Unique Boston tours

BOSTON - Boston is a city filled with places steeped in tradition and history. And if you’re tired of taking your family and out of town friends to all the same places, we found some tours that will give you a fresh new look at our city, by land, by air, and by sea.

Rain or shine, Charles River Canoe and Kayak offers tours along the Charles River. Depending upon your strength, you can paddle along the scenic river for hours. Either head out with a guide and some friends, or if you prefer a little “me” time, venture out on your own. The best part about touring the city by kayak: it is cheap (roughly $15 per hour).

“There's nothing like being on the water in a boat. You can go anywhere you want. You are interacting with other boats,” our tour guide says.

If you’re not afraid of heights or turbulence, and are willing to spend a little more, East Coast Aero Club’s helicopter might be the way to go. A one hour Boston tour costs $179 per adult, and takes off from Hanscom Field.

“Helicopters are great because there are no altitude restrictions,” says Phillip Greenspun, our pilot. ”You can get so much closer to the buildings, the monuments, the things that people want to see.”

We saw breathtaking views of Fenway Park, bridges, universities and beaches. There is so much to see, and you can do it all in less than an hour. Just make sure to check the weather forecast before you go. On this day, with winds blowing at 22 knots, the pilot called the conditions “frisky.”

Finally, you might get some funny stares, and it’s a little intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, the Boston Gliders Segway Adventure is a fun way to whiz around town with a group of friends, rain or shine.

“It’s like singing in the rain, no it’s Segging in the rain,” said Allan Danley, our Segway captain.

With 1, 2, or 3 hour tours that start at $60 per person, you can see the same sights and cover a lot more ground, without getting tired from walking.

So there’s no need to be tired of those same old tours, a little creativity can help you see the city, like you’ve never see it before.