The Esplanade was a revelation, one of the highlights of my trip to Boston! 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! read more

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" Definitely come " Been coming here since I was a kid . I definitely 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. read more

Somehow even after living in the Boston area for 4 years this was my first time EVER walking the Esplanade. It was such a beautiful way to break up my week. The breeze coming off the water and the lack of suburban noise made it feel like a little getaway. The little parks along the walk make it great for kids. S tier people watching as well! read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The esplanade is always a lovely scenic walk. Great place to walk your dog or pack a blanket for a picnic. Plenty of shady spots and benches to rest on a hot day. read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My daugher and like to go down here in the evening after the temperature goes does and watch the Sunset over the harbor. read more

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The Esplanade is a true urban sanctuary. Rather than reiterate the many true praises listed by others, I will add a few additional points of interest. Boston Marathon training brought me to this heavenly place many times. If running is your passion, search for "Charles River Running Map" to discover multiple routes and distances along the river, marked by its numerous bridges. Delving into the unusual, I'd note that you may occasionally see a brave backstroker navigating the currents of our celebrated waterway. Before you grab your swimming gear and dive in, please check local laws and regulations! This is mentioned because, recently, someone called the State Police to report a swimmer. Multiple units, including an ambulance arrived, whilst the swimmer stood waist deep in the river talking with police. In passing, I heard the policeman say "Well, I'm not going to come in and get you!" Finally, those who frequent the Charles may be treated with a rare glimpse of the elusive Canadian Goose! G read more

What a beautiful part of Boston. I go there for a regular dose of serenity, fresh air, and to find myself again in nature and wildlife. Lovely course along the river for the most refreshing views one could get in a decent sized city. read more

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This place is beautiful. If it's your first time in Boston, this walk is a must on a nice day. I was really close to not evening checking this place out but I'm so glad I did. I asked some locals for recommendations and they said you have to check this place out. I came in the early evening while the sun was going down (around 5PM in late September) and it was picturesque. I really enjoyed people watching along the walk with all the people with their dogs, doing water sports, all the gorgeous apartments along the river. Just perfect. I came by myself and didn't have a picnic or anything and still had a great time walking along the Charles River. It was also nice walking around the neighborhoods in this area. I felt super safe with lots of lovely homes to admire. The only thing was I didn't see any restrooms nor parking. I took public transportation to get here so I didn't have to worry about it. I was visiting from out of town so I'm not too familiar with the parking situation in this area. read more

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This is a great place that my family and I visited while we were in Boston. It is about a 3 mile little track going around the harbor paved and it's got spots we can play with the kids and parks and just all kinds of fun stuff for sure we took full of vantage of it took a lot of good pictures and had a really good walk in a lot of family fun read more

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I don't know how anyone could give the esplanade less than 5 stars!!! It is by far my favorite place in Boston and a must do when visiting! It is so peaceful and a great place to go for a run/walk, have a picnic, or even just people watch on a nice day. There is a ton of seating and a lot of the benches are under trees and nice and shady. It's surprisingly quiet and serene for a park so close to the main road. You can also rent boats and kayaks to spend a day on the water! read more

This is an excellent place to come to if you're looking for a place to escape the noise and the hustle and bustle of the city. There is about a three mile paved trail that is great for a nice, peaceful walk and you'll get great views of the Charles River as well as see some of the Boston skyscrapers which are a just a short distance from the Esplanade. Plus you can see some of the MIT buildings if you look over to the Cambridge side of the river. Lots of runners and walkers here and you will also see a lot of sailboats going by. The grounds are very extensive so it's a great place to bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy a picnic lunch. There isn't really much in the way of public parking here so you may have to park some distance away. If you are using public transportation I would take the #1 bus which goes down Massachusetts Avenue or you could also take the green line. It is a beautiful place to spend time and I would highly recommend it to anyone. read more

Always beautiful year-round! I lived in Cambridge for half a year and would always jog down Mass Ave. and through the Esplanade. This area is so beautiful, especially at sunset in the summer and fall. You also have your choice of bridges if you want to continue your run--I prefer the Longfellow Bridge but the Harvard Bridge is nice too. Sometimes in the summer you'll spot beer gardens popping up! This is a great area to have a picnic, kayak/sail, or simply take a walk after eating or shopping around Newbury. The 1 bus stops right on Mass Ave. and you have easy access to the green line as well. The Esplanade is one of my top recommendations for things to visit around Boston. read more

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Strolling through, I was reminiscing...don't cry over spilt milk. It doesn't do anyone any good to be unhappy about something already that has happened or that can't be helped. Choices in life while seeing this green scene. It's a great path to walk and run! Fall forward and keep moving. read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Beautiful spot to take a walk, bike ride, run or go for a picnic. Also amazing spot to watch the sunset. I love coming to the esplanade any time of year. read more

This is a super cool place to visit and a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. When I was able to visit Boston for vacation this year, I saw this place as a "must see" attraction for the city but I was shocked by the length and how large this area of the city really is. It offers awesome views of the Charles River and there's a ton to see and do. I really liked the little islands along the way and the sunrise and sunset views were fantastic as well. There are a number of bridges you can cross to get to Cambridge and the views throughout are just incredible! There's a lot to do here: walking, biking, boat and kayak rentals, and there are docks for fishing and boating as well. This is a great place to visit and experience some quiet time or a nice walk! read more

Simply gorgeous! Pros: + Great for those instagram shots + Great walking/running trails that's well paved + Kayaking + Plenty of great restaurants nearby to stop + Free to enjoy too! + Great for a cheap spring/summer date night + Stunning. I really cannot wait to come back when I'm here! read more

Come here if you want a sick view. The Esplanade is literally in the middle of the city and provides you with a breathtaking view of the skyline and Charles River. Come here for photos, relax, read a book, exercise or just for a stroll. Definitely bring your friends from out of town here! read more

I am so jealous of Boston residents who can come here frequently! While my friend and I were visiting, several people told us to check out this trail and both my friend and I were so happy we were able to! It's about a three mile trail and it's paved! A very wide path as well so lots of space to accommodate the abundance of people (and cute dogs!) on the trail. The views are amazingggg!!! There are docks that you can walk on and just sit and relax and soak up the serene atmosphere. It's so nice that after lots of shopping/eating in the city, there's the Esplanade to wind down nearby. I highly recommend everyone to check out the Esplanade! Definitely one of my favorite spots while I was visiting Boston! read more

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This is a great place to enjoy the view and get some exercise. I came here for an early morning run and there were tons of runners and walkers out doing the same thing as me. There is a nice breeze from the water, the trail is large and paved, and you feel safe in this well lit and high traffic area. Would also be a great place to have a picnic or bring kids to see the water! read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I used to walk around the Esplanade. Then, finally one year, we decided to camp out here all day near the Hatch shell for the 4th of July fireworks. We got the best seats in the house since we got there since 7 am. In the end, people came stomping on our towels and chairs just to see the fireworks. Now, I watch the fireworks on TV and get to say that we've been there in person. Also, this park is a great park to just clear your mind and take a little stroll through. In the spring/summer time, you'll see boats and the crew team out there, it's pretty beautiful. read more

A MUST visit if you're in Boston for vacation and enjoy nature. It was a beautiful day when we visited (not too sunny nor too windy), and we had a leisurely stroll from the Boston University bridge to the Massachusetts General Hospital. After walking across the bridge, we stopped by the Outdoor Gym near the Esplanade for a quick workout consisting of sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups. As a plus, there are a couple of water fountains nearby! The Esplanade consists of walking/running/biking trails that span about 3 miles along the Charles River on the Boston side. I could tell that this was a frequent spot for locals as many people were working out and walking their dogs along the path. Additionally, some visitors were just lounging in the sun and enjoying the water views. During our walk, we passed by multiple statues, the Hatch Shell amphitheater, and a modern playground for kids. Overall, our walk took about 2 hours with stops at the amphitheater, various statues, and pictures near the water. The only downside is that we didn't notice any public restrooms along the path. Would come back again if I'm in town! read more

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An esplanade is defined as a long, open, level area, typically by the sea, along which people may walk for pleasure. Since 1910, the city of Boston features an esplanade that is bordered by Storrow Drive (a limited access parkway) to the east and south and the Charles River to the west and north. It is a linear park that runs for approximately three miles from the area of the Boston University Bridge to the Boston Museum of Science. It is a three mile linear park that features islands, lagoons, the Hatch Shell, statues, and miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, and inline skaters. The Esplanade's biggest call to fame is the annual Boston Pops Fourth of July concert. Annually half a million people attend the show followed by a fireworks spectacular. Nearly a month after the 2016 Boston Pops Show, I hiked two miles of the Esplanade from the Cambridge Street footbridge at the north to Massachusetts Street at the west. In the City of Boston walking from point A to point B is fun. On the day that we saw the Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees, we made the decision to hike the Esplanade on a major part of the walk from the Beacon Hill Wyndham to Fenway Park. We'd follow the curve of the Charles River along the east then south shore. This was a walk that took us through nature in the shadow of the Boston skyline. As soon as we left Cambridge Street and crossed one of the eight pedestrian bridges across Storrow Drive into the Esplanade, we were greeted by the open blue spaces of the Charles River. In the distance stood the famous Citgo sign. This is the landmark for Fenway Park seen in thousands of Boston Red Sox televised games. Walking the Esplanade would be exercise and relaxation. In the idyllic landscape we'd take a couple of breaks on a bench. Every bench delivered a mesmerizing Vista. Likewise every step delivered a mesmerizing Vista. When we walked onto the paved path, there was a view of Longfellow Bridge bringing Cambridge Street to the M.I.T skyline. After passing several mature trees, Sailboats came into view. Several were docked in the lagoon where several were sailing by M.I.T. Only a month after half a million people filled the Hatch Shell, it was now peaceful. In this peaceful spot there is a large cannon. Nearby there is a statue bust of Arthur Fiedler, a famous local musician that played a big role in the Boston Pops. After making a curve that changed the direction from South toward Back Bay to West toward the Harvard Bridge, we were on a walking path between a lagoon and the Charles River. Looking down in the lagoon, I took in waterfowl. Looking straight I saw the tree lined Storrow Drive Parkway. Looking up I saw two of New England's tallest buildings: The Prudential Tower and John Hancock Building. Looking the opposite way I saw Sailboats sailing by M.I.T. Looking down the paved walking trail it aimed straight west toward Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge on a flat topography. We'd share the walking path with joggers, bicyclists, hikers, and dogs. There was a very positive energy. Without intersections and traffic lights this scenic route covered a lot of Boston territory in good time. Before we knew it the Citgo sign that was so far away where we got on from Cambridge Street was so near when we got off at Massachusetts Street. The last vista that the Esplanade presented us with was a grand view of the Harvard Bridge. read more

This is the most beautiful place to jog, dog walk, bring your kids to play, have pinics, and watch excellent free concerts at the Hatch Shell. The biggest concert is the 4th of July and it is crowded. This place also has wonderful summer schedules of seeing Free Friday Flicks and live classical concerts each Wednesday and it's also a haven for daily exercises promoted by different gyms. I love this playground. Also various festivals are celebrated throughout the year like the Earthfest. It is so beautiful and you see a lot of live animals like ducks ducklings, geese, cranes, and fish. I think the most beautiful time is Spring and Fall. read more

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Yyyaaaaaassss Boston!! Yaassss. My hubby and I visited Boston and as we were riding through the streets we kept getting glimpses of people running a walking & running. So we decided to investigate. And we both we extremely happy that we found this area. Such a beautiful area, and it seems like it went on forever. Bikers, skaters, walkers and runners. There were parks for the kids, and lots of places to just sit, chill and enjoy the view. We were here in the early fall and there still folks doing water activities, kayaking and such. If you are from out of town and have some down time or just craving to get some fresh air away from downtown, grab a sandwich and a blanket, this is your place read more

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Walking on the Esplanade was what really clinched the ultimate, perfect Boston getaway for me. We spent the entire day walking from Copley Square to the Boston Public Garden to the Freedom Trail up to North End, and we eventually found ourselves in Back Bay close to the Charles River Esplanade. This is a three-mile path along the Boston shore of the Charles River from the Boston Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge. This is clearly a popular place for locals and tourists. And why wouldn't it be? Walking on the Esplanade, you get to see people engaged in all kinds of activities. Sailing, kayaking, sunbathing, slack lining, jogging, biking, picnicking, sleeping in hammocks, and more. I love seeing the sailboats on the Charles River, as well as the Cambridge skyline on the other side of Charles River. It's a beautiful sight no matter what time of the year. There are playgrounds for the kids, an exercise course, a baseball field, tennis courts, and a field for pick-up games and picnicking. The Esplanade is also home to the Hatch Shell, popular for its community events and concerts. You can find a few boathouses for renting sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards too. A lot of folks like to lay out and/or picnic on the docks. There's even a gondola ride you can take (Gondola di Venezia) on an authentic, Italian gondola boat. Along the Esplanade, you'll also see people kayak in the Storrow Lagoon between the Esplanade and the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path. There are many footbridges along the Esplanade which allow you to walk to and from the Esplanade to the bike path. If you have time while you're in Boston, I would highly recommend wandering over to the Charles River Esplanade for some downtime. It's serene, it's bustling, and it's a gorgeous view of everything that embodies the spirit of Beantown. read more

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I can now say I've run (in the city of) Boston. I'm so glad I decided to skip the hotel gym workout and run amongst the people in a gorgeous setting. The Esplanade was filled with runners, walkers, cyclists, skaters, sun bathers, dogs and many others just enjoying the beauty. There were even groups of runners who appeared to be in training. There is a path that brings you closer to the water and another which puts you further back to the street and a little more in the shade. Of course a bridge selfie was necessary. I'm so glad I had this beautiful and totally free experience in Boston. read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The Esplanade was definitely one of my favorite things about living in Boston and being around Back Bay. No matter if it's a sunny day or a snowy one, the Esplanade is a gorgeous, halcyon area to hang out and relax. Located right by the Charles River, the Esplanade has a number of areas to picnic, play frisbee, sit on benches, and exercise. The trails are perfect for running, power-walking or biking and people are generally good about sticking to the right side or calling out as needed. Other highlights would be the various docks where people can lay out on and dip their toes in the water. During the summertime, don't be surprised to find it packed with people suntanning across the docks. Looking out on the dock, you'll see people sailing, kayaking, MIT, the red line, and just a lot of beautiful people. There is also a smaller river in-between the Charles River and the start of the Esplanade where people can kayak through. The bridges over the smaller river are super romantic as well. During the Fourth of July, the Boston Pops Concert takes place (get in early!) and the place becomes packed. Even finding a spot on the dock or on the grass gets difficult by 10pm. Which makes sense given the fireworks are launched pretty close by. A really popular spot amongst both tourists and locals. read more

The Esplanade - Wintertime - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I found this place on a walking journey through downtown Boston. I zipped through the Boston Commons and followed a bridge that went over the highway. On the other side, I discovered paradise. The dock/pier area is perfect for lying out and soaking in the rays. There is also a path for runners/bikers. I plopped down on the wooden pier and dipped my feet into the cool water. Soon after, I was lulled to sleep by the soft sounds of water all around me. It was pure paradise. I felt almost as if I was in the Bahamas or Hawaii - laying out beachside. If you don't feel like napping, you can watch the sailboats and kayaks dance along the river. Add in a beautiful sunset, and you've got yourself a spectacular date spot. Paradise lost, is the Esplanade. read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

For my 200th, how about a gushy-fangirl-review of the Esplanade? Ok. To me, the Esplanade is the best part of the entire city (including the burbs). There is truly nothing better than packing a lunch, biking along the Charles, through the trees and breeze, and camping out on the docks reading magazines, napping, and taking in the view. The Esplanade is the best place to catch a sunset. The Esplanade is the best place to sailboat-watch. The Esplanade is the best place to ooh-and-aah at the skyline. The Esplanade is the best place to jog, rollerblade, and baby-stroller your little heart out. The Esplanade is the best place to drown out the world with your iPod and chillaxxx I mega-heart you Esplanade! read more

The Esplanade - Sailboats and sunsets - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It was a very relaxing and beautiful place. It can be quite crowded on a nice day, people walk their dogs, or run, or just chill around. It is close to where my husband live so we used to take a walk there together. We decided to have our engagement photo taken there and it turns out beautiful. The pictures dont seem like they were taken in the city at all. read more

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This is a great location to disengage and relax by the Charles River Great view of Cambridge on the other side as well as seeing the sail boats Really a great spot read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Breathtaking. Gorgeous. Stunning. Beautiful. The first time I was here was to watch 4th of July fireworks. Lets just say, the amount of people packed into this place was a little disgusting. Fireworks were amazing though. (but not doing that again) I went back the next day because I wanted a peaceful, quiet view of the river. And WOW. it was blisteringly hot, but that didn't take away from the peaceful beauty of this place. (ok so the cars on the street was kinda loud..put on headphones, or have a pleasant companion to chit chat with so the sound of cars can be lost in the background) Find a patch of shadow under a tree, and admire the beauty of the river! There are people kayaking, riding bikes, taking walks...its quite a romantic place, would love to take a romantic stroll in the evening. It was the best 2 hours of my Boston trip, truly. read more

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Easily my favorite "Park" in boston. its Aesteticlly amazing. Do this: 1) Get a Small group of pals 2) Pick a mid-week evening that works for everyone 3) Rent some of those hub-spot bikes (or use your own if you have them) 4) Buy some quality deli sandwiches and snacks 5) Get some lime-ade and vodka, and ice 6) Pack perviously mentioned items in backpacks along with a blanket 7) Bike up and down the esplande until you find the perfect spot 8) Post up a little before sunset 9) Eat, Drink, Be Merry and watch sail boats zip around until the sunsets over the charles river and cambridge skyline. 10) Do this at least once per year 11) Watch Futurama (has nothing to do with this, but its a great show) read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Green space is what it's all about when living in big cities! I am very thankful for the Esplanade and paths around the Charles River. Most of my time on the esplanade is spent running the paths. I love it when the boats are out on the water. I love it when people are out for strolls with their family, kids, and pets! Cyclists are also abundant and everyone who utilizes the paths are great company! I learned from a friend that several of the running stores in town help to keep the paths clean during the winter months. Many thanks to these companies. The Adirondack chairs peppered along the esplanade is great for chilling with a book or just to take in the view. read more

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This is one of the reasons I love Boston. There's nowhere to run in Boston. You'll mess up your ankles and shoes from running on the brick roads. So luckily, I found the trail along the Esplanade. I forgot to bring my ipod once, and I was forced to entertain myself during my daily run from the Longfellow bridge to the Mass Ave bridge and back. Between the 2 bridges, I saw the following things: 1. sunbathers lying along the docks 2. a dog leaping into the river to fetch a tossed ball 3. a man walking on a tightrope 4. kayaks, sailboats, windsurfers drifting along the river 5. tourists making inappropriate gestures to that head sculpture for a good photo op 6. boston orchestra playing a free show at the hatchshell Ahhh so much going on in one short run. Perhaps I am too used to seeing bums, trash, and smog in LA but running along the Esplanade sometimes seems unreal. Never imagined so many people still read on a park bench or have picnics by the river. My one problem (it's actually Boston's problem, not the Esplanade's) is that it's too hot to run here in the summer! read more

The Esplanade - the view of the Charles from the Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This park area stretches along Charles River between Mass Ave. and Longfellow bridge. You typically hear about it during the 4th of July. But it's also a wonderful area to come out during other times of the year. You will certainly see many sailboats, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters as well as landscaped hills, lakes and bridges. The Esplanade is where you will see the Hatch Shell, Boston's famous outdoor music amphitheater. Also Community Boating is here and that is where you can join to be a member of a sailing club offering inexpensive sailing lessons and boat rentals. read more

The Esplanade - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Don't know why people are posting the esplanade is closed. This park along the river is one of my most favorite parks, from sunrise to sunset. Spring time when the cherry blossom bloom is the best. Running along the river around summer time is the best. Spectacular views. Love the docks with people just mingling, the benches that face the river, not to mention walking my dog is fun here. Must go during spring and summer. read more

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I like to ride my bicycle along the river when it's not too cold. It can get pretty crowded when the weather is nice(especially docks), but probably for a good reason. Also a good location for engagement photos. read more

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The BEST park in Boston by far. Running along the banks of the Charles River just north of Back Bay, the Esplanade gives you the chance to temporarily escape city life. Whether you want to run, walk, bike, sail, kayak, or even take a gondola ride you can do it all here! Venture between the Longfellow Bridge down to Boston University without ever having to cross into the city. Along the way you'll find breath taking foliage, statues of famed Bostonians, docks that jut out onto the water and you'll do it all with the city skyline lingering behind you. My favorite spot along the whole river is the area near the Dartmouth Street cross bridge where you can have a body of water on either side of you while you walk. On the edge of this area you'll find a gigantic willow tree that's lying lazily along the ground. It's a PERFECT spot for a picture and a beautiful sunset. If you're visiting Boston in the Spring, Summer or early Fall then you MUST add this to your itinerary. After an afternoon of shopping on Newbury street walk 10 minutes north to one of the cross bridges (Find a map for these on the Esplanade's official website). Whoever you are, stop what you're doing and get on over to the Esplanade immediately. You won't regret it! read more

Lovely in the summer, cold in the winter. One of the best spots in Boston! Kids love the large playgrounds. Great biking and running there too! read more