Working or going to school in Boston comes with a lot of benefits, but sometimes I miss being outside and not in a city. It’s always fun to bring a blanket, lay down in a park, and enjoy being outside. Here’s a list of what I think are the top 5 green spaces in Boston. It’s nice to spend a little time enjoying the nice weather before you’re stuck in the library studying for finals!
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Rose Kennedy Greenway
The greenway is a public park and greenspace that is located right in downtown Boston! It starts around North Station and runs all the way down to South Station. It’s a great place to spend your lunch break if you work near there, or to enjoy a nice stroll! There’s seating and space to spread out. The Greenway also hosts events, festivals and they have food trucks! They even offer different fitness classes! Check out the link below to learn more about upcoming events: https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/events/
(Picture from: https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/)
2. Charles River Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is a short distance from the Fenway area, and offers beautiful views of downtown Boston. It starts near North Station and runs up from there towards Allston/Brighton and beyond! Walking along the Esplanade, you see people working out, reading a book, sailing, or even taking their dog for a walk. Like the Greenway, the esplanade has so many great events! The esplanade is my favorite place to enjoy the sunset and golden hour – gotta get those insta worthy pics! There’s even Community Boating, where you can rent sailboats and kayaks to enjoy a nice boating excursion on the Charles! What a great way to spend a beautiful spring day! Check out the link below, to learn more about upcoming events presented by the Esplanade Association: https://esplanade.org/events/ (Photo taken from https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/boston-esplanade.html)
3. Norman B. Leventhal Park
Located in the heart of Boston’s financial district, the Norman B. Leventhal Park offers a quick escape from downtown Boston. This park is kept in the best condition for park goers by the organization of Friends of the Post Office Square. There are vines, tall trees, flowers and even a fountain. This park even offers free wifi, what a great place to study for finals! In the summer, they even offer a series of mid day concerts. Check out this link to be updated on more upcoming events: https://www.normanbleventhalpark.org/calendar/ (Picture taken from https://www.planning.org/greatplaces/spaces/2013/leventhalpark.htm)
4. Public Garden
Separate from Boston Common, the Public Garden offers a unique green space in the heart of downtown Boston. The Public Garden is the location of the iconic Swan Boats and the beautiful bridges. It is just a quick walk from Copley and Newbury street. It’s a great place to watch the city squirrels and take a nice stroll. Always fun to pass through here! To learn more about events sponsored by the Friends of the Public Garden, check out the link below: https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/events/
(Picture taken from https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/boston-public-garden.html)
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is one of my favorite places in Boston. It is even better in the spring/summer because of the changes they have in their Courtyard greenspace, located inside the museum. In addition to gardens on the exterior, besides the beautiful art inside, the ISGM has a beautiful courtyard. The continuously blooming and changing Courtyard, is an oasis located in the Fenway. Located steps from Simmons and MassArt, the ISGM, brings the outdoors inside. The spring is the best time to visit because in the courtyard they have hanging nasturtiums, which are so pretty! It’s a must see! Check out this link for some fun events: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar
(Picture from https://blo.org/event/pop-up-performances-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum/)