Adams National Historical Park
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
The Park advises that all tours begin at the Visitor Center which is located at 1250 Hancock Street in the Presidents Place Galleria. Site orientation is available at the Visitor Center, as well as exhibits, a bookstore and public restrooms. Validated parking is offered in the Presidents Place Parking Garage accessed via Saville Avenue. (Please see travel directions.) Guided, full-park tours, including the Birthplaces and the Old House, depart daily. Tours last approximately 2 hours. Tour space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors interested in touring only the Birthplaces or the Old House will be ticketed for the next scheduled tour of that site, subject to availability. Advance reservations are required for groups of eight or more. Please contact the group tour coordinator at (617) 770-1175 for information. ![]()
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Park's open season is April 19 through November 10. During this time the park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To see the historic homes you must be on a guided tour. Tours last approximately two hours and depart regularly from the Visitor Center located at 1250 Hancock Street. Please be aware that the last tour leaves at 3:15 pm daily.
From November 11 through April 18 the historic homes are closed. The Visitor Center is open during the Winter Season Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Fees & Reservations
Entrance Fees
Individual
$5.00 - 7 Days
Details: General Admission for adults: $5.00, under 16 years of age, free. All America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes, the National Park Pass, Adams National Historical Park Pass, Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access Passes are accepted. Donations are also accepted at the Visitor Center and other locations.
Youth Individual (Under 16 Years of Age)
Free!
Annual Family Pass
$10.00 - 7 Days
Details: The Adams National Historical Park Annual Family Pass will admit the cardholder, spouse, and children into the Park and will be valid for one year from date of purchase. The pass can only be used at Adams National Historical Park. Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
For information about purchasing the new America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes please click here
Reservations
The park requires reservations for groups of eight or more and are subject to availability. There are no group rates, regular entrance fees apply. Groups may pay by cash, check or charge and fees will be collected on the day of the tour. Please make reservations as soon as possible by calling the group tour coordinator at (617) 770-1175.
Directions
Getting There By Plane: The nearest airport with commercial airline service is Logan International Airport. Upon leaving the airport follow signs to Interstate 93 South. Traveling south on U.S. Interstate 93, take exit 7 (left lane exit) - Route 3 south to Braintree and Cape Cod. Take the first exit off Route 3 south - exit 18, Washington Street and the Quincy Adams T. Follow signs toward Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six traffic lights. At the seventh traffic light, turn right onto Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right onto Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center, located in the Galleria at President's Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Validated parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.
Car From Boston and Route 128: Traveling south on U.S. Interstate 93 or Route 128, take exit 7 - Route 3 south to Braintree and Cape Cod. Take the first exit off Route 3 south - exit 18, Washington Street and the Quincy Adams T. Follow signs towards Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six sets of traffic lights. At the seventh set of traffic lights, turn right onto Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right onto Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center, located in the Galleria at President's Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.
From Cape Cod: Traveling north on Route 3, take exit 19, Quincy Adams T. Quincy Center. Follow signs towards Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six sets of traffic lights. At the seventh set of traffic lights, turn right on to Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right on to Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center located in the Galleria at Presidents Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Validated parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.
Public Transportation To the Visitor Center via the MBTA "T" Subway System: From Boston: Take the Red Line train to the Quincy Center Station. Turn right upon exiting the train and at the top of the stairs, turn left and exit the station to Hancock Street. Walk across Hancock Street to 1250 Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center is located in the Galleria at President's place.
Public Transportation
To the Visitor Center via the MBTA "T" Subway System: From Boston: Take the Red Line train to the Quincy Center Station. Turn right upon exiting the train and at the top of the stairs, turn left and exit the station to Hancock Street. Walk across Hancock Street to 1250 Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center is located in the Galleria at President's place. Visit the MBTA website.Federal Pass Program
The National Park Service is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The pass series, collectively known as the
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass,is shown below with a brief explanation of each.
The new passes are scheduled to go on sale January 1, 2007.America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Annual Pass - Cost $80. This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Senior Pass- Cost $10. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Access Pass - Free. This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veterans Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park. The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands PassVolunteer Pass - Free. This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Contact Park VIP coordinator at (617) 770-1175 to learn about volunteer opportunities at Adams.
For the former pass program passes:
Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram- These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Annual Pass.
Golden Age Passport- This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Senior Pass.
Golden Access Passport- This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Access Pass
All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.
Contact Us
By Mail:
Adams National Historical Park
135 Adams Street
Quincy, MA 02169-1749
By Phone:
Visitor Information (617) 770-1175
email
Headquarters (617) 773-1177
Curator (617) 773-1177 email
By Fax: 617-472-7562
Email: ADAM_Visitor_Center@nps.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Do I have to go on a guided tour to see the homes?
Yes, you do have to be on a guided tour to enter the homes, there are no self guided tours. However, you may walk the grounds of the homes at any time.
FAQ: Where is the best place to start my tour?
Tours begin at the Visitor Center located at 1250 Hancock Street. See 'Plan Your Visit' for directions.
FAQ: How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately two hours. If you wish to also take the tour of the Church of the Presidents please allow at least another half hour.
FAQ: Can I make reservations for the tour?
We only take reservations for groups of eight or more.
FAQ: Where can I park?
In the parking garage located behind the Visitor Center. Bring your parking ticket in with you to be validated, parking is free.
FAQ: Are pets allowed on the grounds or in the homes?
No, pets are not allowed anywhere in the park.
FAQ: Can I take my wedding pictures on the grounds or have my wedding there?
No, weddings and wedding photos are not allowed.
FAQ: Are the homes open at all during the closed season?
The homes are only open between April 19th and November 10th.
News from the Parks
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.


