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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Best Time to Visit Parks in Boston, MA
- April to June – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and perfect for walking and picnics.
- September to October – Crisp weather, vibrant fall foliage, and fewer crowds.
- July & August – Warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor festivals and leisurely strolls.
- December to February – Quiet season with snowy landscapes and peaceful winter walks.
- Late April – Prime time for enjoying spring blooms and mild conditions.
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1. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Walk along peaceful paths or admire blooming trees during a spring visit.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the privately-operated arboretum facility of Boston's most famous university, originally founded in 1872 and designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted as part of the city's Emerald Necklace park loop. The arboretum, which spans 281 acres throughout the Boston neighborhoods of Roslindale and Jamaica Plain, is open to the public for free 365 days a year during daylight hours, with seasonal hours offered for its indoor facilities. Gorgeous flora collections include extensive maple, lilac, crabapple, and bonsai collections, showcased alongside spacious flowering meadows and plantings of coniferous plants from around the world. A visitor center offers additional information and exhibits on the facility's plantings, with public workshops and lectures offered periodically. Free weekend tours are offered seasonally, led by experienced arboretum docents.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130, Phone: 617-524-1718
2. The Back Bay Fens
Explore scenic trails or look at unique urban wildlife near historic attractions.
The Back Bay Fens, commonly referred to as the Fens, is one of the most picturesque links in Boston's Emerald Necklace parks system, originally designed in 1879 by Frederick Law Olmsted. The park, which was designated as a Boston Landmark in 1983, serves as a namesake for the city's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood and famed Fenway Park, the home of renowned baseball team the Boston Red Sox. Saltwater marsh lands from the Atlantic Ocean have been landscaped into freshwater park landscape, showcasing World War II victory gardens, an historic road house, and several monuments to seminal Boston literary, journalism, and humanitarian figures. An athletic field and playground are also offered for visitor use, along with several 20th-century war memorials that serve as resting plazas.
The Back Bay Fens, 100 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, Phone: 617-635-4505
3. Blackstone Square
Relax under shady trees or enjoy a quick stroll through this quiet park.
Blackstone Square is a charming 2.44-acre public park within Boston's Emerald Necklace, overseen by the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund in conjunction with nearby Franklin Square. The park, which was opened to the public in 1855 in Boston's South End, was originally designed by landscape architect Charles Bullfinch and redeveloped by the Olmsted Brothers in 1913. A central fountain at both parks showcases fish and seashell motifs, surrounded by plantings of sugar maple, silver linden, and white oak trees. Connecting pathways adjoin both parks, which are surrounded by iron fences. Picnics are popular at both parks, which also serve as popular neighborhood dog walking and play spots.
Blackstone Square, 1535 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, Phone: 617-635-4505
4. Boston Common
Visit America's oldest park or join exciting public events on your weekend trip.
Boston Common, typically referred to as the Common, is one of Boston's most noted public parks, stretching 50 acres between Tremont, Beacon, Park, Charles, and Boylston Streets. The lovely Emerald Necklace centerpiece pre-dates the city's park linking layout, noted as the United States' oldest park for its origins dating all the way back to 1634. Today, the designated Boston Landmark serves as a common gathering space for Boston citizens from all walks of life, hosting concerts, sporting events, protests, and visits from international luminaries throughout the year. A wide variety of landmarks and monuments line the park, including a Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a Boston Massacre Memorial, and a burial ground interring Boston Tea Party participants. Two of the United States' oldest subway stations terminate at the park, which is also home to the official Boston visitor center. Other attractions include a seasonal bandstand, a children's frog pond and play area, softball fields, and a large grassy lawn hosting frequent special events.
Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, Phone: 617-635-4505
5. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Go hiking or explore unusual island sights just minutes from downtown.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area connects a chain of islands located along Boston's Atlantic Ocean and Boston Harbor coastline, many of which are open to the public for recreational and wildlife observation purposes. The National Recreation Area is overseen by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership and is home to landmarks such as Boston Harbor Islands State Park and the Civil War-era Fort Warren. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year at the NRA, including chances for boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and bird and wildlife watching. Other attractions include Little Brewster Island's Boston Light, the United States' oldest preserved lighthouse. Several seasonal ferry routes transport passengers to top sites within the NRA such as Georges and Spectacle Island, which offer picnicking opportunities and interpretive programming.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, 191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109, Phone: 617-223-8666
6. Boston Harborwalk
Walk along the waterfront or enjoy romantic views of the harbor at sunset.
Boston Harborwalk is a beautiful 43-mile waterfront walkway spanning along the picturesque shoreline of Boston Harbor, connecting many of the city's lovely waterfront neighborhoods. The Harborwalk, which has been in development for more than three decades, is nearing completion and will eventually stretch 47 miles between the city's eastern side and the Neponset River. It meanders along scenic piers, beaches, and wharves throughout the city, connecting neighborhoods to parks within the Emerald Necklace and sites along the city's Freedom and South Bay Trails. A wide variety of attractions, restaurants, and public facilities are linked by the pathway, which is home to dozens of memorials and public art pieces by regional and national artists. Visitors should note that the pathway is non-motorized with the exception of motorized wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices.
Boston Harborwalk, Harborwalk, Boston, MA 02128
7. The Boston National Historical Park
See iconic landmarks or discover Revolutionary War history on this easy self-guided tour.
The Boston National Historical Park is a United States national park that consists of eight separate properties linked by Boston's Freedom Trail, which showcases the city's role in the American Revolution. The park, which was designated in 1974, is home to some of the city's biggest historic landmarks, including the famed Faneuil Hall, noted for its pro-independence speeches prior to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The city's 1723 Old North Church, the city's oldest operating religious institution, is connected to Paul Revere's famed midnight ride, along with Revere's preserved historic home, which is operated as a living history museum. Other landmarks include the 1713 Old State House, the Charleston Navy Yard, Dorchester Heights, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Old South Meeting House. Visitor centers are operated at the first floor of Faneuil Hall and the Navy Yard, with guided tours of the Freedom Trail available throughout the week at both locations.
The Boston National Historical Park, Building 5, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02109
8. Boston Public Garden
Admire swan boats or savor peaceful scenery in this classic couples retreat.
Boston Public Garden, formally known as the Public Garden, is a gorgeous central park within Boston's Emerald Necklace, originally established in 1837. The rectangular park, which is bounded by Boylston, Arlington, and Beacon Streets near Beacon Hill and Charles Street bordering the Boston Common, was the United States' first public botanical garden facility at the time of its development. More than 80 species of plants are cultivated at the garden's greenhouses, used for future plantings at other civic locations throughout the city. Due to its beauty, the garden serves as a popular wedding ceremony site year-round. Famed attractions include a four-acre pond, which is home to a noted population of swans and a seasonal Swan Boat pedal boat attraction.
Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116, Phone: 617-635-4505
9. Bremen Street Community Park
Let the kids play or walk shaded paths on a relaxing family outing.
Bremen Street Community Park is a lovely 18-acre urban park stretching throughout East Boston, connected to the East Boston Greenway shared-use pathway. The delightful park, which was designed and opened in 2007, is accessible via the MBTA's Blue Line rapid transit stop and is the home of the Boston Public Library and the historic 1909 East Boston YMCA. Year-round public amenities include several large grassy lawns, a spray fountain and pavilion, a community gardens, and several children's playgrounds. Though the park at large does not allow pets, since 2015, the park has been home to East Boston's first dog park, offering sections for smaller and larger pets. Other attractions include an outdoor performance amphitheater and a sculpture of clipper ship builder Donald McKay.
Bremen Street Community Park, Bremen Street, Boston, MA 02128, Phone: 617-568-7442
10. Castle Island
Explore historic Fort Independence or enjoy affordable seaside fun with great views.
Castle Island is a National Register of Historic Places-listed peninsula within Boston Harbor, located within the city's South Boston district. The peninsula, which was connected to the mainland in 1928, is best known as the site of Fort Independence, a major fortification protecting Boston's shoreline since 1634. Visitors can view the eight-generation remnants of the fortress, constructed in its present form between 1833 and 1851. 22 acres of public recreational space are also offered at the park, including several connected swimming beaches open to families throughout the summer months. Several walking paths loop around the island, including the shorter Castle Island Loop and the longer Pleasure Bay Loop. Other amenities include a boardwalk, a children's playground, and a full-service restaurant.
Castle Island, 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127, Phone: 617-727-5290
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