Go Boston Card: Review and Coupon Codes

Boston can be a pricey city, but with the Go Boston Card from Smart Destinations, you can save both time and money at greater Boston’s most popular attractions. For one price, you get unlimited admission to more than 40 art museums, historical sites, outdoor tours, and excursions.

World-renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are included. Boston’s historic importance is on display at places like the Harrison Gray Otis House and Old North Church. For visitors who have time to explore outside of the city, the Go Boston Card also offers tours of sites in Lexington, Concord, and Plymouth; cruises around Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard; and even tours in Newport, Rhode Island, where the Gilded Age mansions are sure to impress.

Purchase the card at the Smart Destinations Website

Top Included Boston Attractions

2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Whale Watch
New England Aquarium
Museum of Science
Fenway Park Tour
Six Flags New England
Duck Tour on a 3 day card.

See the complete list of attractions and tours in the sidebar.

What’s Good?

The greatest strength of the Go Boston Card is the sheer breadth of the included attractions. Almost everything a visitor would want to see in the Greater Boston area, the Cape and Islands, and even locations in other New England states are part of the Go Boston Card package. Also the range of activities from historical sites, to science- and sports-related attractions to Six Flags amusement park ensures that there is something for everyone.

The Go Boston Card offers good savings for travelers who are planning a fast-paced vacation and want to see as many attractions as possible. For example, a family of four (two adults, two children) who tour Fenway Park and visit the New England Aquarium, Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II, and Six Flags New England can save approximately $80.

Because each person has his or her own card, families can split up and visit different attractions based on their interests. Because of this flexibility, individuals or families can easily switch gears if they change their mind about an attraction, or if New England’s infamous weather gets in the way of an outdoor activity.

The card also allows you to skip ticket lines at many places like the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium—allowing you to save time, especially during the busy summer season.

In addition, the Go Boston Card includes discounts to restaurants, including Cheers and the Hard Rock Café, and retail locations such as Beantown Toys and the Cambridgeside Galleria.

Lastly, the 150-page guidebook included with the passes is an invaluable resource and can help visitors get the most out of their Go Boston Card and their visit.

What Could get better?

According to reviews, a major source of frustration with the Go Boston Card has been using the two-day trolley passes included with the card. Smart Destinations encourages tourists to use the trolleys as they would use public transportation. However, the trolleys function more as a guided tour and less as livery vehicle. Visitors should use the subway (the “T”) to get around to destinations in both Boston and Cambridge. Also, acquiring the trolley tickets can be cumbersome—you have to pick them up in one of three locations in the city; presenting your Go Boston Card will not grant you access.

The big omission from the Go Boston Card’s offerings is the Boston Duck Tours. At least it is not free like the other attractions. These amphibious touring vessels offer a unique view of Boston and Cambridge and are on most tourists’ “not-to-be-missed” list. Card holders can receive 50% off. The catch is that you have to show up at Boston Duck Tours in person to receive a discount for that day only. But if you are willing to get up early (tickets sell out fast in the summer) and make the trek over, they will get a great deal.

If the inexpensive historical sites such as the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church, or the Paul Revere House are more your speed, you might spend more money on the card than you would paying full price.

Purchase the card at the Smart Destinations Website

Get Your Money’s Worth

Generally, the more days you purchase for your Go Boston Card, the fewer attractions per day you need to visit to get your money’s worth. For example, if you buy a one-day pass, you’ll need to go to three attractions; buy the seven-day pass and one attraction per day is enough to reap the benefits of the Go Boston Card. I’m also assuming that you will be going to the more expensive attractions such as the Trolley and Aquarium.

Insider Tips

Your Go Boston Card is activated by the first attraction you visit. Your consecutive day passes are not counted in 24-hour increments. For example, if you activate your card at 4 pm, that counts as day one on the length of your card.

To board the trolley, be sure to go to a designated pickup point. They do not take the card at all stops.

The Go Boston Card is not accepted after 5:30 p.m. Though most attractions will close around this time, plan your days carefully.

If you plan well and are aware of the included extras—like dining, for example—you can save a lot of money on eating out and souvenirs. In most cases, these discounts are “show and save;” therefore you can get these discounts the day before your card is activated or the day after it expires.

Bring a map with you to find the pickup locations for your Go Boston Card. The pickup locations are pretty convenient but Boston is notoriously difficult to navigate whether it’s by car or public transportation.

Where to Buy It

The card is available at many outlets. You can buy it at Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity or you can buy it once you get to Boston but these are not great options as you may pay more. The best place the buy the card is at the Smart Destinations website. The 3 5 and 7day cards frequently go on sale. They also have a great return policy. If you are pressed for time, use the voucher option.