Pack your bags, we’re going to Boston!

Earlier this month, popular magazine U.S. News and World Report compiled a list of the best summer vacation destinations in the USA. They considered several factors, including affordability, weather, things to do and more to determine the top cities in the US travellers must see this summer. At the top of the list? Boston, Massachusetts.

The city of Boston beat out other popular US destinations such as Seaside, Oregon, Nashville, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon for the top spot by exhibiting upper tier sights, culture, people, food, shopping, family, nightlife, adventure, romance and accessibility.

So why did U.S. News determine travellers must go to Boston?

The city is a hub for baseball - Red Sox, anyone? - but also caters to book lovers and scholarly types with sites like the Boston Public Library, and four centuries of history are on display at some of the city’s must-see sights.

As well, Boston is home to sites like the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall, and includes more modern sites like the Museum of Fine Arts, and chic boutiques and restaurants.

According to the magazine, the best months to visit Boston are between June and October. This is because the city is best enjoyed on foot with things like sidewalk cafes, baseball games, and outdoor concerts. As well, U.S. News lists the Freedom Trail as a number one activity for first-time visitors, and we’re not sure anyone would want to make the three-mile-long trek in five feet of snow.

Another standout outdoor activity is the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States and true treat for history buffs who want to learn more about the Revolutionary War or the multiple speeches and rallies held at the park.

And who could forget the most important part of travelling - the food! Boston is home to a plethora of ethnic cuisines like Italian, Thai, Moroccan, Ethiopian and more. Local favourites like baked beans (Boston is famous for its nickname Beantown), corned beef sandwiches and clam chowder will also tickle the taste buds, and visitors can wash it all down with a cup of coffee.

In a press release from the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, CEO Patrick Moscaritolo said, “These extraordinarily high marks and top rankings didn’t happen by accident. This is the result of years of effort by Mayor Walsh, city agencies, the Bureau and our members to position Boston across the globe as a unique, cross-cultural, and exciting destination for visitors.”

According to U.S. News and World Report, Boston is also ranked as #1 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England, Best Places to Visit in August, #3 in Best Summer Vacations in the World, #5 in Best Family Summer Vacations, and a host of other top 20 accolades.