We learned about Boston Common on the Duck Tour (yet another reason to take the Duck Tour, see that review). I described the Public Garden as a mini-Central Park but Boston Common is a larger version of that, just not as large as NY's Central Park. Boston Common oozes with history. It is the start of the Freedom Tour and is the oldest park in the United States! Our Duck Tour guide told us that Boston Common used to be the area where hangings took place. It also is where Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Pope gave speeches. There are tons of things to do when in Boston Common, whether you want to hang out, ride with the carousel, or just stroll through barefoot in the grassy area. Put this on your list to be sure to visit while in Boston!!! read more

Yes, sometimes this little California gets to travel. I came here once with an ex (he used to go to BU). For the most part, this park is fairly well kept. There's lots of ducks, squirrels, and families wandering about. I didn't get to walk around the whole place because at one point, I stopped to take a picture of a squirrel and it jumped on my thigh. Yes, you read that right. I sort of stood there, somewhat paralyzed as thoughts of the plague and rabies raced through my mind. Somehow I unconsciously shook my leg and it jumped off. As we started walking away, the friendly squirrel and one of it's buddies started to chase us! Like seriously freaking chase us! They were even yelling as they gave chase. I'm telling you we actually ran away from two squirrels... ran with actual fear in our eyes. That was my experience at the Boston Common. Will I ever go back? Um, I think I'm good, thanks. read more

Yes I am yelping the Common. It's like yelping my mom's kitchen. I'm not exactly sure what kind of mystery and magic happens in my mom's kitchen when I'm not present...but it either produces elation or the Norwalk virus. The Common is the same. Very good or very bad. I'm a outright fan of this city grassy knoll. Stroll through any old time you want...preferably before the sun goes down though. read more

Hey, what happened to the pond?? It sort of sad to see the ducks waddling on a few inchese of water. It's hard not to compare this park to Central Park and Prospect Park because even when the Parks department in NYC perform seasonal renavotions/ landscaping such as seeding the lawn, there are many other activities in the park. Much like the streets and subways of Boston, I suppose the land is simply older and I guess the reason why it's not as well kept as NYC is our difference in tax rates. read more

Great park, it's SO clean with tons of benches and great for people watching.

This is a really big nice piece of grass. It's really green, and there's lots of space to have a picnic, or read a book, or toss a frisbee/football around. It's really clean too, and there's even a playground and merry-go-round for children! Nice area. read more

I love the park, the scenery, the history, and the monuments in and around the park. It is to me the heart of Boston for the Bostonians, which was probably what it was originally set up for. One can see this clearly during the weekends when all the events are held, often to champion for causes hoping to help people and make things better. Passing by the park during the weekends, I sometimes just join an event impromptu, also to make me feel better, like doing a mental yoga. read more

Boston Common - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Big beautiful park in the middle of a big beautiful city. Great people watching, token meeting place (by the Park T stop), necessary natural get-away amid concrete chaos. It think the name itself lends a certain air to which the actual physical characteristics of the park just do not live up to, but 4 stars for fun things to do, even when it seems like there's nothing to do! An abbreviated list of my Boston Common activities: Had a picnic Sauntered around, silly with intoxication (more than once) Kissed my boyfriend (more times than I can count) Gone ice skating Drank hot chocolate Read a book in the sunshine read more

the common has never sat right with me ever since I have moved up here. Just something about it is blah. Maybe it is the homeless people that sing to you about crack during your hour of 'peace' away from the office. Maybe? I feel that the common could be so nice if the the city spend a little bit of time and money on it, atleast the area from Park street to Bolyson. That is one of the busiest areas during the day and night and it always is the messiest. Yes, people = mess but with that many people going through or by (a la duck boat) then shouldn't it be cleaned! read more

Having spent three days in conference mode, I was eager to let loose, kick back, and explore Boston on my own. My travels took me immediately through the downtown area and I ambled through Boston Common, which looked even greener in my eyes in light fo the crisp, cold early December air. It reminded me a lot of Russell Square in London, and seemed even more indicative of the fact that Southern California was just simply not built on the same lines. I found myself darting through the Common multiple times on those two days to myself, when I was heading to check out the Park Street Church or the graves at Granary, or when I was trudging back, exhausted but overjoyed, to my hotel. I had to laugh to myself as I passed the ice rink in the commons, as I watched Bostonians, surrounded by history, slide across teh frozen surface to the jarring sounds of Culture Club's "Church of the Poison Mind." How odd. On my last hour to myself in Boston before I had to pack to leave, I put my headphones in, clicked my iPod onto shuffle, and walked around the beautiful green spaces, occasionally glancing up at statuary and history all around me. Like magic, my iPod shuffled on over to Regina Spektor's song, "Us," a haunting piano melody about love and its immortality, and I couldnt' resist humming along as she sang and I looked up at the stone and metal faces surrounding me: "They made a statue of us And it put it on a mountain top Now tourists come and stare at us Blow bubbles with their gum Take photographs for fun, for fun They made a statue of us They made a statue of us The tourists come and stare at us The sculptor's mama sends regards They made a statue of us They made a statue of us Our noses have begun to rust We're living in a den of thieves Rummaging for answers in the pages Were living in a den of thieves" Then, forgetting what a huge nerd I looked like, I raised my hands wide and just ran through the common on a bright Sunday morning to the Regina Spektor piano, and reflected on the amazing conference and awesome visit Boston had been for me. With tears formign on the corners of my eyes I smiled and walked home, the last strains of the song dying as I left the wide green space and its stony sentries for another day. read more

This park reminds me a lot of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco or Central Park in New York. It is huge! Its a great meeting spot. We visited in winter so they had an ice rink for ice skating. During summer they offer outdoor concerts. The pond was frozen over. Some brave souls (including a few dogs) were walking around on it, but it seemed a little thin for me! There are tons of rolling grass areas to just lounge around on and it is centrally located to the Massachusetts State House, the Cheers bar, and some great shopping. read more

So many squirrels and ducks here. I am an animal lover and I like being surrounded my the nature. This place is unique in the way that it's in the middle of the busy city. Yet, the area is pretty large that when you are in this area, you forget that you are in the city. There are many event here throughout the year. read more

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I get the whole history aspect of this place. I read that it's the oldest park in the USA? Possible seeing the history surround the city of Boston. Other than the history of this park, I'm not exactly sure what people get excited about. It feels like a regular park. Just like any other. Not much really stands out. It's kept clean. It's centrally locates in the city. It somewhat feels like a poor mans version of Central Park. Again nothing really cool about it. Grab a coffee and walk through the entirety of the park in about 20 minutes. read more

Boston Common is Boston's primary park area. It's a beautiful park, with its statues, fields for play, the Frog Pond, the gazebo that can be used for a panoply of purposes (Deval Patrick rallies, beginnings of Marc C. Scavenger Hunts, etc.), historical remembrances, etc. It's also next to the Public Garden, which gives you swan boats and duck statues. You will find many panhandlers, etc. , but that's to be expected in a city park. It's also the name of a terrible NBC comedy from the period when NBC would make terrible comedies that could be paired up with Friends, Frasier, or Seinfeld. Like worse than the outsourcing comedy or the couples comedy that NBC used this past season as filler between Community, Parks & Recreation, The Office, and 30 Rock. But we're not going to hold that against it. Would you hold it against a place if it were named "Just Shoot Me"? Actually yes, yes you would. read more

I really like Boston Common because it feels like it fits in better with its surroundings in comparison to Central Park in New York. You can find some beautiful views of the city here, and there's lots of benches and ponds and places to find a nice spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. It's not quite as diverse as Central Park in terms of how it looks from one part of the park to the next, but it's a great place to take a walk around and enjoy the city while not feeling like you're in the middle of a city. The park was generally pretty clean, and it was definitely safe during the daytime and early evening. Good place to take your kids and a perfect spot to take a walk after dinner. read more

I love this place. One of my favorite spots in Boston. The diversity in culture, the people, it's just a nice chill place to walk around and meet people from all over different parts of the world. They have events here and live performances time to time although unfortunately I didn't get the chance to be entertained by these performances. Towards the center of boston commons is this really cool lagoon area and playground. Perfect for families to bring their little kids to play. There are restrooms located all around this place which is a plus. There isn't much else to say.. other than it's a great place to just hang around any time you're looking for something relaxing to do read more

I ride through the commons on my commute every day and my favorite, and now missed part of the park is the dog park. There is something just too cute for words to see a ton of different dogs running around ecstatic just to be in the presence of other dogs. Everytime I see an owner walking their dog toward the park, the dog has the biggest smile on their face and their tail just goes wild with anticipation of being able to meet new friends. I think it's the cuttest thing I've ever seen. The one thing that annoys me are all the homeless people that camp out there 24/7. Granted they have no place to go, and have every right to be there, there are in fact shelters they could retreat to. It's so annoying to see all their shit laying around on the grass and them yelling stuff out at everyone. Is there no place nice left to go? read more

After Central Park this must be one of the most beautiful well kept gardens I have seen in United States. Fortunately I was able to find a parking space right by the park. It was a beautiful day, the weather was just perfect. walked by the pond where the most beautiful sawn was in the water. It's mate was on the shore nesting. What an amazing sight. Flowers were in bloom every where, the atmosphere was very peaceful. How lucky I'm to be on this beautiful planet! read more

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I have been here for all four seasons, though enjoy it most when the weather is warm. It is a splendid place to relax after a busy day exploring the city, or perhaps a good meet-up in the afternoon before heading out for a night on the town. There are lots of fun little intimate places to get away and spread a picnic lunch, or you can join in with the rest and play in the fountain or feed the ducks. It may be quintessential Boston, but there is nothing common about it. read more

Boston isn't all that big of a city. Whether you're a tourist or a local, chances are you'll walk by or through Boston Common while you're out doing anything in town. So many popular eateries are located along the edge of the park and many historic sights can be found within and nearby. I always like just walking around in these large parks in major urban areas like Golden Gate Park and Central Park. They offer a nice little getaway within the city itself where you can enjoy a little bit of nature. All the typical park shenanigans can be found here - musical performers looking to earn a few tips, kids running around out of control, homeless people occupying a sector of the park that no one walks to, lots of souvenir stands with fake Boston sports souvenirs, you name it. read more

It is weird. This park is seriously weird. You see pictures of little kids rolling in the grass, dogs sprawling in the sun, rich lush green grass that looks fake enough that is was rolled out from Home Depot, Beautiful trees with shiny leaves and couples strolling arm and arm, in the winter lights,decorations, and people tightly bundled up in their most stylish of gear In reality, the grass is yucky, the trees look like they are on their last leg, their is trash everywhere, homeless people, assholes rushing to get back to work from their lunch break. people running to get to park street, tourist at the other side of the park meeting with the group to set off foot through beacon hill, vendors with crappy food and shirt that say "UMASS Boston" or "BOSTON ROCK" I just don't consider this park somewhere to go to unless you are bringing someone visiting Boston, walking through it to go cash your lottery tickets at the loto office in Beacon Hill, work near by and like to sit outside to people watch, have to go to Park Street, or walk through to get to the Public Gardens........ I don't even think this park is nice to take pictures of or in. There are so many other places around you don't have to deal with such nasty people (commuters) and are able to go and enjoy tree and grass......take a walk away from Park Street (down the hill) and make your way to the Public Gardens...........a different world......... I almost forgot....there is free watercolor classes here every Sunday and all supplies are free to use....i will add a star for that.. read more

Often an oasis from city life, right in the middle of the city. That doesn't stand true for sunny weekend days when the weather is warm or after night has fallen. But, by and large, a beautiful escape from the chaos and gridlock of Boston streets. A place to take a blanket, a book, a boy, and a ball to spend the afternoon. *also a great place to show off your darling little pooch if you are lucky enough to have one. read more

The commons is alive and well. On a hot Summer day the sunbathers are all out, kiddies jumping in the frog pond, and frisbee s flying about. This isn't Central Park or the Golden Gate as it lacks that creative design but the tourists and visitors here are more than happy so why mess with a good thing. Jump in the carousel and spin until you're satisfied. read more

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I got a chance to explore Boston Common in the evening, as it was getting dark. It was quite beautiful and peaceful, even thought it was still humming with activity. It is a great place for people watching and just a nice place to stroll around. We got to see some of the ponds and found the Make Way for Ducklings statue. I would have loved to come here during daylight hours and be able to see more of it, but I took what I could get and it was beautiful. read more

i was just having a conversation the other day about cities big parks. Central Park, Golden Gate Park, boston commons etc. we all decided that the gardens are nice, the frog pond can be good, but over all the place needs some serious help. nope, me no like-y read more

You must visit this place when the sun goes down, especially during the holiday season. There's an ice skating rink, awesomely decorated Christmas trees and easy access to the subway. Park is very clean and great for all members of the family. read more

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Beautiful serene area. I loved sitting and just watching the wind whip the willows branches in the air. It was calming and lovely. The only thing is that I wish that the paddle boats were individual! But having them how they are does allow for the pictures to be less crowded with people. Really a lovely area. The vendors are also surprisingly informative and nice! read more

At this point I'm died tired (No that wasn't a pun from my last review), we have walked almost all of Boston in about 4 hours. I thought it was time to chill in the park and take a breather. Little did I know there are things to see and do here too! Plus it's 50 acres deep! You can walk to the top of a very large hill to see the Soldiers and Sailors monument, check out the Brewer Fountain (ours is much bigger), peruse another burial ground, or just jump in the frog pond (no actual frogs, more like a large skating rink for the winter, it had no water in it when we were there). Then you can walk over a bridge at the southern part of the park to find swan rides and the public garden which is another 24 acres. At this point I could have dropped down on bench and slept forever. Beautiful landscape and a chance to just chill out is more then enough reason to come here. read more

Boston Common - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

There is something about a giant, green park in the middle of a big city. True this isn't Central Park by any means, but for a city as big as Boston, this park just seems to add that touch of serenity anyone would need during a busy week.... There are benches everywhere, where you can rest or just take in the scenery of live musicians trying to make an extra dollar here and there, or dogs chasing tennis balls or frisbees...Paved pathways curve around this park and take you to some small lakes or hot dog stands or even ice skating in the winter I hear. It also has an outdoor theater which Shakespeare in the Park uses every summer, and what could be better than seeing a free play in the outdoors, on the grass of a park as beautiful as this one? There are also a couple of random monuments and statues which just adds to the historical sense of this city. As long as you can ignore all of the random street vendors selling their boston tshirts for $5 a piece, this place is pretty much perfect. Granted, I have been here in the winter yet, so not sure how much I will be able to stand it then, but with a parking garage underneath and multiple t lines that go here, this is the perfect meeting point for anyone or any group. So Boston, take care of this park. I noticed too much trash here on the ground when I was here, so I hope I was there on an off day... read more

Boston Common is more than just a park in the heart of Boston! It's a historical site and home of the oldest subway station in the country (beat NYC by 3 months according to our tour guide). What is currently a public space for residents, visitors, and protestors was once a pasture for cows and then a campsite for British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. Boston Common is near the start of the Freedom Trail along with the neighboring Massachusetts State House (look for the golden dome) on Beacon Street and Park Street Church across on Park St. Great for starting the Freedom Trail, jumping onto the Red/Green subway line, people watching, or taking a stroll in the park. read more

What I love about this place is how peaceful it can be in the midst of a busy city. You can sit down on the grass and watch people go on with their busy lives, yet enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature. There is always something new going on here. From music festivals to charity events, you will never be bored! read more

Boston Commons is such an amazing place. It's such a pivotal part of the hustle and craziness of downtown Boston. It's really relaxing and each time I'm there, I find a new reason to love it. In a city surrounded by countless historic values, the Commons is a fun place to go and soak it all in. My favorite part is the bronze duck statues. read more

Boston Common - Ducks! - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I love it here. 3rd stop of my birthday fun was here. Where a friend and I sat and had some dessert and enjoyed the weather. You can sit in the sun, in the shade or walk around. I've even had some great picnics here and once a month we have our Dachshund meetup. read more

Great place to come and hang out for the afternoon. There are so many things to do at this place such as take a ride on one of the swam boats, check out the many statues in the park such as Washington on his horse or the cute duck and her ducklings. There is a carousel in the park as well. You can't beat sitting on a bench and people watching on a sunny afternoon. Cheers bar is located right adjacent to Boston Common and the Freedom Trail starts here as well. You can view the new State house with it's gleaming gold roof or catch street musician trying to make a few extra bucks. read more

The second best urban park in the country, second only to Rock Creek Park in DC. It is amazing to me how big this park actually is, strecthing from the theater district, all the way over to Newbury street. Lined with paths, this is perfect of running at anytime of day, or a simple walk as you explore the city. I always enjoy the north east corner, looking up to the capital building across beacon street. Standing here watching the snow fall on a frozen winter night is a beautiful experience, one that I would love to rel=play again and again. As others have mentioned the frog pong is fun int eh summer for the kids running around in the fountain, with life guards about everry 50 feet (who could drown here?). In the winter it is changed over into an over crowded skating rink and you have to skate on, just like central park in NYC and Milinnium Park in Chicago. Wether I am living here in Boston, or are simply visiting, I always incorporate this into my day. read more

Boston Common - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This park was great. Gorgeous surroundings, shaded areas and beautiful sightseeing for duck lovers and squirrels. However, our server (his name tag reads Green Ash) literally did nothing but stand and stare at my husband and I. He is staring at me as I write this review. Terrible service. We have not even been served water yet. His hair is unkept and messy. There are squirrels crawling all over him... what is going on? read more

Boston Common - our server - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Always so much excitement and so much to see and do...Lots of vendors and musicians and preachers.. playgrounds..grassy, shady areas for resting, napping, or a picnics... best of all Earls Sandwiches are now right in the center..The Best Sandwiches ever..It's the toasty bread!!! just love the commons ..after a lot of walking around, it's a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery and just rest... read more

Lions, and Tigers and Stoners, Oh My! ok so there arent really any Lions or Tigers but there were plenty of stoners in a certain hill. However, this is Definitely one of my favorite city parks in America! There are people playing music, theres an awesome duck pond with friendly ducks and you can ride the little boat around the pond. The squirrels are the friendliest squirrels in all the land and its convenintly located next to some awesome historical churches. It was also cool that they have convenient under ground parking right beneath the park. I highly recommend. the end. read more

Great big park smack in the middle of Boston. Lots of commuters walking through the park to get to and from work. Lots of tourists since the Freedom Trail starts at the visitors center on the eastern edge of the park. Great fun just to walk around the park. Lots of trees and grass. Not overrun by food carts. Loads of history here too. A must see for visitors to Boston. read more

Nice walk in the park almost does it for me. While walking, encountered a young boy that was playing Harry Potter's opening song. I'm not going to lie, I am a HP fan, so that did it for me. Can't wait to come back next time I visit Boston. read more