The Common becomes extraordinary on winter evenings when the Christmas tree is up and soft lights seem to hold back the twilight chill, but the truth is there’s no bad time to visit the nation’s oldest public park. The former cow pasture has been a focal point for Boston’s history and culture since its inception in 1636—a site for riots and rallies from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War era as well as weddings, hangings, and burials. Summer splashing and winter skating at the Frog Pond are local traditions, and you can spend hours wandering from landmark to landmark (like Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s famous bas-relief Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment, or the Soldiers and Sailors monument atop Flag Staff Hill). Or you can just laze in the sun on the park’s west-side lawn.
Gazebo in a park with buildings in the background, Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common, Massachusetts State Capitol, Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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America's Oldest Park
The Boston Common, built in 1634, is America’s oldest park and the start of the famous Freedom Trail. A beautiful spot to walk in all seasons and try to imagine the Redcoats making camp there in 1775. During the winter, the Frog Pond has a magical skating rink that will delight both young and old—especially in the early evening when the surrounding trees twinkle with fairy lights.
Boston Common During Nor'Easter Nemo
In February of 2013, the nor’easter known as Winter Storm Nemo hit the Boston area. I was happy to experience my first snowstorm. Boston residents all came out to ski and sled in the common, whether with actual ski’s or homemade sleds from trashcan lids.
Boston blooms
This was taken in the Boston Common. On days like this the park is full of people and performers. People take picnics or just lunch breaks out in the sunshine.
Green Boston
Just one of Boston‘s many green spaces.
Make Way for Ducklings
Nested in the west part of Boston Commons is a place where you can take part in a popular pastime for many Bostonians. The Swan Boats is very popular among locals & visitors alike for over 130 years. As a sign of Spring the boats make their appearance in the Public Gardens. Visitors can take a cruise for $3USD to soak up the views of the park & to watch the famous ducks swim!
A 'watering hole" in the heart of Boston
For more than 350 years the Boston Common has been a public space and although it has changed over time the frog pond (one of three that were originally on the site) remains providing a remnant of the original natural landscape. Today the “pond” is more of a pool with a spray fountain for wading in the summer months that becomes a skating rink during the winter. There is a cafe with a casual menu (including Belgian waffles). A carousel and playground are located nearby making this the perfect spot for families with children who need a break from sightseeing.
