Charles River Esplanade
A 5-kilometer riverside green belt along the south bank of the Charles River, with sailboats, running trails, and the Hatch Shell music stage, with views across the river to Cambridge and MIT.
Running along the south bank of the Charles River from the Museum of Science to Boston University, the Esplanade is where locals run, bike and soak up the sun. The river is dotted with small sailboats from the community sailing center, which offers lessons for beginners, and across the water are MIT and the Cambridge skyline. The Hatch Shell hosts free summer concerts and outdoor movie screenings. Every July 4, the Boston Pops Orchestra performs here and fireworks are set off. You can reach it by crossing the footbridge from Charles Street on Beacon Hill, and it is most pleasant to watch the sunset here in the evening.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Trinity Church, Boston
- Boston Public Library, Central Library
- Boston Common / Public Garden / Beacon Hill
- Newbury Street
- View Boston (Prudential Tower)
- Freedom Trail
- Museum of Science, Boston
- Massachusetts State House