Adams National Historical Park

Trolleys depart from the visitor centre (which contains a medley of historical displays) to take you to the park from April 19 to November 10 for a guided tour with a ranger (around two hours in total). The park contains three important houses: the saltbox-style home where John Adams, the second American president, was born; the larger colonial home where his son (and America's sixth president) John Quincy Adams was born; and the Old House, a mansion built in 1731 that both used during their presidencies as the summer White House. Nearby is the Stone Library, built in 1873, which contains more than 14,000 books owned by the family. The grounds include an 18th century-style formal garden and a lovely orchard.