Outdoors
in Boston, MA

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There’s nothing better than breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. State parks, botanical gardens, trails, lakes, and farms are exactly the place to do it – and this area is full of them.

Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
Adams National Historical Park
Adams National Historical Park

(617) 770-1175

135 Adams St
Quincy, MA 02169   Directions Website

Spend some time exploring Adams National Historical Park. The park is where several historic homes are located, including the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and the United First Parish Church where both Presidents are entombed. Aside from the houses, there are plenty of attractions to see at this park so sign up for a tour or go on an excursion of your own.

Arnold Arboretum
Arnold Arboretum

(617) 524-1718

125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130   Directions Website

Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Arnold Arboretum. The arboretum is part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system, and at 265 acres, it's the second largest part of the “necklace”. Throughout the park, you'll see a variety of plant species and animals like turtles, racoons, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds and insects. There are a number of tours to choose from, leaving you with plenty of options for exploring this outdoor destination.

Back Bay Fens
Back Bay Fens

(617) 635-4505

100 Park Dr
Boston, MA 02215   Directions Website

Head to the Back Bay Fens and hang out next to a beautiful freshwater marsh. Along with the marsh, this link in the Emerald Necklace park system is home to ball fields, a wartime “Victory Garden” that was established in 1941, and the popular Kelleher Rose Garden, among other outdoor attractions. While you're exploring the park, be sure to pay respects at the World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials that reside in the park.

Boston Common
Boston Common

(617) 635-4505

139 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02111   Directions Website

Spend some time hanging out in the country's oldest park. The 50-acre Boston Common is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace park system and is the starting place of the famous Freedom Trail. There are quite a few monuments throughout the park, and several outdoor events take place in the Common throughout the year.

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

(617) 223-8666

191 W Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA 02109   Directions Website

The Boston Harbor Islands offer some perfect destinations for boating and kayaking. Along with playing on the water, fishing, hiking, camping and swimming are popular for this park, too. There are dozens of recreational pathways and trails to explore throughout the islands.

Boston Nature Center
Boston Nature Center

(617) 983-8500

500 Walk Hill St
Boston, MA 02126   Directions Website

The Boston Nature Center presents the perfect definition of an urban oasis. Explore meadows and wetlands on foot, trekking over two miles of trails and boardwalks. Along with lush greenery, you have the chance to see wild animals like coyotes and a wide variety of birds. While you're spending time outdoors at the nature center, be sure to check out the Clark-Cooper Community Gardens.

Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade

(617) 227-0365

Boston, MA
Website

The Charles River Esplanade stretches along three miles of the beautiful Charles River and surrounding attractions. This spot is perfect for relaxating outdoors and enjoying a picnic, fishing, taking a gondola ride, or just sprawling out on a blanket and watching the river roll by. There are also several scheduled events here like fitness classes and festivals.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

(617) 635-7275

Boston, MA 02110
Website

Soak up some sun at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Boston's first waterfront park offers a gorgeous view of the harbor, along with playgrounds, fountains, public art and monuments, space to run, and places to lay out and bask in the beauty of nature. You'll enjoy time spent outdoors here.

Crane Beach
Crane Beach

(978) 356-4354

290 Argilla Rd
Ipswich, MA 01938   Directions Website

Dig your toes into the sand at Crane Beach, one of the East Coast's premier beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, hiking and more, are a few outdoor activities you can enjoy while hanging out on the seashore. This is the perfect destination for those who like to explore, as there are over five miles of trails that venture into the dunes and North Shore forestry.

Franklin Park
Franklin Park

(617) 635-4505

1 Franklin Park Rd
Boston, MA 02121   Directions Website

There's much to do outdoors at Boston's Franklin Park. The park has been coined as the “jewel” of the Emerald Necklace, boasting natural attractions like a beautiful pond and over 200 acres of forest. Other amenities of Franklin Park include an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, a 2.5-mile loop path, and the Franklin Park Zoo.

Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo

(617) 541-5466

1 Franklin Park Rd
Boston, MA 02121   Directions Website

Hang out with some of nature's most fascinating creatures at the Franklin Park Zoo. You'll see animals like tigers, kangaroos, leopards, lions, zebras, gorillas and more, throughout exhibits like Serengeti Crossing, Outback Trail, Tiger Tales, and Kalahari Kingdom. In all, there are over 1,000 animals living at the zoo.

Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond

(617) 635-4505

507 Jamaicaway
Boston, MA 02130   Directions Website

Enjoy another facet of Boston's Emerald Necklace, and spend a day outdoors at Jamaica Pond. The pond is the largest body of water within the “necklace” park system and proves to be a beautiful destination to absorb the surrounding natural scenery. The pond is a favorite destination for hiking and dog walking, as well as sailing and fishing.

New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium

(617) 973-5200

1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110   Directions Website

Dive deep into ocean exploration at the New England Aquarium. You'll see a variety of sea creatures living in simulated versions of their natural habitats through exhibits like the Amazon Rainforest, the Gulf of Maine, the Pacific Reef Community, the Edge of the Sea, and many others. A few of the animals you will see include sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, seals, jelly fish, penguins, octopuses, and dolphins.

Olmsted Park
Olmsted Park

(617) 635-7275

217 Jamaicaway
Boston, MA 02130   Directions Website

Woodlands, ponds, and exploratory paths are just a few things you'll find at Olmsted Park. This piece of the Emerald Necklace has several trails for you to explore while hiking and biking through Boston's outdoor landscape. If you want to fish, you'll have the best luck at Wards Pond.

Rose F. Kennedy Greenway
Rose F. Kennedy Greenway

(617) 292-0020

Boston, MA
Website

For a day outdoors, the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway is the perfect place to hang out. The greenway is comprised of 1.5 miles of park space, meaning there's plenty of opportunity for recreational fun in nature. Public art, gardens and fountains can be found throughout the greenway. This incredible stretch of land is also surrounded by some of the city's most important neighborhoods, including the Wharf District and Chinatown.

The Riverway
The Riverway

(617) 635-4505

440 Park Dr
Boston, MA 02215   Directions Website

The Riverway is a parkway that connects the Back Bay Fens and Olmsted Park, making it an important piece of the Emerald Necklace park system. Throughout the park, there are several historic bridges and hiking and walking paths, including the Bridle Path that was used by equestrians to cross the river. The Riverway offers a nice outdoor escape from the hustle and bustle of Brookline Avenue.

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