John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts © Marcio Silva | Dreamstime
President John F. Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire around the globe, and only Boston can claim to be the first stomping ground of one of the mostinfluential leaders in American history. Walking around town, you’ll stumble across little-known sites from the unassuming home where he was born to his restaurant booth, but first, let’s start off somewhere grand and iconic.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located in South Boston, the JFK Presidential Library and Museum is a 10-acre facility dedicated to preserving the life and times of the 35th American president. Permanent exhibits include a walk through his campaign trail and the history of the Space Race, while special exhibits include an up-close-and-personal look at Kennedy’s life on nearby Cape Cod.
Union Oyster House, Boston, Massachusetts © Chris schmich | Flickr
The Kennedy Booth at Union Oyster House
One of Kennedy’s favorite places to dine out was at America’s oldest oyster bar. He had a favorite booth in the upstairs dining room, which is today dedicated in his honor and marked by a plaque, designating it “The Kennedy Booth.”
John F. Kennedy Birthplace
The suburban Brookline home where John F. Kennedy was born and raised is now a National Historic Landmark, open for daily visitation. After JFK’s death, the Kennedy family purchased the Beals Street house and turned it into a memorial to the late president’s legacy. Rose Kennedy arranged the furnishings, photographs and other mementoes.
John F. Kennedy Campaign Headquarters © Sharon Mollerus | Flickr
JFK Memorial Statue at the Massachusetts State House
A bronze homage to John F. Kennedy stands in the courtyards surrounding the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, immortalizing the late president as forever striving forward. The plaza where it stands was closed to public access after 9/11, but you can see the statue as an attendee of an official statehouse tour.
Portrait of John F. Kennedy by Jamie Wyeth at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Portrait of John. F Kennedy (1967), one of American painter Jamie Wyeth’s most iconic images, was recently acquired by the MFA in Boston. Jacqueline and Robert Kennedy approached Wyeth to paint the portrait posthumously. It is currently on tour with Jamie Wyeth’s first retrospective, which ends in October 2015.
Read This Next
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
History
Nov 19, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Feb 10, 2026Why Mazatlán, Mexico, Is a Must-Visit Spring Destination
Looking for the perfect springtime vacation? Check out Mazatlán. In spring, the entire city prepares for the excitement of the third-largest Carnival celebration in the world, Mazatlán Carnival. The event, Feb. 27 to March 4, is a centuries-old tradition filling the streets with fun parades of colorful floats and vibrant dancers, live concerts, fireworks, street parties, large coronations, and more.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Slideshow
Feb 10, 20266 Must-See Sites in Fort Worth, Texas
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are six must-see sites in Fort Worth, Texas.
Airline
Feb 10, 2026United Airlines Economy Passengers Can Now Pre-Order Meals
If you’re flying United economy, you can now pre-order meals ahead of your flight using either the airline’s website or app.
Sponsored Content
Your Cruise Adventure, Protected from Booking to Boarding
Wave season is here — the prime moment when travelers secure the year’s best cruise deals and start planning everything from warm‑water escapes to once‑in‑a‑lifetime, around‑the‑world cruising. Whether you’re dreaming of sun‑filled island stops, panoramic river sailings or a globe‑spanning expedition, wave season is the ideal time to turn those plans into reality.
Destinations / Europe
Feb 9, 2026Explore Northern Italy Like an Olympian with Lonely Planet Recommendations
With the Winter Games in full swing, Northern Italy has welcomed athletes and travelers to participate in and witness all sorts of events and excitement. Whether there now or planning a visit later in the yearLonely Planet compiled a list of the top cities to explore.
ShareThis