Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    North Point Park

    4.5 (28 reviews)

    North Point Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - North Point Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Cristina R.

    If you happen upon this park on a weekday, you may wonder why there are a bunch of 20-somethings seemingly hanging out here all the time. That's because the EF Education First building is located in this formerly industrial, somewhat isolated section of East Cambridge, and we love our "front lawn." In the summer, you'll find us eating lunch, having casual meetings, and even taking pilates classes in North Point Park. This August, EF hosted River & a Movie events every Wednesday at 8 PM during which a travel-related film (Midnight in Paris; Eat, Pray, Love; Casablanca; National Lampoon's European Vacation) was shown on a huge screen in the park. The events were open to the public and offered free concessions and an incredible movie-watching experience. Beforehand, both EFers and the general public enjoyed food and drink specials at Lingo Bar & Cafe, the restaurant inside the EF building. NPP is spacious and inviting. There is always an appealing bench to sit on overlooking the Charles or a tree just calling to be laid under. This vantage point offers amazing views of sights such as the Museum of Science and the Zakim Bridge. I just wish it were perpetually nice outside so we could enjoy it year-round. In winter all we can do is look at the snow-covered park from our office windows. That's Boston for ya. But even in frigid temperatures, I still appreciate North Point Park for providing us with a pretty view.

    The selection of Parking Stinks...!!
    Tracy B.

    Ok so I dont wanna give this park a good review, because I dont want people to go here & it get all busy all the time now... OMG... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this park... I found it here on Yelp when I was looking for nice, decent parks/Waterparks for my son... and I decided I would give it a try... We went today (during the Heat wave of the summer of 2011 - it was 100"), but in the shade under the cover at the picnic table & with the breeze it was great... I never once felt OMG hot... I wonder if the breeze was just a today thing or if being that close to the water will always have a breeze... But this park is my absolute new fave... There are SEVERAL climbing, sliding things for the kids & they are all Toddler acceptable & the other little section might be for bigger kids but even that is Toddler acceptable... There are sprinklers that are activated by you, so you can turn on at your leisure... There is a rock climbing wall, there is a workout section, the view is PHENOMENAL and I just cant find a bad thing to say about this park.. WAIT.... The Parking... Ugh, there is street parking for about 12 cars in the immediate area & after that you might have to walk a block or so... Today was my first day at the park & I got the first space... Hope I can have that luck next time & there will be SEVERAL next times... I might even go tomorrow, this park was just soo great!!! And we only conquered a little of it, maybe next time we will walk the paths!

    Shisheen H.

    Excellent park for tourists. I took my sister here because it was her first time in Boston. It's clean, great for walking and biking. There is a playground near by for kids. Unfortunately, there is limited parking at the education center side street but it's free. There is also no restrooms unless you go to one on the other side leading in the city or at the education center.

    Pretty nice for a park that's never been open
    Richard S.

    Spectacular spot for a park, and way overdue. But when is this thing going to go live, actually? Right now it's just sitting there, practically finished, with lots of daffodils blooming and granite-lined canals just waiting for kids in kayaks to paddle through them like Venetian gondoliers.

    Sunrise
    Indeo L.

    This park continues to be a wonderful haven in the city. Now that the weather is improving, the sun is shining, and more people are enjoying the park, crazy shenanigans threaten this amazing place. Some words of warning: (1) during the weekday, Cashman employees are parking in the park. Not the side streets, and not the circle. They keep their cars inside the park, near the water and lawn. They insists that they "own" the park, and they can do what they want. Just beware of cars driving on the walkways, as you play with your children and pets, (2) the City of Cambridge owns the park (contrary to what Cashman believes) and my tax dollars help support it; but Cambridge animal control has refused to follow-up on complaints, including sightings of coyotes in the area. In the past week, 3 coyotes have been seen, and animal control has said, "sorry, not our problem, we don't patrol this park." They suggest you call the DCR rangers, in case you run into a coyote or a spastic, off leash dog with an irresponsible owner (3) some parts of the children's play areas have been broken for months. DCR has very nicely warned folks of the danger spots, but no one has claimed ownership for repairs. In other words, "not our problem" is a common mantra, when it comes to this park. Overall, North Point Park continues to be an awesome spot-- but, until someone takes responsibility for maintenance and animal control, proceed at your own risk...

    Gabrielle B.

    I love walking my pup around the park, we always run into other dogs he can play with! Very convenient to my home, and very pretty in the summer! Another plus is the walking bridge to Charlestown if we need an extra long walk to burn off some puppy energy.

    View looking north after 6" new snow.
    Jane E.

    I just discovered this gem of a park after the most recent blizzard to sweep through boston. I have now been several times, and have never seen more than one or two people there, even on the weekend! Great views, minimal street noise, and pretty sprawling. As fun in the winter as I'm sure it will be in the summer. Easy walking access, parking not so much.

    View of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge from North Point Park

    See all

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fox E.
    4535
    16893
    49976

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Darren F.
    103
    647
    67

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adriana G.
    223
    13
    10

    8 years ago

    I ride my bike here and bring my mini poodle for a stroll. Love the views. Makes me feel like I am in a different place.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C D.
    0
    16
    2

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liliana C.
    265
    256
    379

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ina c.
    2
    19
    1

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eoin C.
    12
    17
    0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Great playground for a wide range of ages, particularly on the summer when the sprinklers are on.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - North Point Park

    Review Highlights - North Point Park

    This vantage point offers amazing views of sights such as the Museum of Science and the Zakim Bridge.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 4,979 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Magazine Beach Bath House & Pool - New, larger stairways and at the other end is a fully compliant ADA accessible ramp.

    Magazine Beach Bath House & Pool

    (21 reviews)

    Actual name to use when looking up hours: Veterans Memorial Pool…read more For the convenient location in Cambridge, I was surprised that the pool wasn't at all crowded when visiting on Sunday afternoons this summer! There aren't very shallow areas for the toddlers like there are at some of the other DCR pools, such as Connors Memorial Pool in Waltham, which probably helps to keep the crowds down. But the pool is very spacious and has enough space both for lap swimmers and kids playing. The spray deck just outside is great for the younger kids, too.

    I had a previous review on here stating that the pool had no shade on the decks and the changing…read morerooms did not have privacy walls. It's a year later and they've done extensive updates to the pool location. 1. There's now an ADA regulation ramp with rails going into the pool for those in wheelchairs or who have trouble walking. 2. They added easier steps and hand rails for children and families to enter at the opposite end (long stairs that slope gently instead of ladder style.) 3. They have added permanent shade awnings around the pool, along with wooden benches underneath them (definitely still try to come early because those get snapped up quickly.) 4. The changing rooms are the same, but entering the locker rooms, there is now almost a rubberized "curtain" of small strips to walk through that creates privacy. Previously anyone walking by in the main corridor could see directly in. 5. The splash pad/fountain area has awnings and benches around it, and is ADA accessible. As of summer of 2023, the pool is open 7 days a week from 11:15AM-6:00PM. The changes have greatly improved the property, and it's a place where you can come and stay all day instead of roasting on hot concrete. They also have water fountains and outdoor showers along the pool deck for getting a quick drink and rinsing off.

    Ginny Smithers Pool - Family swim in the smaller of the two pools

    Ginny Smithers Pool

    (7 reviews)

    This is a very beautiful pool. I wish it were available more often, but the building is, after…read moreall, a public school. It's worth adjusting one's schedule for at least one or two visits, especially during summer heat waves. The showers offered privacy, but -- during my visits during heat waves -- no hot water. The Cambridge YMCA on Mass Ave. also offers cold showers only. My issue is with another post here that the pool at Somerville YMCA on Highland Street is inferior. I've been swimming there since the 1980s. Compared to many local pools, it's Buckingham Palace. The building dates back to 1904, which is an automatic turn-off for many people, even though Somerville YMCA is kept clean & orderly and offers everything you need to stay fit and toned. I love the beautiful old tiles that line the pool room walls and the peaceful atmosphere for lap swimming without someone else's music blasting away -- as at the MIT pool, to "keep the lifeguards awake." If the windows were unsealed to admit natural light, it would be perfect. To swim a mile, you must do 44 laps. Some experienced swimmers find this confining, but it's just right for beginning/moderate swimmers. The showers are excellent; for a little extra money, there's the women's and men's health club rooms, which offer secure lockers, curtained private showers, towels, and a small gym with plenty of equipment. Ginny Smith offers kick boards, but not fins. You must carry in all your gear and take it with you when you leave. The separate shallow pool is a perfect place to do shallow-water aquatics or physical therapy workouts. Lifeguards friendly & helpful. Desk staff -- during my few visits -- seemed inexperienced and inadequately trained. Perhaps there's too much staff turnover: my guess. A must-visit pool.

    I actually had a very pleasant swim during the senior lap swim session. The pool was a nice…read moretemperature and not too crowded. When I went to take a shower post swim, I discovered that many of the showers don't work. With the help of other patrons, I found one that was OK. Kind of a bummer that most don't work. On the way out, I met the director of the pool and mentioned the showers. She was the snippiest and rudest admin person I've come across in a long time. Full of herself and with a big time attitude ... "I'm not a plumber!" she told me. Oh my gosh - who hired her?! Not a person you would want representing such an important and promising facility.

    The Boston Common Frog Pond - Skating away!

    The Boston Common Frog Pond

    (138 reviews)

    Romantic notion when you're pretty much skating on concrete?…read more The admission fee and rentals make this spot totally not worth. You're really only here for the location and that nebulous "romantic feel". The ice itself is atrocious, even though the rink (and I use that term lightly) does get a Zamboni out from time-to-time. But the ice is so uneven. You can see concrete in some spots, with how some of the ice is so thin. You'll encounter a lot of folks that cannot stay vertical on skates, it's just the reality. Don't be surprised when someone behind you suddenly grabs you in desperation to prevent themselves from falling. Plus it's super crowded here during peak times. There are so many other nearby spots of grab better and more affordable concessions, so don't fall for the ones here.

    Had a great time skating there with one of my friends the other day it was quite busy which is…read morefine. Unfortunately when I went I needed my blades sharpened but the guy who could do that wasn't there, oh well next time. Went to go get a locker and u have to pay for it when u enter and it just wasn't clear and I felt like I was cutting the long line by getting a locker. Stopped and grabbed a lil snack and my friend and I both got the 50/50 and fries were good but they had the best onion ring I've ever had! If you have them I recommend bringing your own skates to save time and money but a great activity for almost any age

    The Esplanade - Nighttime

    The Esplanade

    (100 reviews)

    Beacon Hill

    The Esplanade was a revelation, one of the highlights of my trip to Boston!…read more We took the T-red, got off Charles/MGH and it was a short walk to the Esplanade, a few miles alongside Charles Rivers with beautiful views of the river, wild life, the bridge and the city! We went on a Saturday morning, locals were walking, jogging, sitting on a bench drinking their coffee. Teams were out in the water roving, a nice visual Boston cliche that you see in movies, but I got to see for real. You can walk for miles here, till you get to the BU Bridge in parallel with the beautiful houses of Beacon Hill. Nice nature, cute bridges, birds, peaceful spots to stop by and look at the water, enjoy a book or a coffee. Nice locals offered to take our photos and we enjoyed chatted with. Beautiful sculptures, clean restrooms, lots of greenery. Great spot for a picnic also. I am sure it's pretty here at sunset. I am sure they have events here as well. My husband regrets not knowing about it. He went to Boston University and walked the BU Beach and the Bridge, but wasn't aware of this part. He would have loved to come here for peaceful walks and some reading. We didn't want to leave. A must see place in Boston!

    " Definitely come " Been coming here since I was a kid . I…read moredefinitely recommend coming here . If visiting and especially if you live in Boston . Parking is very difficult. You can google how to transport by public transit. Or google a parking lot but it will be pricey.

    North Point Park - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...