what is the duck tour in boston

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Boston Duck Tours – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

If you want to explore Boston, Boston Duck Tours is the best way to see the city from land and water, and that too in the same vehicle. 

These giant and pop-colored amphibian vehicles will take you on a thrilling historical tour via long, busy Boston streets and the pristine Charles River. 

The tours are led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who provide interesting facts and stories about Boston’s history, architecture, and culture.

Boston Duck Tours is a fun and memorable way to experience the city, and it’s a great option for families, groups, and anyone who wants to see Boston from a unique perspective.

This article explains everything you need to know before buying your Boston Duck Tour Tickets.

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# Boston Duck Last-minute tickets

Table of contents

What to expect from boston duck tours, where to book the tickets, how online tickets work, last-minute tickets, ticket prices, duck tour timings, how long is the boston duck tour, best time for duck tours in boston, where do duck tours depart from, route of duck tour boston.

Once you step into the truck cum boat, the ConDUCKtors will greet you and narrate all the legendary stories associated with the landmarks the amphibious vehicle passes by. 

Some of the tour’s highlights are the Boston Public Garden, Old State House, Museum Of Science, Boylston Street, Old South Church, Arlington Street Chruch, etc.

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Boston Duck tours tickets

You can book your Boston Duck Tours tickets online and offline 30 days before your visit. 

Ticket booths are at the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. 

But when you buy the tickets online , you can avoid the hassle of standing in long queues.

When you book tickets for Duck Tours in Boston, you select your preferred time of visit and date.

Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. You don’t need to take any printouts. 

Now all you must do is, reach one of the three departure points – Prudential Center, Museum of Science, or New England Aquarium – at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. 

Since you have a ticket and are on time, you can show it on your smartphone and board the vehicle. 

A limited number of Duck tour Boston tickets are sold online at 8.45 am five days prior. 

If these tickets are sold out online, they won’t be available at the ticket booths either. 

Visitors aged 12 to 64 years pay the full Boston Duck Tour ticket price of $50 per person.

Seniors 65 years and above and guests with a Military ID qualify for a Boston Duck tour discount of $8 and pay only $42 for entry. 

Kids aged three to 11 years get a $14 discount on the full ticket cost and pay only $36.

Unfortunately, infants younger than three don’t get free entry – but pay a reduced price of $11.

Adult ticket (12 to 64 years): $50 Children ticket (3 to 11 years): $36 Military ticket (with ID): $42 Senior ticket (65+ years): $42 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): $11

Duck boat tours in Boston depart every hour, starting at 9 am or 10 am until one hour before sunset.

The ticket booths at Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium open 30 minutes before the first tour and close after the last tour departs.

However, we suggest you purchase a Boston Duck Tour ticket in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

Boston Duck Tours are around 80 minutes long – n hour on land and 20 minutes in the water. 

There are no stops and breaks along the route. 

However, the tour duration may vary depending on external and uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic, and ongoing construction. 

Boston’s Duck boat tour is a fantastic experience that takes you through the past and present of the city. 

If you plan to go sightseeing and witness the beauty of the city’s historic neighborhoods like Charlestown, Beacon Hill, Downtown, and Back Bay on these ducks, then late spring through early fall is the perfect time to do so. 

This tourist-friendly season falls between March and November when the weather is pleasant.

The cool breeze emerging from the womb of the Charles River brushes your hair, and the skyline soothes your body, mind, and soul. 

The rest of the months aren’t bad either – drive by the Boston landmarks and dive into the Charles River by booking your Boston Duck T our tickets today!

Will you get drenched? You won’t get drenched in water as the World War II amphibian vehicles splash into the charming Charles River. However, you may get a light spray of water right on your face depending on the speed of the truck cum boat and the direction and strength of the wind. 

Duck tours Boston has three departure locations: the Museum of Science, Prudential Center, and New England Aquarium.

Each location is conveniently located near public transportation. 

Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is located near Boston’s West End, the Bulfinch Triangle, and Charlestown neighborhoods, and it borders the City of Cambridge on the Charles River. 

The ducks boarding area is in front of the Museum of Science, next to the giant Tyrannosaurus rex! 

Address: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114. Get Directions

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular aquatic wonder in Boston. It is located on Boston’s historic Waterfront and is near Faneuil Hall.

Boston Duck Tours departs from the New England Aquarium’s driveway in front of the Whale Watch Booth.

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. Get Directions

Prudential Center

Prudential Center is a huge shopping complex hosting nearly 75 stores, and the Boston Ducks depart from here.

Address: 53 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. Get Directions

Multi-language tours Now you can experience Duck Tours in Boston in your language. All you need to do is wear the GPS headsets and quack; there you go! These language tours depart from the Museum of Science and are available in Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Cantonese & Korean.

The best way to explore the heritage and history of Boston is through Duck Tours Boston. 

The fun and entertainment begin when you hop on your “DUCK,” a World War II-styled amphibian vehicle that takes you on a land and water excursion.  

You’ll cruise by all the significant places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. 

Some of the highlights are – 

• The golden-domed State House, which is the state Capitol and the seat of the government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• The historical Bunker Hill echoes the stories of the American Revolution
• The multi-purpose Fleet Center, which hosts different sports activities
• Boston Common, which is a perfect picnic site
• Newbury Street, which contains tonnes of restaurants and shopping centers

The DUCK transports you to different neighborhoods where you experience nature and man-made architecture a little closer.

Your ConDUCKtor will give you many little-known facts and interesting insights about Boston city. 

Their witty commentary will make your journey a lot more fun!

To know the path you will take, check out the tour’s route map .

What to wear during the trip For Duck boat tours in Boston, you need not wear a swimsuit. But proper clothing is a must because as the amphibian vehicle travel from land to water, there are chances of getting a little wet despite the ducks being heated and enclosed. Dress according to the weather on the day of your voyage. It is often breezy on Charles River.

Sources # Bostonducktours.com # Prudentialcenter.com # Tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Boston

# Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum # Boston Trolley Tours # New England Aquarium # Boston Ghost Tours # Zoo New England # Codzilla Boston # Fenway Park tours # Boston Harbor Cruises # Whale Watching in Boston # Harvard Tours # Boston Duck Tours

Check out all the things to do in Boston

This article was researched & written by

Nishtha Nogia

Nishtha Nogia loves to explore new places with family and friends. She travels to weave stories packed with fun, surprises, and laughter. For her, traveling is all about hogging local cuisines, interacting with people, and creating lifelong memories. She has a travel bucket list ready and is waiting to start ticking them one by one. Favourite Cities: Seoul, Paris, New York, and Istanbul.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Everything To Know About the Boston Duck Boats and Tours

From Boston’s historic homes to the bustling waterfront, it can be a little overwhelming to make sure you hit all of the city’s most noteworthy sites . But there isn’t much of a better way to fit everything in than the Boston Duck Tours.

Since 1994, the “duck” boats have been a staple in the Massachusetts capital, carrying thousands of passengers in peak season across the city. Today, the fleet consists of 28 replica World War II amphibious landing vehicles that take you through Boston and into the Charles River. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Boston’s most popular tours.

Hit numerous sites in 80 minutes

With tours taking place every day from the end of March through the end of November, the Boston Duck Tours run every 20-30 minutes (depending on departure area) from 9am to about an hour before sunset. Passengers have the ability to get tickets and board at three locations, including the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium.

Once onboard, local drivers take guests on an 80-minute tour of the city, hitting numerous historical and significant sites along the way. You’ll slow down to see the Boston Public Gardens, Beacon Hill, JFK Residence, the Old State House and more than 20 other sites.

During the ride, the quirky ConDUCKtors spew out historical facts and interesting tidbits. Each guide takes on a different persona, bringing a unique – and often humorous – twist to the tour. There’s Bobby Oar, Vincent Van Duck, Robin the Riveter, Lenient Louis the Plunderless Privateer, Captain Super Swift and a crew of many other characters.

While the New England Aquarium boats take a slightly different route than the Prudential Center and Museum of Science rides, they see most of the same places. The Prudential Center and Museum of Science boats are also equipped to give tours in nine different languages and are wheelchair accessible.

Get on the Charles River

One of the more popular locations along the ride puts visitors right into the Charles. At different points on the trip (depending on your boarding spot), the “Duck” turns from truck to boat, and the drivers take passengers on a 20-minute glide over the river.

Entering the river around the Museum of Science, participants see Boston’s West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods from the water before cruising under the famous Longfellow Bridge. The excursion gives wide, sweeping views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines and intimately displays the Back Bay, including the beautiful Esplanade, before turning back.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of the several passengers picked to drive the boat along the river portion of the tour.

Ride in a little piece of history

While the present-day boats are all replicas, the Boston Duck Tours started with an original fleet of World War II amphibious landing vehicles that were converted for passengers. Code-named “DUKW” (which is where the current name comes from), the last original WWII vehicle was taken out of the fleet in 2014, but the company still owns one for special occasions.

The replicas are known as “truck ducks.” First built in Kansas, these models were purposely made for tourism and have a stronger hull with an enclosed top. The oldest boat dates back to 2006 with the newest being from 2014.

To localize the fleet, the company named each of the 28 duck boats after a Boston landmark or neighborhood, with the name painted along the side of the vehicle. Boats include Back Bay Bertha, Beacon Hilda, Espla Nadia, Olga Ironsides, Symphony Hal, Fenway Fanny and many others.

Ride in the same boats as Boston’s champions

Starting in 2002 with the New England Patriots’ first Super Bowl win, Boston Duck Tours and its boats became the “Official ChampionSHIP” of Boston’s four major sports teams. Whenever one of Boston’s teams wins a championship, the company sends out its “Rolling Rally,” a parade that consists of almost the whole fleet and welcomes the players onboard to travel around the city among crowds of cheering fans.

The duck boats have hosted the championship parade a total of 12 times between all four sports teams since 2002, including six times for the Patriots, four times for the Red Sox and one each for the Bruins and Celtics.

On the day of the championship parade, the summer tours are shut down, and all the boats go towards hosting the rally. In the case of the Patriots, whose Super Bowl parade is in the winter, the fleet is brought back into service for one day in February to celebrate. After you’ve experienced Boston Duck Tours, why not check out our list of the must-visit attractions in Boston .

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Boston Duck Tours

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Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Boston Duck Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Boston Duck Tours

Review Highlights

“ We learned a lot about Boston, and one of the highlights is being able to ride through the Charles River . ” in 151 reviews

“ Our conDUCKtor , Max Marshall Arch (MMA), was knowledgeable, witty, funny and entertaining! ” in 60 reviews

“ We departed from the Museum of Science and went on board with Ray Beez (aka Dennis Myles). ” in 11 reviews

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Location & Hours

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4 Copley Pl

Boston, MA 02116

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a "DUCK", a W.W.II style amphibious landing craft that travels on land and water. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. Just when you think you've seen it all, your ConDUCKtor drives the DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Groups - Our Group Sales Department can also help plan an event for your group of 20 or more whether it be a corporate group, family outing, wedding party, graduation celebration or birthday party. We can book lunches, dinners or other attractions to help make your planning a lot easier & cheaper. Please give our group sales department at 617-450-0068 to see what we can help plan for your next group outing! …

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Ask a question

Can we bring a stroller aboard/ a baby on board?

Hi- You can store your stroller with the dispatcher before you board. We will tag it and hold it for you.

Is there car parking available at all three locations or any nearby paid parking?

Boston Duck Tours does not have it's own parking garage. The parking at the Museum of Science is very convenient. BDT validates parking at the Prudential location as well. Check out the website for details. There is also paid parking near the New… more

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1062 reviews

If you're in Boston, you don't want to miss out on doing a Boston duck tour! I had no idea this was even a thing until I saw it in person. We were walking past the science museum (apparently one of the boarding stops) and kept seeing people get on what looked like a bus that was a boat. Needless to say, I was intrigued and Googled the day away. As a result, I was dying to get on the duck tour. We tried one of the days, but they were sold out. Fortunately we were able to book online for our last day there and what a blast it was. Mike was our driver and Ernie was our narrator. The time on tour, in the city and on the water alike, flew by. I learned so much about Boston, and more so, I really enjoyed how family friendly they are, even though I admittedly do not have kids. They let both kids and adults alike take photos driving the duck. It's kitschy but so cute. Worth doing certainly!

What a great way to get to know the city of Boston. Which is a city with so much history, so I honestly would recommend this if you are in Boston! They have multiple starting locations, but they all include both a land and water portion, and if you can get the latest ride (which is what we did) during winter, you might be able to get a sunset on water. Not to mention they let people get the chance to drive the boat, starting with kids first! Our tour guide was a marathon runner, native to Boston so we got plenty of stories along with the normal tour guide info. So much fun!

When in Boston, why not check this out... I really enjoyed visiting Boston and taking a part of this tour. It's both land and water and you got to enjoy both. I really recommend this if you have the time to try it out while you're visiting the city.

See all photos from Amethyst W. for Boston Duck Tours

Yes, yes, yes! I do recommend this business! Boston Duck Tours has been around for a looonnnnnng time and they have mastered the city tour! We had Mr. Ben Everywhere for our guide and he was terrific. He was so funny and engaging and his tour was perfectly choreographed with our driver's stops and drive-bys. Thank you Ben. Your tour was the highlight of our trip to Boston. Boston is very dense and has horrible roads and once we saw the historical landmarks we were ready to get the heck out of there. I recommend walking the freedom trail and taking the duck tour and being done in one day. Boston is a Tough City for tourists.

Captain Ben was fantastic.

I went on a Duck Tour 12 years ago and it was great HOWEVER...We went on another one yesterday at 2:30 and it was terrible!!! I guess it all depends on who your tour guide is. Too bad. Magdalena Brito April 28, 2024

Business Manager

Apr 28, 2024

I am sorry you were disappointed in your Boston Duck Tour. While sometimes difficult to hear, we truly value constructive, critical feedback from our guests. It is through your comments that we are able to continually improve the guest experience at BDT. Ensuring tour quality and a positive guest experience is paramount . I’d appreciate it if you would contact me at [email protected] to obtain added information. I look forward to hearing from you. Again, my apologies for missing the mark on your expectations.

This tour was on my to do list and each time I visited Boston, I wasn't able to schedule. Finally, I did, it is an absolute must do. The tour guide was a lot of fun, he gave us the rich history of a few important places in Boston, we drove around the city and the truck turns into a boat as we went inside a river, this truck was used in WW II. One of the most fun part was that while on the boat, we are invited to Drive the boat!!! That was absolutely fun. My mother loved it too.

See all photos from Aura B. for Boston Duck Tours

Apr 1, 2024

Thanks Aura, We are glad you finally made it! And, thanks for the recommendation. We must be doing something right as this is our 30th year driving guests around the city. I hope we see you again.

Entertaining tour which provided a lot of Boston history and trivia. The family enjoyed sightseeing on the road as well as the novelty of going into the river. Would recommend at least once for every Boston visitor.

This was such a fun experience! Rolling through the streets of Boston & then sailing down the Charles River! The guide did a good job of pointing out points of interest & buildings. Went with my family including 2 boys who also seemed to have a good time.

The duck tour is such an iconic tourist activity, even as someone who lives in Boston. It's a fun family activity and great to take visitors to see the city. The tour guides are funny and so knowledgeable, and really interact with everyone on the tour. It was great for kids, who get to take turns steering the boat in the Charles River. Really great views of the city in the water too. The only thing keeping this from five stars is the cost. It's a little high (expected when geared to tourists) but still fun!

I was in Boston for work and we had a duck tour as a team event. I'm glad we did as our guide was really friendly and had a ton of cool knowledge. It is always cool going from land to water in the same vehicle. I'll definitely do it again when I'm in town.

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Boston Duck Tours

Type: Family Friendly , Tours and Excursions

Last updated on June 29, 2015

10Best Says

Science Park Boston, MA 02114

617-723-3825

EXPERT TIPS BY: Jessica Polizzotti Boston Local Expert

• Things to Do with Kids , Tours and Excursions , Attractions near Cruise Port , Attractions near Hynes Convention Center , Sightseeing : "The tour the locals love is a MUST for visitors. ConDUCKtors are fun, and make sure you enjoy the ride. You may even get a turn a wheel while in the water."
• Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of quacking their way around Boston & splashing into the Charles River on this amphibious vehicle.
• Best for Tours and Excursions Because: Boston Duck Tours allow you to explore Boston by land and river, giving you a unique view of Boston landmarks.
• Best for Attractions near Cruise Port Because: Boston Duck Tours are offered from the New England Aquarium, less than 2 miles from the cruise port.
• Best for Attractions near Hynes Convention Center Because: One of the best tours in Boston, you can hop on a Duck Tour a few blocks from the Hynes.
• Best for Sightseeing Because: Boston Duck Tours are fun way to do sightseeing without putting in much legwork; climb aboard and enjoy the "cruise".

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Travel Tips for Boston Duck Tours

When to go, how to save on Boston's must-do sightseeing tour

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

More often than not, when family or out-of-town guests visit Boston , they all have the same to-do item on their list: a Duck Tour. And the request ranges across all ages – Baby Boomer relatives, friends who are busy executives, artsy friends, friends who are parents to kids of all ages. While this is an activity that many locals don't even experience until they have a friend or relative visiting from out of town, it's one you won't want to miss as a tourist.

Duck Tours are a unique experience that combines sightseeing and history while also getting to go out on the Charles River in the vehicle you just drove around the city in. If you want to see Boston via a Duck Boat , late-spring through early-fall is the perfect time to do so. They run from late March through late November, though peak season for all things related to tourism in the city is certainly during the summer months when the weather is nice and warm. Before you book your spot, follow these tips for making the most of your Boston Duck Tour.

Where to Pick Up

You've no doubt seen the Duck Boats' ubiquitous amphibious vehicles all around Boston, but there are only three places where you can pick them up for a tour: the Museum of Science , the New England Aquarium , and the Prudential Center . Choose the one that's most convenient for your own home base and/or sightseeing itinerary; all are near major tourist attractions, MBTA stations and dining.

How to Save

Are your fellow Duck Boat riders a bunch of early risers? If so, make an online reservation for the 9 or 9:30 a.m. tours from either the Museum of Science or Prudential stops and get an Early Duck discount. (Remember that online-only stipulation: If you show up in person to buy tickets for the early tours, you won't get the discount.) It's also worth noting that only a portion of tickets are released online, so it's still worth checking one of the ticket booths if tickets for the date you want to go are sold out online.

There's also the Ride & Save program for those also planning to visit the Museum of Science and New England Aquarium: Show your Duck Boats ticket and get discounts off the museums' admission, café, gift shop, and theaters. You can also get a free tour of Harvard Square with your Duck Boats ticket, plus numerous discounts at the Prudential Center and other Boston restaurants and gift shops. So save that ticket stub and put it to work – you can save quite a lot!

How to Dress

Duck Boats tour in rain or shine, and they do drive in to the river (although, truth be told, the splash is pretty minimal). Wear layers – it can be breezy out on the water, and if it's rainy, a light raincoat is always a good idea. The Duck Boats are heated and have weather protection, but it's not quite like being enclosed within a typical car or truck, so plan accordingly.

What You'll See

Once on board, the tour is about 80 minutes and guests stay on board the entire duration. Approximately 20 minutes of that is spent on the water, with an hour on land taking in many of Boston's historic landmarks and neighborhoods. What you see will depend on where you pick up your Duck Boat, but popular sites include the Boston Public Garden , Boston Common , Boston Public Library, Newbury Street, Quincy Market and the TD Garden . It's destinations like these that make Boston the great city it is.

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Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

When visiting Boston, there are countless tourist attractions to explore. One popular option that often comes up is the Boston Duck Tour. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth your time and money, read on to find out more about this unique experience.

What is the Boston Duck Tour?

The Boston Duck Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the streets of Boston and also allows you to explore the city by water on an amphibious vehicle. These vehicles, known as “ducks,” were originally used in World War II and have been transformed into fun and informative tour vehicles.

What can you expect from the Boston Duck Tour?

The tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Copley Square. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving into the Charles River.

The Pros of the Boston Duck Tour

• Informative: The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting commentary about the city’s history and attractions.
• Unique Perspective: The amphibious vehicle allows you to explore both land and water, offering a unique way to see Boston.
• Family-friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families visiting Boston.
• Convenient: The tour departs from multiple locations throughout the city, making it easily accessible.
• Memorable experience: Riding in a duck and seeing the city from the water can be a memorable experience for many visitors.

The Cons of the Boston Duck Tour

• Price: The tour can be relatively expensive compared to other sightseeing options in Boston.
• Crowds: During peak tourist season, the tours can be crowded, which may reduce the overall experience.
• Less flexibility: You’re restricted to the predetermined tour route and schedule, limiting your ability to explore specific areas of interest in more detail.

Final Verdict: Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

Whether the Boston Duck Tour is worth it depends on your preferences and priorities. If you enjoy informative and entertaining guided tours, like the idea of a unique amphibious vehicle experience, and are willing to pay a little extra for a memorable outing, then the Boston Duck Tour may be worth it for you.

However, if you prefer more flexibility in your sightseeing and are wary of crowded tourist activities, you might want to consider other options for exploring the city.

Tips for Enjoying the Boston Duck Tour

• Book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• Arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your departure.
• Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen, as you’ll be exposed to the elements during the tour.
• Listen attentively to the tour guide’s commentary to make the most of your experience.
• Consider taking the tour during off-peak times to avoid the crowds.

In conclusion, the Boston Duck Tour can be a fun and informative way to explore the city, offering a unique perspective from both land and water. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your own preferences before making a decision. With proper planning and the right expectations, the Boston Duck Tour can provide an enjoyable and memorable experience during your visit to Boston.

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10 U.S. 'Tourist Traps' That Are Actually Worth Seeing

Posted: May 9, 2024 | Last updated: May 9, 2024

Most of us do what we can to steer clear so-called tourist traps. Popular tourist destinations often feature long lines, predatory vendors, and views obscured by masses of people's arms taking photos. According to Get Your Guide, 68 percent of travelers say that "they've decided against visiting attractions and excursions that are considered tourist traps." But not all apparent tourist traps are disappointing—some of them are popular for very good reasons. From the electric energy of the Vegas strip to endearing roadside attractions, these are 10 of the biggest "tourist traps" in the U.S. that are actually worth visiting.

RELATED:  The 12 Quirkiest Small Towns in the U.S.

1. Boston Duck Tour (Boston)

Up first on the list of tourist traps that are worth your time is the Boston Duck Tour. According to  Becca Siegel , co-owner of Half Half Travel blog, this attraction is "actually awesome."

"If you haven't heard of it, it's basically a tour of Boston in an amphibious vehicle that starts as a bus and then turns into a boat. It sounds ridiculous, and it is," Siegel says. "It's a great way to see Boston, though, especially for first-timers, and it's fun. Is it worth the money, and is it a trap? You decide, but it's probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

2. Kualoa Ranch (Honolulu)

If you're traveling to Hawaii, there's so much to see and do—but as with most destinations, there are certainly tourist traps. If you're going to "fall" for one, make it Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu.

"Hands down one of the BEST tourist traps I feel into while living on the island," @taysulltravels, a travel operating room nurse, writes in the caption of a Dec. 2022 TikTok .

Located about 45 minutes from Honolulu, this Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve offers different adventures, including e-bike tours, ziplining, horseback riding, and movie tours. The site has actually been used for over 70 Hollywood films since the '50s.

"I chose the Hollywood Movie Tour which [included] real props used in movies like  Jurassic Park , Jumanji , and [King] Kong ," @taysulltravels notes.

RELATED:  The 8 Best Off-The-Radar Destinations in the U.S. That Need to Be on Your Bucket List .

3. Disney World (Orlando, Florida)

While some travel across the country to visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the theme park is often considered a tourist trap, and a very expensive one at that. But if you're firmly opposed to a Disney trip, you might want to reconsider.

"Plenty of people all over the world gripe and groan about how Disney is a tourist trap," Taylor Beal , Europe travel blogger  and content creator behind Traverse With Taylor, tells Best Life . "They say it's overrated, over-priced, and packed full with people—so much so that it makes it unenjoyable. But the reality is that Disney World really is one of the most magical places on Earth."

According to Beal, this Floridian attraction gives you the opportunity to escape into a world "where life is a celebration and most things are simple."

"Everywhere you turn, there are characters, parades, rides, delicious food, and a million other things to see," she shares. "For the best visit, consider a time during a festival like Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. You can avoid major crowds by staying away from holidays or weekends."

4. Salem, Massachusetts

If you enjoy spooky season, a trip to Salem, Massachusetts, is likely on your bucket list. And while it's long been a tourist destination, the little town has been inundated with visitors in the fall in recent years. Even so, travel experts say it's a memorable spot worth seeing.

"Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, is often regarded as a tourist trap, but having been myself a few times in October for the town's Haunted Happenings festival, I fully stand by my opinion that it's a unique and exciting experience to add to your fall itinerary when visiting the region,"  Samantha Hamilton , creator and writer of  New England Wanderlust , says.

She continues, "The entire month is one big Halloween celebration with special events around town, but the charming streets sprinkled in fall foliage, historic architecture, and famous Hocus Pocus movie filming locations all make this a memorable, fun, and cozy fall excursion."

Hamilton concedes that it is extra busy in the weeks leading up to Halloween, but the secret to this destination is planning ahead and anticipating the crowds. However, one thing she recommends skipping is the Salem Witch Museum, which was dubbed the second-worst tourist trap by  USA Today in 2023.

RELATED:  10 Most Relaxing Tourist Attractions in the World, Study Reveals .

5. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

Dollywood Theme Park - Tennessee . Created 04.01.23

Yes, country music legend Dolly Parton  has her own theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—and while it might sound like the ultimate tourist trap, visitors disagree.

TikToker @otherjackieo, who rates tourist traps and decides whether they are "slaps" worth visiting or actual "traps," gives Dollywood the coveted "slap" designation.

"Many of the rides at Dollywood are actually pretty intense and not for the faint of heart," @otherjackieo says in a Sept. 2023 TikTok . "It was Great Pumpkin LumiNights when we were there, which just means that there's a bunch of pumpkins around, but it was really fun and festive."

They continue, "The park itself had some of these pockets of serenity with water features that I really enjoyed. And with it being an American and country-themed park, there was a bird show where you could see an actual eagle right in front of you."

Beyond that, the food is also a hit, with the park's famous cinnamon bread leaving a particular impression.

"Overall, you can still tell that Dolly has her hands in this. There's music around every corner, there are local artisans that she is lifting up, there is a full steam train that goes around the entire property—and oh, my golly, Miss Dolly, this place slaps," @otherjackieo concludes.

6. Wall Drug (Wall, South Dakota)

Travel expert Olive Christine  adores Wall Drug—the internationally-renowned, cowboy-themed shopping complex with an 80-foot brontosaurus sculpture.

"It's kitschy and unexpected in the best way, with a mix of shopping, dining, and various quirky attractions like a giant dinosaur and the famed free ice water," she shares. "There's a certain tongue-in-cheek humor to the entire establishment that I love."

She recommends taking time out of your road trip to explore the complex, "whether it's the Western Art Gallery or the Backyard. Have a meal at the cafe, take plenty of photos, and don't forget to get your free ice water as a souvenir of your visit."

7. Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles natives often have a love-hate relationship with the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's crowded, messy, and lined with cheesy souvenir shops. But Laura Lynch , founder of Go Travel California , sees the boulevard for what it is beyond the stars.

"If you land up on the Walk of Fame, don't just hustle past the stars. Take it slow," she tells Best Life. "Strolling the Walk of Fame, each star unveiled a history of struggles and triumphs, dreams, and inspiration—it's a nostalgic journey."

8. The Strip (Las Vegas)

Casinos, same-day wedding chapels, and an overabundance of Elvis impersonators and bachelor and bachelorette parties are all reasons someone might want to avoid the Las Vegas Strip . And if you don't like to gamble, it might feel too overpriced for a regular vacation destination. Mal Hellyer , travel blogger of Raw Mal Roams , begs to differ.

"One of my most cherished memories is this early morning walk along the strip. The city, usually buzzing with life, was tranquil. The neon signs against the dawn sky—that was a sight to behold," she recalls.

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9. Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco)

In operation since the days of the Gold Rush, the Fisherman's Wharf of today overflows with pricey shops, expensive eateries , and Golden Gate Bridge photo ops. With that said, this San Francisco spot is a particularly polarizing tourist trap. But some say it's still worth stopping by. Ady Meschke , founder of Verbal Gold Blog , thinks Fisherman's Wharf is a must for out-of-towners.

"I used to live in San Francisco and every time someone would visit I would always take them to Fisherman's Wharf," she shares. "The bushman , who jumps out and scares you, is an unforgettable local experience. The waterfront views, the fresh bread from Boudin that they make in little shapes of animals, the clam chowder in a bread bowl that you can't get anywhere else is like no other, and the sea lions at Pier 39."

The iconic Irish coffee at The Buena Vista Cafe holds a special place in her heart as well.

"Make sure to sit at the bar, you won't regret it. Plus, it's supposedly the place where Irish coffee was first introduced to the U.S. in 1952," Meschke shares.

10. Bourbon Street (New Orleans)

Lined with bars, music clubs, and souvenir shops, Bourbon Street in New Orleans is a beloved destination for partiers. Its reputation is certainly wild, overrun with groups of birthday celebrators, spring breakers, and others looking to let loose. It's also a loud street, with drumlines, rock bands, and performers entertaining folks as they stumble from bar to bar carrying open containers (that's legal in New Orleans). We'll spare you the gory details of how messy this area can get as a result.

It's easy to write off Bourbon Street, but locals like Richard Campanella, associate dean for research with the Tulane School of Architecture and author of Cityscapes of New Orleans, understand that it is one of the best parts of New Orleans .

RELATED:For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Read the original article on  Best Life .

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6 special boston pops concerts to see this spring, from 'jurassic park' to queen.

• Nik DeCosta-Klipa

Editor's Note:  This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox,  sign up here . 

It’s Friday — and the magnolia blossoms  still look stunning  on the ground. If you still need to pick up some petals for mom this weekend, consider sending  Winston Flowers from WBUR . If you  order by noon tomorrow , you can get one of four different options delivered throughout Greater Boston by Sunday, and you’ll support our local journalism in the process.

Now, to the news:

Pops rock:  The Boston Pops open their spring season tonight — and there’s a growing shift to appeal to people beyond just classical music fans. Pops conductor Keith Lockhart gave a preview of the lineup this week on  Radio Boston . “It’s a lot more about inclusivity and just making people realize that this is a great public institution that was founded to serve everyone,” Lockhart said, though he joked, “I do look at it and go, ‘How am I going to do all that in the next five weeks?’ ” Here’s a look at some of the new and notable performances:

• Harry Connick Jr.  ( May 10-11):  For the first time since 2001, the famous singer and pianist returns to Symphony Hall tonight and tomorrow to perform with the Pops.
• Encanto  (May 11 and May 18):  Symphony Hall will screen the animated Disney hit movie in two Saturday matinees, with the Pops orchestra live-performing  the catchy score .
• Queen  (May 15-16):  Mark Martell — who provided the vocals for the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” — collaborates with the Pops for two Queen tribute concerts next week. “You close your eyes, and it could very well be Freddie Mercury,” said Lockhart (who said Queen’s “Night at the Opera” was his first rock album).
• Jazz night  (May 22-23):  Kicking off during the pandemic, the Pops’ “Roots of Jazz” series continues with saxophonist Branford Marsalis (yes, that’s the brother of  Wynton Marsalis ), with a cameo by  viral piano phenom  Jesús Molina.
• Jurassic Park  (May 24-25):  Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster will be projected on screen, with the orchestra performing former Pops conductor John Williams’ iconic score live. The three-show Memorial Day Weekend run includes a Saturday matinee.
• Pride night  (June 1):  The Pops’ first Pride Night will feature drag star Thorgy Thor, a former contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” who is also a trained violinist. “She will be playing with us on stage, playing solo works with our concert master and all sorts of fun things like that,” Lockhart said.
• Up next: The Pops’ summer Tanglewood concert schedule  also branches out. There will be popular Broadway songs, more John Williams tributes and collabs with indie rockers like Trey Anastasio, Beck and Dispatch.

While you were sleeping:  MIT’s pro-Palestinian encampment has been torn down. Police officers moved in shortly after 4 a.m. this morning to clear the tents and arrest protesters. Organizers said only about 10 people were inside the camp at the time.  Click here for more updates  on the development.

• The early morning sweep comes after those at the encampment clashed with police yesterday during a rally on MIT’s campus . MIT said “fewer than 10” people were arrested for blocking traffic. The university has also begun suspending encampment demonstrators.

The fallout in Amherst : Award-winning author Colson Whitehead has withdrawn as UMass Amherst’s commencement speaker, citing the university’s  decision to call the police to break up a peaceful, pro-Palestinian encampment on campus . Whitehead called the response, which led to more than 130 arrests, “ a shameful act .”

• He’s not the only critic. UMass’s student government issued a vote of “no confidence” in Chancellor Javier Reyes. Rep. Jim McGovern, who represents Amherst, also called the response concerning. New England Public Media has more here .

Look up:  New Englanders may actually be able to see the Northern Lights tonight. Due to unusually strong solar flares from a  rare cluster  of sunspots, the  visible range of the aurora  is forecasted to cover much of the United States. The Boston Globe  reports  those as far south as the Cape may be able to see the spectacle overnight Friday. (Whether or not the clouds clear enough will be the big issue.)

• Pro-tip: If you still have your eclipse glasses, you may also be able to see the giant sunspot  during the day.

P.S.— What Boston-area singer’s clothing is featured at a new Museum of Fine Arts exhibit?  Take our Boston News Quiz  and test your knowledge of this week’s stories.

• Listen: Conductor Keith Lockhart previews upcoming Boston Pops spring season
• 50 years ago, the Boston Pops started a holiday tradition
• WBUR Today: Boston’s Morning Newsletter

Nik DeCosta-Klipa Newsletter Editor Nik DeCosta-Klipa is the newsletter editor for WBUR.

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