John F. Kennedy National Historic Site

Just steps up from Coolidge Corner is the birthplace of the 35th president, where John F. Kennedy took his first steps and said his first words. The John F. Kennedy National Historic Site (83 Beals St., Brookline, 617/566-7937, www.nps.gov/jofi [1], 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wed.–Sun. mid-May–Sept., $3 adults, free children under 17) is now filled with furniture, photographs, and other memorabilia collected by Kennedy’s mother, Rose, who also provided an audio tour describing life in Brookline [2] in 1917.

Rangers also occasionally lead tours to the Kennedys’ second home up the street, as well as St. Aidan’s, the Catholic church where JFK and his family worshipped.