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Making the Most of Boston’s Outdoor Activities

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Suffolk chapter.

Now that the weather is getting nicer (well, kind of), everyone can finally venture out of their houses to see what Boston has to offer! If you’re like me, you are already doing some research on activities to do to enjoy all that Boston has to offer during this spring. Here are some of the best outdoor activities I found to do around Boston!

 

Duck Boat Tours

This is the perfect way to see all of Boston in the most unique way possible. Passengers will travel by land and sea around the most popular spots in Boston. Tickets can be purchased online for $37.50 (Adults). With a valid college ID, students can get tickets for $31!

 

Walking in the Boston Common and Public Garden

If you happen to love a park with scenic views, the Boston Common and Public Garden are the perfect places for you! The Common is filled with paths that lead to places like the Frog Pond, Massachusetts State House, and a dog park. There’s also a trail that leads to my personal favorite place, the Public Garden.

The Public Garden, which is a little more scenic and quiet than the Common, has paths that lead to a water fountain, a bridge and a large statue of George Washington surrounded by a gorgeous garden. Both places are perfect for picnics, walks, or places to just sit and admire!

 

Freedom Trail

For people who prefer walking tours instead of transit tours like the Duck Boats, the Freedom Trail is perfect for you. These 2.5 mile tours can be guided or even self lead. If you choose to have a guide, tours begin at 11 am and run every hour until 2pm. If you choose to lead your own tour, it is pretty simple, just begin at the tourist center in the Boston Common and follow the red lines all across the city.

 

Whale Watching

An activity unique to Boston is whale watching! Every year, Boston Harbor Cruise partners up with the New England Aquarium to take customers right to one of the most popular feeding grounds for whales. The trip includes facts about popular marine life in the area, scientific tracking and of course glimpses of several types of whales up close. Whale sightings are guaranteed – so much so that if you do not see one, you receive a free ticket!

 

Charles River Esplanade

The Esplanade is another amazing place for a walk or run with gorgeous views of Boston! This 3-mile path is right on the edge of the Charles River and allows guests to see the entire city skyline from certain angles. You can begin this walk at the Museum of Science.

 

Boston Harbor Cruise

Another one of my favorite outdoor Boston activities is a harbor cruise. There are several types of cruises to choose from that can take you all around the city, giving a spectacular view of the skyline! I recommend taking the cruise at night for a great picture of the skyline lit up… it’s certainly something you don’t want to miss! You can find more information on the Boston Harbor Cruise website: bostonharborcruises.com.

 

Swan Boats

Something fun for all ages is a ride on the swan boats! These boats go through the pond in the Public Garden for only a small price of $3.50 per adult. This short ride is a Boston tradition that is not one to be missed.

 

Franklin Park Zoo

Another activity for all ages is a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo! The 72-acre zoo is home to animals such as tigers, lions, horses, birds, camels, and even butterflies. Tickets for adult non- members are $19.95.

 

Red Sox Games/Fenway Tours

You absolutely cannot go through spring without attending a Red Sox game, especially when you live in Boston! Nothing beats sitting in Fenway Park, cheering on Boston’s most beloved baseball team. Tickets to games range depending on the opponent. If the games aren’t your thing though, you can enjoy a tour of historic Fenway Park instead! Tours leave every hour between 11am and 5pm and cost about $18.

 

Castle Island

Castle Island is a little recreation site right in South Boston. It is also the sight of Fort Independence. This ‘island’ is a great place for a walk and sight for great pictures, seeing as it is almost completely surrounded by water. This is a great place for a picnic as well. Take a trip here and you wont forget it! It is an awesome place outside of downtown that allows you to just get away when the city life becomes too hectic.