Boston Public Garden: 5 Things to See and Do

I’ve been to Boston a few times in the past two years. During each visit, I’ve spent time walking through the Boston Public Garden and the nearby Boston Common. It brings people of all ages and from locations across the globe.

If you’ve got a trip planned to Boston, for either a family vacation or business trip, take a few minutes to stroll through the walkways of the Boston Public Garden. You can even use it as a starting point for your journey along The Freedom Trail.

Here are a few things you can experience in America’s first public botanical garden.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

The tulips were on bloom last May when I was in Boston for a work meeting. They looked beautiful, especially contrasted against the green grass and distant cityscape.

You’ll find numerous varieties of roses, bulbs and flowering shrubs throughout the public garden. The beds along the central pathways have a rotation of planted flowers from spring through autumn.

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Depending on the time of year you’re in Boston, you can see some of the trees in bloom, which adds another beauty to the already beautiful gardens. Don’t rush your way through the public garden… enjoy it.

And as the saying goes, take time to stop and smell the roses.

Ride the Swan Boats Around the Lagoon

My mom was raised in New England. Some of her fondest memories were hanging out in the gardens and riding the swan boats. During a family vacation to New England, she was so excited to treat our family to a 15-minute boat ride around the lagoon.

The swan boats are pedal-powered. Lucky for us, the guests don’t do the pedaling – the guide in the back of the boat does. It’s a leisurely ride around each end of the lagoon, which includes going under the bridge.

The swan boats are only operated mid-April through Labor Day. April through June, they’re open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July through Labor Day they’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The boats can’t operate in high winds, rain or other extreme weather conditions.

Tickets can be purchased from the loading docks on the southeast side of the bridge that crosses the lagoon. Adults are $4, seniors are $3.50 and children ages 2-15 are $2.50. Under the age of 2 is free. The line moves pretty fast, so you shouldn’t be waiting any longer than 10 minutes to get on the boat.

Bask in the Unplanned Entertainment

While we were on our swan boat ride around the lagoon, someone was standing on the bridge over the water blowing bubbles. It provided a little magic for the experience.

Another time, a colleague and I were walking through the park and saw a musician who reminded me of Bert from the original Mary Poppins movie. He sang, played the guitar, and moved his body to trigger other percussion instruments.

People-watching can be another fun sport at Boston Public Garden. You’ll see families playing in the grass, college students tossing a Frisbee, a photographer trying to find the best shot, and so much more. There’s plenty of entertainment to be seen.

Take a Leisurely Stroll through Boston Public Garden

You’ll find dozens of statues throughout Boston Public Garden. There’s George Washington on his horse, a set of bronze ducklings, and a panther based on Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.

With the flowers and overall tranquility of the park, it’s a great way to spend an evening with your family. You can also treat your significant other to a stroll through the park. There have been many marriage proposals throughout its history – why not add another if you’re looking for a beautiful location to pop the question.

Boston Public Gardens has numerous paths winding through it;s boundaries. The lagoon is the central point, but there are paths close to the lagoon and others that extend to the farthest boundaries of the garden.

Enjoy a Beautiful Sun Set

Scattered throughout Boston Public Garden are park benches. After strolling along the paths, you may need a spot to sit and people watch. You can even enjoy the setting sun and the glow it casts throughout the garden.

Once you’ve had your moment of serenity among the hustle and bustle of Boston, you can find a great place for dinner and wrap up your day.

SIDE NOTE: If you know the TV sitcom Cheers, the bar entrance you see in the show is on the north side of Boston Public Garden. Lots of tourists make it a point to grab a photo at Cheers.

The Details

Address: 4 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Cost: There’s not cost to visiting Boston Public Garden. If you want to ride the swan boats, it’s $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, and $2.50 for kids ages 2-15. Under 2 are free.

Hours/How Long: Boston Public Garden doesn’t have a listed closing time, but use common sense. You can spend all day in the park if you’d like. Or you can head east to the Boston Common and start your walk along The Freedom Trail.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/parks/public-garden

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