Historic Beacon Hill is mostly a residential neighborhood north of the Boston Common and Public Gardens. Most people think of city living as anonymous and isolating. Here you can still find examples of brick Federal style homes, decorative artwork and Greek Revival and Victorian architecture.
Beacon Hill contains a South Slope, a North Slope and a Flat of the Hill. Charles Street is the neighborhood’s most famous street, known for its wonderful antique shops – more than 40 – and Cambridge Street offers good restaurants. Most of the elevation of Beacon Hill has long been stripped away to fill in other developing areas and landfills.
Be sure to check out the Massachusetts State House overlooking Boston Common as well as Louisburg Square – Boston’s most prestigious address, once home of Louisa May Alcott at No. 10.
Bring your camera along Acorn St., a one-block long, cobble-stoned passageway that runs from Willow St. to West Cedar St. It is the most photographed street in America. For the TV fan, 84 Beacon Street, formerly known as the Bull & Finch Pub, was the inspiration for the television show Cheers. Also part of Beacon Hill – The Boston Common and the Park Street Church, yourStart to the Freedom Trail. Other areas of interest include 55 Mount Vernon St., the Nichols House Museum. The Nichols House Museum is open to the public as an historic house museum reflecting the domestic life of a typical family of Beacon Hill at the turn of the last century.
The African Meeting House is the oldest African Meeting house in America and is the start of the 1.6 mile (2.5 km) Black Heritage Trail. The trail connects to 14 historic sites. Guided walking tours are offered by the National Park Service daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and other times by special request.
