Outdoor Trails And Parks For The Perfect Run
Boston is a popular city for running, with a slew of great trails and parks you can explore. Run along the Charles River, along the Esplanade, along the Freedom Trail, through Back Bay, and many other locations. There are over 200 miles of public trails for running in the city. Whether you're visiting Boston or already live here, these are some of the best running spots around Boston.
Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It's just 20 minutes by ferry from downtown Boston and it offers a sandy oasis that's the perfect day trip from May through Columbus Day. There are lifeguards available during the summer months and a visitor center with a few exhibits. Many locals consider this to be one of the best beaches in the area. It also offers nice views of the city skyline when the weather is clear. For runners and walkers, there's a five mile loop that goes around the island.
Boston, MA
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is a riverside park in the Back Bay neighborhood. It has a number of charming footbridges including Arthur Fiedler Footbridge. Within the park you'll also find the
Hatch Shell bandstand, which is where the Boston Pops Orchestra holds its annual Fourth of July celebration. There are also a number of movies and concerts in the park during the warmer months. The park is a nice place to explore with a number of nice running trails, or you could enjoy a walk beside the river. Also here is the
Esplanade Playground for kids which is quite large.
Back Bay, Boston, MA
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery is a public park and also a cemetery, arboretum, and wildlife sanctuary. It's a National Historic Landmark and spans 72 acres with a number of different types of wildlife present including foxes, wild turkeys, and birds. This is a popular place for locals who want to escape the city. There are a number of events held here and for the best viewpoint, climb Washington Tower and you'll enjoy views over the city.
580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Castle Island Park & Fort Independence
Located in South Boston, this is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. There's a nice white sand beach where you can relax. Fort Independence is a granite fort dating back to 1851. Within the park there are two walking and running trails. For the easiest and shortest option, try the Castle Island Loop. The longer trail is the Pleasure Bay Loop. There are also great areas where you can enjoy a picnic and a nice playground that is perfect for kids who like to climb, jump, and run.
2010 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, Boston, MA, 02127
North Point Park
Located on the river, this park has a playground, jogging and biking trails, a dock for boats and stand-up-paddleboards, and some nice lawn space for relaxing. It also has great views of the water and the skyline.
1 North Point Blvd, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Jackson Square Playground
Right next to the Jackson Square T station, this playground is quite unique. It features a huge open wall that kids can climb up and into with a number of obstacles. Also found here are some ziplines, fitness and exercise equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, and some benches for relaxing while the kids do their thing. This park is part of the Southwest Corridor Park that runs from the Back Bay and Fenway areas down to Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park and is several miles long. It's a nice spot for a run or bike ride.
10 Lamartine Street, Hyde Square, Boston, Massachusetts
Moakley Park and Carson Beach
Located in South Boston, this large park sits on the shore and has a beach and a kids playground, along with ball fields, too. The Dorothy Curran Playground has a terrific nautical theme that can keep your kids entertained for hours (and it also has a spray area in the summer months). Or, stroll over to either Carson Beach, L Street Beach, or M Street Beach on the other side of the field for some fun in the sand. The South Boston Bark Park at the upper end of the park will keep the dogs happy, too. Tennis courts, basketball courts, ball fields, and more can be found here, too. And finally, this is a good spot to hop on the trail that runs along the waterfront for your walk, run, or bike ride.
1005 Columbia Rd, South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden, dating back to 1837, was the first botanical garden in the country. It is heavily influenced by the Victorian era with seasonally flowers that change regularly. The Boston Public Garden is an iconic park in the city with its famous Swan Boats that you can use to paddle around the pond. There are flower beds that line the paths and many places to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Boston Public Garden is a relaxed and romantic setting and you'll often see weddings or wedding pictures being taken in the park.
4 Charles St., Beacon Hill, Boston, MA, 02116
Harborwalk
The Boston Harborwalk is a nearly complete project designed to connect the waterfront walkways along the harbor. Currently, visitors can enjoy over 43 miles of walkways along the harbor, much of which runs along the main Waterfront and North End areas of central Boston near many of the city's top attractions. Along the trail, visitors can find public restrooms along with restaurants, cafes, shops, tourist attractions, marinas and wharfs, ferry terminals, and more. While it's quite easy to run and jog along the trails, bikes are only allowed along specific sections which have less pedestrian traffic. Bikes are allowed on the section from the Neponset River Greenway to Castle Island State Park. See the website and map for more details if you're looking to bike.
North End, Boston, Massachusetts
Back Bay Fens
Where Back Bay merges into Fenway, this large green space has a variety of interesting things to do and see. In addition to walking and biking trails, visitors can explore the rose garden and World War II memorial. Also here is an area of community gardens, a playground for the kids, and ball fields.
73 Park Dr, Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Common
Boston Common is a famous central park in downtown Boston. It's also the oldest city park in the country, dating back to 1634. The park spans 50 acres and has a botanical garden and a pond where you can enjoy the iconic experience of taking a Swan paddleboat. Visitors can also find a playground and other fun activities for kids. During the winter months, an ice skating rink is set up, and a huge Christmas tree and other decorations adorn the park.
167 Tremont Street, Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108
Charles River Reservation
This 17 mile long public recreation area runs along the Charles River, passing through Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and Newton. It offers a number of activities including bike paths, boating, picnic areas, and sport fields.
840 Memorial Drive, Cambridgeport, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
Rose Kennedy Greenway
This stretch of interconnected parks running through Downtown Boston is a great spot for a walk, run, or even a bike ride - or for just exploring the city. Starting at the north in North End near the Haymarket T station, the connected parks and trails run south through the Waterfront and Downtown areas until they reach Chinatown Park. Along the way, visitors will find smaller parks, interactive fountains, a carousel, gardens, public restrooms, restaurants and cafes, and more. If you're wandering along the path, it's quite easy to make short detours to explore the various attractions and historical spots of Boston.
John F. Fitzgerald Expressway, Waterfront, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $5 to $680. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $81. A few of the best options are below.
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