Boston Tourist Tips - April 2011

Red Sox, Boston Marathon, Patriots' Day - and More!

Spring finally arrives in Boston in April (despite our April 1 snowstorm) - along with the start of the Red Sox season at Fenway, the Boston Marathon, and almost a month of Patriots' Day celebrations.

What's Happening in Boston in April

The Red Sox return!

The Boston Red Sox play their long-awaited first home game at Fenway Park on April 8, and excitement is building.  With Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz pitching this season, and newcomers Adrian Gonzales and Carl Crawford making their Boston debut, there's sure to be lots to watch at Fenway.  If you've visiting Boston this month, check the Red Sox schedule for April.

Patriots' Day

Patriots' Day celebrations take place throughout the month, with lots of re-enactments, parades, and other activities related to Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, the fight on the Old North Bridge, the opening days of the American Revolution right here in Boston, Concord, Lexington, and other nearby towns, and portrayals of life here in 1775, especially along Battle Road.  

Most events take place on the weekend before Patriots' Day (always the 3rd Monday of the month - April 18th this year - but others take place throughout the month.  Because lots of different organizations sponsor the events, I've never been able to find a schedule listing all the events - so I finally put one together with all the major events included - about 25 so far.  Here's the Patriots' Day schedule for 2011.

The Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon - another huge April event - also takes place on April 18th, bringing athletes and spectators from all over the world to Boston.  It's hugely exciting to watch, especially near the finish line on Boylston Street in the Back Bay neighborhood, but also at just about any point along the Marathon route.  We watch for awhile every year.  It's humbling to realize how each and every person in the race has devoted so much effort and commitment to run in this Marathon - they're all winners!

If you're coming to Boston for the Marathon, remember that hotels fill up early.  If you don't already have reservations, make them now!  Here are suggestions about hotels convenient for the Marathon.

Run of the Charles

The biggest canoe and kayak race in New England - and the perfect excuse for spending a day on the river - more about Run of the Charles

Other events

Lots more is happening in Boston in April - check the Boston Events Calendar for April to get details!

Find more things to do in Boston in April - as well as best rainy day activities and kids' activities.

Ways to Save

Free passes - To the Art and Design Show and Boston Print Fair at the Boston Center for the Arts' Cyclorama in the South End on April 8, 9, 10 through Goldstar (free sign-up)

ScoreBig - My new favorite way to get discount tickets - especially because they have RED SOX tickets! - as well as tickets for shows and concerts.  All are at least 10% off retail, and no fees/delivery charges.  What's cool is that you look at what they have, what others have paid, and then make a bid.  More about ScoreBig

Boston Discount Cards - If you're planning a visit to Boston, these cards will give you big savings (often 50% or more) on admissions to attractions, cruises, tours - especially on the priciest ones.  They're the best way I know of for Boston visitors to get discounts to expensive attractions like the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, etc.  The GoBoston card also covers admission to Harbor cruises and attractions outside of the city such as Plimouth Plantation.  More about Boston Discount Cards.

Questions and Answers

Several BostonDiscoveryGuide.com visitors have e-mailed questions about spring flowers in Boston . . . Where to see them?  When do tulips bloom in the city?  What else is blooming?

In response, BostonDiscoveryGuide.com now has a guide to spring flowers in Boston - including a big photo gallery to give a flavor of what you can see.

Starting in May, some of the city's best gardeners open up their gardens to guests.  These once-a-year tours provide a glimpse into some of Boston's hidden gardens.

More about Boston garden tours

We've also received a number of questions about hotels near the July 4th fireworks - so here are some recommended hotels near Boston's fireworks.

Ask your Boston travel question here.

If you're visiting Boston in April

Boston hotel rates are still low this month (except, perhaps, around Marathon weekend), so April is a super time to visit Boston and take advantage of the savings.  If you want to splurge, check out our new page on Boston luxury boutique hotels - small, special places where you get top personalized service and plush comfort, and of course they're in super locations.

On the other hand, discount hotels and inexpensive hotels are still near their lowest rates of the year, with plenty of special deals still available.  As the economy finally begins to improve, hotel rates may rise - so travel now!

If you have kids of a certain age, you know that many colleges send acceptance letters in late March and early April - and with 60+ colleges and universities in and around the city, we get plenty of visitors touring the local campuses.  If your offspring are slightly younger, April is also a good time to get familiar with all the campuses in Boston.  Our sightseeing map and guide will help you understand the city's layout to maximize your touring time.

Coming in May

• Boston Events Calendar for May
• Things to Do in Boston in May

That's it for now.  Do drop by Boston-Discovery-Guide.com, where you'll find lots more information about planning your visit to Boston.

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Have a wonderful month!

Susan