Parks in Boston

Jamaica Pond

Casual / Dog Friendly / Family

507 Jamaicaway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

BU Beach

20s / Casual / Games / Groups / Picnic

Reviewed by Billy K.

"My Take: As a Boston University alumnus, it’s my distinct honor to be the first person to review the BU Beach. The BU Beach is nestled neatly behind M ..." more

BU Beach
Boston, MA 02215

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Franklin Park

Casual / Dog Friendly / Family

Reviewed by Taneajah B.

"I love the nature and the quietness. I actually live in Forest Hills up the street from Franklin Park, White Stadium, Franklin Field and etc. I love t ..." more

Franklin Park
Boston, MA 02121

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Boston Esplanade

All Ages / All Types / Burgers

Party Earth Review A six-mile stretch of trails offering spectacular views along the Charles River, the Boston Esplanade is a year-round destination for Bostonians of all stripes. Early morning sees suited bicycle commuters and joggers passing each other on the picturesque riverbank, while later in the day, fit young professionals take to ... more

Along the Charles River between the Longfellow Bridge and Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02108

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Boston Common

All Ages / All Types / Baseball

Party Earth Review The oldest public park in the country, Boston Common is a year-round gathering point for Bostonians of every stripe. Founded in 1634, the fifty-acre expanse of green is a favorite hangout in warm weather, when students, young professionals, and lovers show up to stroll through the picturesque Public Gardens, picnic on the ... more

151 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

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Christopher Columbus Park

Family / Good for Groups / Lunch

Reviewed by Billy K.

"My Take: Christopher Columbus Park is barely not much of a park in my opinion –as it pales in size comparison to the likes of other Boston parks like ..." more

Atlantic Avenue & Richmond Street
Boston, MA 02109

Arnold Arboretum

Casual / Dog Friendly / Free / Park

Reviewed by Seijah D.

"On a slow summer day in Boston with no plans and not much money to spend, one might find themselves without a clue on how to spend their day. To that ..." more

Harvard University
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130

Boston’s park system is actually an intricately designed grouping of nine separate green spaces dubbed the Emerald Necklace. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the seven miles of space that extends from Boston Common all the way to Franklin Park is home to the city’s best sunbathing and picnic spots, places to play sports, outdoor activities, jogging and bike paths, and more.

The parks in Boston are all connected, but by far the most well known is Boston Common. Created in 1634, the fifty-acre expanse is a favorite for sports lovers but also a prime destination for Independence Day fireworks and Shakespeare plays in the park.

The other eight parks in the Emerald Necklace include Public Garden, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Back Bay Fens, The Riverway, Olmstead Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park all the way down in Jamaica Plain.

Beyond the Necklace, there are of course other green spaces and places to hang out in Boston. Two Boston parks and outdoor spaces that immediately come to mind are the Boston Esplanade and Harvard Square. Both outdoor areas host myriad festivals, concerts, and plays, and are surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafés, and any number of things to do in the city.