Parks and the outdoors in Boston

66 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Boston.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 66.

SeeAllston-Brighton
1767 Milestones
Milestone #6
Proclaiming six miles to Boston, this milestone was placed here in 1729 by Paul Dudley. Once a part of a colonial "superhighway" called Boston Post Road, which stretched from downtown Boston to Wall Street in New York City. The settlers copped the idea from Native Americans, who called the trail Pequot Path and had been using it long before Europeans arrived. Seven markers remain in the greater Boston area. This one has somehow escaped being mowed down by a fire truck or errant moving van over the years. Can you spot the other one nearby? Hint: check out the library in Lower Allston.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Arnold Arboretum
Almost 15,000 different species of plant live in this gigantic park, covering 281 acres! Swing by the office for the particulars if you're interested, or just start exploring. Don't miss the bonsai collection, some are over 250 years old. If you want to have a picnic in this gorgeous place, make sure to do it on "Lilac Sunday", the only day picnics are allowed. It doesn't look it, but this is actually an active research facility, staffed by 20-30 people year round. Harvard University founded the Arboretum in 1872 by combining two large country estates after their owners passed. It's still owned by Harvard today. The land was deeded to the City of Boston in 1882, and leased back to the university for a thousand years. How's that for long-term planning?
Visitor center: 10AM-4PM daily, grounds: sunrise-sunset dailyFree
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Bacco's Wine & Cheese
Feeling French today? Then this is the perfect place to pick up a few quality comestibles before heading over to the park for your picnic. If you'll be imbibing, make sure to pick up a few unlabeled opaque cups to drink from. The laws here are not quite as tolerant as you'll find across the pond.
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
SeeEast Boston
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
This protected Saltwater Marsh is Boston's last, and the perfect place to stroll and explore during fall, spring and summer months. The park itself is 241 acres, and 28 of them are available to the public.
9AM-dusk dailyFree
DrinkFenway-Kenmore
Bleacher Bar
A unique bar in that it is built under the Fenway Park bleachers in right field, with a large glass window overlooking the game. Even the urinals in the men's room offer a view of the field! You don't need a ticket to get in, but the place does fill up quickly.
Sun-Wed 11AM-1AM, Thu-Sat 11AM-2AM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Bodega
Fun skater/streetwear shop with an enormous sneaker selection. The entrance is old hat by now, but still fun. Walk into what appears to be a simple bodega and investigate the vending machine. Operated by the "cashier", it soon swings open to reveal a little hallway and the real store beyond.
Mon-Wed 11AM-6PM, Thu-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Boston Common
Founded in 1634, this is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years, the Common has been used for everything, from grazing cows and livestock, to British encampments in the revolutionary period, to modern protests during the 20th and 21st centuries. Early after the city was founded, this was also the site of a town gallows, responsible for executing Quakers and "witches" alike. Today the Common is a nice spot for walking around and people-watching at all times of year. The Frog Pond, Central Burying Ground, and various monuments are all worthy of investigation, and scattered throughout the park. If you're visiting in winter, the big Christmas tree near Brewer Fountain is donated by Halifax, Nova Scotia, in thanks for Boston's help after an explosion there in 1917.
7AM-9PM dailyFree
SeeEast Boston
Bremen Street Community Park
This sprawling 18-acre park in the heart of the neighborhood has bocce courts, Asian themed public gardens, playgrounds for the kids, as well as walking and bike paths.
8AM-8PM dailyFree
DrinkFenway-Kenmore
Cask 'n Flagon
Arguably the most famous sports bar in Boston, located right outside Fenway Park. Raise a glass with the Fenway faithful from around the world. This bar is always wicked packed on game days, if the Sox are losing it might be time to leave.
Sun-Wed 11AM-1AM, Thu-Sat 11AM-2AM
SeeCharlestown
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston Navy Yard
Another Historical landmark are the grounds of the Charlestown Navy Yard, which was established over 200 years ago. The navy yard is located in the Boston National Historical Park, and from here you can access a visitors center, museum, and of course the USS Constitution and the Cassin Young.
24 hours dailyFree
EatDowntown
Chinatown Cafe
Chinatown pushes south, venture a little off the track to find large portions of cheap and tasty Chinese food. Everything comes in styrofoam containers whether you're dining in or not. People like the wonton soup and the crispy salt and pepper pork. Save room for dessert and walk across the street to May's Cake House and their sweet selections.
10:30AM-8:30PM dailySoups and starters $4-6, mains $8-14
SeeDowntown
Chinatown Gate
Paifang Gate
Found at the corner of Beach Street and Surface Road this is the most visible symbol of Chinatown for tourists. The urban plaza on the east side of the gate was built as part of the Big Dig highway project.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeCharlestown
City Square
City Square is one of the city's newer parks, although the history of parks on this site dates back to 1629 when Market Square was laid out and Charlestown was still a separate city. In 1901, an elevated railroad was built through the square and then the busy Tobin Bridge was constructed. The rail line was eventually torn down and the Tobin ramps were put into a tunnel in the 1990s, allowing the park to be reconstructed above the highway.
DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Community Boating
CBI
A non-profit, CBI offers members instruction for sailing and windsurfing, and allows members to use CBI-owned sailboats on the Charles River. They've also got kayaks and paddleboards for rent. Check out their yearly and monthly memberships if you're going to be in town awhile. Organized in 1946, it is the oldest continuously operating community sailing program in the country.
Mon–Fri 1PM–sunset, Sat Sun 9AM–sunset$40 daily kayak rental, $79 daily sailboat rental.
SeeEast Boston
Constitution Beach
Watch the jets come in for a landing at this nice public beach. Newly constructed bathhouse and concession stand, and there are lifeguards are on duty June to September.
24 hours daily
EatOuter Neighborhoods
Dogwood Cafe
Great bar and restaurant, wood-grilled pizzas. Right across the street from the Forest Hills Orange Line station
Mon 5PM-1AM, Tue-Thu 11:30AM-1AM, Sat Sun 10AM-1PM
SeeSouth Boston
Dorchester Heights
This is the spot from where George Washington and Henry Knox aimed their guns at the British ships occupying Boston harbor, forcing them to leave and breaking the siege. Today you will find a quiet park space with some signage, a little tower, and locals walking their dogs.
Sunrise-sunset dailyFree
SeeOuter Neighborhoods
Forest Hills Cemetery
Take in a festival, light lanterns, or visit the grave of E.E. Cummings in this 275 acre greenspace.
7AM-dusk dailyfree
SeeRoxbury
Franklin Park
The crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace system of parks, Franklin Park brings together rural scenery, a woodland preserve, and areas for recreation and sports. Although funding for upkeep has been inconsistent over the years, the park's 485 acres provide thousands of city dwellers with unmatched green space. Take your time and investigate the old stone bridges and ruins scattered along the 15+ miles of rustic walking/hiking paths. Urban explorers shouldn't miss the Long Crouch Woods, site of Boston's first zoo, or the historic White Stadium, built in 1949, home of nearby public high school Boston Latin School's football team, and host of a large Black Panther rally back in 1969. A grand staircase, deteriorating for a century, arcs up to reveal a long arcade lined with giant bear cages built of iron. If you're looking for a more focused undertaking, check out the entries for the golf course and modern zoo below.
24 hours dailyFree
DoRoxbury
Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1912, is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. This zoo contains a combined 10,000 sq ft of playground area and uses play to teach children about conservation and wildlife. In addition, it has an Australian bird aviary, a bird world's exhibit, an African lions exhibit, a tigers exhibit, a tropical forest environment, an outback trail, a butterfly tent, barn houses with farm animals, expansive giraffe and zebra savannah, a camel trek, a carousel, a train ride, a stationary jeep ride, picnic areas, a southwestern-themed grill concession stand, and a children's zoo!
Summer: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM; Winter: 10AM-4PM dailyAdult $20, senior: $17, child $14. Members and children under 2, free
SeeDowntown
Governor’s Alley
Walk up these oddly placed steps just as British Royal Governors would have done 300 years ago. At one time they led up to a sumptuous governor's mansion, although George Washington put a stop to that in 1775. Today you'll find the Marliave's al fresco dining patio awaiting you in summer, and an unsightly dumpster or two when it's cold. Check the plaques for more information.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeRoxbury
Highland Park
Roxbury High Fort
This site once contained earthwork fortifications built by the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston, and its clearly defendable location still offers sweeping views of downtown Boston. Fort Hill, the neighborhood's modern name, was inspired by these earthworks. The small park contains the Cochituate Standpipe, also known as Fort Hill Tower, built in 1869. It was once used to provide water pressure to area residents, but was only in use for a few decades. The tower makes a good point of reference when navigating Roxbury. Keep checking its location when you're worried about getting turned around.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeDowntown
Irish Famine Memorial
Two statues commemorate the 1845 Irish Famine, depicting a starving Irish family on their knees, and a well fed family walking away. The natural rise of the land here is used to great effect by the sculptor. As you walk up or down from the statues, it's easy to empathize with the predicament of either family. The physical pain of starvation and the emotional pain of leaving loved ones behind are each masterfully rendered in bronze.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeDorchester
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.
9AM–5PM dailyAdults $18, seniors and students $12, teens $10, kids free
SeeCharlestown
John Harvard Mall
Built in 1943, this shady oasis was built by Harvard University as a memorial to its namesake founder. The park is a little worse for wear, but there is a restoration fundraising campaign in the works.
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Leica Store and Gallery
Boston Park Plaza
Not everyone has a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket to throw at a new camera. But if you appreciate photography or industrial design a little window shopping here is time well spent.
Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-6PM
SeeDowntown
Liberty Tree Site
Until August 1775, a beautiful old elm tree graced this spot. During the Revolutionary era, Bostonians met in the shelter of the tree, or as they called it: "Liberty Hall". Here they discussed new ways to flummox, humiliate, and resist the British at every opportunity. The tree—and the events that transpired here—became so popular in the minds of colonists that folks from Rhode Island to South Carolina soon christened liberty trees of their own. This particular tree was so hated by the British that it was quickly chopped down and used for firewood once the Redcoats captured Boston. Over the centuries the importance of this rebellious symbol has waned, and today it's been all but forgotten. The site's primary theme of overthrowing the government was deemed too incendiary for inclusion with the popular Freedom Trail. There is, however, a bronze plaque fixed in the ground nearby. You can also look above the Chinatown station entrance, as there's another marker for the Liberty Tree embedded within the brickwork. It's not much of a remembrance considering the site's import, but it's there and always worth a visit.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeEast Boston
Lo Presti Park
Shoot some hoops while taking in some of the best views of Boston's downtown skyline. The city made nearby luxury condo developers install this nicely appointed free park.
Sunrise-sunset dailyFree
DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Mary Baker Eddy Library
Christian Science Center
Don't be fooled into thinking that this is just a library. The archives of Mary Baker Eddy; one of the most famous women of the early 20th century are found here, as is the Mapparium; a three-story stained glass globe depicting the world as it was in 1935 that you can actually walk through! While waiting for the twenty minute tour to commence, you can explore the Hall of Ideas and literally find the thoughts of some of the world's greatest thinkers at your feet.
Tue-Sun 10AM-4PM$6
EatSouth End
Mela Indian Cuisine
Contemporary Indian food near the corner of Tremont St. and Union Park. Fair prices, given the location and living costs of Boston, and the taste is great. They have special "Dinner for 2" package options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, which includes mulligatawny soup, samosas, naan bread, choice of 2 entrées, and choice of dessert.
11:30AM-11PM daily
SeeDowntown
New England Holocaust Memorial
A glass memorial built in a small park near Fanueil Hall, inspired by survivors who resettled in Boston.
24 hours dailyFree
EatDowntown
New Saigon Sandwich
Dirt cheap bánh mì, i.e. Vietnamese submarine sandwiches on baguettes and boxed lunches. No tables, but you can walk over to the Boston Common and eat your lunch there.
8:30AM-6:30PM dailyEverything is $5
EatBack Bay-Beacon Hill
No.9 Park
The flagship restaurant of Barbara Lynch (she also operates the B&G Oyster Co. and The Butcher Shop in South End) and one of the most acclaimed restaurant in Boston. Choose from an à la carte menu or order a multi-course tasting menu.
Sun-Wed 5PM-9PM, Thu-Sat 5PM-10PMPrix fixe $125, add $81 for wine pairings. À la carte $45-70
BuyFenway-Kenmore
Official Red Sox Team Store
T-shirts and hats run about $30. Peruse the array of other novelty items, ranging from pennants to baseball cards to bobble head dolls. Other more expensive items are also for sale, such as game jerseys and sweatshirts. These guys don't run the tours of Fenway Park, but they do start in the store.
9AM-5PM daily
SeeDowntown
Old South Meeting House
Built in 1729, this church has been an important meeting place for centuries. Famous today due to events during 1773, when colonists used the space to organize what would become known as the Boston Tea Party. Almost destroyed by the fire of 1872, Bostonians saved the structure and it's now an important stop on the Freedom Trail.
Apr-Oct: 9:30AM-5PM, Nov-Mar: 10AM-4PM$6 for adults, $5 age 62+, $5 students with ID, $1 age 5-17
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, this Park Street Church is on the Freedom Trail and known for a number of historical firsts. Among other things, William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address here, and "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung on the front steps. Very much still an active pro-life parish, it hosts many classes teaching English as a second language, ministers to the homeless, and assists low income families within the city of Boston. Fun fact: this was the tallest building in America for almost two decades!
24 hours daily; services Sun 8:30AM, 11AM, 4PMFree
SeeEast Boston
Piers Park
7-acre beautifully landscaped waterfront park with many amenities. Playground for the kids, fitness center, and professional sailing center renting boats and offering classes. Great views of downtown Boston, and when its warm there are concerts and public events weekly.
7AM-9PM dailyFree, harbor cruise $85, five-day sailing pass $325
SeeDorchester
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation
Neponset River Reservation
A large park on the shores of the Neponset River, it has walking trails, soccer fields, and playgrounds for kids. Several miles of scenic bike trails run along the river (and away from traffic) all the way to Mattapan square. In the summer you can see people walking their dogs, flying kites, or kayaking in the river. It's a good place to relax or take a picnic under the shelters. Birdwatchers take note, the city has restored a large salt marsh and the area is now much more attractive to wildlife. Today it isn't uncommon to see snowy egrets and great blue herons taking advantage of the "new" native trees and shrubs.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeDowntown
Post Office Square
Norman B. Leventhal Park
Post Office Square is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Downtown. In the late 1980s, a decrepit parking garage was torn down and a public park was created on the site, funded by a privately operated parking garage underground. A hub of activity during the day, office workers take their lunch beneath the trees, while yoga classes and other activities make use of the open greenspace. The square is not very crowded in the evening and on weekends, but you may run into a wedding photography shoot.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeDowntown
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
The Greenway
The Greenway is a public park running along the route of the former Central Artery, the road that was buried during the big dig. Instead of developing the land freed up by the new tunnel, the city turned it into a public park running in an arc around Downtown. There are numerous art installations and seating areas, fountains for kids to play in, and even a carousel.
24 hours dailyFree

Browse all 621 places in Boston

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0).