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VroomVroomVroom can help you find the perfect RV rental in Boston so that you can explore Massachusetts' capital city in style and comfort. There are several depots within the city limits, as well as several campgrounds in the region. If you are driving your motorhome or RV into the city, there are plenty of parks near the Institute of Contemporary Art where you can park your vehicle, and from there you can take the subway, bus or train to make your way around Boston. If you prefer a smaller vehicle like a station wagon or SUV, you can also compare rental cars in Boston at VroomVroomVroom.
Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts, and it is full of culture, history and beautiful architecture. You’ll want to make sure you allow plenty of time to discover Boston’s great attractions - from world-class museums and lush gardens to sports complexes and fine restaurants. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is a popular tourist destination year-round.
Some of our favorite things to do year-round in Boston are:
Summer (June, July, August): Boston is surrounded by water on three sides which makes it a great place to go sailing or cruising during summer. Whale watching is also a popular activity during this time because whales migrate to Massachusetts each summer. If you want to escape the heat, head to a nearby beach such as Revere Beach or Carson Beach.
Fall (September, October, November): Take a stroll along the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University or Jamaica Pond to witness some gorgeous fall colors. If you’re travelling in October, make sure to attend the annual Pumpkin Float at Frog Pond. This event features fun family activities and the highlight are the floating and illuminating pumpkins.
Winter (December, January, February): Ice skating is definitely a must in winter and there are several places where you can go skating including Boston Common Frog Pond and Steriti Memorial Rink. If you want to try something new, enjoy some drinks at Envoy Hotel’s igloo bar. Stay in one of the heated igloos placed on top of the hotel’s rooftop overlooking the city’s picturesque skyline and harbor.
Spring (March, April, May): Spring is the start of the baseball season so head to Fenway Park, grab a hotdog and cheer on your favourite team. Since the weather is not too hot, this is also the perfect time to walk the Freedom Trail. There are many fun events held during this time including Duckling Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Year-Round: Go museum hopping in Boston and make sure to include the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Children’s Museum, and Museum of Science in your itinerary. Whether you prefer Broadway musicals or comedy shows, you are sure to find the perfect show at Boston’s Theater District. A trip to Boston won’t be complete without checking out the shops and restaurants at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Boston/Cape Cod KOA, located in the city of Middleboro on Plymouth Street, is a short 15-minute drive from Boston. This campervan park features recreation opportunities including a swimming pool, mini-golf, playground, outdoor cinema, and bike rentals. This park offers gorgeous wooded sites with 50 amp hookups.
Boston Minuteman Campground is only 30 miles northwest of Boston. Located in the city of Littleton on Ayer Road, it can be easily accessed via I-495. This RV site features relaxing, wooded sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and pull through access. It also has a heated pool, pool tables, a horseshoe pit, a bocce pit, volleyball court, and basketball court.
Wompatuck State Park, located in the city of Hingham on Free Street, is approximately 30 minutes away from downtown Boston. This RV-friendly state park provides 140 electric hookup campsites, over 12 miles of bike trails, and tons of wilderness hiking trails. It also features several recreational facilities including non-motorized boating, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding trails, and cross-country skiing.
Institute of Contemporary Art on Northern Avenue features over 65,000 square feet of artistic pieces. This museum boasts a collection of international works of art. Stop for lunch at their snack and pop-up bar called SunBar. They also offer free guided tours with an in-depth look at the current art exhibits, as well as the amazing architecture of the building.
New England Aquarium, located on Central Wharf, features a wide variety of aquatic creatures from around the world. Have some fun with their 200,000-gallon tank as you spiral your way up. Enjoy exhibits with over 800 species and check out the Amazon Rainforest exhibit. See wildlife as if you are right beside them at screenings in the Simons IMAX theatre.
Museum of Science is located at Science Park and just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Boston. It features over 700 interactive exhibits and provides live animal exhibits, live presentations, a 4-D journey, and an exploration into the pirate world. This museum provides tons of fascinating exhibits and will certainly make your day truly enjoyable.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Columbia Point features many exhibits during the Kennedy era and provides numerous displays from the life of John F. Kennedy. Take some time and enjoy great displays, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, campaign collectibles, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
On hiring an RV in Boston
Unlike when hiring a rental car, people tend to book an RV a bit further in advance, and there are a few reasons for this.
When you’re hiring an RV, you’re not simply hiring something with four wheels to buzz around a city for a few days, instead you’re hiring a vehicle that you could well be living in for days, weeks, or even months. As such, people tend to have far more specific needs — some may require a certain number of berths, perhaps an onboard kitchen, or more comfortable living space. All this means that doing your research to find the right RV for you can pay off handsomely — but it also means that supply is more limited. When supply is limited, it is a good idea to book as far in advance as possible so that you know that the RV you need will be waiting for you when you arrive.
With this in mind, while it isn’t unusual for people to book a hire car the day before they need it, with RVs, people often book their vehicle months in advance. So our advice to you is if you’re planning to rent an RV, start researching today, and when you find the right RV for you, book it!
One more point, another way RV rentals differ from regular cars, is that bookings are not instant. Once you make an RV booking it will need to be approved by the provider. Yet another reason not to leave your RV rental until you’re sitting in the airport boarding lounge.
If you’re new to RVs and not sure where to start, please give our RV rental information page a read as it explains many of the basics you’ll need to know to make an informed decision.
We could start off by telling you that a typical customer hiring an RV in Boston tends to look at RVs with two or four berths (including a toilet and shower). This isn’t really all that helpful though, as they type of RV you should hire in Boston depends very much on the type of RV you — rather than a typical customer — needs. Consider the following questions:
How big is your travel group? What is your budget? What facilities do you need — or not need? Where are you planning to go? How long for? Knowing the answers to these questions — and plenty more — is the best way to make sure the RV you hire in Boston is the right one for you.
Solo travellers or couples might find a compact RV to be more than enough, while families — especially those with young kids — or larger groups might prefer a more spacious motorhome with multiple sleeping areas.
Next, consider the facilities you need and the facilities you want. These might sound the same, but they are very different! Basic RVs often include a bed and simple cooking gear, while more luxurious options feature kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. For example, if you’re planning on camping, perhaps paying the extra for comfortable beds isn’t really necessary, but if you’re not even packing a tent, then the extra expense required to get more comfortable beds might be a smart choice.
Where you’re going also matters. If you’re planning to just potter around Boston and its immediate surrounds, then you could probably get away with a standard RV. That said, if you’re planning to drive from Boston to Los Angeles — or New York City — something more spacious would be a sound investment.
Think about your budget, as RVs vary in cost depending on size, amenities, and rental duration, and while shortening the length of your trip might bring different options within your budget, spending more to get a bigger van may mean you’ll spend even less on hotels. Either way, do the math!
In conclusion, when you’re booking an RV for pickup from Boston, it pays to be honest when considering what you need versus what you want, along with what fits with your budget and overall travel plans. It’s the best way to maximise your chance of getting the perfect RV for you.
For most rental RV providers, the minimum age to rent an RV is the same as for car rentals — 21 years of age. Depending on the RV rental supplier, those under 21 may only be able to rent certain vehicles. Double check with the RV rental provider to see what their specific requirements are.
In most cases, you won’t need to present a special type of licence to rent an RV — you’ll only be asked to present your standard and valid full driving licence. Keep in mind that a probationary, learner permit, or provisional licence are not accepted for RV hire. If your licence is in a language other than English, you’ll need to provide an International Driving Permit in conjunction with your valid licence. If you’re unsure as to whether your licence will be accepted, you should contact your prospective RV provider prior to booking.
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