Visiting USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”): A Complete Guide
- Lori S.
- Jan 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 11
If you’re planning a trip to Boston, one of the most unforgettable historical experiences you can have is visiting USS Constitution, affectionately known as Old Ironsides.
Launched in 1797 from nearby Edmund Hartt’s shipyard, USS Constitution was built at a time when the young United States needed to protect its trade routes and assert itself on the global stage. Boston’s shipbuilders, craftsmen, and sailors played a direct role in her construction, making the ship not just a national treasure, but a deeply local one.
During the War of 1812, USS Constitution earned her famous nickname “Old Ironsides” after British cannonballs were said to bounce off her thick oak hull. These victories became a powerful morale boost for a still-new nation — and for Boston, they reinforced the city’s identity as a place where American innovation, resilience, and maritime skill thrived.
Today, the ship remains docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard, just across the harbor from downtown Boston. That location is symbolic in itself: while the skyline has changed dramatically, the presence of USS Constitution is a reminder that Boston has always been tied to the sea — economically, culturally, and historically.
What makes this experience especially meaningful for visitors is that USS Constitution is still an active U.S. Navy ship. The sailors you meet on board aren’t reenactors — they are real service members who live, train, and work aboard a vessel that has been part of American history for over two centuries. For Boston, this continuity between past and present is rare, tangible, and incredibly powerful.
Visiting Old Ironsides isn’t just about stepping onto a historic ship — it’s about standing in a place where Boston helped shape the nation’s story, and where that story continues to be honored every single day.
Getting There
USS Constitution is docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard, part of Boston National Historical Park, at the northern end of Boston’s Freedom Trail — a must-see for history lovers.
By Public Transit (Recommended):
MBTA Ferry: The ferry to Charlestown Navy Yard (Pier 4) is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to arrive.
T Subway/Bike/Walk: You can also take the MBTA Orange Line to Community College or North Station and walk, bike, or ride a rideshare.
By Car:
Parking near the Navy Yard is limited. The Nautica Parking Garage at 88 Constitution Road is closest, and the USS Constitution Museum offers Boston National Historical Park parking validations for discounts.
Best Times to Visit
Public boarding hours for USS Constitution are typically:
Wednesday through Sunday: ~10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (sometimes as late as 6:00 PM during peak seasons), last boarding generally about 30 min before closing.
Tips for best experience:
Morning or late afternoon visits help you beat crowds
Arrive early if you must board the ship — it’s first-come, first-served and free
Consider visiting in spring, early summer, or fall — weather in New England is most comfortable and the nearby historic sites make for a full day.
Costs & Entry
Ship (USS Constitution)
Free to board and explore — no ticket required
Visitors 18+ need a valid federal or state photo ID for security screening to board
USS Constitution Museum
A few yards from the ship, the museum offers interactive exhibits and deeper history
Suggested admission/donations typically range from around $15 per person, with reduced and free options available depending on age or program.
Pro tip: Visiting both the ship and the museum gives you context on life at sea and the ship’s legacy.
What to Expect on the Visit
Security & Boarding:
When you arrive, you’ll pass through a security checkpoint where IDs are checked. Once cleared, you’ll follow a gangway onto the ship
Exploring the Ship:
The deck and lower levels feature real historical artifacts and reconstructed areas like gun decks, crew quarters, and the captain’s cabin
Active-duty U.S. Navy sailors are often on board, welcoming visitors and sharing stories about life at sea and the ship’s history
Expect steep stairs and some tight spaces — comfortable shoes are recommended
USS Constitution Museum:
Exhibits are engaging for all ages with hands-on displays, from sailing technology to the War of 1812’s naval battles
Allow 1.5–3 hours if you plan to explore the museum and ship thoroughly
Daily Cannon Ceremony — Colors & Cannons
One of the most unique experiences at Old Ironsides is witnessing the traditional cannon salute during the daily flag ceremony — known as “Colors.”
Navy crew fire cannons as part of this long-standing tradition every day, year-round, often at 8:00 AM and at sunset
The sunset firing is especially atmospheric — best experienced from the Yard with views of the ship silhouetted against the sky
You can also experience the daily cannon salute through a perfectly timed Boston Harbor Cruise
Final Tips
Check official hours before you go — as a working naval vessel, USS Constitution’s schedule can shift due to weather, events, or maintenance
Bring photo ID for everyone over 18 who plans to board
Combine your visit with the Freedom Trail or nearby USS Cassin Young for a full history day
