Boston Common is America’s oldest park, founded in 1634. Once a grazing area for cows and a practice field for colonial farmers turned militia, the Common is the anchor park for Boston’s Emerald Necklace, a series of greenways that run throughout the city. Dozens of hotels are nearby and transportation is close at hand whether you come for winter or summer activities.
From mid-November to mid-March, the Frog Pond at Boston Common turns into an ice skating rink for residents and visitors. Lessons are offered for adults and children, and skate rentals are available. Frolic beneath the pond’s fountain or just wade in and cool off in summer. Kids will enjoy the Tadpole Playground adjacent to the pond. A 1947 carousel operates from mid-April to late-October. The park’s 50 acres include ball fields, tennis courts and sidewalks for jogging and walking.
The history of Boston – and the United States – is closely tied to Boston Common. More than a dozen statues and plaques serve as reminders of historic events dating back to the American Revolution. The oldest is a bronze fountain dedicated in 1868; the newest a plaque marking the 1981 Papal Mass offered by Pope John Paul II. Artist August Saint-Gaudens took 14 years to complete the Shaw Memorial – completed in 1897 – to commemorate the African American soldiers of Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry. The Freedom Trail, with 16 historic sites along a 2.5 mile red-bricked trail, starts here.
A tour of the Massachusetts State House on the northeast end of the Common can be both architecturally appealing and politically engaging. The restaurant that inspired the television show "Cheers" is a short walk east on Beacon Street. Pose for a photo in the famous stairwell before grabbing lunch or dinner. Cross Charles Street to the Public Garden and stroll romantic walkways. Use a self-guided tour map to locate 40 tree species or download an audio tour to your personal music device.
Finding a parking spot in downtown Boston can be difficult so park the car at a Boston yard and take the “T” – short for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The Park Street Station on the east side of the Common where Park and Tremont streets meet is the subway’s main transfer hub. For a street-level tour of the city, hop aboard an Old Town Trolley.
