A Walk Through the Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden opened in 1837 and was the first public botanical garden in the United States. It sits beside Boston Common, at the edge of Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and is easy to reach on the T from almost anywhere in the city.
What to see
- The lagoon and its footbridge, one of the most photographed spots in Boston.
- The Swan Boats, which run on the lagoon in the warmer months.
- The Make Way for Ducklings sculptures, a favorite with families.
- Seasonal flower beds and some of the city’s oldest trees.
Pick your season
Spring brings tulips and flowering trees, summer has the Swan Boats, fall turns the willows gold, and winter is quiet and beautiful after a snowfall.
Getting there
Arlington station on the Green Line stops at the garden’s edge, and Park Street is a short walk across the Common. Parking nearby is limited, so transit is usually easier.
Be a good visitor
Stay on paths and off the flower beds, keep dogs leashed, and do not feed the ducks or swans.
