Off season tours by appointment are not available on the following dates in May; May 15 - 28.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Massachusetts
JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to be president. Yet in his birthplace home he learned values that inspired a life in public service. His mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated her family’s first home to share her memories of those early years with visitors. We commemorate not only his early life, but the ideas and principles he left behind.
About John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is a national historic site located in Massachusetts. Typical New England Weather: Warm, humid summers and cold winters. Any available outdoor programs take place rain or shine but may be modified or canceled due to high heat index.
By Subway: Take Green line ("C" -Cleveland Circle) trolley to Coolidge Corner stop. Walk four blocks north on Harvard Street, turn right on Beals Street and continue to number 83. By Car: From Exit 18 (I-90 E) or Exit 20 (1-90 W) follow the Allston/Brighton exit ramp, merge onto Cambridge Street and go one mile. At the fourth light, turn left on Harvard Street and proceed about one mile. Turn left on Beals Street and go to number 83. Limited Street Parking available.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to John Fitzgerald Kennedy is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, and 2 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at John Fitzgerald Kennedy
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for John Fitzgerald Kennedy
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of John Fitzgerald Kennedy before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to be president. Yet in his birthplace home he learned values that inspired a life in public service. His mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated her family’s first home to share her memories of those early years with visitors. We commemorate not only his early life, but the ideas and principles he left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions about John Fitzgerald Kennedy
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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