Seniors in motion: Three days in Boston

Whether you decide to take in a Boston Tea Party re-enactment, go for a ride on the country's first subway system, pay a visit to the nation's first college, take a stroll through the first public park in the U.S or watch a game in the nation's oldest ballpark, you'll soon be singing Boston's praises too.

If Boston's reputation as a "walking city" is daunting, don't let it stop you. The city's excellent public transportation system is wheelchair-accessible and deeply discounted for seniors, as are the majority of major attractions. People age 65 and older pay just 25 cents to ride the bus and 35 cents to ride the subway with a Senior Citizen Pass (apply in person at the Back Bay station -- all you need is proof of age and 50 cents, and you'll get your pass in just a few minutes). If you're not able to get around via public transportation, you can make arrangements to use "The Ride", a shared van service that provides door-to-door transportation for $1.50 or $3.00 depending on your destination. You must be ADA certified in your own area to access The Ride.

Amazing Freebies Worth Pursuing: Walking the Freedom Trail; feeding the swans in the Public Garden; summer festivals in the North End; oldies concerts during the summer at the Hatch shell; guided tours of the galleries at the Boston Public Library; admission to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University before noon on Saturdays.

Home Away From Home
Tip: For low rates at quality hotels, consider staying near Logan Airport. A taxi to the sights will cost you -- about $20 each way -- but your hotel may offer a free shuttle to the airport, where you can pick up the Blue Line and take the quick ride into the city.

Not only is the Omni Parker House located steps away from some of Boston's most popular attractions (the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the Boston Common), and conveniently located to the Government Center "T" stop; it is also home to Parker's Restaurant, where Boston cream pie was created and John Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier at table 10. Tip: Sign up for Omni's Select Guest program and you'll receive a coupon for 50 percent off your first stay (weekends only).

The Dublin-based Jurys Boston Hotel is housed in the former Boston Police Headquarters and prides itself on its Irish charms. The location is perfectly situated to Back Bay and the Theatre District and is an excellent value offering competitive prices, unexpected luxuries and a high level of service.

The utmost in luxury on the Boston waterfront, the Boston Harbor Hotel boasts staff that prides itself on catering to your every need, from delivery of your favorite newspaper to a personalized menu. If your stay coincides with the Harbor Festival, you'll be breathing in the sea air and listening to live jazz. The hotel also offers 12 rooms designated for the physically challenged, with seats in the shower and extra-wide doors for easy wheelchair access.