Nicknamed the “City of Presidents”, Quincy is a coastal suburb overlooking a protected bay south of Boston. It was the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as John Hancock, a Founding Father and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Things to do in Quincy
Encompassing 11 buildings dating from the 18th to 20th centuries, Adams National Historical Park preserves the former home of United States presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Join a guided tour to explore the Old House at Peacefield and the Stone Library, which was constructed in 1870 to house John Quincy Adams’ personal collection of books.
Nearby is the United First Parish Church (also known as the Church of the Presidents), which was designed by Alexander Parris and built by stonecutter Abner Joy. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark and was where the presidents and their families attended church. Admire the decorative plaster ceiling and see the pew where the Adams once sat before paying your respects at the family crypt.
On the edge of Quincy Bay is the Quincy Shores Reservation, a long stretch of sand that’s popular with walkers and joggers. It encompasses Moswetuset Hummock, a Native American site where local leader Chickatawbut negotiated with Myles Standish, the commander of Plymouth Colony in the 17th century. At the southern end of the beach is Caddy Memorial Park, which is home to a children’s playground, wetlands and leafy walking trails.
Getting around Quincy
Quincy is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Boston and the same distance from Boston Logan International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains and subway services connect to the Quincy Center transit station and buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.