John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Image credit: picture by walknboston licenced under Attribution License.

The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is located in Brookline, Massachusetts. It is situated at 83 Beals Street, where John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was born on May 29, 1917. This historic site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of JFK and gives visitors an insight into his early life.

The house itself is a two-story, ten-room structure that was built in 1909. It is a typical early 20th-century suburban home and has been restored to its appearance in 1917 when the Kennedy family resided there. Visitors can explore the various rooms and see original family furnishings and personal belongings, offering a glimpse into the formative years of JFK.

In addition to the birthplace home, the site also includes a visitor center where fascinating exhibits and multimedia presentations provide further information about Kennedy's life and political career. The exhibits cover significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights Movement, offering an in-depth perspective on his presidency.

While visiting the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, there are several activities that visitors can enjoy. Guided tours lead guests through the birthplace home, giving them an opportunity to learn about the Kennedy family and their life in this house. The visitor center offers immersive exhibits and films, allowing visitors to delve deeper into JFK's life and times. Moreover, the site also hosts occasional special events, lectures, and educational programs to engage visitors of all ages.

Nearby attractions include the Coolidge Corner neighborhood, which is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a great place to explore after a visit to the historic site. Just a short distance away is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, where visitors can uncover more about his presidency and legacy.

Overall, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site provides a fascinating opportunity to learn about the early years of one of America's most beloved presidents. With its well-preserved birthplace home, informative exhibits, and nearby attractions, it is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the life of JFK.

Location

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is nestled within the vibrant and historic state of Massachusetts. Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Brookline, just a few miles west of downtown Boston, this national treasure sits on a gentle slope overlooking the bustling streets below. It finds itself surrounded by a rich blend of residential areas, with tree-lined streets and charming houses, offering a quiet and peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. This idyllic location allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of John F. Kennedy and his formative years, while also providing a delightful backdrop of New England charm.

Address & Contact

83 Beals Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Driving Directions
Phone: 617-566-7937
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site would be in the months of May or June. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 69°F to 78°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is manageable, with May having 3.6 inches and June having 4.8 inches. These months offer a good balance between temperature and precipitation, making them ideal for visiting the historic site.

Things to do and learn in John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Topics

Learn about these topics at John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site: Birthplace Presidents Women's History Monuments and Memorials Urban America Immigration

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site visitor center is located in the basement of the historic home. During the open season, it provides visitor information, a park film, restrooms, and a gift shop. The visitor center is wheelchair accessible via an outside lift.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

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DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge

With a stay at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge in Boston (Allston), you'll be a 5-minute walk from Harvard University and within a 5-minute drive of Boston University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Boston? This hotel has facilities measuring 10000 square feet (929 square meters), including conference space. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02134
Web: Link

The Farrington Inn

With a stay at The Farrington Inn in Boston (Allston), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Boston University and Harvard University. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 23 Farrington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02134
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline

Located in Brookline (Coolidge Corner South Side), Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline is within a 5-minute drive of Longwood Medical Area and Boston University. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Brookline? This hotel has facilities measuring 1050 square feet (98 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 40 Webster St, Coolidge Corner, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446
Web: Link

Beacon Inn 1087

With a stay at Beacon Inn 1087 in Brookline (Longwood), you'll be a 4-minute walk from Boston University and 9 minutes by foot from Longwood Medical Area. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1087 Beacon St, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446
Web: Link

Coolidge Corner Guest House

With a stay at Coolidge Corner Guest House in Brookline (Coolidge Corner South Side), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Coolidge Corner Theatre and Boston University. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 17-19 Littell Road, Brookline, Massachusetts 02146-65
Web: Link

Allston Red House

Located in Boston (Allston), this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of Harvard University and Brighton Music Hall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and laundry facilities.
Address: 51A Royal Street, Allston/Brighton, Boston, Massachusetts 02134
Web: Link

Royal Street Studio

With a stay at this apartment in Boston (Allston), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Harvard University and Brighton Music Hall.
Address: 47 Royal Street, Allston/Brighton, Boston, Massachusetts 02134
Web: Link

Packard's Corner Apartments by Atlas

With a stay at this apartment in Brookline (Brighton), you'll be a 5-minute walk from Boston University and 8 minutes by foot from Agganis Arena.
Address: 1110 Commonwealth Ave, Brookline, Massachusetts 02215
Web: Link

The Samuel Sewall Inn

With a stay at The Samuel Sewall Inn in Brookline (Coolidge Corner South Side), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Longwood Medical Area and Boston University. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 143 Saint Paul St, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446
Web: Link

Arcadian Hotel Brookline

Located in Brookline, Arcadian Hotel Brookline is in the historical district, within a 15-minute walk of Boston University and Longwood Medical Area. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Beacon St, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-29Off Season Tours by Appointment Unavailable on Certain Dates in May
Off season tours by appointment are not available on the following dates in May; May 15 - 28.
2025-04-28John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Reopens Soon for 2025 Visitor Season
The site will reopen May 29, 2025 with an array of visitation opportunities. More
2024-10-18John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Closes Soon for 2024 Visitor Season
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site will close for the 2024 visitor season on October 27. More
2024-10-16John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Closes Soon for 2024 Visitor Season
Press release summarizing the soon end of the 2024 season for John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site. More
2024-06-06John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Celebrates its 2024 Reopening by Hosting a Naturalization Ceremony for 99 New Citizens
On May 29, the birthday of President John F. Kennedy, his birthplace hosted a naturalization ceremony led by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). More
2024-05-17John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Reopens for First Full Open Season Since 2019 on June 1, 2024, Following Renovations and Accessibility Updates
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (NHS) is pleased to announce that the site is reopening for the 2024 season on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and will remain open through Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This will be the site’s first full open season since 2019 and follows a period of renovations and accessibility updates. More