9 Epic Outdoorsy Things In Boston Anyone Can Do

In Greater Boston there’s no shortage of places to observe wildlife. Belle Island Marsh Reservation is convenient to the city and a generally overlooked destination. As Boston’s last salt marsh within city limits, this oasis feels wild, despite its location. Amble along the trails, admiring the many flowers, butterflies, and birds. Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is located at 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston (Winthrop).

Given that this park stretches for 20 miles, its scenery is varied and changing. Enjoy shady, wooded areas, raised boardwalks, areas of grass that are great for picnicking and – of course – views of the Charles River. Unless you’ve already traveled the entire length of the reservation, there’s probably a hidden patch of beauty just waiting to be discovered.

This beautiful sculpture garden offers peaceful grounds filled with 60 large-scale pieces. Unlike most sculpture gardens the works here are rotating so, even if you’ve been before, there are likely new pieces to view. There’s a small on-site museum with a roof deck that affords expansive views over the grounds. You do need to pay an admission fee to enter the grounds and museum. This attraction is hiding just outside the city, at 51 Sandy Pond Road in Lincoln.

It’s a safe bet that you’ve traveled along the Freedom Trail but that’s far from the only walking tour you can take in Boston. Follow the Black Heritage Trail to learn about the Abolitionist Movement that was led by free African American Bostonians. Head to the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial to join a free guided tour of the trail. These are seasonal but you can also download a brochure here and do your own tour regardless of the time of year.

Listen to the waves at one of the beaches in or near Boston. Revere Beach is so long that it rarely feels crowded, except in the height of summer. For a beach with a side of history, check out Castle Island, and the Nahant Beach Reservation is a lovely place to unwind.

This is my favorite part of the Emerald Necklace. With so many different species of plants and trees, the arboretum is beautiful year round. Admission is free and there are multiple sections (and entrances) to choose from.

Charles River Canoe and Kayak makes boat rentals easy with locations in Somerville, Newton, Waltham, Cambridge and Allston/Brighton. Get a new perspective on the Charles from a paddle board, kayak, or canoe. Boating in Boston has you covered if you’re in Greater Boston. At its five boathouses, you’ll find a slightly wider variety of craft, including sailboats and pedal boats.

We’re fortunate to have many parks and reservations within easy reach of Boston. Have you been to Quincy Shores Reservation yet? This spot offers a beach and marshland. Or, if you’d like to wander under a canopy of trees, try the 640-acre Breakheart Reservation.

Even locals can get into the spirit of a Duck Tour. These upbeat excursions take you around the city’s landmarks on the type of amphibious landing vehicle used in World War II. Conductors are fun and informative and you can’t beat that James Bond moment when you drive into the water!