John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to be president. Yet in his birthplace home he learned values that inspired a life in public service. His mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated her family’s first home to share her memories of those early years with visitors. We commemorate not only his early life, but the ideas and principles he left behind.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Watch "The Shaping of a President, The First Home of John F. Kennedy" (13 Minutes): Watch "The Shaping of a President, The First Home of John F. Kennedy," the site film for John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS. The film explains the historical significance of the site and provides an understanding of the formative influences that shaped the boy who became president. Available in English, Spanish, Japanese, Por

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Hours for the visitor center and house at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site vary by season. The grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk. The site is currently closed for the off season. During the off season, late-October through late-May, the house and visitor center are closed to the public, with tours available Wednesdays and Fridays, by appointment, with at least two weeks advanced notice. In the open season, late-May through late-October, the site is open Thursdays through Sundays.

Getting there

By Subway: Take Green line ("C" -Cleveland Circle) trolley to Coolidge Corner stop. Walk four blocks north on Harvard Street, turn right on Beals Street and continue to number 83. By Car: From Exit 131 (I-90 E) follow the Allston/Brighton exit ramp, merge onto Cambridge Street and go one mile. At the fourth light, turn left on Harvard Street and proceed about one mile. Turn left on Beals Street and go to number 83. Limited Street Parking available.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• [Visitor Center](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Hours for the visitor center and house at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site vary by season. The grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk. The site is currently closed for the off season. During the off season, late-October through late-May, the house and visitor center are closed to the public, with tours available Wednesdays and Fridays, by appointment, with at least two weeks advanced notice. In the open season, late-May through late-October, the site is open Thursdays through Sundays.

Weather

Typical New England Weather: Warm, humid summers and cold winters. Any available outdoor programs take place rain or shine but may be modified or canceled due to high heat index.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 201 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.