Things to Do in Lexington, MA: Lexington & Concord Guide
Things to Do in Lexington, MA: Lexington & Concord Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Lexington, MA?
This small town about 30 minutes northwest of Boston is where the American Revolution began on the morning of April 19, 1775. Lexington's Battle Green, historic taverns, and the start of Battle Road are all within a few blocks of each other, and Concord, home of the Old North Bridge and some of America's most famous writers, is a short drive away.
Together, the two towns make one of the best history day trips in New England.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving Tour—A self-guided audio drive from Lexington Center to the Old North Bridge, following the route of April 19, 1775.
2. Stand on the Lexington Battle Green—See where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired and visit the Captain John Parker statue.
3. Tour Buckman Tavern—Step inside the tavern where the militia waited for the British in the early morning hours.
4. Visit the Hancock-Clarke House—See where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying when Paul Revere rode in with his warning.
5. Explore Minute Man National Historical Park—Watch the "Road to Revolution" program at the visitor center and walk part of the Battle Road Trail.
6. Cross the Old North Bridge in Concord—Walk to the spot of the "shot heard round the world" and see the Minute Man statue.
7. Visit Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House—Tour the Concord home where "Little Women" was written.
8. Bike the Minuteman Bikeway—Ride the paved rail trail that runs through Lexington Center.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Rail Trail Municipal Parking lot in Lexington Center and ends at the Old North Bridge in Concord. Along the way, your guide, Reuben, tells the story of the Battle Green, the Paul Revere Capture Site, Hartwell Tavern, Meriam's Corner, and the authors' homes of Concord. The drive takes about 30 minutes without stopping, and most people spend half a day with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Lexington Battle Green—See where the Revolution began.
2. Minute Man Visitor Center—Watch the free "Road to Revolution" program.
3. Battle Road Trail—Walk or bike part of the five-mile historic trail.
4. Old North Bridge—Cross the bridge and see the Minute Man statue.
5. Minuteman Bikeway—Ride or walk the rail trail through Lexington Center.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Lexington History Museums—See the old Lexington Depot and its exhibits (~5adult,or~30 for an All Access Pass to the depot and three historic houses).
2. Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern—Tour the Lexington Historical Society's houses with a combination pass.
3. Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House—Tour the home where "Little Women" was written (~$15 adult).
4. Concord Museum—See a lantern from Paul Revere's ride and Thoreau's desk (~$16 adult).
5. The Old Manse—Tour the 1770 house beside the North Bridge (~$18 adult).
Food!
Via Lago Café
A Lexington Center favorite for breakfast and lunch, known for fresh, made-in-house food.
Artistry on the Green
The restaurant at The Inn at Hastings Park, a short walk from the Battle Green, known for refined New England dining.
Concord's Colonial Inn
A historic inn on Concord's Monument Square, known for classic New England food in a building that dates back to colonial times.
Where to Stay
Luxury
The Inn at Hastings Park, Concord's Colonial Inn—a small Relais & Châteaux inn a short walk from the Battle Green, and a historic inn in the center of Concord. Roughly 300-550/night.
Moderate
Aloft Lexington, Element Lexington—modern hotels a short drive from Lexington Center. Roughly 180-280/night.
Budget
Quality Inn & Suites Boston/Lexington and hotels in nearby Bedford and Burlington—simple rooms a few minutes from Minute Man National Historical Park. Roughly 130-200/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Explore the Lexington Battle Green and tour Buckman Tavern and the Hancock-Clarke House.
Afternoon: Take the Battle of Lexington and Concord Driving Tour, stopping at the Minute Man Visitor Center, Hartwell Tavern, and Orchard House.
Evening: Walk across the Old North Bridge at golden hour, then have dinner in Concord.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Walk or bike the Battle Road Trail, then explore downtown Concord, the Concord Museum, and The Old Manse.
Extra Time: Visit Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau lived in his famous cabin, or ride the Minuteman Bikeway.
FAQ's
1. What is Lexington, MA best known for?
Lexington is known as the birthplace of American liberty, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired on the Battle Green on April 19, 1775.
2. How far is Lexington from Boston?
About 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic, making it an easy day trip.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes, if you're visiting around Patriots' Day in April or during fall foliage season, when hotels and restaurants fill up fast. Hancock-Clarke House tours run on the hour, so plan your timing.
4. Where should I park?
In Lexington, use the Rail Trail Municipal Parking lot in Lexington Center. Minute Man National Historical Park has free parking areas along Route 2A and at the North Bridge.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes for the Battle Road Trail and historic sites, and layers in spring and fall.
6. When is the best time to visit Lexington?
Spring through fall. Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April, brings battle reenactments, and October brings beautiful fall color.
7. Can I see Lexington and Concord in one day?
Yes. Lexington's main sights take a morning, and the drive to Concord and the North Bridge fills the afternoon.
8. Is Lexington family-friendly?
Yes. Kids enjoy the Battle Green, the Minute Man statue, the bikeway, and the reenactments on Patriots' Day.
9. Is the Battle Road Trail part of the driving tour?
The driving tour follows Route 2A alongside the Battle Road Trail and points out trailheads, but walking or biking the trail is a separate, optional activity.
10. How much time should I spend in Lexington?
One full day covers Lexington and Concord. Two days lets you add the Battle Road Trail, Walden Pond, and more museums.
Recommended Tours
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