Boston Common / Public Garden / Beacon Hill

Boston Common / Beacon Hill

America’s oldest city park and first public botanical garden, along with Beacon Hill’s gas lamps and red-brick townhouses, make up Boston’s most elegant core.

Boston Common, established in 1634, is America’s oldest public park. Covering 20 hectares, it once served as a grazing field, militia camp and execution ground, and today it is the center of the city’s leisure life. On the hill on the north side stands the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, designed by Charles Bulfinch. Free tours are offered on weekdays. The visitor center for the Freedom Trail at the northeast corner is the starting point for walking tours. In winter, the Frog Pond becomes an outdoor skating rink. Across Charles Street is the Public Garden, established in 1837 as America’s first public botanical garden. It features Victorian flower beds, a lake surrounded by weeping willows and the Swan Boats, which have operated since 1877 (mid-April to early September, $4.50 for adults). These are among Boston’s most iconic scenes. Other popular photo spots include the suspension footbridge over the lake, the equestrian statue of George Washington at the Arlington Street entrance, and the bronze ducklings honoring the children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.” On the north side of the park is Beacon Hill, a district of early-19th-century Federal-style red-brick townhouses on narrow slopes, still lit by gas street lamps. Acorn Street, a cobblestone lane, is said to be the most photographed street in America. Charles Street has antique shops, cafés and boutiques. On the north slope, the African American Heritage Trail tells the story of the abolitionist movement, and the African Meeting House can be visited for free. Getting there: Park Street station on the Green or Red Line lets you step out right at the park. The best times to visit are early morning or evening, to avoid the midday heat. Please keep quiet in the residential area of Beacon Hill and do not enter private staircases.

Boston Common / Public Garden / Beacon Hill

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