{"id":33495,"date":"2023-07-26T22:09:57","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T22:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33495"},"modified":"2024-01-27T18:19:19","modified_gmt":"2024-01-27T18:19:19","slug":"11-things-you-must-do-at-boston-common","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/11-things-you-must-do-at-boston-common\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Things You Must Do at Boston Common"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just setting foot in Boston Common earns you some pretty serious bragging rights \u2014 it has the distinction of being the oldest public city park in the entire country, established in 1634. But it also has plenty to offer beyond historic charm. We\u2019ve rounded up the best ways to spend a day outdoors in one of the city\u2019s crown jewels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Have a picnic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boston<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re enjoying a romantic date with your sweetheart, gathering a group of pals, or even snacking solo, a picnic on Boston Common is always a great idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t go wrong with a basket of cheese, a bunch of grapes and fresh berries, and maybe even a bottle of wine (shh \u2014 the public consumption of alcohol is technically not allowed), and several nearby shops make it easy enough to pull together the perfect spread in no time. Stock up on gourmet grub, from fruits and cheese to premade sandwiches, salads, and desserts, at nearby Roche Brothers in Downtown Crossing<\/a>, or the upscale Deluca\u2019s Market<\/a> across the park in Beacon Hill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ice skate (or cool off) at the Frog Pond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A beloved fixture on the Common, there\u2019s fun to be had nearly all year round at the multipurpose Frog Pond<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the wintertime, it\u2019s a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, with hat-and-scarf-clad locals and visitors alike gliding on their ice skates and sipping hot cocoa. In the summer, it transforms into a spray pool that provides endless entertainment for kiddos \u2014 and a few moments of relief for their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ride the carousel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boston<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both kids and the young at heart will get a kick out of the old-school merry-go-round, located not too far from the Frog Pond. And it\u2019s truly a classic, built in 1947 by the Allan Herschel Company and featuring hand-carved wooden horses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open in the spring, summer, and fall, it costs $4 per ride. Or you can purchase a $30 pass that\u2019s good for 10 rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Take a ride on a swan boat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Swan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are few better ways to enjoy a sunny spring or summer day than by heading out onto the water. But if you think you have to make friends with someone who has a yacht to make it happen, think again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, it\u2019s not quite <\/em>the same. But the Swan Boat rides (technically in the Public Garden, adjacent to the Common) are not only relaxing, but oh-so-cute. Not to mention, inexpensive \u2014 currently, they\u2019re $4 for adults and seniors, $3 for children ages 2-15, and free for those under 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Travel back in time <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From trees to tombs, the Common has plenty of both well- and lesser-known sites that tell tales of Boston\u2019s past. Here are just a handful of the attractions you\u2019ll want to pay a visit to as you make your way through the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Great Elm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you get too excited to curl up under a massive, towering tree for your afternoon nap, we should probably let you know that the Great Elm, which has been called \u201cBoston\u2019s oldest inhabitant,\u201d is no longer standing on the Common \u2014 after years of damage from adverse weather (and people climbing its branches), the tree fell on February 15, 1876, as a result of heavy winds during a major storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, a small memorial plaque commemorates its significance to the city, namely with respect to environmental awareness and preservation initiatives, remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Paul II placard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This small placard commemorates the first mass that Pope John Paul II held in the United States on October 1, 1979. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central Burying Ground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most famous cemeteries in Boston, Central Burying Ground has graves dating back to 1756, including those of painter Gilbert Stuart, composer William Billings, foreign visitors to Boston, and British soldiers who died during the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\"Haunted\n\t\t\t\"Haunted\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere history and horror walk hand in hand<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Haunted Boston Walking Tour<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

Soldiers and Sailors monument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like its name suggests, the Soldiers and Sailors monument is a memorial dedicated to the servicemen who lost their lives in the Civil War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Take a tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With history comes another \u201cH\u201d word: hauntings. And there\u2019s no shortage of spooky stories surrounding the many famous people and places in this city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Haunted Boston Walking Tour<\/a> kicks off from Boston Common, where you\u2019ll learn this place wasn\u2019t all sunshine and carousel rides over a century ago. On this tour, a local shows you around some of the spookiest places in Boston on a late-afternoon stroll that steps back in time to explore the dark and often unseen side of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the King\u2019s Chapel Burying Ground, the oldest cemetery in town, to the most haunted building in Boston, the notorious Omni Parker House, you\u2019ll find thrills and chills around every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book This Tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Photograph the fountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brewer Fountain is arguably the centerpiece of Boston Common, a bronze structure featuring a statue of a Triton surrounded by cascading water jets and a circular basin adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements. It truly is a stunning piece to photograph \u2014 whether on its own or as part of a selfie or group shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fountain was created by Michel Joseph Napol\u00e9on Li\u00e9nard and gifted by Gardner Brewer to the city. It\u2019s actually one of multiple copies of the original piece, which was built for the Paris World Fair in 1855. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: <\/strong>The fountain stands at 22 feet tall and weighs 15,000 pounds, and began working for the first time on June 3, 1868.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Visit the Public Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boston<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

long with the Swan Boats, the Common-adjacent Public Garden<\/a> boasts even more famous water fowl \u2014 in the form of the iconic Nancy Schon sculpture Make Way for Ducklings, which was installed in 1987. The mom and baby ducklings, crafted from bronze, are often dressed up in seasonal or holiday-appropriate attire, making for the perfect Instagrammable Boston backdrop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve snapped your shot, feel free to lie down and lounge in a shady spot across the 24 acres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Get active<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sure, Boston Common is the perfect place to kick back and people watch, but it\u2019s also ideal for running, walking, and playing catch or frisbee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also bring your pup along, as there\u2019s an approved off-leash area where dog owners gather to let their canines carouse \u2014 and socialize amongst themselves as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Behold The Embrace <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While a good portion of the attractions in Boston Common date back hundreds of years, this 20-foot wide by 25-foot tall bronze sculpture, called \u201cThe Embrace,\u201d was unveiled in December of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It abstractly represents a photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. hugging Coretta Scott King after his Nobel Peace Prize win in 1964, and while it has been polarizing among both the public and art critics since its debut, it\u2019s irrefutably striking to see in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Admire the State House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Massachusetts<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With its, um, stately facade and gold dome, the Massachusetts State House is one of the most instantly recognizable (and picture-perfect) buildings around the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>If you\u2019re curious to see the interior, you can take a free, docent-guided walking tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for visiting Boston Common<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boston<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boston Common\u2019s prime location smack-dab in the middle of the action is wonderful, but it puts parking options at a premium, so taking the \u201cT\u201d (subway) is highly recommended. The Green Line Boylston Street stop, Red Line Park Street stop, and Orange Line Downtown Crossing or Chinatown stops are all an easy walk from the park. If you have to drive, there\u2019s an underground garage<\/a> where you can park for $18 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty of beauty to be found here during any season, but I\u2019d have to say the best time to visit Boston Common is autumn. The vibrant fall foliage is one of New England\u2019s most distinguishing (and gorgeous) features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier in the year is a close runner-up. Spring and summer bring multicolored blooms, especially in nearby Boston Public Garden<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the best time of day to visit, while Boston is generally a very safe city, it\u2019s still a city, so it\u2019s a good idea to explore during the morning, afternoon, and early evening hours \u2014 especially if you have children in tow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endless possibilities for fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter how you decide to spend your day in Boston Common, you\u2019re sure to have an enjoyable time soaking up the rich history and taking in the 50 acres of natural beauty that surrounds you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungry for even more history? Come take a walk along the Freedom Trail<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just setting foot in Boston Common earns you some pretty serious bragging rights \u2014 it has the distinction of being the oldest public city park in the entire country, established in 1634. But it also has plenty to offer beyond historic charm. We\u2019ve rounded up the best ways to spend a day outdoors in one<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":33496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[794],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33495"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33495"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34829,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33495\/revisions\/34829"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33495"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33495"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}