Boston's Best Photo Spots

You don't have to travel to Europe to see cobblestone streets. Acorn Street, in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, is a like stepping back into the 18th-century. The cobblestone street is flanked by red brick rowhouses with window boxes and gas lamps. As picture-perfect as it is, Beacon Hill is one of the most expensive areas of Boston.

A great example of Oscar Wilde's assertion that "life imitates art," this bar and restaurant was originally named Bull and Finch Pub when it opened in 1969. The hit '80s TV sitcom used the exterior of the bar but all of the indoor scenes were filmed in a studio. Although the interior does not resemble the show in any fashion a replica was built on the ground floor as a tourist attraction. In 2002, the ba...

Taking inspiration from Robert McCloskey's 1941 eponymous children's book, this mallard mom and her babies waddle through Boston Public Gardens. Why did the park choose Mrs. Mallard and her bronze brood as permanent residents? Apparently, the official children's book of the Commonwealth is "Make Way for Ducklings."

Little Brewster Island is the site of the very first lighthouse to be built in what is not the USA. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1716 but was blown up by British forces in 1776. The successor, which still stands today, was built in 1783 - and is the second oldest operation lighthouse currently. This lonely little island still has a resident keeper who also acts as a guide for visitors.

Before it hung over a Starbucks franchise, this giant golden tea kettle was an advertising gimmick for the Oriental Tea Shop in 1875. The shop called on the public to guess its liquid volume capacity which turned out to be 227 gallons. Try to visit in winter when you can see the kettle produce steam!

It was first organized in 1669 as a United Church of Christ congregation. The building, an example of Gothic Revival architecture, was completed in 1873 although some enhancements were carried out in the 1930s. Although you'll have to look on the website for details about church services the grounds are open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

Created by Peter Baldassari, All Saints Way is an exalted collection of figurines and portraits of those holy canonized people. Elevated both spiritually and physically, the alley way runs through an overhang between two brick apartment buildings. While this is private property, sometimes the gate is unlocked - it's really hit or miss. If Peter is there, he will be happy to give you a tour.

One of the most stunning examples of Richardsonian Romanesque, the Trinity Church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1877. The original congregation was founded in 1733 but now is numbered at approximately 3,000 households. Much of the church was built with materials native to Massachusetts - the stone used was Dedham granite.

This was where American Independence was born - where the Founding Fathers discussed the beginnings of the secession from Great Britain. The Georgian-style building was originally built in 1713, although restorations took place in subsequent centuries. This grand structure is one of the oldest public houses in the United States and its east balcony is where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed ...

The original building was built in 1680 and, today, 90% of the historic landmark can be dated back to that year. Paul Revere owned the house from 1770 to 1800 but the site has history even before that great equestrian. It was the site of the former parsonage and home of Increase and Cotton Mather but that building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1676. (Photo by K Asbury)

This frigate of the U.S. Navy with its wooden hull and three masts was personally named by George Washington himself. She is currently the world's oldest navy ship that is commissioned and floating on water. She is also the oldest active American ship to have sunk an enemy vessel. She was put into service in 1787 and saw many battles before she was retired in the late 1800s. Now, with all of her accolade...

This grand, historic, 275-acre cemetery is the final resting place of notables such as E.E. Cummings and Reggie Lewis. It was built in 1848, well before the Civil War, but remains in pristine condition. Green lawns, sculptures, and an arboretum make this a peaceful place not only for the departed but also the living.

Located in a posh square of Boston's historic Congress Street this rustic sign is located just a stone's throw away from the Wax Museum and the Old State House. It's on the other side of Boston Seasons Beer Garden, an open-air patio where you can get some great ales while you're there!

The tavern where Will and Chuckie hang out in "Good Will Hunting" is a real place. This quaint, English-style corner pub has had a makeover since its silver screen debut but a sign outside helps tourists out by proclaiming its movie-star status.