Overview
Lexington is a northwestern suburb of Boston in Massachusetts. The Lexington Green is where the first shot of the American Revolution was fired and the first blood shed, and is known as "the Birthplace of American Liberty". It has several sites that are important in American history.
8 sights · 2 things to do · 14 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lexington
Hancock-Clarke House
This is where Samuel Adams and John Hancock were staying when Paul Revere arrived. They fled to nearby Woburn. The 1698 house, furnished in colonial style, contains Lexington Historical Society's museum.
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
Sponsored by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
The Lexington Venue
One of the last remaining small-town cinemas in the area that features indie and foreign films along with the obligatory blockbuster.
Minute Man National Historical Park
is partly in Lexington. For information see Concord.
The Battle Green
which includes the famous Minuteman Statue and the nation's oldest war monument. Capt. John Parker, who commanded the Lexington militia. His famous command was, "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if th…
The Old Burying Ground
featuring the oldest gravestones in the town, dating back to the 1690s, and the burial site of Captain John Parker and the British soldier wounded on the British retreat from Concord on April 19, 1775.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Bedford)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 4 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
Given that Lexington is relatively close to Boston, please refer to the Get In and Get Around sections of that article for general transportation details.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$109 a night (typical $95), from 5 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $22 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Battle Green, The Buckman Tavern, The Lexington Historical Society
- Lunch Via Lago
- Afternoon The Lexington Venue, The Old Burying Ground
- Dinner Dabin
- Evening Peet's Coffee & Tea
Day 2
- Morning Minute Man National Historical Park
- Lunch Max Stein's American
- Dinner Alexander's Pizza
- Evening Ride Studio Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Specialty
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Old cemeteries bear the names and dates of colonial families and many of the colonial houses have been preserved.
- Visitors' center, on the town common, or "Battle Green". Daily 9AM-5PM, except Dec-Mar 10AM-4PM.
Get in
Given that Lexington is relatively close to Boston, please refer to the Get In and Get Around sections of that article for general transportation details.
By plane
- Logan International Airport in Boston is the closest major airport, about 17 miles from Lexington Center, and depending on traffic is around 45 minutes' drive from Lexington.
- The Laurence G. Hanscom Field, a civil general aviation airport, is in Bedford, Massachusetts.
- Other regional airports include:
*Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester, Massachusetts *T. F. Green Airport, Warwick, Rhode Island *Manchester Airport, Manchester, New Hampshire
By train
- There are no MBTA Commuter Rail stops in Lexington. However, there are stations in several surrounding towns, including Belmont, Waltham, Lincoln, Winchester, and Woburn.
By car
- Lexington is most accessible by the two highways that run through it, Interstate 95 (Route 128) and Route 2. On Interstate 95, take exit 31 or 32. On Route 2, take exit 53, 54 (westbound only), 55 (eastbound only), or 56. From Boston or Cambridge, if you follow Massachusetts Avenue through Arlington to Lexington you are retracing the route that William Dawes (and to some extent Paul Revere) used to warn the colonists in Lexington of the approaching British troops.
By bus
- MBTA buses #62 and #76 provide service to Lexington. They run from the Alewife subway station (the end of the line on the Red line) that bring you to the center of town, where 'the Green' is (site of the skirmish between British controlled forces and colonial irregulars). Of these the 76 - Hanscom Field bus should also be able to bring you close enough to walk to some of the other Revolutionary War sites on the far side of 95 aka Route 128.
- There is an intra-town bus service, Lexpress, which can be useful in getting to different points in the town. See "Get around".
By bike
- Minuteman Bikeway, Massachusetts Av. at Miriam Av. On the trackbed of the railroad. The bikepath starts at the Alewife subway station, near the Arlington/Cambridge border, and roughly parallels Massachusetts Avenue through Arlington and Lexington.
Get around
- Most of the attractions and dining, shopping and entertainment options are in or near the town center, so be sure to first visit the center, and then fan out from there.
- Liberty Ride is a seasonal trolley between Lexington and Concord that serves many of the tourist attractions.
See
See The Battle Green
which includes the famous Minuteman Statue and the nation's oldest war monument. Capt. John Parker, who commanded the Lexington militia. His famous command was, "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
- In close proximity to the Green is the Old Belfry, the Old Depot and the adjacent Depot Square.
See The Old Burying Ground
featuring the oldest gravestones in the town, dating back to the 1690s, and the burial site of Captain John Parker and the British soldier wounded on the British retreat from Concord on April 19, 1775.
See The Buckman Tavern
Built around 1710, is the only building still on the Green that was there during the Battle of Lexington. The Minutemen gathered here to await word of British troop movements, and they brought their wounded here after the conflict.
See Munroe Tavern
Taken by the British to use as a headquarters and hospital this 1690 building has period furniture. Gardens are historically accurate.
- The Lexington Bicentennial Band, ; and the Lexington Sinfonietta, .
Do
- Tour
*Battle Green Guides, Phone: +1 339-223-5623. Tours available from spring through fall to give visitors a free walking tour of the historic Lexington Battle Green and Old Burying Ground by enthusiastic tour guides dressed in colonial attire. Arranged tours available but requires a call beforehand. *Liberty Ride, Phone: +1 781 862-0500, ext. 702, , a 90-minute tour along the historic Battle Road with a costumed guide who recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775 and the literary legacy that defined American identity and culture. Operates from October 15 to May 27 and has departures at 10:30AM, noon, 1:30PM, and 3PM. Tickets $20 for adults, $10 for students (5-17). Free for children under 5. *Hiking Across Lexington: The town offers well-maintained pathways for those looking to explore its natural wonders. With 14 routes available, there are over 43 miles of trails to wander. Consider downloading the "across Lexington" app, available both Android and iOS. If you prefer a physical map, here is a pdf link : https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4664/2022-ACROSS-Lexington-Map-PDF-includes-Route-P-?bidId=
Do The Lexington Venue
One of the last remaining small-town cinemas in the area that features indie and foreign films along with the obligatory blockbuster.
Buy
Eat
Eat Alexander's Pizza
A quick and unpretentious Greek pizza shop.
Eat Dabin
Authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Eat Daikanyama
Quaint Japanese restaurant. Features Sushi bar.
Eat Mario's Italian Restaurant
Reasonably priced Italian restaurant.
Eat Teppanyaki
Hibachi-style Japanese restaurant. Also features sushi bar and some Chinese food.
Specialty
Eat La Riviera
Freshly baked French pastries.
Eat Rancatore's Ice Cream
Home made ice cream and sauces. Shades of vanilla and chocolate.
- Note: There are no fast-food chain restaurants in Lexington, so be prepared to stay a bit if you go out to eat, although there are Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, along with a couple quick-fix cafés and the like.
Drink
Lexington is living up to its Puritan roots in the nightlife category. There are no dedicated bars to speak of, although many restaurants serve alcohol.
Drink Ride Studio Cafe
Cyclist-focused coffee shop and bike repair spot near the Minuteman Bike Trail. Ride has a selection of locally roasted coffees and well made espresso drinks. There is also a small menu of locally sourced food and if you happen to have bike trouble, they can probably fix it for you.
Drink Peet's Coffee & Tea
Coffee, tea, pastry.
Sleep
Stay Element Lexington
Go next
For more history its neighboring Concord or Boston. North Shore towns have the closest beaches. The White Mountains are great for hiking, fall foliage viewing or skiing.
Nearby
Bedford
City / town · 9 listings · 4 mi away
Arlington
City / town · 23 listings · 4 mi away
Woburn
City / town · 13 listings · 4 mi away
Waltham
City / town · 39 listings · 5 mi away
Watertown
City / town · 21 listings · 6 mi away
Medford
City / town · 13 listings · 6 mi away
Concord
City / town · 64 listings · 6 mi away
Stoneham
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
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