Charles River with Bench at SunsetBoston is a great spot for getting in shape and breathing in the refreshing coastal air. Choose from among these popular outdoor activities in Boston, stretch your muscles, and light off on your adventure!

     

  1. Running

    2. Best known for its annual Boston Marathon, this urban site has extensive running trails that offer spectacular harbor views. From trails in Boston Common, to the Charles River Esplanade, to the Harvard Bridge, you will get a full workout! Up for a challenge? Practice on Boston’s well groomed running trails and join the Boston Marathon! For running trails please visit: http://www.soundkeepers.com/running/boston.html. For information about the next Boston Marathon go to: http://www.bostonmarathon.org/.

  2. Ice Skating

    3. Ice-skating in Boston is an age-old tradition. Every year residents flock to the Frog Pond in Boston Common – the country’s oldest park! Additionally, you can suit up and head to any number of other Boston rinks and frozen ponds. A great family activity, ice-skating in Boston is the way to go! To find ice skating rinks near you go to: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/skating.htm. For information about the Frog Pond please visit: http://www.bostoncommonfrogpond.org/.

  3. Boating

    4. Boston Harbor is the ideal place for sailing! You will find that Boston accommodates many other boating activities as well, such as: canoeing, cruising, kayaking, windsurfing, charter boating, ferrying, and boat racing. Take advantage of Boston’s seaside locale, strap on your life preserver, and take to the water! For more about marine outdoor activities in Boston please visit: http://www.community-boating.org/.

  4. Cycling
    • The Stony Brook Reservation
    • Boylston Street at night
    • Greenway toward the seaport
    • Commonwealth Ave
    • South End
    • Charlestown
    • Path along the Charles River

    5. Boston can be a great locale for cyclists if you know where to look. Evading cars is the tricky part in Boston biking – but if you try some of these favorite spots, you might even forget you are in the city:


    Try commuting to work via one of these gorgeous bike paths! For more information about biking in Boston please visit: http://bostonbiker.org/.

  5. Hiking

    6. Boston offers great scenery to hikers: from the harbor views, to the pristine forests, to the rolling landscapes, there is a multitude of hiking trails in Boston. Check out the Blue Hills Reservation for over 7,000 acres and 125 miles of hiking trails in Boston. After your hike, take a swim in Houghton’s Pond to cool off! Hike the Ponkapoag Pond Trail and take a peek at the rare Atlantic White Cedars and cross the boardwalk over the bog. On these hiking trails in Boston, you’ll forget you’re in the city! If you are up for a challenge, try tackling the nearby Appalachian Trail! For more information please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails.htm.

  6. Walking Tour

    7. Boston is commonly known as the “Cradle of Liberty.” Because of Boston’s role in gaining American independence, it is a great city for historical walking tours. Not far from where the first pilgrims landed in 1620 – Boston offers a wealth of history for the curious tourist. Travel the Freedom Trail and discover 16 historic Revolutionary War sites. Or take a tour of Boston’s Back Bay, North End, or prominent Beacon Hill district. For information about the Freedom Trail please visit: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/index.html. To discover Boston “by foot” go to: http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/.

  7. Duck Tours and Swan Boats

    8. If you are looking for fun outdoor activities in Boston, hop on board one of Boston’s Duck Tours and take a tour of the city by land and water. The Duck Tour guides provide information about historical sites and popular attractions. Boston’s Swan Boats are a yearly tradition. Every spring the waters of Boston’s Public Gardens are graced by an eyrar of wooden swans. This tradition dates back to the 1800s! For more about Boston’s Duck Tours go to: http://www.bostonducktours.com/. For the Swan Boats please visit: http://www.swanboats.com/index.html.

  8. Whale Watching

    9. Boston is an ideal spot for viewing humpbacks, finbacks, sperm whales, and more! Boston Harbor Cruises offers Whale Watching tours that span 3-hours long! Catch a glimpse of a Minke Whale or even an Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin! For more information about these thrilling outdoor activities in Boston go to: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-whale-watch/.

  9. Sports Game

    10. Boston is home to several professional sports teams. The most famous among them are: the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, and the Boston Red Sox. Also, the New England Patriots play in Foxboro, MA – which is about 30 miles from Boston. Take in a sports game at your favorite outdoor venue – whether that is Fenway Park or Foxboro Stadium. For more information about professional sports in Massachusetts go to: http://www.boston.com/sports/.

  10. Salisbury Beach

    11. If you are up for a drive – head to Salisbury Beach – a beautiful expanse of white sand! This gorgeous vacation spot is great for swimming, boating, camping, and more! Located 42 miles north of Boston, this public beach has a playground, bathhouse, extensive boardwalks, and boat launches. For Boston camping opportunities at Salisbury Beach please visit: http://www.salisbury-beach.org/.