Acorn Street
Acorn Street
4
About
Private way owned and governed by a neighborhood association, acornstreetassociation.com. Neighbors retained ownership and control of this private way to prevent the City of Boston from paving it in in the 1980's. It is a neighborhood and visitors are asked to move quietly and quickly through this area.
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< 1 hour
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The area
Neighbourhood: Beacon Hill
Visit this historic and ritzy Boston neighborhood to soak up its classic New England charm as you stroll down cobblestoned, gas-lamp lined streets. Bring your walking shoes, camera, and select a nice day to wander through the hilly neighborhood and check out its exclusive addresses. Louisburg Square, Mt. Vernon street, Chestnut street and the extremely narrow and widely photographed Acorn street make a nice walking path. Make sure to meander down Charles street to poke into boutiques and antique shops, cafes, and restaurants on this quaint shopping street. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse up close of the State House with its beautiful and iconic dome.
How to get there
- Charles/MGH • 6 min walk
- Park St • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
2,590 within 5 kms
Attractions
605 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
281 reviews
Excellent
130
Very good
100
Average
41
Poor
2
Terrible
8
OrlandoMouse
St. Augustine, FL2,239 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Welcome to the most photographed street in America. I guess that is because there is nothing like it anywhere else in the US. It is well hidden. Owners have no trespassing signs so no standing on their door stoops. If you choose to go, keep in mind that people live here and are not a fan of the noise of people disturbing their peace. Think of having several hundred noisy people walking by your home every day. So be nice if you do go to take photos and be respectful. But is a beautiful street with the narrow brick sidewalk and the rustic cobblestone center. Be mindful it is up a hill and one can easily stumble while walking.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
740sherri
Green Sea, SC46 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Cute street but very similar to streets leading up to it. No trespassing signs posted so didn’t feel ok to walk down.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura C
Mansfield, MA28 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was a quaint little street and smaller than I expected but very picturesque. It was a short walk from Beacon Street, and just minutes away from the bridge that takes you to the path to walk along the Charles River. If you are in the neighborhood visiting the Public Gardens, Boston Common, or Cheers, this is a short walk away and definitely worth the look.
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romadaro
Washington DC, DC1,565 contributions
May 2023
There are still a few cobblestone streets in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, but none of them are quite as pretty as this one. The color variations in the stones used here and the narrow alleyway form a very picturesque setting. Although we got lost and was sent in the wrong direction several times by Google, I’m glad we found it.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wildformywife
Hobe Sound, FL39 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The research I found stated this was the most photographed street in Boston. It’s very pretty and I guess if you posted on social media but a sign stated No trespassing so we were slightly confused if you could travel down the street or not. Probably 4 stars, rated 3 as we didn’t walk down it, get a picture and don’t post on instagram or TikTok, so…..
Written 3 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salma
3 contributions
Sep 2022
Walking in the streets of Beacon Hill was an unforgettable memory: Lots of beautiful buildings,and Acron Street was breathtaking.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LReneeAA
Minnesota82 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Was a little hard to find the street. Wasn’t overly impressed as most of the streets around the area looked the same. It was a three minute attraction( that’s how long it took to walk the street).
Only thing unique was the actual road. Pretty sure you can’t drive on it which I seen in other posts. We were there around 5:00 and only one other family was around.
Only thing unique was the actual road. Pretty sure you can’t drive on it which I seen in other posts. We were there around 5:00 and only one other family was around.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twinairsigns
Boston, MA87 contributions
Dec 2021
Located in the heart of Beacon Hill, Acorn Street is purportedly the most photographed ally in America - and having been erected during the 1700's, one of the oldest and last *true cobblestoned rows left in America.
If you're considering visiting, rest assured you'll feel like you walked right into the Revolutionary Era when you walk the path. It's situated just south of Louisburg Square and is rich in Black History and the racial progress of our nation. Once inhabited by freed slaves who played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, Acorn Street now houses some of the most coveted real estate in all of Massachusetts.
1. Be prepared to wait
No matter when you go, there will usually be some sort of a crowd. Expect to wait a few minutes, expect people to be waiting to shoot after you (and expect them to awkwardly watch while you take yours - though in our case, this could have been the out-of-season plaid and stacks of matching packages).
2. Avoid going at the busiest times
Your best bet is to go on a weekday, closer to dusk - but either way, this is not the location to do a full photoshoot (we snapped pics for five minutes, then took the rest of our photos in the surrounding areas.
3. Know your surroundings
Acorn Street isn't comprable to say, taking pictures at Lombard Street in San Francisco. The one-block-long road is just about the width of a car and because it is still in use, you may have to stop and move to allow for locals to drive through….Or park in front of their house, as this is still a residential street. So be mindful of the people who live there. Avoid accidentally shooting through their windows or getting them in the background of your pictures without their consent. The residents do a fantastic job decorating their stoops for each holiday, making it a great backdrop for seasonal photos (taken in *that season - i.e. if you shoot Christmas card pictures in October, be prepared for pumpkins!)
4. Wear shoes you can walk in
Located in aptly named Beacon Hill, Acorn Street is also much steeper than you could possibly imagine and is a *true cobblestone street, making it incredibly uneven and irregular. So unless you are like me and are willing to break an ankle for the perfect shot, leave the six inch stilettos at home.
5. Bring a wide angle lens
Where you are shooting (and where you are shooting from) are cramped quarters, so bring a wide angle lens to capture the full length of the row houses, and shoot from both the top and the bottom of the street. This means waiting in line twice, but it is worth it, I promise!
6. Take a stroll around Beacon Hill
Taking pictures on Acorn Street is a one-two punch, but all of Beacon Hill is so picturesque - so don't fret. We walked down the block and took a few more images by the shops and brownstones - but it's also in close proximity to the Common, which would make a second — and much more open — location for photos.
7. Soak in the history
#Instagrammable? Indisputably. But more importantly, Acorn Street seeps of historic abolitionist activism in antebellum America. Take some time to learn about the area before or during your visit. Walk down to the Museum of African American History, located at the restored African Meeting House. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day except Sunday, and a calendar of events is available on its website.
If you're considering visiting, rest assured you'll feel like you walked right into the Revolutionary Era when you walk the path. It's situated just south of Louisburg Square and is rich in Black History and the racial progress of our nation. Once inhabited by freed slaves who played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, Acorn Street now houses some of the most coveted real estate in all of Massachusetts.
1. Be prepared to wait
No matter when you go, there will usually be some sort of a crowd. Expect to wait a few minutes, expect people to be waiting to shoot after you (and expect them to awkwardly watch while you take yours - though in our case, this could have been the out-of-season plaid and stacks of matching packages).
2. Avoid going at the busiest times
Your best bet is to go on a weekday, closer to dusk - but either way, this is not the location to do a full photoshoot (we snapped pics for five minutes, then took the rest of our photos in the surrounding areas.
3. Know your surroundings
Acorn Street isn't comprable to say, taking pictures at Lombard Street in San Francisco. The one-block-long road is just about the width of a car and because it is still in use, you may have to stop and move to allow for locals to drive through….Or park in front of their house, as this is still a residential street. So be mindful of the people who live there. Avoid accidentally shooting through their windows or getting them in the background of your pictures without their consent. The residents do a fantastic job decorating their stoops for each holiday, making it a great backdrop for seasonal photos (taken in *that season - i.e. if you shoot Christmas card pictures in October, be prepared for pumpkins!)
4. Wear shoes you can walk in
Located in aptly named Beacon Hill, Acorn Street is also much steeper than you could possibly imagine and is a *true cobblestone street, making it incredibly uneven and irregular. So unless you are like me and are willing to break an ankle for the perfect shot, leave the six inch stilettos at home.
5. Bring a wide angle lens
Where you are shooting (and where you are shooting from) are cramped quarters, so bring a wide angle lens to capture the full length of the row houses, and shoot from both the top and the bottom of the street. This means waiting in line twice, but it is worth it, I promise!
6. Take a stroll around Beacon Hill
Taking pictures on Acorn Street is a one-two punch, but all of Beacon Hill is so picturesque - so don't fret. We walked down the block and took a few more images by the shops and brownstones - but it's also in close proximity to the Common, which would make a second — and much more open — location for photos.
7. Soak in the history
#Instagrammable? Indisputably. But more importantly, Acorn Street seeps of historic abolitionist activism in antebellum America. Take some time to learn about the area before or during your visit. Walk down to the Museum of African American History, located at the restored African Meeting House. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day except Sunday, and a calendar of events is available on its website.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S B
89 contributions
Jun 2022
Wanted to see some original streets of Boston as they were in the 1800's. This street is tucked away in the Beacon Hill area. The roads are small and one can still see the ruts that the carriages left in the cobble-stone street. Walking is challenging as all uneven stones, not the modern cobble stones that are flat. This is a private residential street and as others have commented, residents don't seem to be too thrilled to have tourists wander in. Not a must see, but pretty if you have time to spent.
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,648 contributions
Apr 2022
....as you will be sent on a wrong, nothing to see address.
This historic alley is on beautiful Beacon hill - it's very small and nestled between two "bigger" streets.
This historic alley is on beautiful Beacon hill - it's very small and nestled between two "bigger" streets.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I see that there is a fee for professional photographers (as per last question asked in 2016) but where exactly can i locate that information on the website?
AcornStreetAssociation.com
Boston, MA
The website is AcornStreetAssociation dot come and it has all the information a professional photographer might need. Thanks!
Is there a fee to take pictures at this site ?
AcornStreetAssociation.com
Boston, MA
There is a fee for professional photographers and for any significant interruption to the neighborhood. See the website for details
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Frequently Asked Questions about Acorn Street
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Acorn Street:
- Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail (From ₹ 3,749.38)
- Photoshoot in Boston Public Garden (From ₹ 16,663.89)
- Boston Private City Tour (From ₹ 41,576.40)
- Private Customized Walking Tour of Boston (From ₹ 49,575.07)
- Full-Day Minivan Tour of Revolutionary Boston, Lexington and Concord (From ₹ 72,904.52)
- Hotels near Acorn Street:
- (0.10 km) Beacon Hill Hotel
- (0.38 km) The Whitney Hotel Boston
- (0.58 km) XV Beacon Hotel
- (0.57 km) The Newbury Boston
- (0.50 km) The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
- Restaurants near Acorn Street:
- (0.12 km) Tatte Bakery & Cafe
- (0.09 km) Toscano Ristorante - Beacon Hill
- (0.10 km) The Paramount
- (0.19 km) 75 Chestnut
- (0.10 km) FIGS by Todd English