Whether you’re scoping out locations for a picnic or a new jogging path, check out our picks for some of the best parks in Boston. From Fenway to the South End to Back Bay, Boston’s green spaces are a perfect backdrop for a springtime walk or a lazy summer afternoon.
1. Ramler Park
Named for the couple who once owned the parking lot on which it was built, the Dorothy & David Ramler Park was created as a show of respect for the Fenway neighborhood. Ramler Park’s greenery was strategically planted to attract migrating birds, making this a perfect destination for birdwatchers. With its picturesque circular fountain and Grecian columns, this park is a slice of paradise amid the busy city.
Find Ramler Park at 130 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215.
2. Fenway Victory Gardens
Also located near Fenway Park, the Fenway Victory Gardens date back to the food shortages of World War II. During wartime, the garden plots housed local residents’ vegetable gardens. Today, the Fenway Victory Gardens encompass 500 gardens, though these gardens are now mostly ornamental rather than for sustenance.
Find the Fenway Victory Gardens at 1200 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215.
3. Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens
Fenway’s namesake, the Back Bay Fens are home to lots of greenery, water, memorials, and gardens. The Kelleher Rose Gardens is a must-visit spot in the spring and summer, when its trellises are covered in pink and red roses.
Find the Kelleher Rose Garden at 73 Park Drive in the Back Bay Fens.
4. Norman P. Levanthal Park
This lovely green oasis in the Financial District features a stunning walkway covered in plants and ivy to shield you from the sun. Plus, a picturesque coffee shop is located inside the park for a perfect morning stroll.
Find it at 0 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110.
5. Southwest Corridor Park
Located in Boston’s South End, the linear Southwest Corridor Park is a testament to the power of collective action. In the 1960s, activists in the South End fought against plans for a 12-lane highway that would cut through their neighborhood. When the plans were ultimately scrapped, the Southwest Corridor park was created in its place. The linear park is the same width as the highway that would have cut the neighborhood in two, connecting rather than separating the surrounding area.
Find Southwest Corridor Park at 38 New Heath St, Boston, MA 02130.
6. Charles River Esplanade
Located in the Back Bay on the bank of the Charles River Basin, the Esplanade carves the perfect path beside the Charles River. In it, you’ll find the spherical Hatch Memorial Shell performance stage, along with plenty of scenic walkways and several bridges. Since the 2000s, thousands have flocked to the Boston Pops concert and fireworks display held there every year.
Find the Charles River Esplanade alongside Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116.
7. Franklin Park
The 527-acre Franklin Park is both Boston’s largest park and the home of the Franklin Park Zoo. Spanning Boston’s Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Dorchester neighborhoods, this park draws visitors from around the city to its sprawling green spaces.
Find Franklin Park at 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121.
8. Fan Pier Park
Fan Pier boasts the best view you can get of the city. This beautifully landscaped piece of greenery is right along the water and has ample space for walking, along with benches and tables. Additionally, in the winter there’s fire pits for you to warm your hands around.
9. Arnold Arboretum
On this 281-acre stretch of land, you’ll find a wide variety of ornamental cherry trees, as well of hundreds of gorgeous and rare blooms from around the worlds. With lilac blooms all round, their annual Lilac Sundayon Mother’s Day is a gorgeous display of springtime blooms.
Find it at 125 Arborway, Boston, MA.
10. Boston Common and Public Garden
It’s a classic for a reason! Right across Charles Street from Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden. The Common’s fancier neighbor boasts seasonal floral plantings, a lovely lagoon, and the Instagram-worthy Make Way for Ducklings statues.
Find the Boston Public Garden at 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116.