Boston, Massachusetts Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Within its 48.4 square miles of city, visitors are surprised to discover that a large amount of land is dedicated to parks in Boston. Boston boasts 215 city parks and playgrounds as well as one of the most unique National Parks, Boston Harbor Islands. These outdoor areas are the perfect places for activities ranging from camping to nature study to boat cruises. Wherever you find yourself in Boston, there's sure to be a park nearby!

Boston's city parks make up a strip of parkway known as the Emerald Necklace. Aptly named, these gems offer a wide range of activities, both spontaneous and arranged. From the North End to the South End, the beads along Boston's Emerald Necklace include:

Boston Common. The U.S.'s first public park, Boston Common was established in 1634 as a common pasture and was also used as the site of public hangings and for military purposes. Now this park is used for public recreation and is bordered by Beacon Hill, Public Garden and downtown.

Public Garden. Located between Back Bay and Boston Commons, this area used to be a swamp. It was filled in 1839 and converted into the country's first botanical garden, complete with French-style beds and walkways. Today, visitors enjoy the English pond with its famous swan boats. 

Esplanade. This 17-mile stretch along the Charles River has lagoons, paths and parkland and is suitable for cycling, inline skating, walking and jogging. Also located here is the Hatch, Boston's famous amphitheater.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Here visitors see statues and walk along Commonwealth Avenue. 

Back Bay Fens. This area houses residents' Victory Gardens with vegetable and flower plots.

Olmstead Park. This park is the perfect place to spot ducks, swans and geese, and also offers good sledding in the winter.

Jamaica Pond. Here visitors can see a concert or stroll among mansions, rent a sailboat or go for a jog.

Arnold Arboretum. Docents lead free walking tours of this 135-year old park dedicated to all kinds of trees and woody shrubs including birches, cherries and laurels. 

Franklin Park. This huge park contains the Franklin Park Zoo, as well as an 18-hole golf course and hiking trails.
 
Boston Harbor Islands National Park. In addition to the string of city parks, Boston offers a chance to visit Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Just off the shoreline, this park comprises 34 islands with fascinating and varied things to see such as a Civil War fort, a lighthouse you can climb, hiking trails, camping, fishing, picnicking and swimming. There are also tours, concerts, boat cruises and children's programs. Visitors must take a ferry from downtown Boston to reach the National Park.

Clearly, Boston is endowed with many historical and natural resources that offer plenty to see and do. Boston takes pride in its past historical significance as well as the unique habitats found here, and has preserved these things for present and future generations to enjoy.