John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces - Adams National Historical Park — Attraction in Quincy

We visited on a Thursday morning in mid-June 2025.

We knew the houses would not be open when we visited because we were too early but this was the only way to fit it into our schedule. There is limited street parking but since we were so early we didn't have much of a problem. You can get here via the complimentary bus the Adams National Historic Site Offers but that would take a lot more time out of our packed day. There is a designated green parking area just for the shuttle bus.

We got to take a quick look around the outside of the houses. What really gave us a surprise was that there was a ranger just sitting there on the bench waiting for his coworker and shift to start. We just weren't ready for someone to be there.

Although he was not on shift yet he did talk to us and suggested we go over to the Abigail Adams Cairn just a few blocks away. He said you could walk there because parking there is even tighter. Maybe enough for 3 cars. But we were so early he did end up driving over and we were the only ones there. It's a pretty cool spot. It's in the middle of like a neighborhood but it's pretty high up and some interesting structures. Google Maps says it's a 11 min walk 1 way.

Overall without being able to actually go inside the house, it's not the most exciting place to visit but the ranger was awesome and it's close to the memorial. It's like a 2 in 1 stop. We would probably try to visit again and get to see inside the home. Don't forget the Abigail Adams Cairn just a few...

This is the first stop for the Adams NP Extended guided tour, you can also self guide too! If you're taking the trolley between sites, they do announce when it's leaving to make sure no one misses it. Since COVID, the trolley service is very seasonal so do double check it's running if you're relying on it!

Both houses are very historic and as the birthplaces of two presidents, it's really humbling to walk through them. I took the guided tour and really enjoyed it, there were lots of facts and it covered the beginning of John Adams' career as well as his path to the presidency.

They also had a reenactor as well playing John Adams which was a lot of fun and I think the group really enjoyed it!

Important to note- if you're coming on the Red Line and get off at Quincy Adams, it's really confusing to get onto Independence to walk up to the site, and very few people know the way- basically you have to take the lift to the fifth floor of the parking garage and turn left, as you look to your right there is a walkway to get to street level!

Bags- they don't allow bulky bags (check the dimensions because they're strict and will refuse entry!) and there's nowhere to store anything. No drinks either,...

John Adams Birthplace at the Adams National Historical Park is a wonderful place to visit. There are two houses at this part of the park. One is a saltbox style house that President John Adams was born in. This house was built in 1681. The second house was home to John and Abigail Adams and is the birthplace of President John Quincy Adams. In this house John maintained his law office and wrote the Constitution for the state of Massachusetts. Both houses are very close to one another. On the tour you will be able to see both houses in about an hour. Homes are both historically restored as accurately as possible. The ranger on the tour did a great job explaining the history of the houses and the historical lives of John, Abigail, and John Quincy Adams. The ranger also did a great job of showing what life was like for people in the 18th century. The houses are located in the city of Quincy in a busy metropolitan. Still, you can park near the house and easily walk to the houses after. Be sure to purchase your tickets through the park's website. The ticket also includes a tour of the Old House at Peace field where the Adams family...