The Esplanade

The Esplanade was definitely one of my favorite things about living in Boston and being around Back Bay. No matter if it’s a sunny day or a snowy one, the Esplanade is a gorgeous, halcyon area to hang out and relax. Located right by the Charles River, the Esplanade has a number of areas to picnic, play frisbee, sit on benches, and exercise. The trails are perfect for running, power-​walking or biking and people are generally good about sticking to the right side or calling out as needed.
Other highlights would be the various docks where people can lay out on and dip their toes in the water. During the summertime, don’t be surprised to find it packed with people suntanning across the docks. Looking out on the dock, you’ll see people sailing, kayaking, MIT, the red line, and just a lot of beautiful people. There is also a smaller river in-​between the Charles River and the start of the Esplanade where people can kayak through. The bridges over the smaller river are super romantic as well.
During the Fourth of July, the Boston Pops Concert takes place (get in early!) and the place becomes packed. Even finding a spot on the dock or on the grass gets difficult by 10pm. Which makes sense given the fireworks are launched pretty close by.
A really popular spot amongst both tourists and locals.

Great place for runs. Clean (except maybe the water) and a little slice of nature. Great views of Cambridge, and walk across one of the bridges to the Cambridge side to see great views of Boston looking back!
If you start in the Esplanade at the Mass Ave bridge, run across, turn right on the Cambridge side and run along that until you can run head back to the Boston side on the Longfellow Bridge, head down the eplanade to where you started, its not far from a 5k. Good quick training route.

in the modern world it’s quite hard to find a place where your heart and soul would be pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere but the Esplanade is exactly what you need. great place for running at any season, great place to watch the birds, to walk with pets, friends, children.
this place really gives a peace of mind and soul.

The Esplanade is a rather beautiful trail to walk down. I find myself here at night sometimes when I want to think and reflect as I stare at the night lights reflecting off of the waters and I walk down its lengthy path. I used to run here a lot during the day too from bridge to bridge and I think it’s a good mile and a half or so. What’s good about this area is that it’s suitable for many sorts of occasions. As a group on campus, we like to host events here as well like picnics or field days since there are grassy areas with lots of space to relax or play games. This is also THE place to watch fireworks during fourth of July as this is where they were being displayed. It’s also by the Charles River which is a great river to go kayaking on, as long as you don’t fall in.

A great place to slow things down in the city. It’s a tourist attraction but locals come here to go running along the paths around the Charles River or to sunbathe on the dock as well.
At the dock, it’s beautiful to look out at the water and see a ton of sailboats and people kayaking.
There are plenty of benches to just sit, relax, and people watch.
There are cyclists around here, too. Beware, many do not seem to have cycling etiquette and you risk getting hit if you don’t know they’re coming.
Area is a little sketchy though. Avoid coming here at night.

I have spent a lot of evenings just sitting here after my classes at BU. It is like an island of solitude in the city. The only qualm is that the Mass Turnpike runs right along the esplanade for a large part of it. Wish they would make this part of the Turnpike underground too just like the parts which are near downtown.

DO NOT COME HERE FOR 4^th OF JULY. I don’t know why this is rated number #1 place to see the fireworks in Boston because you can’t even see them. It seems like a good idea at first and tons of people come to watch from here but the problem is the TREES! They are so large they cover up the entire view. Everyone was literally running around from spot to spot when the fireworks started because they could not see from where they were and there are trees that line up the entire park that there isn’t any place to go to actually get a good view. Definitely try to see the fireworks on the Cambridge side of Charles river if you plan to see the fireworks.

Pure beauty! It is one of the most magical places in the state.

This is my absolute favorite place to run in Boston. The views, the nature, the variety of paths, and the very easy ability to run across the Charles to Cambridge make this an awesome experience. Plenty of parks and water fountains along the way, too.

Beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of Boston. Great place to exercise, read a book, people watch and picnic. The Esplanade is my favorite place in Boston!

A beautiful place to walk/​run/​bike — no matter the weather! Experiencing fall colors, the frozen Charles river, or green coming back in the spring. It’s always a good time to take a stroll along the river.

Green space is what it’s all about when living in big cities! I am very thankful for the Esplanade and paths around the Charles River. Most of my time on the esplanade is spent running the paths. I love it when the boats are out on the water. I love it when people are out for strolls with their family, kids, and pets! Cyclists are also abundant and everyone who utilizes the paths are great company! I learned from a friend that several of the running stores in town help to keep the paths clean during the winter months. Many thanks to these companies. The Adirondack chairs peppered along the esplanade is great for chilling with a book or just to take in the view.

Let’s spend the entire night here :)
No joke. I could spend the whole night here. I came here late in the evening and it was simply gorgeous, relaxing, and just my kinda thing. I can’t get enough of.
…that calm Charles River
…that view of Cambridge
…that cool summer breeze (with lack of humidity. yeah. you heard me).
Coming here on a late summer night was sucha good decision. I’m not use to the humidity the East Coast has during summer, especially being a Californian. But coming here on a summer night is the best because all of that is gone. I bet even running along the river is awesome too. But if you’re like me with a recovering sprained ankle, go park yourself on the deck and just admire the beauty surrounding you. I honestly can’t wait to go back to Boston, just to go here again. Damn Boston, you make me seriously wanna move here. Also, take a stroll through the Boston Public Garden too before you go here. I did :) Damn, I’m romantical.
Overall, if you’re into being outdoors & scenery, this is it. (I feel like that’s a Michael Jackson concert tour name: P).

+ Beautiful scenery
+ Flat and paved paths will shave off time on your miles, ego increased!
+ Nice breeze why you do all sporting activities
+ Endless… as in you can run and run and virtually never run out of room or you can do yoga, or walk the dogs, or sit and read a book, the fun don’t stop!
— so crowded in summer
The Esplanade is probably one of Boston’s go-​to places for all things athletic. I’m currently training for the BAA half marathon and have been running it at dusk after work and I have to say that it’s crazy crowded!
Everyone and their mom is here doing something, no joke. However, the place is big and spacious and it doesn’t bother me to have to squeeze by a few people on my run because the paved and flat paths make up for the hassle I have to go through. Just be warned that you will be running into bikers, runners, out-​door yoga, dog walkers, people just lounging, intensely slow walkers… the list goes on and on.
During the summer the Hatch Shell amphitheater that’s along the esplanade hosts a bunch of events including free concerts on Weds and free movie on Fridays so those are the busy days, but they’re also a good time to take the family out and enjoy some sun. I really appreciate Boston going through so much trouble maintaining and putting on events… kind of reminds me of central park in NY. It’s a get away place that’s much nicer than the Fens in Fenway, but still nestled in the city.
Bottom Line: exercise at your own discretion. If you don’t mind crowds, the Esplanade is honestly so beautiful. Great place to breath some fresh air, catch a flick or concert at the Hatch Shell or do some sailing.

BEEEEEEEAUTIFUL. The Esplanade is one of my favorite spots in Boston.
Whether you’re looking for a place to sit and read while staring out at the water, or a great picnic spot, or somewhere to go for a bike ride or a walk or a run, or to simply lay in the grass and do absolutely nothing at all (just watch out for goose and/​or dog poop), the Esplanade’s got you covered.
And there’s plenty of space! The Esplanade extends for about 3 miles along the shore of the Charles River, so if you’re looking for a quieter spot with few people around, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find it if you look around for long enough. Plenty of benches right along the water, too! Ahhhhh. So peaceful.
The Esplanade is also host to a whole variety of events, with one of the most notable being the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Shell on July 4^th. They also show Free Friday Flicks every week throughout the summer, which is tons of fun — just make sure you bring bug spray! Looking to get in shape? There are free fitness classes, like Zumba, that are offered weekly throughout the summer.
You get the idea. There’s something going on here for anyone and everyone. Come by yourself. Come with friends. Come with family. Just COME! The Esplanade should definitely be on your must-​visit list in Boston. And once you stop by, you’ll see why.

Great place to stroll or watch movies. Sometimes gets a bit packed, but that’s to be expected when the weather is nice.

What can you say about the Esplanade that hasn’t already been said! It’s a dope spot for catching up on some culture — take in the Pops here or catch a Free Friday Flick. Bring a blanket and a picnic supper, or those super low-​profile beach chairs. Don’t be the dumkopf who brings a tall chair, because then people behind you can’t see. Enjoy the summer in Boston!

I lived in Boston for five years and my greatest/​only regret is not spending more time at The Esplanade. My friend and I picnic-​ed here on Saturday (I was in town for the weekend) and it was perfect — like, postcard-​perfect. The sail boats, the breeze, it wasn’t too crowded (I mean, depending on where you sit; we opted out of sitting on the docks), the sun streaming through the trees… Basically what I’m trying to say is, if you’re looking for a relaxing spot to spend a summer afternoon, I’d highly (!!!) recommend The Esplanade.

Beautiful park located right on the Charles across from MIT. The sunsets here are quite beautiful (as you can see from the MANY photographs). It’s a great place to pack a picnic, go jogging (although it can be quite crowded), or rollerblading. I don’t recommend biking because there are so many pedestrians that biking for sport is rather pointless.
In the summer, they have FREE fitness classes from Zumba & Tai Chi to running and CrossFit. You can see them all here:
If you’re an out of town visitor, this is definitely a nice place to walk around and take a moment to appreciate Boston the City.

Breathtaking. Gorgeous. Stunning. Beautiful.
The first time I was here was to watch 4^th of July fireworks. Lets just say, the amount of people packed into this place was a little disgusting. Fireworks were amazing though. (but not doing that again)
I went back the next day because I wanted a peaceful, quiet view of the river. And WOW. it was blisteringly hot, but that didn’t take away from the peaceful beauty of this place. (ok so the cars on the street was kinda loud. put on headphones, or have a pleasant companion to chit chat with so the sound of cars can be lost in the background) Find a patch of shadow under a tree, and admire the beauty of the river! There are people kayaking, riding bikes, taking walks… its quite a romantic place, would love to take a romantic stroll in the evening. It was the best 2 hours of my Boston trip, truly.