Though Cambridge history doesn’t begin until 1630, you can learn about dinosaurs, minerals and more at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. From there, you can explore campus, tour the Fogg Museum of Art or cut across the Cambridge Common to Brattle Street. Nicknamed “Tory Row” due to the concentration of Loyalist residents during the American Revolutionary War, Brattle Street is lined with historic mansions. Turn in the gate at 105 and head for the back door: it’s the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site and open for tours.
The Boston area is ideal for bike lovers and Cambridge is the starting point of the Minuteman Bikeway. Take the trail past multiple Revolutionary War sites throughout the area.
You could also set out from your accommodations to tour Cambridge by squares. Start at Harvard Square for eclectic shopping at The Garage, or let your taste buds guide you through Central Square’s various ethnic restaurants. Inman Square makes a good stopping point for a cookie at Rosie’s Bakery (built on the site of the original Legal Sea Foods) or a beer at the Thirsty Scholar before you return to your Cambridge hotel.
