Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill
Overview
Boston's role in the fight to end legalized slavery is linked by the Black Heritage Trail in historic Beacon Hill. This pedestrian path is best experienced on foot, in a small group, with a knowledgeable local guide! Your 2.5-hour loop tour travels from Boston Common to visit Underground Railroad sites, elite homes of "Boston Brahmins," and abolitionist landmarks such as the African Meeting House.
Our small-group walking tour delves deeply into the years 1833 to 1863, the tumultuous years leading toward Civil War. We walk in the footsteps of 19th-century Bostonians, all of whom grappled with the "peculiar institution" of racial enslavement in the U.S.
With a captivating storytelling approach, Hub Town Tours provides the perfect introduction to Boston's role in America's "Second Revolution." As we travel past landmarks from Civil War Boston, your guide shares the gripping story of local Bostonians finding their voices and demanding an end to injustice across their young nation.
What's Included
- Small Groups (16 guests max)
- Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks)
- Beacon Hill Neighborhood
- Admission inside Museums
- Guides in Period Costume
- Gratuity for Guide (optional)
Meeting Location
139 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02109, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Freedom Trail
Boston, MA 02108, USA
Your 2.5-hour tour concludes in front of the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, across the street from the Massachusetts State House. This special loop tour of Beacon Hill ends within 0.2 miles of its starting location at the Prescott House.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Boston Common (pass by)
Acorn Street
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Louisburg Square (pass by)
Phillips School
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
John J Smith House
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Charles Street (pass by)
Charles Street Meeting House
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lewis and Harriet Hayden House
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Otis House
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
20 Hancock St (pass by)
Smith Court Residences (pass by)
Abiel Smith School (pass by)
African Meeting House
25 minutes Admission Ticket Free
5 Pinckney St
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Massachusetts State House (pass by)
Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty standing for extended periods
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-66111P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 203 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Small Groups (16 guests max).
- Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks).
- Beacon Hill Neighborhood.
- Admission inside Museums.
- Guides in Period Costume.
- Gratuity for Guide (optional).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty standing for extended periods
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Small Groups (16 guests max)
- Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks)
- Beacon Hill Neighborhood
- Admission inside Museums
- Guides in Period Costume
- Gratuity for Guide (optional)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty standing for extended periods
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
