A Runner's Travel Guide to the Boston Marathon

The marathon takes place annually on the third Monday of April, coinciding with Boston's Patriots' Day, a holiday commemorating the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Not just anyone can enter the race, however. Participants must achieve a qualifying time in another eligible marathon to compete, making the world's oldest annual marathon a lifetime goal for many runners.

Before the Race:

• This is a no-brainer: Attend the Boston Marathon Expo at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. The expo has a wide variety of official race gear and merchandise (like the coveted official Boston Marathon jacket!). PRO TIP: Visit the expo late afternoon on Friday to avoid big crowds.

• Freedom Trail – Need to stretch your legs before race day? Hit The Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile-long path leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites. Follow the red brick line from Boston Common in downtown Boston to the Old North Church in the North End and end at the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Take a self-guided audio tour, book a guided tour through The Freedom Trail website, or sign up for a private tour that includes Paul Revere’s House. PRO TIP: The two-and-a-half-mile trail is one way, so be sure to plan for the mileage it will take to get back to your hotel. (Or save your legs and take a cab.)

• Boat Cruise – Switch up your view by taking a boat cruise to experience the city’s historic sites. From sightseeing tours to dinner cruises to whale-watching excursions, you’ll enjoy some time off your feet while experiencing Boston by boat. Several companies, like City Experiences, offer these tours.

• Trolley Tour – Rest your legs while seeing the sights of Boston in just under two hours aboard the Old Town Trolley. The trolley makes 18 stops with the option of hopping on and off to see the sights. Stop number one is at the Marriot Long Wharf for runners staying near the Boston Harbor.

During the Race:

• Fenway Park - Spectators might be able to squeeze in a baseball game before seeing their racer cross the finish line. Each April, on the third Monday of the month, the Red Sox hold a special morning game at Fenway Park, marking the only morning game in the entire Major League Baseball calendar. This tradition aligns with Patriots' Day, a holiday recognized at the federal level in Massachusetts, and of course, the Boston Marathon.

• New England Aquarium - If you need to kill some time while waiting for your racer, a visit to the New England Aquarium will be time well spent. Embark on an aquatic adventure at the Aquarium, boasting over 70 exhibits and housing thousands of fascinating creatures. While visiting, don't miss the mesmerizing four-story Giant Ocean Tank teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. And be sure to check out the African and Rockhopper penguins, as well as Atlantic harbor seals, California sea lions, and adorable sea otters as you explore the wonders of the deep. PRO TIP: Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee entry. The aquarium often sells out on the weekends and during big events, like the marathon.

After the Race:

• Food with History Tours - The race is done and you can eat and drink what you want, so why not try a food tour, like one from Secret Food Tours or Intrepid Urban Adventures. These small group guided food tours take you to several stops to taste the local flavors while giving you a bit of history along the way. The guides are knowledgeable, and the groups are intimate. Definitely a must-do while visiting Boston!

• And finally, after 26.2 long miles, it’s time for some pampering. Reserve (early!) a relaxing day at The Spa at the Mandarin Orienta, which stands out for its indulgent offerings. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the spa offers all the expected luxuries, from massages to facials. What sets it apart are its unique, full-day programs like the New England Retreat. For an extra touch of opulence, opt for a treatment in one of their exclusive spa suites, such as the Mandarin Suite, where ultimate privacy and lavish amenities await. Go ahead…you’ve earned it.

Before the Race:

• Get your carb load on at Mamma Maria. This Italian restaurant is located in a beautiful 19th-century row house in North Square, the oldest public square in the US. Enjoy made-from-scratch seasonally focused dishes using local produce. The pasta con sugo, a pasta and meat ragu dish with handmade egg pepperoncini tagliatelle is sure to give racers the extra energy to make it up Heartbreak Hill.

• Head to the historic North End to experience fine Italian dining at Lucca Restaurant. Here, too, you will find traditional dishes with a focus on seasonal produce, which means many vegetarian meals to choose from. The fresh rigatoni Bolognese comes highly recommended.

• Grasshopper Restaurant – Vegan racers can get their carb loading on at this Beacon Street Asian vegetarian restaurant. Noodles, tofu, and brown rice dishes accompany tantalizing mockmeat dishes. The house lo-mein and sweet and sour sensation are a favorite with diners.

During the Race:

• Spectators waiting on their favorite racers have some great choices along the racecourse. Depending on which side of Beacon Street you’re on will likely determine your choice: The Publick House, on the north side of the street, offers up a hearty pretzel and beer cheese flight with Pilsner, IPA, and Guinness Stout beer cheeses. On the southside, is the Washington Square Tavern. The black bean burger or pan-seared scallops are mouthwatering choices.

After the Race:

• You burned the calories, so why not reward yourself with one of Boston’s famous cannolis? Mike’s Pastry and Modern’s are located in Boston’s historic North End on Hanover Street. There is a bit of pastry rivalry here so try something from both places and you be the judge. Besides the cannoli, try a slice of ricotta pie at Mike’s or the lobster tail at Modern’s. PRO TIP: Many of the pastry shops on this street only take cash so be sure to bring plenty of it.

• If the cannoli wars weren’t intense enough, the lobster rolls rivalries are a close second! Every tour guide will tell you they know the best place in town. If you want to try one of “the best in town,” visit James Hook & Co. The secret is in the light touch of mayo and celery. PRO TIP: Don’t like mayo? Try your lobster roll naked and slathered in butter. Equally as good.