Many major cities have airports far from their center, but that’s not the case with Boston. Logan International Airport sprawls across East Boston, into Winthrop, and its proximity to the city means that there are numerous places to watch planes taking off and landing.
Of these spots, Castle Island probably has the most to offer. This state park is a little off the beaten tourist path but is appreciated by locals.
Right across the water from Logan, Castle Island juts out into Boston Harbor in a way that ensures fantastic views of planes approaching and departing.
Before that, it was only accessible via boat, making it a good spot for a fort — this is actually the oldest fortified military site in British North America, with the first fort built here in 1643! The current version, called Fort Independence, dates back to the 19th century.
Since Castle Island was so prized for its qualities as a lookout spot, you know it affords excellent views —
both of ships traveling across Boston Harbor and of planes overhead.
Stroll along two great loop trails that lead through the park. The Castle Island Loop is a very manageable 0.79-miles long, while the Pleasure Bay Loop is 1.84-miles in length.
Sully's opens for the season on the last weekend in February and remains open through the last weekend in November. William J Day Boulevard weaves through the park and you'll find Sullivan's at 2080 Day Boulevard.
Castle Island itself is at 2010 Day Boulevard in Boston.
Massachusetts' state parks and reservations are filled with hiking and biking trails, lakes, beaches, marshes, and more. If you're at a loose end, venture into the great outdoors and immerse yourself in their natural beauty. You might be surprised by how many of these soothing spots lie within Boston, or just a short jaunt from the city! Here are eight incredible state parks near Boston that you should visit:
A series of parks and beaches make up this park near Boston. Malibu Beach, a protected cove, is a great swimming spot. You can also take a dip at Tenean Beach and Savin Hill Beach. Other popular activities at the reservation include baseball, basketball, tennis, and fishing. Learn more about this neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, here.
This huge green space spans 120 acres and incorporates a large wetland where migratory birds take refuge – so not all of it is accessible to the public. However, hikers and runners can take advantage of the trails and paths at this scenic park around Boston for a little peace and quiet.
The crown jewel of this 335-acre reservation is Walden Pond, which became famous after Ralph Waldo Emerson allowed his friend Henry David Thoreau to live in a cabin next to the water for two years. Thoreau shared his experiences in nature in "Walden," thereby launching the conservation movement. Even without the literary connection, this glacial-formed pond is pretty enough to warrant a visit in its own right. Follow the trails around the water or spend time on the beach, where you can take a dip. While you might find solitude here in colder weather, during the warmer months, it’s a beloved swimming hole. Fun fact: its the deepest natural pond in Massachusetts!
One of the best-known parks around Boston and most heavily used green spaces in the city is the vast Charles River Reservation. Stretching for 20 miles, it’s so extensive that it can get a little confusing. Essentially, the reservation is divided into two sections: the Charles River Basin connects the Watertown Dam to Boston, while the Upper Charles River joins West Roxbury’s Riverdale Park to Watertown Square. There’s no end to the recreational possibilities here, from boating, to biking, to ice skating.
The Southwest Corridor Park near Boston is another chain of green spaces that is popular with walkers, bikers, street hockey players, and tennis enthusiasts! It’s also extremely family-friendly, with multiple playgrounds for little ones. The park ties together the JP, Roxbury, Back Bay, and South End neighborhoods. It was originally intended to be part of I-95, but the project was met with so much local resistance that it was halted. Since then, the space has evolved into the park you see today.
The loop path around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir is roughly 1.5-miles long and it's a pleasant place to take a stroll. With all the geese moseying around and ducks bobbing on the water, this serves as a small oasis in an urban environment.
At this diverse park near Boston, you can explore a 2.3-mile long beach, a marsh, and even a little history. Native Americans used Moswetuset Hummock as a seasonal camping area, which is why this portion of the reservation is a National Historic Site. While hunting is no longer permitted here, fishing is allowed. Alternatively, explore the lookout tower or go swimming at Wollaston Beach.
When you next have some free time and a yearning for fresh air, grab your hiking boots and head to this 640-acre forest, one of the most beautiful parks around Boston. Clamber up some of the park’s seven hills or try a little birding near the Saugus River. Take the plunge into Pearce Lake, an invigorating freshwater lake within the reservation. You can still take advantage of the reservation in colder months, when cross-country skiing is a popular activity.
Whether you want a physical challenge or simply to unwind, these parks around Boston rarely disappoint. For even more beautiful nature, check out some of the best hikes in Boston.
Visiting the same green spaces over and over can quickly feel repetitive. Renew your wonder for nature by heading somewhere a little off the beaten path. Numerous state parks ring Boston and they're an affordable and fun option for a day trip. Even if you've already checked out popular spots like Blue Hills or Middlesex Fells reservations, some of these 11 lesser-known state parks to visit in Massachusetts will hopefully be new to you:
Situated at the southern end of Plum Island, this 77-acre park is a great destination for swimming or just an afternoon spent unwinding at the beach. Nesting birds are also fans of this spot, which can only be accessed by traveling along Plum Island Drive, through the Parker River Wildlife Refuge.
Boston was once surrounded by salt marshes, but Belle Isle is the last one left in the city. This tranquil spot offers birds, butterflies, and soothing views. Belle Isle Marsh is located at 1284 Bennington Street in East Boston.
Not to be confused with the Lowell National Historical Park, this often-overlooked area includes a two-mile stretch of waterfront. Stroll or bike beside the water or take a boat out onto it for a day of outdoor fun. This state park is located at 160 Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell.
If you’re seeking a new summer swimming hole, check out the pond at Pearl Hill for a refreshing dip. This 1,000-acre park is linked to Willard Brook State Forest via a four-mile-long hiking trail for even more recreational opportunities. If you want to extend your visit, there’s a campsite right here at Pearl Hill State Park. Head to 105 New Fitchburg Road in West Townsend.
A surprising variety of landscapes are united in Ellisville Harbor State Park, where you’ll find a bog, salt marsh, forested land, and a barrier beach. Enjoy a shady hike through the forest, complete with views out to the ocean, or get closer to the water and see if you can spy harbor seals. Ellisville Harbor State Park is located at 1861 State Road in Plymouth.
Borderland State Park has it all: a fireproof mansion, paths winding through the forest, and trails looping around ponds. Popular activities here include fishing, horse riding, and walking. The Ames Estate has been converted into a one-of-a-kind state park that is well worth exploring. Borderland State Park is located at 259 Massapoag Avenue in North Easton.
Even if you haven’t been to these quarries, Quincy granite is something you’re probably familiar with because it was used to create the Bunker Hill Monument. Whether you’re a rock climber or an admirer of street art in a unique setting, you should visit this park. Quincy Quarries Reservation is convenient to the city at 77 Ricciuti Drive in Quincy.
Looking for a family-friendly beach that’s off the beaten path? Then head directly to this one on Buzzard’s Bay. Splash around in the warm, shallow water, stroll across the beach while taking in the views, savor a picnic, or indulge in a little birding. The park is definitely one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Demarest Lloyd State Park is located at 115 Barneys Joy Road in Dartmouth.
About 12 miles in length, this paved path echoes the route of the Nashua River. It was once part of the Boston and Maine Railroad and has now been converted into a mixed-use trail for cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers. It starts at Route 2A in Ayer and extends just over the New Hampshire border.
Recreational activities at this 600-acre salt marsh include fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. You’ll find Rumney Marsh Reservation off Route 107 in Saugus.
This park centers around the Whitehall Reservoir, making it appealing for kayaking, boating, and fishing enthusiasts. Other permitted activities include hiking and horseback riding and - in winter - ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Head to 300 Wood Street in Hopkinton to explore this park.
It's easy to combine a visit to Whitehall with a trip to nearby Hopkinton State Park.
What's your favorite state park near Boston? Show us your pics, and let us know about your experiences in the comments below!
