Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden
4.5
About
This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Boston Public Garden
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Beacon Hill
Visit this historic and ritzy Boston neighborhood to soak up its classic New England charm as you stroll down cobblestoned, gas-lamp lined streets. Bring your walking shoes, camera, and select a nice day to wander through the hilly neighborhood and check out its exclusive addresses. Louisburg Square, Mt. Vernon street, Chestnut street and the extremely narrow and widely photographed Acorn street make a nice walking path. Make sure to meander down Charles street to poke into boutiques and antique shops, cafes, and restaurants on this quaint shopping street. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse up close of the State House with its beautiful and iconic dome.
How to get there
- Arlington • 4 min walk
- Boylston • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,835 within 3 miles
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980 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- AniketHouston, Texas13 contributionsVisit during SpringVisited the Boston Garden during spring. Since there are lots of trees and flora, you can see spring in full bloom here. It is very beautiful and charming. You can bring your family, or significant other or even come solo. There are walking paths and sometimes you see street vendors on the outskirts.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 February 2024
- RayGCincinnati_OH270 contributionsBoston Public GardenThis was the first public botanical garden in America. The flora is attractive and it's a nice walk thru the Garden. Of course, they have Swan Boats! The boats take you on a pleasant ride around the lagoon.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- Derrick AwSingapore, Singapore1,253 contributionsA large beautiful clean urban parkThis is one of the more beautiful urban gardens I’ve been to. The area is huge, and very CLEAN. There are lots of benches (or you can just put a rug on the vast expanse of grass). Some interesting monuments and art installations notably look out for “The Embrace”. The park is divided into two portions separated by a road. On one side are lots of flower beds (mainly tulips, which are always pretty) and a lake with boat rides. I popped by after lunch and sat and walked around, leisurely, for almost two hours. It’s nice, in this cool weather!!Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 April 2024
- Alireza123Tehran, Iran1,385 contributionsBeautiful garden in the heart of BistonMy wife and I stayed in Boston for four nights. Our hotel was near the garden and we arranged to cross it every day of our stay at least two times. In April it was a frame of a master piece. Very beautiful . It is not very big like central park in NY If you sit for a few minutes, one hour is enough. If you want to eat and drink and play half a day is good .Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
- jerrys01Bel Air, Maryland644 contributionsA beautiful walk through the gardenI actually consider the Garden to be more of a park. Yes, there are some flowers, but with the paths, waterways, swan boats, etc., the elements of a great public park are present. My wife and I spent a pleasant hour strolling the grounds and enjoying the fresh and (for once) sunny air.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2024
- MarleneBoston, Massachusetts10 contributionsMy favorite place!The Boston Public Garden is my favorite place to wind down after work and to spend some good time during summer. Its serene atmosphere, beautiful flowerbeds, and peaceful lagoon create a perfect escape from the city's hustle. The swan boats add a charming touch, and there's always a quiet bench to relax on. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll or just soaking in the beauty, the garden is an ideal spot to chill.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 29 June 2024
- Laurie127 contributionsBeautiful and restful.There are many clean paths, beautiful sculptures scattered throughout. The flowers are beautiful and there are a lot of benches in the shade to rest and relax. The swan rides on the water end just before Labor Day, so if you’re wanting to do that now, you’re too late.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
9,998 reviews
Excellent
7,186
Very good
2,508
Average
286
Poor
13
Terrible
6
Sue C
Auckland, New Zealand31 contributions
Sept 2019
The statues of Mrs Mallard and her ducklings was such a highlight Read this book many times to my children and the my school classes. And on looking at the book again I saw all the things I saw in the park, swan boats, statues, the title island in the lake. So delightful.Loved it.
Written 18 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
11 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
By far this is one of the prettiest places to visit and relax in Boston. Loaded with beautiful flower gardens and magnificent trees, it is really the breath of fresh air you need when visiting a big city. It is a great place for people watching, elegant and central to everything. There is nothing more romantic or relaxing than a stroll through the garden
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen P
Quincy, MA294 contributions
Jun 2021
A nice green space in the center of Boston. You can walk completely around/through Boston Commons/The Public garden in an hour easy. That being said it has a cute lake and a display of tulips in the spring that draws people from all over to come and take photos in it.
It is nice enough to walk around. Their are occasional musicians performing around.
It is nice enough to walk around. Their are occasional musicians performing around.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure Diva
Manchester, CT2,796 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Boston Public Garden's vibrant floral patterns with colorful displays make me come back year after year. This is the first botanical garden in the U.S. where their serene pathways are great for strolling. Take a calming swan boat ride to make your experience special.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rafrew
Townsville, Australia93 contributions
Oct 2019
The Public Garden was a short walk from our hotel and we found ourselves there a number of times. We were there to see the beautiful colors of the Autumn/Fall leaves. There is a statue of Paul Revere in the park as well as a lovely foot bridge over a lagoon where the swan boats are. The Public Gardens are adjacent to the Boston Common, but are much better. Make sure you visit it - you'll be surprised at how long you actually stay there !
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry-Calif
San Francisco, CA364 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Across the street from the Boston Common is the garden is one of the most beautiful and scenic with lush landscaping place.
Originally the muddy salt flats of the Back Bay was gradually filled with excavation from Beacon Hill. The area between the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden was used as an unofficial dumping ground, due to being the lowest-lying portion of the Garden. The area (now known as Charles Street) was regraded with the excavation of the nearby Tremont Street Subway
Adjacent to Charles Street is the landscaped Boston Public Garden (24 acres) with numerous paths, many seasoned flower beds, a number of fountains, statues, signature suspension bridge over the middle of the pond.
One of the most famous sculptures is “Make Way for the Duckings” a bronze sculpture of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings was installed near the corner of Beacon Street & Charles Street area. Mrs. Mallard’s baby Duckings are named “Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack.” Little kids hug, kiss, climb on and feed the bronze ducks.
The best time to visit the Public Garden is early morning when the birds are just beginning to start the day with their song and the joggers are out running and they dog walkers are strolling through the park. Sitting here in the glorious landscaping, sensing the coolness of the shady trees and experiencing peace all around I feel like I am in BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN … at the Boston Public Garden.
Originally the muddy salt flats of the Back Bay was gradually filled with excavation from Beacon Hill. The area between the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden was used as an unofficial dumping ground, due to being the lowest-lying portion of the Garden. The area (now known as Charles Street) was regraded with the excavation of the nearby Tremont Street Subway
Adjacent to Charles Street is the landscaped Boston Public Garden (24 acres) with numerous paths, many seasoned flower beds, a number of fountains, statues, signature suspension bridge over the middle of the pond.
One of the most famous sculptures is “Make Way for the Duckings” a bronze sculpture of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings was installed near the corner of Beacon Street & Charles Street area. Mrs. Mallard’s baby Duckings are named “Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack.” Little kids hug, kiss, climb on and feed the bronze ducks.
The best time to visit the Public Garden is early morning when the birds are just beginning to start the day with their song and the joggers are out running and they dog walkers are strolling through the park. Sitting here in the glorious landscaping, sensing the coolness of the shady trees and experiencing peace all around I feel like I am in BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN … at the Boston Public Garden.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nylady21
Philadelphia, PA678 contributions
Dec 2019
I always make time to visit the Ducklings, no matter the season. The sculptures always make me smile. The walking paths are gorgeous as it’s always fun to see the trees, even in the winter.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelB
Texas362 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Boston Public Garden is one of the most serene places you can visit especially in the middle of a bustling city. Don’t skip this place by going to Boston Common. It’s not the same thing! Take a ride in the swan boats and then relax in the shade!
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo S
Hilliard, OH5,477 contributions
Sept 2021
What a peaceful place in the middle of a bustling city. With large ponds, great flower areas, places to sit and small statues, you can wander a bit and not really run into a whole lot of people. The area seems quieter than the Commons across the street. Beautiful trees and great walking paths give a great place to spend a few hours relaxing.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
363cymru123
Cardiff, UK127 contributions
Aug 2023
Take a walk around the gardens at any time of the day and they are always busy, people know a good thing when they see it! The gardens are very well maintained and we did sit for an hour one afternoon watching the gardeners trimming the ornamental hedges, they do a fantastic job. At the weekends you will see may brides and grooms having their wedding photographs taken here. Families take children for a ride on the swan lake which is very popular along with feeding the ducks and geese. There are plenty of seats/benches around the park in both the sun and shade.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent question - no there are no facilities available in the park
Written 10 December 2019
Do you know if the boats are still running?
Written 30 October 2018
Use the "T" Boston's subway transit system. Maps of the system are available in hotels, etc. The "T" is very user friendly.
Written 27 August 2018
Hola, estare.en Boton de 18 a 20 de julio,,,me aconsejais excursion para ver ballenas??gracias anticipadas por vuestra respuesta..M
Written 25 March 2018
Si vas con niños te aconsejo el museo de los niños, espectacular. Buen viaje
Written 28 March 2018
Is there a public restroom on or near the Boston Public Garden?
Written 7 October 2017
But NOT on the Gardens themselves
Written 7 October 2017
Randy A
Davao City, Philippines
Is there any food and coffee we can get within Boston Public Garden?
Written 12 September 2017
Yes! There are vendors within the walking paths of the park. Right across the street there are coffee shops, fast food, restaurants, pizza you can see from Boston Common. Lots of choices.
Written 13 September 2017
Is there any parking at this Boston Public Garden?
Written 7 September 2017
There is street parking around the perimeter of the gardens. Also, the Boston Common Garage is underground parking beneath Boston Common (right next to Boston Public Garden)
Written 8 September 2017
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