninsulas, it's one of New England's top open-air attractions. History buffs will jump at the chance to tour the Civil War-era fort and climb the historic lighthouse on Little Brewster Island. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, from coastal hiking trails to scenic picnic areas. You can also stop by the John Quincy Adams Birthplace, a historic saltbox house that was once home to the 6th President of the United States.
From Braintree to Beantown, and beyond
From the stately Town Hall to the clapboard General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace, Braintree is dotted with historical gems. A walking tour of the town is a great way to get your bearings and soak up local history. When the sun's shining, locals flock to Mound Street Beach, a popular stretch of sand that's great for swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing. If you're craving a street scene, the rapid transit train will whisk you from Braintree to downtown Boston in just 30 minutes. From here you can visit big-ticket attractions like the Museum of Fine Art, explore trendy boutiques in Somerville, or catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
Snow dusted winters on the Atlantic coast
The most enjoyable time to see Massachusetts is arguably the summer, when legions of tourists descend on Boston, the Harbor Islands, and the Cape Cod coast. The atmosphere is fantastic, with outdoor concerts and sidewalk cafes spilling out onto the streets. If you want to beat the crowds, consider visiting in fall. The mild weather is perfect for sightseeing in Braintree and Boston, as well as cruising around the Harbor Islands. If you don't mind a dusting of snow, winter can be a magical time to visit. Braintree vacation rentals keep things cozy with blazing fireplaces and spacious living areas that are perfect for board game nights.
World-class birdwatching just out of Boston
As well as New England history, the Boston Harbor Islands are rich in biodiversity. They serve as a haven for local birds, including gulls, terns, herons, hawks, plovers, sandpipers, owls, woodpeckers, and more. If you prefer to stay on dry land, Pond Meadow Park features hundreds of acres of meadows, woods, and marshlands. The conservation area is also dotted with trails which makes it a great place to stretch your legs and spot local wildlife.
Traveling to and around Braintree
Fly into Logan International Airport (BOS), the closest airport, located 10.9 mi (17.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Boston, MA (BNH-Boston Harbor Seaplane Base), which is 10.7 mi (17.2 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Braintree Station or Weymouth Landing - East Braintree Station and explore the city from there.