The Complete Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Boston

Boston brings to mind colonial history, amazing sports teams, and traditional New England cuisine. Also don’t forget the assortment of universities and colleges bringing life to this historic city. Wheelchair accessible Boston is waiting for you to explore, so let’s go!

Planning a Trip to Boston? Use These Travel Resources!

Flights: Skyscanner
Hotels: Expedia or AccessbleGo
Tours: Viator
Travel Insurance: Insure My Trip

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, when you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Is Boston Wheelchair Accessible?

Even though the city was founded in 1630, many parts of the city are definitely modernized and accessible for wheelchair users. Accommodations have been added to historic sites to allow wheelchair users access with the rest of the public. All of the places listed here are accessible for you and any restrictions or limitations will be mentioned.

15 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Boston

There is so much to see and experience in Boston. We’ll start with traveling down the famous Freedom Trail and cover several of the must-see spots along the way. Then we’ll cover museums and a few other attractions you can’t miss when visiting this city. The Freedom Trail map begins at Boston Common.

Travel Tip: Make the most out of your journey along the Freedom Trail with this audio tour.

1. Boston Common

139 Tremont Street, Boston

Surrounded by Tremont, Park, Beacon, Charles, and Boylston Streets, Boston Common is 50 acres of public park that started out as grazing land and the militia training grounds. Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States founded in 1634.

Over the centuries, Bostonians beautified the parkland by adding trees, fountains, and pathways. Start your exploration of Boston Commons by stopping at the Visitor Information Center. A guide can help you map out an accessible pathway since there are some steps within the park.

Relax in the fresh air, enjoy the park, and plan your next stop along the Freedom Trail. Let’s head to the Massachusetts State House.

2. Massachusetts State House

24 Beacon Street, Boston

Across Beacon Street lies the site of the Massachusetts State House. Designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798, the “new” state house replaced the Old State House located on Washington Street. The land was donated by John Hancock who became the state’s first elected governor.

One of the oldest working capitols in the country, the Massachusetts State House is one of Bulfinch’s finest examples of Federal architecture. The original main building was red brick and later additions have been added to the sides and the back of the building.

Paul Revere’s company first gilded the wooden dome in copper in 1802. Now gilded in 23k gold, the 1997 glow-up cost $1.5 million.

You can choose either a self-guided tour or one with state house staff, free of charge, during weekdays from 10:00-3:30. Explore the Federal design, artwork covering hundreds of years, and the place where Massachusetts history was made.

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair access is located on Bowdoin Street, which is located on the right side when facing the building.

👉🏻 Don’t have much time in Boston? Make the most of it with this Best of Boston Tour! Check pricing and availability by clicking here.

3. Granary Burying Grounds

95 Tremont Street, Boston

Originally a part of Boston Common, Granary Burying Grounds is the third-largest cemetery in the city of Boston. The site currently has 2345 grave sites marked but historians believe there may be as many as 5000 people buried there.

This is the final resting place of many American Revolutionary War heroes and statesmen. Located here are Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and the first victims of the Boston Massacre.

There is a commemorative obelisk dedicated to Benjamin Franklin’s parents and relatives. Although Ben Franklin was born in Boston, he is buried in Philadelphia.

Accessibility Information

Granary Burying Ground is accessible at the Ashburton Park entrance. Take a right-hand turn into the alley off Beacon Street. The Granary Burying Grounds wheelchair-accessible entrance is located at the end of the alley.

I definitely suggest acquiring a map of the Freedom Trail and following the map to reach the appropriate entrances.

4. Old South Meeting House

310 Washington Street, Boston

The Old South Meeting House started as a Congregational church in 1729. It gained a second life as a gathering place where the colonists held annual meetings after the 1770 Boston Massacre.

1773 saw the largest meeting of about 5,000 people who were protesting the British taxation on tea. This heated discussion led to the Boston Tea Party and the dumping of the expensive tea shipments sitting in the harbor.

Called a “mouth-house”, the Meeting House became a place known for free speech and the sharing of ideas. The expression of these ideas still takes place today.

Accessibility Information

Old South Meeting House has been open to the public since 1877 as a museum and a public meeting place. This location is wheelchair-accessible and elevators are available to access the museum.

5. The Boston Massacre Site Near the Old State House

206 Washington Street, Boston

The tension between Bostonians and the British Redcoats hit its peak on March 5, 1770. British occupation started in 1768 in the aftermath of unrest concerning the Tax Acts. An agitated crowd of several hundred colonists gathered near the Custom House on King Street, very close to the Old State House.

This riot increased the tension between the colonists and the British, and the flames were fanned with colonial propaganda. Although five men were killed by the British soldiers, this “massacre” was seen as another stepping stone to removing the British control from the state of Massachusetts.

Accessibility Information

The site of the Boston Massacre is marked with a commemorative marker at the intersection of State and Congress Streets in Downtown Boston and is accessible to all.

This location is near the Old State House, which unfortunately is not currently wheelchair accessible. Plans for added accessibility are in the works for the Old State House.

6. Faneuil Hall

1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston

Opened in 1742, Faneuil Hall is often called “the Cradle of Liberty.” The building’s original purpose was as a marketplace, which it has been for more than 270 years. The Sons of Liberty held meetings here to protest British oppression and they used it frequently as an assembly hall.

Along with Faneuil Hall, the site includes North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market. These buildings comprise an indoor/outdoor marketplace filled with shops and restaurants.

Everything from snacks and ice cream to seafood or Greek specialties, there is something to appeal to all appetites. The site is wheelchair accessible but make sure to be careful on the cobblestones.

7. Paul Revere House

19 North Square, Boston

The Paul Revere House is the only site on the Freedom Trail that was a family home. Marked as the oldest colonial structure in Boston, visit the home of the famous patriot responsible for alerting citizens to the arrival of the British troops.

Many of us are familiar with the legendary midnight ride of Paul Revere and his cries of “The British are coming!” If you are not aware of the story popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, you can read it here. Explore the home of this American Revolutionary hero and learn about Revere’s family life during the colonial period.

Accessibility Information

The home is accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. There are ramps in the courtyard for the first floor and an elevator to access the second floor.

8. Old North Church

193 Salem Street, Boston

There is something to explore from the bell tower up top to the historic crypt down below. View the decorative gallery and the “undesirable” seating along with the 1759 pipe organ.

Accessibility Information

The Old North Church is wheelchair accessible and drafted plans show more accessibility in the outside garden and patio areas.

9. Bunker Hill Monument

43 Monument Square, Boston

The 221-foot granite obelisk marks the spot of the first major Revolutionary War battle. Even though it was technically a British win, it took nearly 3,000 Redcoats three attacks to beat the much smaller Colonial Militia. As they watched the British fight, the militia were learning about their tactics and how to eventually beat them.

Marquis de Lafayette, the Revolutionary War hero, placed the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument in 1825 on the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The monument was not completed until 1842.

Accessibility Information

Both the monument and the museum located across from the site are wheelchair accessible.

10. New England Aquarium

1 Central Wharf, Boston

The New England Aquarium opened on Central Wharf in 1969 and has been promoting conservation, protection, and education about the animals and species populating the oceans. Some of the animals currently in the aquarium are:

• Penguins
• Harbor Seals
• Sharks
• Sea Lions
• Sea Turtles
• Octopus
• Rays
• Seahorses
• and many more fish, crustaceans, and seabirds

🐳 Travel Tip: If visiting Boston in the summer, get up close to marine life like whales when you take this tour.
Check pricing and availability by clicking here.

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair-using visitors receive free admission to the Aquarium. Free wheelchair rentals are available to visitors on a first-come first-served system and until they run out. Visit the Information Desk for more details and to get your free admission tickets.

👉🏻 Get your tickets for this popular attraction in advance by clicking here.

11. Museum of Science

Museum of Science Driveway, Boston

The Boston Museum of Science is full of interactive exhibits for all ages, from children to adults. It is also an accredited zoo with more than 100 animals, many of which are rescue animals.

Explore over 700 exhibits, visit the Planetarium or Omni Theater, or attend a nighttime adult experience called SubSpace. SubSpace creates a unique experience combining art, science, and technology.

The Museum started as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830. Throughout the years the name and location have changed to become the Museum we now know.

Located at 1 Science Way, it spans the entire length of the Charles River dam with a parking garage next to the Museum. Parking is free for up to 1/2 hour and then goes up to $25.00 for 6 hours of parking.

Accessibility Information for the Museum of Science

The Museum of Science prides itself on making the exhibits accessible and barrier-free to all people. Some of the accessible services that the museum provides include assistive listening devices, sighted tours, sign language interpreters, and barrier-free pathways.

Check their website for more information on how to reserve special tours and services.

12. Museum of Fine Arts

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston

Claimed the 20th-largest museum in the world by gallery size, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts houses a varied collection of some of the most famous artists in the world.

From ancient Egyptian artifacts to French Impressionists, and from imperial Chinese art pieces to contemporary artwork, the MFA has something to appeal to all tastes.

Wheelchairs and rollators are available on first-come, first-served at the main entrance, the Huntington Avenue entrance, and at The Linde Family Entrance. You can also bring and use your own equipment. If you have a personal care attendant, they are admitted free of charge.

13. Samuel Adams Brewery

30 Germania Street, Boston

If you enjoy a brewery tour and beer tasting, visit the Sam Adams Boston Brewery. Named after the famous patriot, Samuel Adams worked as a brewer and inherited his father’s brewery in Boston.

Although this is not the same brewery going back hundreds of years, The Boston Beer Company has developed a variety of beers throughout the years.

There are a variety of tours and they are wheelchair accessible. If interested in the tasting room then all participants must be age 21+.

14. View Boston at the Top of the Prudential

800 Boylston Street Floor 52, Boston

Open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every day of the week, this is the place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city of Boston. The Prudential Building is an iconic part of the Boston skyline and one of the tallest buildings in New England. View Boston offers 360° access to catch all of the city from one place.

A bistro and bar offer refreshments and make sure to try and catch the night view of this amazing city. The Prudential building and View Boston are wheelchair accessible.

👉🏻 Reserve your tickets in advance by clicking here.

15. Fenway Park

4 Jersey Street, Boston

Fenway Park has been the home to the MLB’s Boston Red Sox team since it opened on April 20, 1912. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or not, this ball field is chock full of history and amazing experiences.

It is the oldest active ballpark in the league and is known for the Green Monster (the left-field wall) and Pesky’s Pole. If you are a sports fan, then visiting Fenway Park is a must.

Tours of the facility are available, and if you can time your visit right, you may be able to attend a game in the park.

Accessibility at Fenway Park

A wide range of accommodations are available to wheelchair users and you can check out their comprehensive guide by clicking here. Wheelchairs can be requested to bring guests to their seats during a game, but it is requested that you bring your own mobility device if you need it for the duration of your stay.

👉🏻 Reserve your tour of the stadium before your trip by clicking here.

More Fun Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Boston

Have more time in Boston? Consider adding these wheelchair-accessible activities to your Boston itinerary.

Take a Ghost Tour

Discover the haunted history of Boston on this 1 1/2-hour ghost tour. Walk (or roll) around the city as you hear tales and legends of the ghosts that still reside here.

Eat Your Heart Out on an Underground Donut Tour

If you love delectable donuts, then you won’t want to miss this tour. It will take you to some of the hidden gems in Boston and not just the shops along the main tourist sites. Donut tastings are included in the cost of the tour.

👉🏻 Save your spot on this highly-rated tour and choose your start time by clicking here.

Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Boston

While the hotels listed are all wheelchair-accessible, please make sure to reach out to any potential hotels and ask them questions to ensure they meet your individual needs. Read more about asking these questions before you arrive at the hotel.

➡️ Boston Yacht Haven

This inn is close to the Paul Revere House and Old North Church, and the New England Aquarium is less than a mile away. An on-site marina is busy during the summer season and the nautical theme is carried through to the room decorations.

A free continental breakfast is available each morning and there are other dining options a short distance away. Accessibility features are available, including elevator access to top floors. Any additional requests can be made with reception.

☑️ Check prices and availability when you book your room by clicking here.

➡️ The Verb Hotel

This hotel is located close to Fenway Park and The Museum of Fine Arts. People love the aesthetic of this fun hotel which also offers its guests private parking, wi-fi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool, and facilities for disabled guests.

Beacon Street Station is only 1600 feet away and can connect you to the rest of the city.

☑️ Check prices and availability for your travel dates by clicking here.

➡️ Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District

Close to South Station and the Boston Tea Party Ships, this three-star hotel offers accessible rooms and services for its guests. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private parking, indoor swimming, and facilities for disabled guests. Additional services and requests can be handled at the reception desk.

☑️ Book early to ensure you get an accessible room. Check pricing and availability by clicking here.

How to Get to Boston

The city of Boston is easily reached from most places in the world. From Logan International Airport to the trains or the highway, Boston has many routes to get there. Your starting point will determine which route is the best one for you.

Fly – Logan

For international travelers, or those coming from a longer distance away, flying into Boston is usually your best choice. Logan International Airport is a busy hub with local and international flights arriving daily from across the globe.

The airport is highly accessible to people of all abilities. Please check out their comprehensive accessibility guide by clicking here.  This guide shares the location of elevators, the distances from curb to counter, and includes a link to more details about the airport shuttle buses with wheelchair lifts.

The airport is connected to the city by shuttles and buses which bring you to the subway or the train station. Taxis, car rentals, and ride-sharing vehicles are also widely available, as well as a friend picking you up from the airport to bring you into the city.

Check out my post on Finding Cheap Flights Anywhere for tips on getting deals on your flights.

Train – Amtrak

Traveling by train is another option for people on the East Coast.

Boston is part of the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak. This popular line runs from Washington, D.C. up through to Boston with several main stops at cities along the way. These cities include Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, New York City, Stamford, New Haven, and Providence.

Click here to learn more about traveling from Boston to Rhode Island.

Three train stations serve the city of Boston: South Station, Back Bay, and North Station. South Station and Back Bay serve travelers coming north to Boston along the Northeast Corridor. North Station serves travelers coming south to Boston from New Hampshire or Maine.

Amtrak is committed to serving all people and has created a guide for accessibility questions. Please click here to check it out.

This guide provides links and phone numbers to verify if your station is accessible and to make sure all of your needs can be accommodated. They highly suggest checking and calling ahead to reserve any assistance if needed.

All stations in Boston have connections to the subway and buses at the train station or just outside. This will enable you to reach other locations in the city.

Drive

If you wish to bring your own car and enjoy a good accessible road trip, driving in is another option for you. Be comfortable in your own vehicle and bring everything you need with you.

Interstate 95 runs north to south from the Canadian border in Maine all the way down to Miami, Florida. Once close to Boston, take I-93 North to reach downtown. Another route, if coming from points west, is I-90 East right into the city.

Checking your GPS and plotting your path is the easiest way to determine which route is the best for you based on your starting point. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and there are plenty of different roads, highways, and turnpikes available for you to get into the city.

Just be aware that the city is not set up on a grid system like New York City and navigating once in the city itself can be difficult. It might be better to drive yourself in and then park and use public transportation or ride-sharing services to maneuver within the city.

Getting Around Boston in a Wheelchair

Now that I’ve covered wheelchair-accessible things to do in Boston, where to stay, and how to get here, let’s talk a little about how to navigate the city during your trip.

Bus

All MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority)buses are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Some of the accessible features are ramps at the front door, buses that lower for easier access, and specific designated places to secure mobility devices.

If additional assistance is needed with seating or paying your fare, request help from the MBTA operator.

Taxi

Taxis are a common way to get about the city, but not all of them are equipped with wheelchair accessibility. The following are 2 cab companies that specialize in assisting wheelchair users get around Boston.

Metro Cab of Boston

This is the largest fleet of cabs in Boston accepting all major credit cards and operating 24 hours a day. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, including vans with rear-door access. Click the link above or call 1-617-782-5500 for service.

Boston Cab Dispatch

This cab company offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles, also called a WAV. You can contact them at the link above or by calling 1-617-536-5010.

Travel Tip: If you are arriving at the airport in Boston, ask the taxi stand attendant to assist in getting you a WAV vehicle. This is a lawful taxi cab registered with the city of Boston and will have a metal Hackney license visible in the cab. To make sure you are using a legitimate registered vehicle, check for the metal license when you enter the vehicle.

Subway

The MBTA provides accessibility features on the majority of the subways. Some of these features are bridge plates for the gap between the train and the platform, a designated seating area for wheeled mobility equipment, and call buttons to push for additional help if needed. 

It is suggested to use the Trip Planner to map out your route and make sure you have what is needed for a safe trip. Most of the lines are wheelchair accessible, but it is best to check your specific destination to verify accessibility.

Commuter Rail

The Commuter Rail is operated by the MBTA and 77% of the stations are currently wheelchair accessible. Once again, check your route before your trip to ensure you can access the train cars.

Boston Trolley Tour

For a fun way to get around Boston to see the most popular attractions, take a wheelchair-accessible trolley tour. This narrated form of transportation will help you learn more about the city while taking you to the best sites to see in the city.

Tours like this one, are wheelchair accessible but you will need to contact them in advance so they can arrange for an accessible trolley car.

👉🏻 Reserve your tickets to this popular trolley tour by clicking here.

Accessible Rental Car

Although this method of getting around the city can be a bit more costly, if this is your choice then there are a few options.

Wheelchair Getaways

Click the link here and enter your desired location in Boston. Several options come up. Contact them for availability and to learn if they have the vehicle you need.

Advanced Wheels of Southern CT and MA

This company provides wheelchair-accessible vans for both short-term and longer-term rentals. Contact them on their website here for pricing and availability.

Mobility Equipment Rentals in Boston

Cloud of Goods

Delivery of your rental can be waiting for you at your hotel upon arrival making the whole process so much easier for you. Contact them online or call 1-407-545-3103 to make arrangements for your mobility equipment.

Boston Orthopedic Respiratory Equipment

For mobility equipment rentals while in Boston, this company provides a variety of choices for you. Delivery and pick-up are available at an additional fee. Contact them to make arrangements to ensure you have what you need ready to go when you arrive.

5 Dexter Row, Charlestown, MA (1-617-337-5133)

AM-PM Boston Medical Supplies

This company offers wheelchair and scooter rentals for short-term use. All rentals require a minimum of 2 days rental. Delivery and pick-up of the mobility equipment is an additional charge. Please call 1-877-707- 9643 to speak to someone about your specific needs while in Boston.

Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in Boston: The Best Places to Eat

Boston is a foodie’s delight and almost every cuisine you can think of is represented in the city. From Italian food in the North End to the amazing Chinatown, and covering nearly every ethnic cuisine you can imagine, there is something for every palate in Boston.

You also cannot miss the traditional New England classics available to taste in Boston, such as clam chowder, lobsters, oysters, other seafood specialties, Boston baked beans, or a New England-style pot roast.

Here are a few restaurants that will share some fine Boston food with you and all of them are wheelchair accessible.

Please note: This list is not complete and there’s always something new to discover. Choose your favorite cultural food and search for local restaurants near you when in Boston. Bon appetit!

Carmelina’s

307 Hanover Street, Boston

Located in the North End, this Italian restaurant features a modern twist on classic Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant opened in 2012 and is decorated as an open kitchen with family pictures on the walls.

The space is small and reservations are required to be assured of a seat. Seating times are strictly adhered to to keep the patrons flowing in a timely manner.

The Dubliner

2 Center Plaza, Boston

If you’re looking to experience a traditional Irish-style Sunday Roast dinner, then The Dubliner is the place for you. Click here to view their menus for brunch, lunch, or dinner in a cozy Irish pub setting. This will also include Guinness and plenty of other libations for the adult crowd.

Since they are open until 2:00 a.m. every evening, this. is the place to go for late-night drinks and a bite to eat. Enjoy!

James Hook & Co.

440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston

Established in 1925, this New England lobster and fresh seafood restaurant does not offer reservations. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to their in-house dining, they also offer take-out food and will ship seafood to your home. This is casual dining with fresh seafood caught in Maine and shipped directly to Boston to be enjoyed by many.

Best Time to Visit Boston

The best time to visit Boston is the actual time you can manage to get there. But if we need to look at the best seasons, I would recommend Spring and Fall as the best two times. Here is my reasoning.

Winter

During the Winter, maneuvering a wheelchair around the streets of Boston could possibly be difficult if there has been recent snowstorms. Snow can pile up on sidewalks and make safe travel along the streets more difficult.

Summer

Summer is the peak tourist season and is the most crowded. The temperatures can also be unpleasant to handle.

Just dealing with more people at the tourist attractions and in the shops and restaurants can cause frustration. Plus there will be more traffic to deal with on the sidewalks and the roads.

Spring and Fall

Spring and Fall are the best times to go because crowds are smaller and the weather is more pleasant. In the Spring you will see the city blooming into life with trees and the gardens bursting into color.

The Fall is everyone’s New England favorite with the turning of the leaves and a landscape colored in shades of red, gold, and yellow.

Once again, if you can only go during a specific season, do your research and be prepared. But if you can choose your time, then Spring and Fall are the best.

How Long to Spend in Boston

Boston is rich in history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods, so it really depends on your interests and the pace at which you like to explore. However, I’d suggest spending at least 3 to 4 days in Boston to get a well-rounded experience.

In this time frame, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic historical sites, such as the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and the USS Constitution Museum. You can also visit world-renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts.

For sports enthusiasts, catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or experiencing the energy of a Celtics or Bruins game at TD Garden is a must.

Of course, the more time you have, the deeper you can delve into the city’s offerings and take things at a more relaxed pace.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply looking to soak up the New England charm, Boston offers something for everyone. So, aim for 3-4 days as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to extend your stay if you find yourself falling in love with the city’s unique blend of past and present.

Wheelchair Accessible Boston FAQs

Should I Rent a Car in Boston?

Due to the excellent public transportation and the limited parking available downtown, it is best to not rent a car unless absolutely necessary.

Boston streets are not laid out in a grid pattern like New York City and can be very difficult to find your way around the city. The best suggestion if you rent a car is to use it to get there but park at your accommodations and use public transportation within the city.

Is Disabled Parking Free in Boston?

If you have a disability tag or placard on your vehicle, then parking in designated handicap spaces is free of charge. You can also park in metered spaces for no charge with a valid handicap parking placard visible in the vehicle.

Are Boston Duck Boat Tours Handicap Accessible?

Yes, they are, but only at the main locations of The Museum of Science and The Prudential Building.

If booking online, you must call 617-450-0068 to make arrangements since seats must be moved to accommodate wheelchairs. Plan ahead and be prepared to see Boston from land and by water for a unique perspective and a fun ride through the city.

Recap of Visiting Wheelchair Accessible Boston

Many people are surprised that a city as old as Boston is accessible and waiting for you to experience and explore it. Wheelchair accessible Boston is even much larger than the handful of sites mentioned here, but visiting these places will give you a feel for the true Boston spirit.

Explore the colonial history that shaped the United States and enjoy the international art and food contributions from the many immigrants who called Boston their new home. Boston is waiting to welcome you with open arms.