If you know Boston at all, you’ve probably been to Beacon Hill. It’s one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods, with small boutiques, quaint cafes, coffee houses, and some of the city’s best dining. I think of this leafy neighborhood as quintessential Boston, perfect for strolling and soaking in architecture and ambience. It’s located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Public Garden, the historic Freedom Trail, and the Italian North End. If you’re interested in finding some unique gems in this area, tour it through my eyes.
This is the Massachusetts State House, which sits atop Beacon Hill. You can schedule a tour and learn about our unique place in American history. But my goal on this sunny day was to experience lesser-known treasures of this quaint area. I booked a Boston Photo Walks tour with Saba, owner, tour guide, and photography guru, so I could get an insider’s view of Beacon Hill. She really knows her territory, and offers tips to creatively see things from a different perspective like window reflections of adjacent buildings, or the sun highlighting a house hidden deep within an arched alleyway. Even experienced photographers will appreciate her insight and knowledge of the neighborhood. (You can find the link to Saba’s photo tours at the end of this post. We can’t recommend her enough!)
Enjoy my top 10 takeaways from my photo safari with Saba.
1. HISTORY OF COLONIAL AMERICA
Directly across the street from the State House is this sculpture of Robert Gould Shaw’s 54th Regiment, the first all-African American regiment in the Northeast. You may have seen the movie Glory, which tells the story of these brave men. Walking Beacon Hill, you can’t help but soak up American history.
2. EARLY AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE
This is the oldest wooden house in Boston. Pretty cool that it’s survived centuries, and it gives you a feel for the way people used to live.
3. WINDOW BOXES AND CONTAINER GARDENS
The streets of Beacon Hill are lined with unique architecture, but keep your eyes open for the beautiful container gardens! Here’s some beauties I came across.
One of the things I love about urban gardens is that you can enjoy them up close. Each one is a miniature landscape, many with tiny shrubs, cascading ivies, and flowering annuals. It’s delightful to experience these at eye level as you stroll.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a tiny space. I feel like residents make the city more friendly when they plant gardens we can all enjoy.
Just look at this adorable, minuscule garden that invites you right up to the door.
4. FAMOUS RESIDENTS
Not to be too stalker-y, but this is the residence of John Kerry. His wisteria is fabulous!
5. UNIQUE IRON WORK
You’ll notice beautiful iron work adorning steps and windows all over the neighborhood.
It often had a practical purpose…
And it makes for beautiful sculpture!
6. UNEXPECTED REFLECTIONS
This is where Saba really shines. She points out aspects that will make clever pictures, like reflections.
Who would have noticed this tiny, perfect reflection in the door knocker? Thank you Saba, for pointing it out!
Are we above peeking in some windows? Heck, no!
7. GORGEOUS DOORS
I love a great red door…
Or two.
8. COOL DOOR KNOCKERS
You need to adorn those gorgeous doors, and a good Bostonian needs a lobster on his door, because, of course. This crustacean-clad door belongs to the author, Robin Cook.
I love the Wedgewood blue of this door, with its classical knocker.
I’m ending with this acorn door knocker, because we’ve come to Acorn Street, where this door is appropriately located.
9. THE MOST PHOTOGENIC DOG ON BOSTON’S MOST FAMOUS STREET
Acorn Street is Boston’s most photographed street, and once you see it, you’ll know why. It’s absolute perfection. Keep to the sidewalk, because the cobblestones make walking on the narrow street tricky. We once made a short, turbulent drive down it, not recommended! Do take your time and enjoy the window boxes and containers.
Meet Callie, everyone’s favorite ambassador, and gentle sentry.
10. A HIDDEN HOUSE BEYOND AN ANCIENT ARCH
This is the reason Saba’s tours are so great ~ you would have missed this next site completely!
How cool is this? Hidden between two buildings and an arched iron gate is the entrance to this home. Located at 74 1/2 Pinckney Street, this surprising gem is highlighted by the sun shining through the buildings, and no doubt, most likely often missed when strolling the streets of Beacon Hill. I’d love to come home to this welcoming entrance at the end of a day!
We’ve given Saba’s tours as gifts to several friends, and they all loved them. During the photo walk, Saba includes interesting facts on Boston’s historic sites, iconic landmarks and architecture, and you’ll go home with the most amazing photographs. If you’d like to experience one of her many Boston Photo Tours, Workshops or Scavenger Hunts, you can find her HERE.
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