The 1880

Ah yes, the classic Boston Garden. Photo by wallyg.

Boston in the springtime is one of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast. With sprawling parks, numerous ponds and the Charles River, and brilliant gardens, you’d be hard-pressed not to find a quiet piece of green to center yourself in. With April going quickly and temperatures rising, the city is bustling with people enjoying the bits of nature between buildings. As a girl who grew up in the mountains, I’ve spent a lot of time investigating the best spots in Boston for escaping the hovering buildings and car exhaust. Here are a few favorites to get inspired for spring.

The Emerald Necklace: Boston hides it’s own jewels—at least if you’re looking from the sky. The Emerald Necklace is 1,100 acres of parks and gardens connected by water-and-walkways. This includes the ones right outside Emerson, the Common and Public Gardens, as well as the Fens and many others. They provide a quick and free escape from the rigors of city life and gray color palette of construction. They’re all worth visiting at least once to stake out your own special spot.
Getting there: Visit the park system’s website for more information and maps.

Castle Island in all of its beauty. Photo by ruthiedee.

Castle Island: This sprawling landmark was originally a seafront fort established in 1634 for protecting the new city. Later named Fort Independence, it now stands as a monument to early Revolutionaries. It’s a great location to walk around, enjoy the view, and dip your toes in the Atlantic on especially sunny days. Grab a bite to eat at Sullivan’s, the famous take-out only sea-side diner, or pack a picnic with friends and enjoy it on the grass.
Getting there: From the Boardwalk T stop on the Red Line, catch the 9 or 11 bus all the way to City Point, and walk along Farragut road from there.

The Harbor Islands: Boston’s Harbor Islands are a group of 34 islands, including the home of Boston Light, the nation’s first lighthouse. These don’t open until May, but for those who are staying through the summer or free just before the semester gets out, this is the perfect day trip for a group of friends. The Not all of the islands are open to tourists, however. With a number of island options, you’ll have a full day ahead of you. Once you’ve taken the ferry Georges Island, you can take smaller boats to each of the other islands at intervals throughout the day. The history alone is worth the trip, but if that’s not what you’re looking for, there’s plenty else to do. There’s swimming, biking, running, open-water kayaking and canoeing, picnicking and even reservation spots for overnight camping.
Getting there: Long Wharf by ferry, which costs $14 per person. Be sure to check out bostonislands.org before you go to plan how to get the most out of your day.

Lilacs at Arnold Arboretum. Photo by Philocrites.

Arnold Arboretum: Jamaica Plain and Harvard University are housing one of the most beautiful gardens in the greater Boston area. This is the oldest arboretum in the country, and covers acres of space perfect for wandering or taking a guided tour. Every few weeks showcases a different species of plant or flower and it’s history or significance. It’s open from sunrise to sunset for self-guided walking, with tours during business hours.
Getting there: It’s located off the Forest Hills stop on the Orange Line. Directions are complicated, so I would recommend using mapquest or google maps to get specific directions.

The Harbor near Congress Street: Take a walk past the Financial District toward the Harbor, and you’re already getting a better view of the sky. If you cross the bridge of Congress St off Dorchester Ave, you’ll find ample space near the water to get some sun. There are tables and benches in front of the Children’s Museum to hang around, and beautiful waterfront decks and docks near the Institute for Contemporary Art (which, FYI, is free on Thursday nights thanks to Target). Just getting out for a stroll and some sea-salted air can do you good, and this walk won’t take you too far from downtown.
Getting there: It’s on Congress street!

The Esplanade: Most Bostonians are well-aware of this ample stretch of land along the Charles. Walking paths, biking, docks, sailboats, and plenty of room to run for people and animals alike sprawl along the water. Always open to the public, the Esplanade only gets better in the spring and summer months. You can routinely find festivals, concerts, jazz musicians, street performers, and more showcasing the talent of the city in and around the Esplanade. The Hatch Shell also provides great free entertainment during the warm weather, including Free Flick Fridays—free movie screening—starting in June.
Getting there: It’s along the Charles River. Visit esplanadeassociation.org for a schedule of summer events.

Playboy says it’s good. Why doubt them? Photo by Colonnade Hotel (Edward Jacoby).

The Colonnade Hotel: A hotel doesn’t sound like much of a destination for sweating out the summer heat, but the Colonnade offers a different kind of refreshment than air conditioning. This famous Back Bay hotel on Huntington Ave opens their rooftop pool to the public starting Memorial Day weekend. Described as a city-side oasis, this pool offers more than tanning and marco polo: outdoor dining and a poolside bar are part of the deal. This roof has been awarded numerous accolades including Best Poolside Bar A-list by Playboy and Best Reason To Call In Sick by Boston Magazine. Same some pennies though, because a day in the sun here will cost you $30 just to get access.
Getting there: You could use Google Maps. See their website for more information.

Biking Boston: Biking is a highly underrated benefit. Not only does it keep the rider in shape and provide independence from the train, it clearly is better for the environment. Many, however, are hesitant to bike in such a bustling city. For those smart enough to own a bike in Boston and brave enough to ride in through traffic, or those wanting to know how, MassBike.org is a great resource. The site offers paths, tips, safety information, and city- and state-wide biking events. There isn’t much to explain that isn’t better said or mapped for you on their site. Check the site, check your tires, and get riding!
Getting there: Varies. See MassBike.org for maps, trails, etc..

There are a million ways to get your fix of sunshine and seasonal bliss in Boston. Just because it’s an urban city doesn’t mean there aren’t little bits of nature to be taken in everywhere. Look around any of the places here, or find your own little corner to contemplate in. Thoreau found his transcendance only a few miles from here, after all. With a little research and a lot of daylight, it’s easy to get away from the city without leaving town.