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The best green spaces to visit in Greater Boston and beyond
Warmer weather is on the horizon — here are the best outdoors spots near Boston for fresh air and relaxation.
Looking for the best parks, trails, and green spaces in Greater Boston this spring and summer? After a long winter, it’s time to soak up the sun and warm weather — the region is full of scenic spots to explore.
In past years, we asked readers for their favorite spaces in and around the city, and received recommendations for well-known spots and hidden gems. Take a break from the high rises downtown and immerse yourself in the public art along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, embark a short ferry ride to the whimsical Boston Harbor Islands, or take a short ride to explore the 7,000 acres of nature at Blue Hills Reservation.
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Reader recommendations highlight the importance of proximity to the city, accessibility, and variety of activities that green spaces have to offer.
“I always thought of Mount Auburn Cemetery as just an active cemetery until I visited for the first time last spring and then again for their Winter Solstice event,” said reader Jovanny R., of South Boston. “It was then that I realized that it isn’t just a cemetery, but an urban oasis with history, a horticulturally rich environment, and even programming for people of all ages. What a gem.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of living in Boston, but with these 35 reader-recommended green spaces, nature can be only a few minutes away. Explore the spaces through our interactive map and full list below.
Map of the best parks and green spaces in Greater Boston
Full list of the best parks and green spaces in Greater Boston — with reader picks
| Name | Address | Reader Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Farm | 999 North St, Walpole, MA 02081 | “An absolutely amazing 700-acre green space with trails, beautiful fields, and gardens.” — Barbara M., Walpole |
| Arnold Arboretum | 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 | “The Arnold Arboretum is a good place to lose yourself in. The trees are magnificent, and I love taking a stroll, breathing in clean air, and people watching.” — Renee D., Wellesley “It takes you to another world! You could explore for weeks and never find all its beauty.” — A Boston.com reader |
| Back Bay Fens | 100 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215 | |
| Blue Hills Reservation | 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186 | “It has great hiking trails and is so close to the city but feels like it’s another world.” — A Boston.com reader |
| Borderland State Park | 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA 02356 | “The miles of trails, view of ponds and lots of furry friends for my dog to meet.” — Wendy D., Easton |
| Boston Common and Public Garden | 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111 | “I am in the Common every morning and evening with my dog and I love interacting with all the other dog walkers and people using the park. It’s a great vantage point to watch the city and still have this amazing feeling of being surrounded by a beautiful tree canopy. I especially enjoy watching children use the frog pond in summer and winter and who doesn’t love a moment of peace on the swan boats.” — Leslie A., Beacon Hill |
| Boston Harbor Islands | 191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109 | “The Boston Harbor Islands are pure magic. From the views atop the north drumlin on Spectacle to the history lurking in every corner of Fort Warren on Georges, to the stunning, spooky landscape of Peddocks. I’m obsessed.” — Brittany, Arlington |
| Boston Harborwalk | 700 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02205 | “It’s a very long path with varied scenery, lots of interesting harbor activity, architecture, and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for a drink or a bite to eat.” — A Boston.com reader |
| Castle Island Park and Fort Independence | 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127 | “Being outside, regardless of the weather, helps clear the head and get perspective.” — Jill R. |
| Charles River Esplanade | Storrow Drive, Boston, MA 02114 | “The Esplanade is easily the best outdoor space in the Boston area. The sunset views along the river is the single best ‘moment’ you can have in Boston, perhaps outside a walk-off winner at Fenway Park. Their beer garden is the nicest in Boston. The playgrounds and gardens are well-kept. The pathways are always bustling. And it’s definitely the best shade canopy in the city, even when the cherry blossoms aren’t in bloom!” — Jeff S., East Cambridge |
| Christopher Columbus Park | 100 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 | |
| Commonwealth Avenue Mall | 484 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02116 | “It’s such a historic and beautiful road, especially when the magnolia trees are in bloom and the tall trees are starting to open their high canopy.” — Douglas B., North Billerica |
| Fenway Victory Gardens | 1200 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215 | “The Fenway Victory Gardens are a little slice of heaven. Imagine a thriving urban neighborhood with all the typical urban amenities; meanwhile, for those of us who garden in this space, it is our yard, it is our slice of the outdoors, it is where we pick our dinner ingredients fresh from the stalk while the birds and the bees fly by…” — Christine N., Boston |
| Franklin Park | 1 Franklin Park Road Boston, MA 02121 | “The park has so much going on you can walk around the golf course or the woods area. It is just pleasant, great trails and open to all. I live in Jamaica Plain so I have five good parks!” — Len, Jamaica Plain |
| Garden in the Woods | 180 Hemenway Road Framingham, MA 01701 | “Beautiful, peaceful, well maintained, friendly staff and they sell eco-typic native plants.” — Paul C., Northborough |
| Jamaica Pond | 345 Jamaicaway #507, Boston, MA 02130 | “This pond does so much for the community. It has fishing, sailing, walking and biking paths, lantern festivals, picnics, and more. Jamaica Plain is lucky to have it!” — A Boston.com reader |
| Larz Anderson Park | Goddard Ave & Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445 | |
| Loring Greenough House | 12 South Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | “The grounds of the Loring-Greenough House are a green oasis in the heart of Jamaica Plain. The garden is carefully tended by the stewards of the House. The beautiful scenes of blooming flowers or the snow covered lawn brings joy all year round.” — A Boston.com reader |
| Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary | 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA 02126 | “It’s a wild oasis in the middle of the city.” — Heather, Boston |
| Middlesex Fells Reservation | 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180 | “Just out of the city but with many hiking and walking options in the woods. This is a favorite area of mine to explore, it feels remote and lush without being a long drive away.” — Ingrid G. |
| Millennium Park | 300 Gardner St, Boston, MA 02132 | “Great place with just about every conceivable usage for a park.” — A Boston.com reader, West Roxbury |
| Mount Aubrun Cemetery | 580 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138 | “I always thought of Mount Auburn Cemetery as just an active cemetery until I visited for the first time last spring and then again for their Winter Solstice event. It was then that I realized that it isn’t just a cemetery, but an urban oasis with history, a horticulturally rich environment, and even programming for people of all ages. What a gem.” — Jovanny R., South Boston |
| Neponset River Greenway | Neponset Trail, Boston, MA 02126 | “It’s unusual to find such an idyllic place to walk in a dense urban area like Boston, especially one that’s accessible by public transit. The path runs between a river on one side and the historic Mattapan Line trolley on the other, with a lush tree canopy overhead and a variety of birdsong to accompany your walk.” — Gaby G., South End |
| Noanet Woodlands | Powisset St, Dover, MA 02030 | “Great for hiking and being in nature, it’s dog friendly, too.” — Danyel, Fort Point |
| New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill | 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505 | “The four-season beauty of this garden is beyond comparison. The gardens are thoughtfully designed, the trails allow you to explore the natural woodlands, the conservatories offer something you can’t find anywhere else, and of course the cafe and gift shop are fabulous too.” — Grace C., Worcester |
| Olmsted Park | ||
| Partridge Island Trail | 333 Main St, Lynnfield, MA 01940 | “Partridge Island Trail is a short quiet easy walk into Reedy Meadow, which is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in Massachusetts. It is a beautiful walk filled with wildlife such as swans, ducks, water snakes and frogs. I have taken many wildlife photos and videos in this area.” — Steve F., Lynnfield |
| Paul Revere Park | N Washington St, Boston, MA 02129 | “Great skyline views, great water views, there are multiple playgrounds for kids, a splash pad in the summer, skate park, open spaces for dogs… This place has it all.” — Chris, Charlestown |
| Ramler Park | 130 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215 | “It’s such a nice, somewhat hidden spot of greenery in the Fenway area. I love going there on lunch breaks for some calm.” — Sharon, Brighton |
| The Riverway | Brookline, MA 02446 | |
| Rose Kennedy Greenway | Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109 | “The ribbon of parks through downtown Boston is a boon to all residents, businesses, and visitors! I enjoy sitting on the lawns and benches, visiting the gardens, food trucks, beer, and wine gardens as well as the farmers and specialty markets. Not to mention, the spectacular public art, best in the city!” — Matt C., Boston |
| Shining Sea Bikeway | Depot Road Falmouth, MA 02556 | “Walking or riding along the ocean and can detour to the lighthouse and other lovely areas.” — Sarah, Falmouth |
| Southwest Corridor Park | 38 New Heath St, Boston, MA 02130 | “Beautifully maintained, tons of different types of trees, bushes, flowers. Dog parks. Playgrounds. They keep expanding where they plant things. Protected area away from cars so kids and dogs can safely walk. A hidden gem!” — Christine, South End |
| Walden Pond | 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742 | “If you want to escape work pressure, and really unwind, walk the perimeter of the pond any time of day.” — A Boston.com reader |
| Wellesley College Botanic Gardens | 106 Central St., Wellesley College, WCBG Visitor Center, Wellesley, MA 02481 | “Amazing new year-round indoor space reflecting all climates on earth. Arboretum, edible landscape, beautiful landscaping everywhere. An undiscovered gem.” — Joeth B., Carlisle |
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