There's not much I could add about the Boston Common that probably hasn't already been said in it's near-150 reviews, so I'll keep it short and simple...or not. Who am I kidding, I can't do that! The Common is a Boston icon, and is truly a gem (aptly described, as it is the anchor of Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace) for residents or visitors alike. There are benches aplenty, three T stops to choose from (Arlington, Park or Boylston), ample restaurants, attractions and other outings lining the park perimeter, the paths are mostly paved and the scenery (on most days) is beautiful (more on that later). If I accomplish nothing else with this review, I must call to your attention that there are two sides to the Common, split by Charles Street. The side closer to Newbury and bordering Arlington Street is the "Disney Land" side of the Common - this is where the infamy lives: the beloved "Swan Boats", the iconic George Washington statue, the stunning gardens, the bubbling fountains and the smallest suspension bridge in the world (betcha' didn't know that!) are all residents of the greener side of the fence. Enter, the OTHER side of Charles Street. This is where the tourists tend to clutch their children a little closer, make sure the fanny pack is secured, constricted pupils nervously darting back and forth. "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in the Common, anymore..." But this is where Bostonians live (sometimes, literally). This is where we take our dates skating on frog pond in the bitter cold winters. Where we play tennis on the under-served courts in the crisp, fresh autumn. Where we chomp on Italian ice and watch a little league game in the heavy, hot summers. Where we make our re-entry into the outdoors on the first warm, moist spring day. Tourists cautiously make their way through this authenticity that is downtown Boston Common, until they happen upon the hill leading up to the holy grail, the Statehouse. Their heart rates stabilize, as they loosen the death-grip on their child's hand, reaching for the oversized camera. "Look, honey, the Statehouse! Run up the hill so I can get a picture! That graveyard is supposed to be nearby, isn't it?" And although they don't realize it, the shiny gold dome of the Statehouse blinding them into false security, there is a bum sipping on his brown bag, looming behind a tree, watching just a *little* too closely as Johnny runs up the hill and throws his arms into the air for a photo... But what's a city without a little flavor, right? [yeah, whatever you need to tell yourself...] But there's a light at the end of the [T] tunnel: the Common and all it's glory that I love so much, even if I write deprecating, sarcastic Yelp reviews about it. read more

I love The Common. In one day, you can do so much. See so many beautiful things and interesting people. It is family friendly and refreshing. In one day we saw: 1. a Quiddich (yes...Harry Potter...Quiddich..broomsticks and all) game going on between Harvard students..it was Hilarious! and I don't even know about Quiddich! 2. A one man band who was inspiring and lovely. He has been around the world spreading the word of music. please do not mistake him for a crazy homeless person..give him a chance. 3. Students creating some sort of info-mercial with a person in a Polar Bear costume..not sure why, but funny none the less. 4. A Greek Independence Day Parade and festival...full of food vendors, crafts and tons of music (OPA!!!) 5. An abundance of puppies (who doesn't love puppies!) 6. A stroll through a historic old cemetary... And this was just in a couple hours!! Imagine what you can discover?! Go there...now! **side note...I went there once years ago...and hand fed a squirrel a peanut..they are so used to people that they come right up to you sometimes. Dangerous and stupid???? HA! I LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DANGER!! read more

I lived in the north end years ago when I went to school in boston and would walk through the commons daily. When I went for a visit for a weekend it was sad to see so many homeless people. I read also that some of them are violent. One also screamed at a group of young kids on a tour through the park. Every other bench had a homeless person on it so I wouldn't even sit down. Who wants to sit on a bench where a homeless person has sat and slept? While walking, one homeless person growled and jumped up and screamed ... the park also smells so badly of urine. It was like a NYC subway. Walking back to the northern there were 2 homeless people at fanueil hall and there were 3 In the area of the boston sign where people take pics. The harbor and the northern still are nice and stayed the same. The downtown and the commons is Turning slowly but surely into the next downtown Seattle. read more

I once read an article that listed Boston as the worst dressed city in America. An afternoon in the commons confirmed that title to be accurate. There is certainly some interesting people watching. You'll find hippies, hoochies, slobs, overly enthusiastic sporting fans, competing college sweats, characters, preps, nerds, yuppies, wasps, hobos, shirtless frisbee dudes, hipsters and girls that look like they came straight from the Jersey Shore cast. Ayy carumba! Aside from the views of oddly and poorly dressed Bostonians and tourists, the commons boast some lovely landscape views. I love the grassy knolls, the rose gardens, the ponds & bridges and the adorable little pathways. A huge plus is that they have public bathrooms here that are better maintained than the average Starbucks shop. This is especially great, because half the Starbucks and chain restaurants in the area don't even have restrooms! read more

We loved the Common. Great area with a lot of things going on. The start to our Freedom Trail walk was here. Lots of food carts and a great place to people watch. Don't miss it. read more

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Walking down the path that Paul Revere used to warn that the British were coming! I am in history! read more

I found Boston Common to be a very impressive park. The scale was significant, and besides the open space, there were a variety of options for entertainment. I was rather pleased by the ice skating rink repurposed into a pool, and the various statues and features were all in good condition. The park's crowd was diverse and lively. The park was also immediately accessible by the subway and near a great many things. I would not describe Boston as being a particularly green city, making this spot all the more valuable. read more

Boston Common is another favorite but shouldn't be confused with the Public Garden. This side is where all the special events take place- from ice sculptures that are part of First Night at New Years to a world record setting pumpkin carving even and everything in between. Its also a great place to just go and stretch out with a blanket and a book, maybe even your dog. There are random food vendors around but that's about it unless you venture into Downtown Crossing, Back Bay or Beacon Hill. The Frog Pond is located here, in the summer you can find kids playing in the wading pool and in the winter it is made into an ice rink for the entire family to enjoy. (There is no way I'm going in that wading pool. Ew.) One of my favorite things to do is walk down Newbury, through the Garden and across the Common. It doesn't take long and you get to see a good portion of the city. read more

I may be a New Yorker, but I will always love walking, lying, and playing around in Boston Common more than Central Park! Boston Common has so much to offer visitors, regulars, and locals: quiet spaces if you want to lay around without too much foot traffic nearby, the Frog Pond and playgrounds if you have kids you need to entertain, and wide open areas to play sports with friends. The food vendors are plentiful, as is the people-watching! One of my favorite past-times is to just go to the common and lay down, read a book, and nap a little bit. During the summer, it's a perfect spot to get some sun in the city. And, yes, it's a perfectly safe environment! I've never had an issue with the people or the quality of the grounds at Boston Common. EVER! All you need to do to get the full experience is to find the perfect little spot on the grass or on a bench, sit or lay down, look up at the sky, at a tree, or at a bunch of pigeons.. and escape! You'll soon forget you're in the heart of a city! read more

Boston common park is a very beautiful place where is worth to go. This Park is full of history, because it is the America's oldest public park establishing in 1634. When I went to this place, I saw many historical people's statues, so I could know the history with walking in this park. Also the view in Boston Common Park is very awesome, there has many beautiful trees. Many willows grow near the lake, and willows reflect in the lake, make the lake's color becoming green. Some ducks swim on the lake. In addition, In the Boston Common Park you can find many cute squirrels, they live in trees and always run in to the grass. These squirrels not fear with human, when I got close to a squirrel and wanted to took a photos, it is not ran to another place, instead it came to take my phone and tried to find what I was doing. In conclusion, Boston Common Park is also a good place for travel. You can take a walk or have a picnic, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sights. read more

One of the first books that I ever remember being read when I was a child was "Make Way for Ducklings". I loved how exciting it was and would imagine those adorable little ducks wandering the streets of Boston. It was my favorite book as a child for a long time. I will never forget seeing the bronze ducks in the Boston Common and being more excited than I could possibly ever imagine. Last year I brought my fiance to see those cute little bronze ducks and told him the entire story and I cannot wait until we have kids so that I can bring them to see those adorable little ducks too! During my visit to the Common last year I realized that it still held all these magical memories from childhood...the beautiful gardens, the duck boats, the playground, lots of trees, vast amounts of greenery and plenty of places for a picnic. There were lots of Bostonians milling about, young and old. There were lots of tourists to and I realized that I was now one of those tourists, what an odd feeling! My eyes glazed over the homeless people and crackheads that now frequent the park. I only saw its beauty. I love this park and all the memories it holds for me. I can still picture how beautiful it looks covered in snow and the frozen over Frog Pond where you can ice skate. Oh, and a historical note....it is the oldest city park in the United States! read more

Do you enjoy contact highs? What about watching grown people play that game that was in the Harry Potter books? Obnoxious little kids? How about random protests, performance artists, and horse poop? Well then do I have the place for you! Just kidding, Boston Common. I'm just giving you a hard time. You're not so bad. I mean, when you were first created by settlers hundreds of years ago you used to be a grazing pasture for cows...actually, that does sound preferable. But seriously (no Phil Collins pun intended), this is a great place to chill and relax when the weather is nice and especially to people watch. If you're athletically inclined, go nuts here. And honestly, I'll take all the weirdness that the Common invites over any more buildings. read more

It's the common, what am I supposed to say? It's fun in spring/summer/fall...but kind of miserable now because being outside is miserable. I love going there to kill time so I try to be early if I'm meeting someone downtown. read more

I used to hang out here alot more when I was a little kid. It was one of the places my dad would take my older sister and I. It has changed alot since then, and though I go here less frequently these days, it still holds a special place.... Shakespeare on the common. It's pretty dope. If you haven't gone, go! When you walk through here on a Friday night, just before the bars let out, don't be surprised if it looks like every couple feet people are about to bone on a park bench or against a tree. My guess is... They are. read more

A visit to Boston is not complete without a visit to the Commons. It's nice to just sit on a bench and watch people walk by since there are so many different types of people who walk through the park. The garden area is really pretty when the flowers are in bloom and there's water in the duck pond. I always wanted to take a ride in one of those duck boats but never really made the effort. Other times, you might get lucky and see a Quidditch practice in session. Yes, you read that right. Quidditch as in Harry Potter. It's not every day you see people running around with broomsticks between their legs! Definitely come visit this place. You won't be disappointed. read more

Boston Common - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Nice oasis in the midst of downtown Boston. Favorite times? During the summers, when the flower gardens near the swan boats are perfectly manicured, and during the winters, when everything is snow-covered. Otherwise I tend to find my nature elsewhere. Definitely recommend going to Shakespeare on the Common in the summer - definitely a must-do Boston experience! read more

Lots of homeless and druggies. As a nyer I'm used to it but idk it felt out of place and was odd. Common didn't feel like a great experience walking around while trying to be aware of my surroundings. read more

I walk around here alllll the time. I like to play dodge-the-homeless and dodge-the-guys-with-clipboards. It's fun! Aside from the denziens who haunt the place (do NOT tell the lady near the statue what time it is!!!), it's nice to walk around. Great playground for the kids. The frog pond is both quaint and bacteria-infested. I like walking here on nice days. read more

Gorgeous gardening, street musicians every corner, cute ducklings, lots of sitting accommodations (benches and green spaces) Child-friendly: balloon kiosks, huge kiddy pool, the lake with swans and ducks read more

Know what the best thing is? A walk through the common on the first day that isn't the arctic tundra Boston winters we know and love/hate. Even better when swan boats are up-it won't be long!!! read more

New to Boston? From NH or some weird ass place that has trees? You miss them don't you? Fear not my fresh air loving friend.... Boston conveniently placed all their trees in one central lo-cal just for you. It's called the commons... it's got lots of grass, dirt, trees, shrubs, rocks, a couple of big puddles that you people call ponds, birds and all that other nature-y stuff you like. Make friends with the Boston homeless! Give that guy at park street a smile AND a quarter. Share your big soft pretzel with green puffy jacket guy and for goodness sake and for the sake of your sanity... find all the spare change in the world and give it to spare change man. Chill out on skates at frog pond in the winter, or soak up the sun in the summer by the fountain and watch the tourists get sprayed. Play the Emerson vs Suffolk kids game (spot a college kid in the commons? Its probably a Suffolk or Emerson kid... try to guess, place a bet with friends, then ask them as they walk by... winners split up the money/gummy bears... neither? Save the pile for the next batch of winners) read more

Absolutely wonderful experience to walk through this park. The beauty of this place entwhined with its history makes it one of the most special places in New England. It is most stunning in the fall. Incredibly beautiful. get a ride on swan boats or take a casual stroll and admire the beauty of this place. Not to be missed. read more

Beautiful park, always love to walk around with friends when the weather is nice. My favorite thing to do with friends here is get boba from nearby Chinatown, find a cozy spot on a hill, and enjoy the beautiful views (and cute dogs running around) read more

I love this place. When I lived in Mattapan and Dorchester I would have to pass through Boston Common at different times. Here is information about Boston Common: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Common Here are pictures about Boston Common: https://www.google.com/search?q=Boston+Common&safe=active&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&rlz=1I7GGNI_enUS528&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjp-PHZ3bLjAhWSvZ4KHUUwAm4Q_AUIEigD&biw=1024&bih=629 read more

What a beautiful park to be proud of as a local resident. Yes it's not a 'real park' like the one that is in New York. You'll see people playing frisbee, playing soccer, just playing, making out, etc. I don't find it particularly dirty or unattractive as other posters have. The visitors center anchors the Freedom Trail, and it's a convenient spot for locals to meet up. read more

One of Boston's many landmarks that's awesome for a beautiful Fall stroll. There's the frog pond and tennis courts as well for those interested in activities here. read more

A large patch of greenery in Boston and a beautiful place to walk around. There is a swan pond that is worth checking out.

I'm from California and I'm envious of cities that have big open spaces like Boston Common. You just don't have very many parks like this in California. It's so beautiful and the nice thing is that one can appreciate the beauty in different forms depending on the season. I wish I had something like this available to me all the time. I can imagine sitting here with a good book, or having a picnic, or people watching with my dog. I love parks because they remind you of the simple, but enjoyable things in life. Now that we are bombarded with all this social media, it's nice to find a place where you can choose to get away from it all for awhile. read more

What an awesome urban park to be in this time of year. The changing colors, interspersed with the colorful fall wardrobes of the people, and the smell of rain mingling with the electric flavors of the city's diverse culinary delights all add to the extraordinary experience of the happy tourist that is I. read more

Beautiful park with swan boats, flowers, and fountains. The place to be during the summer. Grab some ice cream and walk around.

I loved walking this park, it was so nice to enjoy and look at the statues while we were trying to relax

Great green space in the city! There's room to relax, with lots of benches and trees, and also a nice area for kids with a play area and the frog pond. There were a variety of food vendors selling treats and snacks for when hunger strikes. It has a great location, bordered by the State House, up on its nearby hill, and the beautiful Public Garden. Very nice area! read more

This park is quite lovely. There are people feeding ducks. Others walking the trails. Folks are sitting on benches. I really reccomend the Swan boat if you have read "Make Way for Ducklings" for your children. This is where it takes place. This is a must for Boston. read more

Right across the Boston Public Garden is the Boston Common. This is a place with lots of history. The toad playground area is large, and perfect for young children. The frog pond is very neat. And the place is very clean and well kept. read more

Best park, in the city. Great place to hang out with the kids if you live in the city or are visiting. They always have something going on in the weekends. read more

Open space inside a city is a wonderful thing...even if the squirrels are so bold that they will almost climb up your legs if you have a pretzel. Each corner of the park has something different, from a wading pool in the summer and ice skating rink in the winter to a memorial for Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment in another to costumed people who will either give you tours or only move when you give money, the Common has something for everyone. read more

I LOVED this park! If it wouldn't have been so freaking hot, I would've spent all day walking here, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures on my new S8100! I love picnics, which made this park a prime location! If I lived here, I would quit my job and picnic (as a verb). The squirrels here are SUPER aggressive and NOT afraid of people. They are so much bushier in Boston than they are in San Diego; I think it's the heat! I saw several jumping about and going up to people and eating out of their hands! It's all fun and games until they go for a nut (no pun intended). read more

Boston Common - The little guy posed for me! - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Being a public park, Boston Common is the perfect spot to hang out on the weekend or chill at lunch time if you happen to work in the area. There's food and ice cream trucks, it's got playgrounds and ponds which are great for the kids and you might even catch a glimpse of squirrels in one of them trees as well. In addition to being the oldest park in the country, the Common is full of history as well... British troops camped on the Common prior to the Revolution, Martin Luther King Jr and Pope John Paul II gave speeches there and public hangings took place there up until 1817. Boston Common is also the starting point for the Freedom Trail, which is a great must-do tour. Check it out if you get a chance. read more

The reason why I love Boston! It is just a beautiful place with so many things to do here. Picnic, play tennis, or baseball, sight-see---and now ballon rides. All mostly free. A must for everyone read more

Boston Common - public tennis court and baseball field - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I really wish I could give this park a fair review. Unfortunately when I went, most of the walkways were fenced off and only the bulldozers got to sprawl out on the lawn. Like giant, yellow, steel and rubber cows. Actually they weren't like cows at all. They were just ugly. I do like the fact that Boston Common has over a 350 year history (!) to it where this park once was a home to grazing cows, a British encampment, Vietnam War protests, and now, bulldozers. How anticlimactic. I'll give Boston Common a second chance the next time I'm in Beantown. read more