The Massachusetts State House in Boston is an iconic landmark and the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in Beacon Hill, it's known for its distinctive golden dome, which is topped with a gilded statue of a Native American warrior, symbolizing Massachusetts' state motto "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem" (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty).
Constructed in the late 18th century, the State House has a rich history and is a popular tourist destination in Boston, with over 90,000 visitors each year. It houses the Massachusetts General Court (the state legislature) and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts. The building's architecture, historical significance, and role in state government make it an integral part of Boston's landscape.
The building is open to the public, and tours are available during the weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free of charge. You can pursue an architectural/historical tour or a legislative process tour.
The Ashburton Park Entrance on Bowdoin Street is the accessible entrance for the State House.
More about the State House
| Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map | Boston | 4.2 | from $10 |  |
| Boston: A Food & History Journey from North End to Freedom Trail | Boston | 4.8 | from $101 | |
| Boston's Best Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | 4.5 | from $25 | |
| Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | 4.6 | from $26 | |
| Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | 4.7 | from $30 | |
| Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour | Boston | 4.9 | from $44 | |
| Walking Tour Downtown Freedom Trail + Beacon Hill & Copley Square | Boston | 4.6 | from $45 | |
| Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour | Boston | 4.5 | from $8 | |
Restaurants near the State House
Union Oyster House Seafood Faneuil Hall $$ Awesome 75 Chestnut Contemporary American Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional Ma Maison French Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional Peregrine - The Whitney Hotel Boston Unspecified Beacon Hill $$ Awesome Tradesman - Charlestown American Charlestown $$ Exceptional Prima Italian Charlestown $$$ Exceptional Estella American Beacon Hill $$$ Awesome The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant Irish Beacon Hill $$$ Exceptional Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing Seafood Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome Silver Dove Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea Faneuil Hall $$$ Exceptional Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf Seafood Faneuil Hall $$$ Awesome Banners Kitchen & Tap American Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome Toscano Restaurant Italian Beacon Hill $$$$ Exceptional Mooo BEACON HILL Steak Beacon Hill $$$$ Exceptional No. 9 Park European Beacon Hill $$$$ Awesome Boston Chops - Downtown Crossing Steakhouse Downtown Crossing $$$$ Exceptional Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Boston Steakhouse Beacon Hill $$$$ Awesome Ruth's Chris Steak House - Boston Steakhouse Downtown Crossing $$$$ Awesome
Hotels near the State House
| Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill | West End, Boston | $$$ | Scored 7.1* | |
| The Whitney Hotel Boston | Beacon Hill, Boston | $$$ | Scored 9.1* | |
| Beacon Hill Hotel | Beacon Hill, Boston | $$$$ | Scored 8.2* | |