Beautiful spot to take a stroll in the heart of Boston! Came here on Memorial Day Monday and we came across a few people running/walking on the trail but it was peaceful for the most part. The river view was nice - probably very pretty at night with all the city lights! Well maintained and good amount of benches throughout. I liked how this trail is very accessible, located between the Boston Commons and the Fenway Victory gardens. Definitely recommend coming here around sunrise and/or sunset when in Boston! read more

Charles River Esplanade - River view - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of my favorite things to do in Boston is to walk, run, or roller skate on this very path. When I was training for the Boston Marathon, I was on this path just about everyday and I never got tired of it. It's the heart of Boston in so many ways. The summer I bought myself a pair of roller skates, I would put my speaker in my fanny pack and roller skate up and down the Charles grooving to disco music. Nothing beats that in my book. read more

Great for Running, walking, biking, rollerblading and however else people get around. It is so beautiful to be in nature along the Charles river. There are some small playgrounds spread out along the route and Nightshift has a small outdoor brewery located here. The views especially on nice days are wonderful. Also, there are some docks where people go on to have picnics or just chill on a lawn chair on them. And there are boat docks for people who want to go sailing, kayaking or whatever else water sports they want to do. I wish I came here more when I visit. I am going to try and come more often. I have also taken a few work out classes on the Esplanade. So much fun and especially with great weather. There are benches along the esplanade incase you want to take a rest for your work out or if you just want to enjoy the water view. Highly recommend coming to check out the Charle River Esplanade. read more

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This is a beautiful area for people to enjoy nature, in the city. We walked on a pedestrian bridge over the highway to get to the river. The bike path is 23 miles long. The path was paved and enjoyable to walk on with views of the river. This place was packed with joggers, bikers, and walkers. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon but was still busy. We even saw someone slack lining by the trees. There were mini sailboats on the river with a great view of the city. There were benches along the way if you get tired. So many recreational options for people who use this river and path. Overall, a cool place to get some exercise and be one with nature. read more

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I love to ride my bike around the Charles River and my usual route would be riding through the Esplanade, cross over the Harvard Bridge, ride through Memorial Drive, then back to the Esplanade through the Longfellow bridge. The whole ride takes about 30 minutes and is great for exercising and taking in fresh air with a beautiful view. I took the first picture during my morning ride and stopped to watch the sunrise over a part of Boston. There are benches along the memorial drive, so it is a great place to rest and take some beautiful pictures of the city. read more

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The Charles is a really beautiful place. I got to know the river after 7 years in Boston when I started paddling in the Charles- if you haven't already, you MUST see Boston from the river. Try kayaking, canoe-ing, Dragon Boat racing, it is a stunning view like no other! read more

Such a nice place to walk! The trail is clean and paved, so it would be easy to ride a bike through here! My only complaint is that it's so close to the highway. read more

I saw other reviewers mentioned the iconic view of sunrise. Here I wanted to add the sunset at Charles River is breathtaking too. The trail is a well maintained for walking, cycling, and jogging. Compared to other trains near pond and lakes, the pest control is awesome. Although the free parking is a little bit competitive, the plenty meters and parking garage near Boston common may release the pain of parking. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Sunset at Charles River Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Named after Charles Darwin, Prince Charles of Wales, Charles Barkley, and Charlie Puth, this river really just wants attention. It doesn't want your heart. It also wants its voice to break, but it might not be nearly as popular if it does. Boston is one of the world's most beautiful cities... Paul McCartney said it's the center of the Universe. It may be so. And this river is the center of the city, and is unmistakably Bostonian and a very sexy river indeed. Classically set amongst the city and its burbs, and very European in style... it reminds me of the way the Thames flows through London, or more accurately, Oxford. A cross between the two perhaps? The Charles River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the whole country, no doubt, and perhaps the most European river in North America, and I absolutely love it. It's part of what makes Boston one of the most unique and amazing cities in the whole country. This River reminds me of a lot of Europe, as I said, in that the whole city is built around it. It snakes through town even more so than the legendary river in London. You can drive along the side of it (just as in Europe), and you can run alongside it, and it is the heartbeat of the city to a degree which no other river really is in all of North America I would say. When in Boston, try Lobster Rolls tossed in Butter from Pauli's, try a Pastel from Pasteleria Vitoria, and try the buffet at Oasis Steakhouse (the stews, not the meats) and the Acai Bowl next door at Oasis Bakery. And try Morano Gelato, and the B3 ice cream from Toscanini. More detail: Oasis Steakhouse - the best Brazilian buffet you can imagine. Go at lunch, try all the stews. Skip the Churrascaria meats. Oasis Cafe - right next door, try an Acai Bowl and a Caldo De Cana. Heaven. Toscanini - perhaps the best ice cream anywhere... try the B3. Morano Gelato - easily the best gelato in the country. Every flavour is heaven. Pauli's - the best lobster roll in town - get it dipped in butter. Expensive though. Pastelaria Broadway - an amazing Brazilian street food called the Pastel. Get the Vitoria. read more

Gorgeous walk, safe path for bikers, joggers, strollers, even patrolled by Boston police so you're safe. Grab a nice sunrise! Iconic views. read more

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The beautiful Charles River is a centerpiece in the heart of Boston. It's perfect for walking, running or rolling With your music, dog, children or bike. The deal: there is a paved path for walking, jogging, biking... and whatever else. ( if the city. There's a lot of whatever else!) read more

An expansive river that spans 80 miles. I wouldn't recommend swimming in it, but there are plenty of boating activities available for those who are interested. It's great to jog/run along the river as there are walking and biking paths all around it. The river is also a great place to see the Boston skyline and even catch the stunning sunrise. read more

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The Charles River is one of the major sites that the people of the city of Boston gravitate towards, especially during the warmer summer months. I visited the Charles River right before New Year's Eve. It was freezing around -14 Celsius. The type of cold that bites any exposed flesh. This froze the Charles River, but was not cold enough to freeze it enough to walk across. The site of that frozen river for someone originally from California was dramatic and beautiful. Snow was spread across the ice in patches. What is it about a large frozen body of water that looks like an act of magic? Next time, I'll visit Boston in the Summer. read more

The Charles river so I've heard, is a man made long river that stretches across the city. I've heard many scary things from a Boston native friend about people finding dead bodies here and killers roaming around the river at night finding men in particular. I was afraid to visit here at night but ended up here with friends somehow despite being so afraid. Hehe After all, I wouldn't know for sure any way if it was true ;( I'm glad I decided to go because it is so beautiful at night. We walked through the park across to the river and ended up chilling on a wooden deck above the water. People were sitting and chilling with their friends while looking at stars and the moon. It was beautiful indeed! The tall buildings reflected against the water and it was truly a romantic sight! We probably laid on the deck for hours just looking at the stars. Pictures are not enough, you have to be there to actually get a sense of how peaceful it is. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Crossing the bridge to the Charles river - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I was fortunate to take a break from work with a dinner cruise on the Charles river. Nothing like exploring a town on the river with fresh air and beautiful views! The ride was nice and smooth. There were many kids on their boats practicing and racing each other. The night brought on many cool night views with reflections off the water. Perfect place to relax! read more

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I walked from the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park across Memorial Drive to the Charles River. Canoes & Kayaks were gliding silently & effortlessly over the water on a beautiful 75-degree afternoon. Enjoyed a long walk on the riverside path, admiring the old Cambridge buildings & lovely old trees. I tried to imagine the beauty of the Autumn & Winter scenery . . . read more

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What a beautiful scenic route. I went running here the day before the Boston marathon. It has a nice running and biking path along the river. It's very accessible as there are several connecting bridges to the path. It is clean and also has some exercise stops. Great place to enjoy a nice walk or run. Close to MIT, BU, etc. You can also see BU sail team practicing while sitting on the grass. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The perfect spot to catch the sunset, have a picnic, read a book, ride a bike, etc.. It can get busy during the summer months, especially if there are any concerts. If you have some spare time and would like to enjoy a beautiful view of the city, this is the place to go! read more

Charles River Esplanade - Winter @ Charles river - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Most of the great rivers belong to at least one city and the Charles fits this bill. Nothing beats strolling along it (or boating on it) and taking in a crisp fall day. read more

There are many ways to enjoy the Charles River. It flows from Hopkinton to Boston from a narrow stream to a wide basin in the heart of Boston and Cambridge. Compared to many urban rivers, the Charles River is one of the cleanest around, but I wouldn't start swimming in it .... not just yet. Ways to love the Charles: + Rent a bike or grab your own. Excellent bike riding happens on shut-down Sunday/Memorial Drive .. extend your ride over on the Boston side (cross Eliot bridge), past the canoe/kayak rental place, and ending just beyond the playground with water feature at Cristian A Herter Park location (also accessible by car). Frisbee space, picnic tables, benches in the shade, plenty of people watching. + Get a friend who has access to the sailboats at the Charles River Sailing Club in the basin (Boston). + Eat on the patio at ArtBar at lunch + Run, walk, rollerblade, cycle around from Science Park to Eliot Bridge (Boston & Cambridge sides) + Picnic at North Point Park (Cambridge) + Take free reign of Memorial Drive from Western Ave to Eliot Bridge (Cambridge side) every Sunday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day (check dates). It is shut down for peeps' enjoyment. It is enjoyable. + Watch the Head of the Charles from the banks and bridges in October + Dragon boat racing in June (food + culture) + Fourth of July Fireworks from the basin + MIT Art+Technology Festival + Walk to work via the river + Enjoy sunset from the Longfellow (aka Salt & Pepper) or Harvard Bridge + Pick-up Soccer at Magazine Beach (Cambridge) + Farmer's Market at Morse School on Saturdays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day + Pick up a Lobster Sammich from Louie's Lobster (Putnam Ave Cambridge) and enjoy on the river. + Rent a paddleboat, canoe or kayak from Charles River Canoe & Kayak from either their Kendall Square location or the Christian A Herter Park location (Eliot Bridge/Allston/Brighton). + Charles River Cruises embark from the Cambridgeside Galleria read more

I am sitting at my desk just finishing up work for the day and I feel compelled to write a review of the wonderful view I have looking down the Charles river. Over the past few days I have witnessed the changing color of the skies and the sunsets with the weather being cool and crisp and more mild and fall-like and it truly is beautiful. The iconic buildings of Boston and the watching of the red line cross the bridge is just - well for lack of a better word - cool. Really this is probably more a review of my view from my desk, but it has inspired me to look back on my first year in Boston with very fond memories and the Charles river has been central to my experiences. I have felt the frigidly cold blustery winds when crossing Harvard bridge in the middle of the big December snowstorm trying to save myself from the pull of my umbrella as it nearly tips me over. That same bridge has also just about given me frostbite on several occasions. I am reminded of all my runs along the Boston side of the river, gradually getting further and further round each time till i do a full circle between Harvard Bridge and the Museum of Science, both in the glorious spring and in the summer humidity! I am constantly wowed by looking across at Boston from Cambridge and just taking in all the lights and the buildings and how beautiful the view is. I love doing my exercise class on the banks of the river - totally better than a gym, especially when the rowers are out and everything (apart from them) is so still - especially in summer when the sun was rising. I really enjoyed cycling back along the river from Alewife after doing the Minuteman bike trail. I can't wait to go and learn to sail with community boating next season and actually get on the water! This review has now got a little bit ridiculous in length now - but suffice it to say - I heart the Charles - muddy or not! read more

Why are so many people standing around looking at water? There are, like, thousands of folks just hanging around listening to some dude named Keith play classical music way too loudly. And now sky graffiti. Great. ... *\i/* Happy Fourth of July! *\i/* read more

The Charles river was still filthy and smelled of dead fish and was full of old shopping carts around 1995 (and was worse in 1985 and 1975), but today (late 2014) it is now clean and full of small invertebrate animals (such as Daphnia and Copepods), with no bad smell whatsoever, thanks to the hard work of the Charles River Watershed Association. The sludge at the central bottom or the river still needs to be expensively dredged to finally get rid of the last of the industrial heavy metals and industrial waste chemicals still buried under layers down there, but they do not seem to affect the water near the shore, which teams with small creatures which can feed fish. See http://www.crwa.org/ for more important information or to volunteer to help out with monitoring and maintenance. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Charles River, across highway from Micro Center and Trader Joe's, Cambridge, MA, September 2, 2014. - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

And for my review of the Charles River, I'd like to present a series of haiku: miles of flat path sunshine reflects off water yes! the fountain's on! sailboats dot the view city skyline in the back the red line crosses baseball and hatch shell fireworks and hot dog stands americana gondolas and crew summer movies and music race events and more dog walkers and kids rollerblades and bicycles make sunbathers look lazy some say stay away girls get mugged and followed home well - don't go at night! Like my review if you tapped your fingers to count the verses - got ya! read more

The river. You people are reviewing bodies of water now? You know what, this is borderline acceptable because it IS a place we can all visit an enjoy. - With that said, I don't enjoy the Charles. It's impossible to get to and parking anywhere near it is a nightmare. I LIKE it, sure, but to me, the Charles is that annoying bit of water off to the right of Storrow Drive. If that dumb river wasn't there, we could have like a big 5-lane street all the way through Boston! Imagine that! I'm not one for green spaces in cities. I think it should all be concrete and MORE PARKING. - PS: The boathouse here gives boating lessons for like a buck as a way of promoting use of the river. It's actually pretty cool and I recommend you check it out. read more

I didn't realize I could review the River. Living in Boston and commuting to Cambridge has given me the opportunity to really appreciate the river, particularly walking across the Longfellow. It's an incredible walk around 8 in the morning, going across the river and seeing the city skyline. So yeah, I like the river. read more

The Charles River is the crown jewel of Boston's Emerald Necklace and the best place in the city to spend an afternoon. When I was training for the Boston Marathon many moons ago this was the place I did 75% of my running. Great views of the city, scores of other people running along to help keep you motivated and well groomed and paved trails (even in the winter) makes the river loop the #1 destination for anyone running in Boston. I've also walked from the Mass Ave bridge down to the Museum of Science and back with my camera taking pictures all the way. There is a nice row of cherry blossom trees near the Hatch Shell that make for some great pictures when they bloom in late April and/or early May too. I've always wanted to learn how to row and how to sail....some day soon I'll learn both and do it on the Charles River. read more

Charles River has always been one of my favorite places. It's vibrant with activities both on water and in the surrounding areas, but at the same time serene and peaceful. The dividing point between Boston and Cambridge, Charles river bridges the historical city with its academic counterpart. In the summer, sailing boats and crew teams are regulars on the river. Bikers and joggers alike adheres to the paths built for their morning exercises. On July 4th, people from all over the city gathers around the esplanade to listen to the Boston Pops concert and watch the fireworks. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This is my 100th Yelp review, and I wanted to make it good. The Charles River is probably the main reason I decided to move to Boston in the first place. I had an internship in Upper Allston, and I'd walk over the JFK bridge every morning. Even though right around the Harvard Stadium, it sort of gets sketchy and gross. . . the few minutes crossing the Charles were kind of awesome - and completely unlike the landscape in DC. My favorite bridge is, without a doubt, the Mass Ave bridge. It's super long, and crossing from Back Bay to MIT sort of encompasses the two sides of the city (or at least the two sides that matter to me): Historical and stately vs. new and nerdy. It's also great for watching fireworks. For out of towners, Memorial drive skirts the Cambridge side of the river, and Storrow is on the Boston side. On Sundays in the summer and early fall, they close off Memorial Drive from 10am-7pm for runners and bikers between the Fresh Pond Parkway and Western Ave. This has been my regular running route all summer, and I've had a chance to see all the different types of people who hang out along the Charles. The Charles River has about a million festivals on the banks every summer - most of which I don't learn about until I stumble upon them while trying to get somewhere else. Still, every time I bemoan the traffic and the noise and the expense of living in this town - I get on Memorial Drive at 1am, and just appreciate that I live in Cambridge, MA. read more

A beautiful iconic river that is as clean as a public restroom. What more could you ask for ?

The banks of this river hold joy and fascination for me every time I go. If not for the views of the city--Fan-Frickin-tastic--those of the people both rich and poor, tall and short, thin and fat, who seem to make up a snapshot of this fine city. I don't quite know where I fit in yet, but I'm certainly there at least twice a week. read more

LOVE TO RUN HERE! So many people; watching the boats ; seeing the city skyline. read more

I love and miss this place! I found it great for running, biking and rollerblading. I used the Charles River for its miles of terrain to long many a mile for training for the Boston Marathon. Its a great place to watch the 4July fireworks if you aren't able to catch the celebration show at the Hatchshell. There are parks boating and kayaking too; A little bit of everything for everyone! If you do run there be mindful. Though this river park runs through the city its a breeding ground for crime! It gets very dark and is an isolated area (s). Use caution and common sense when out there alone, ladies. read more

Plenty of grass, paths, and benches along the river to kick back and relax in the middle of the city. read more

Charles River Esplanade - Ducks and boats - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Awesome place to walk or run and take pictures! I usually walk along memorial drive. I love to come here and take photos. read more

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What a beautiful river! Don't miss walking along the esplanade. The Charles River is now the cleanest urban river so don't be shy; make sure to go kayaking and take a duck tour! read more

When I lived in Chicago, hardly a day would go by that I wouldn't be running, sunning or playing on the edges of Lake Michigan. So my natural choice for a favorite place in Boston is, of course, anywhere near the Charles. It's my primary running destination, a great place to stop for boat- and windsurf- watching, and each of the river's bridges serve as prime perches for showcasing Beantown city views to visitors. Tip: If you plan on walking across with a friend, choose a bridge other than the Longfellow - the sidewalk is a bit narrow for more than one person. I usually walk/run the Harvard Bridge on Mass Ave. read more

Well, congrats, Boston! You definitely beat out New York on rivers, sorry NYC, but the Hudson is downright nasty. Yes, I know, we're working on cleaning it up, but for the time being, I'd much rather walk down by the Charles. The fact that i see people canoing and rowing teams practicing in it makes me feel like if I wanted to, I could go do that too! But really, I'd rather walk. I don't have quite that much faith in the cleanliness of the Charles. read more

My 100th Yelp review has to be something near and dear to my heart. Having worked in Back Bay for over 4 years, I can honestly say that this is my favorite part of working in the area. The Charles made training for the Boston Marathon not-so-bad during one of the most dreadful winters. I have logged many miles along the Charles. Running past the Citgo sign on opening day, the blooming flowers in the spring, the sail boats in the summer and autumn leaves. If visiting the area, I would definitely recommend packing your walking (or running) shoes and enjoying this little slice of heaven in the heart of the city. read more

one of the best things about boston