Back Bay Highgate Independent

With Victorian homes modeled after French architecture and design, you'd be hard-pressed to find a city-based destination that is more beautiful than Back Bay, Boston. With a rich cultural history, impressive architecture everywhere, and new developments springing up, families and business associates will enjoy the famous ritzy shops and the increasing number of festivals held year-round. Take a trip here with the family to experience great local attractions and a small chunk of America's history.

Choosing a destination with enriching experiences can be difficult, especially when planning a vacation with the whole family. However, the family-friendly festivals and strong cultural values boasted by Back Bay make this an ideal location. As a suburb placed on the outskirts of the famous city of Boston, Back Bay is a great alternative for a quaint environment that still provides access to the nightlife and culture of MassachusettsOpens in a new window.

Buildings of note

John Hancock Tower - 1975

Standing at 790 feet tall, the Hancock Place building is the tallest in New England and has been the tallest in Boston for over 30 years. Designed by Henry N. Cobb during a time when every architect seemed to be striving for a tall glass building of modern design, this tower represents a great architectural feat. Your entire family can take the elevator up to viewing points at John Hancock Tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding city.

Trinity Church - 1877

The Boston Trinity Church was designed as a replacement for the original church that burned down in 1872. Guests can spend the afternoon enjoying the Richardsonian Romanesque architecture with plenty of photo opportunities throughout this legendary building. History buffs can wile away an afternoon walking through the halls of Trinity Church, a landmark that set the standard in Boston for all that succeeded it. Admire the beautiful architecture and the stained glass found inside the sanctuary.

If you happen to be visiting during the month of December, take your family to watch the magical choir performances at Trinity Church. Christmas caroling doesn't get much better.

Public Library - 1895

The Boston Public LibraryOpens in a new window is famous for being the first of its kind. Outside, visitors can appreciate the neo-Gothic design, while the inside features stained glass art designs, wall decor and the awe-inspiring sight of millions of books on public display. Gather your family together for a photo with the famous lion statues that guard the entrance to this mammoth library. There is also a children's quarter available, so you can take some quiet time while your kids enjoy stories provided by the library staff.

Best time to visit

Search for a great deal on Back Bay hotels during the late spring or summer. The winters can be too cold and harsh for some travelers, and the fall is met with heavy storms. Summertime in Boston greets visitors with more comfortable weather and numerous local festivals, such as The Taste of Back Bay. If you travel to Back Bay right before or after tourist season, which is May through September, Back Bay hotels will be cheaper than booking during the height of the tourist season.

The Taste of Back Bay

An annual event that has lasted throughout many years is the Taste of Back Bay festival, which gets local food vendors together to show off the best culinary creations Boston has to offer. For guests who want a truly authentic Boston experience, this would be the ideal time to visit.

The Taste of Back Bay Festival sets up food-vendor tents on the streets surrounding the Prudential Skywalk. In the park area of the Skywalk, bands come to perform on the main stage with local acoustic artists featured on a side stage between set changes. Kids can get their faces painted and play carnival-style games. Visitors are encouraged to bring easy-up canopies and lounge chairs so they can find a spot in the grass to enjoy the music and festivities without being in direct sunlight.