Summers in Boston tend to continue through early fall with the promise of outdoor adventures, blissful weather, and shared meals. With its many beautiful, public green spaces and waterfront parks, the city is full of great spots to enjoy a picnic and take in the views. Whether you’re grabbing a pizza to go and dining outdoors in the North End or catching a movie on The Greenway and pre-ordering a “Perfect Picnic On The Go” from High Street Place, there are plenty of options for picnicking in the city.
See our favorite green areas for your next al fresco feast:
As one of the oldest public parks in the United States, the Boston Common offers a picturesque setting for a picnic. Spread out your blanket near the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument and soak up the lush greenery and views of Boston.
Located along the Charles River, the Esplanade provides stunning views of the city skyline, Charles River and Cambridge. Choose a spot by the riverbank and enjoy your picnic while watching boats sail by and people jogging or biking along the scenic pathways.
This linear park stretches for more than a mile from downtown Boston to the North End, offering various green spaces for picnicking. Choose between Dewey Square, Chinatown Park, or the North End Park, each with its distinct ambiance and nearby attractions. The Greenway is also hosting movie nights throughout the summer, a perfect activity for a picnic dinner. Visit High Street Place nearby to make your own picnic from their 18 unique restaurants or order one ahead to pick up.
Situated on the harbor, Fan Pier Park on the HarborWalk offers a unique coastal picnic experience. Enjoy the ocean breeze, and panoramic views of the Boston skyline and harbor. Sit by their outdoor fire pit and enjoy the sites and seasonal fireworks, including the Thursday before Labor Day.
Adjacent to Boston Common, the Public Garden provides a more intimate and picturesque setting for a city picnic. Bask in the beauty of the manicured lawns, flower beds, and iconic Swan Boats and soak up the history of the country’s first public park and botanical garden.
Boston’s popular food hall, High Street Place, offers the “Perfect Picnic On The Go,” a delightful opportunity for guests to create personalized picnic experiences, or preorder a curate picnic package for two. Guests can select their favorite items from the food hall’s lineup of 18 unique vendors or for those seeking convenience and a curated experience, High Street Place also offers thoughtfully crafted picnic packages great for lunch, dinner, or a hostess gift.
Venture over to East Boston to Piers Park for sweeping views of Boston and the harbor. With its beautiful design, landscaping and pier, this large park is easily accessible from the T or ferry and has plenty of free parking. Go around sunset for arguably the best sunset views in Boston.
This special and unique Arboretum owned by Harvard University was designed in part by Frederick Law Olmsted and is thought to be one of his best-preserved parks. It’s winding trails, green spaces and diverse plants and trees make this one of the most remarkable parks in the city. Join one of their free guided tours to learn more about the Arboretum and its history and scope out your perfect picnic spot along the way.
Located in Dorchester, this restored park offers trails, athletic fields, bird watching, fishing and more. With free parking, the park is the perfect spot to get active and refuel with a picnic.
This North End gem is a great picnic spot with its abundance of shaded trees, lawns, beautiful wisteria trellis and views of the harbor. Grab a bite from one of the many great Italian restaurants nearby while you watch boats come in from the harbor.
Located along the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston, the Hatch Shell is a fun place to catch a free concert or movie and picnic on the lawn. With its proximity to playgrounds, green spaces, and walking paths the Hatch Shell is an ideal picnic spot for families.
