Charlestown Navy Yard
1st Avenue & 3rd Street, Boston, MA, 02129
Encounter maritime history at the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the most prolific naval facilities in US history. This Boston yard served ships for more than 175 years, and now hosts the USS Constitution—and its museum—and the USS Cassin Young. Commercial business stopped in 1974; it's now a National Park Service site and free to visit.
The basics
Founded in 1800 and embodying more than 200 years of Boston shipbuilding history, the Charlestown Navy Yard is a maritime destination included in the Boston National Historical Park. Hundreds of ships were launched from the yard. Visitors can stop by the site's Building 32 to view art and artifacts, and explore a facility that supplied American warships during two world wars.
Visit this free attraction to explore the grounds, get tips on what to do at the Visitor Center, and set aside time to stop by the USS Constitution Museum (for a small fee). You can join a guided tour or pass by on a sightseeing cruise, Boston history tour, and even some bike tours.
Things to know before you go
- The ships offer limited accessibility for guests with wheelchairs; the yard grounds, visitor center, and museum are accessible.
- Remember to bring identification; all guests aged 18 and older must present state-issued photo ID to visit the USS Constitution.
- Learn more during your visit by downloading the USS Cassin Young mobile app.
How to get there
The best way to reach the Charlestown Navy Yard is by public transit. For the scenic option, take the MBTA Water Shuttle, which runs from Long Wharf, or hop on the subway. The MBTA green and orange lines run to the nearby North Station, just a few short blocks from the Navy Yard. Hop-on hop-off tours also stop nearby.
When to get there
The grounds at the navy yard are open 24 hours a day, while the on-site attractions hold individual hours. The museum is open regularly seven days a week, though hours change seasonally. The USS Constitution is closed on Mondays, and the USS Cassin Young is open seasonally, and closed from November through April.
Historic Ships at Charlestown Navy Yard
Unpack naval history by visiting the yard's two historic vessels. The USS Constitution is a storied warship that earned the nickname Old Ironsides in the War of 1812, since the vessel was so hard to sink. The USS Cassin Young—a Fletcher-class destroyer—was built for World War II. Meant to be fast, this torpedo boat saw action in Vietnam and southern China. You can visit both at Charlestown Navy Yard.
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