Quick Summary:

  • What makes Boston one of the most beautifully landscaped cities on the East Coast?
    • Boston is known for its famed 1,100-acre Emerald Necklace park system, developed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park, as part of a master plan for the city's green improvement in the late 19th century.
  • What can visitors experience in Boston’s public parks?
    • Dozens of public parks offer stunning waterfront views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and host summer concert series and annual special events.
  • What is the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway?
    • The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway spans more than a mile throughout the city's downtown district, transforming the path of a former freeway into a vibrant urban space.
  • What features does the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway offer?
    • The Greenway includes fountains, lighting elements, murals, sculpture art, and ample seating areas for relaxation, lunch breaks, or spending time with friends and family during city visits.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University | Boston Parks
© na9179126124/stock.adobe.com

2. The Back Bay Fens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Back Bay Fens | Boston Parks
© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

3. Blackstone Square

Blackstone Square | Boston Parks
© stock.adobe.com

4. Boston Common

Boston Common | Boston Parks
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

5. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area | Boston Parks
© alwoodphoto/stock.adobe.com

6. Boston Harborwalk

Category: Activities
Boston Harborwalk | Boston Parks
© Tupungato/stock.adobe.com

7. The Boston National Historical Park

Category: Activities
The Boston National Historical Park | Boston Parks
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

8. Boston Public Garden

Category: Activities
Boston Public Garden | Boston Parks
© Chee-Onn Leong/stock.adobe.com

9. Bremen Street Community Park

Category: Activities
Bremen Street Community Park | Boston Parks
© Kevin/stock.adobe.com

10. Castle Island

Romantic Islands
Castle Island | Boston Parks
© diak/stock.adobe.com

11. The Charles River Esplanade

Category: Activities
The Charles River Esplanade | Boston Parks
© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

12. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Category: Activities
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park | Boston Parks
© jovannig/stock.adobe.com

13. East Boston Memorial Park

Category: Activities
East Boston Memorial Park | Boston Parks
© buharina/stock.adobe.com

14. Fan Pier Park

Category: Activities
Fan Pier Park | Boston Parks
© jayyuan/stock.adobe.com

15. Franklin Park

Category: Activities
Franklin Park | Boston Parks
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

16. Franklin Square

Franklin Square | Boston Parks
© Papa Bravo/stock.adobe.com

17. LoPresti Park

Category: Activities
LoPresti Park | Boston Parks
© edb3_16/stock.adobe.com

18. Norman B. Leventhal Park

Category: Activities
Norman B. Leventhal Park | Boston Parks
© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

19. Olmsted Park

Category: Activities
Olmsted Park | Boston Parks
© beerlogoff/stock.adobe.com

20. Paul Revere Park

Category: Activities
Paul Revere Park | Boston Parks
© Samuel B/stock.adobe.com

21. Peters Park

Category: Activities
Peters Park | Boston Parks
© Kristina/stock.adobe.com

22. Dorothy and David Ramler Park

Category: Activities
Dorothy and David Ramler Park | Boston Parks
© wirakorn/stock.adobe.com

23. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway | Boston Parks
© Andreas Kuschner/stock.adobe.com

24. Titus Sparrow Park

Category: Activities
Titus Sparrow Park | Boston Parks
© Travis/stock.adobe.com

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