Founded in 1635, Concord is New England’s oldest European-settled town beyond tidewater. The first American victory in the War of Independence was at Concord’s Old North Bridge. In the mid-1800s, Emerson, Thoreau, the Alcotts, Hawthorne and other Concord authors helped to create a uniquely American literature.

Artist paints Main Street, Concord MA
Artist paints Main Street, Concord MA

Concord is a popular excursion destination for visitors in Boston, and even for Bostonians wanting to “get out into the country” for a day of walking, biking, sightseeing, boutique-shopping or even canoeing or kayaking.

You can get to Concord from Boston by car, train, rideshare or bike, and easily spend a whole day or two enjoying the town, or you can visit the most important sights in a somewhat rushed morning or afternoon.

Sun aura of tree at Old North Bridge, Concord MA
Sun aura of tree at Old North Bridge, Concord MA

To Concord by car or rideshare from Boston takes 30 to 40 minutes, by train only a few minutes’ more. If you’re an avid biker, follow the Minuteman Bikeway from Cambridge MA to Bedford, then the Reformatory Branch trail to Concord.

I’ve designed seven walking tours to show you all of Concord’s sights on foot, by bike and/or by car.

Walden Pond, Concord MA
Walden Pond, Concord MA

Walking, swimming, birding, canoeing and kayaking are all popular in Concord. Here’s all the info.

Canoers on the Concord River
Canoers on the Concord River
Orchard House
Orchard House, home of the Alcotts

The Concord Museum holds much of the town’s history, and numerous historic houses of literary greats are open to you.

Music, arts and literature thrive in Concord in all seasons. Here’s where to find them.

The Mikado, by Gilbert & Sullivan, 51 Walden, Concord MA
The Mikado, by Gilbert & Sullivan, 51 Walden, Concord MA

Concord has dozens of restaurants, cafés and other eateries for breakfast or lunch, quick meals, fine dining, picnic supplies—and great picnic spots. Window shopping in its three commercial areas is fun. Several inns and modern hotels provide lodging for longer visits.

Main Street, Concord, leading to Monument Square
Main Street, Concord, leading to Monument Square

Among the oldest colonial towns in the USA, Concord’s Revolutionary War and 19th-century literary history is significant.

Egg Rock, Nashawtuck, Concord MA
Inscription on Egg Rock at Nashawtuck, where the rivers meet, Musketaquid (Concord MA)

Patriots Day in April is Concord’s major commemoration, but other special days are yours to enjoy as well.

Brass cannon on Patriots Day
Brass cannon on Patriots Day

Emerson, Thoreau, the Alcotts, Hawthorne, D C French: these and others have made lasting impressions on the town. Walk in their footsteps.

Boston 19th-century Literati
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott & Nathaniel Hawthorne among the Boston 19th-century Literati