Charles River Esplanade

Park · Back Bay

Charles River Esplanade

Park · Back Bay

5

Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116

Photos

Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null
Charles River Esplanade by null

Highlights

The Esplanade is a serene, tree-lined riverside haven in Boston, perfect for walks, lively events, and stunning city views—all year round.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116 Get directions

esplanade.org
@esplanadeinboston

Information

Static Map

Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116 Get directions

+1 617 227 0365
esplanade.org
@esplanadeinboston
𝕏
@EsplanadeBoston

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jul 8, 2025

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@cntraveler

"A quintessential Boston experience for watching the 4th of July fireworks. Features events like Community Boating’s annual SAILabration fundraiser and Night Shift Beer Garden. Offers various amenities like reserved seating, craft brews, and dog-friendly spaces."

Where to Watch the Boston 4th of July Fireworks in 2024
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@cntraveler

"Watching the fireworks from the Esplanade is a quintessential Boston experience, although not suggested for the agoraphobic. If you want to go straight into the belly of the beast, gates open at the Hatch Shell’s lawn at 9 a.m., and spots fill up notoriously quickly. The fireworks kick off at 10:30 p.m."

Where to Watch the Boston 4th of July Fireworks in 2023
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@cntraveler

"If you’re exploring Boston for the day, take a walk up through Back Bay from Massachusetts Avenue and loop back down along the Esplanade or head over the Harvard Bridge to Cambridge (Ironically, the Harvard Bridge ends at M.I.T.). It's a narrow paradise along both sides of the Charles River, stretching for several miles between the Longfellow Bridge to the west and the Boston University bridge to the east. More than 1,500 trees line the walkway (or runway, if it's marathon-training season), while playgrounds, ponds, and gardens bring a lyrical quality to this meandering landscape. It's best viewed in autumn, when the Esplanade shows its true colors. The Hatch Shell is a performance space that serves as home base for all things at the Esplanade including the famous performance by the Boston Pops on the Fourth of July." - Paul Rubio, Todd Plummer

The 17 Best Things to Do in Boston
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@travelleisure

"A three-mile path along the Charles River, ideal for walking or biking." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

30 Best Things to Do in Boston
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@cntraveler

"Let’s start big picture. What’s the deal? A narrow paradise along both sides of the Charles River, the Esplanade stretches for three miles from the Longfellow Bridge to the Boston University bridge. Over 1,500 trees, charming bridges, playgrounds, ponds, and gardens bring a lyrical quality to this meandering landscape, all of which has been cultivated over the last century to create a calming waterfront retreat. When the green trees brighten into sparkling reds and oranges in autumn, the Esplanade shows its true colors. What should we put on our must-see or must-do list? The Hatch Shell is a half-shell performance space that serves as home base for all things at the Esplanade. Friends meet here to go for walks and enjoy countless free activities, from Zumba classes to concerts. (The venue is most famous for featuring Boston Pops on the Fourth of July.) Boston is fantastic when seen by the water, and the Community Boathouse (the first public boating program in the country) is the perfect jumping-off point for a river paddle. On a nice day, hop in a kayak and explore the inlets that curve through the Esplanade before floating down to the Massachusetts Avenue bridge. The less adventurous can settle on a dock with a sandwich, which is equally rewarding and doesn’t require a life preserver. Anything tricky about getting here? Divided from Back Bay by harrowing Storrow Drive, the Esplanade requires crossing over perpetual traffic on one of eight pedestrian footbridges. Be aware that only some of these bridges are handicapped-friendly; the Arthur Fiedler footbridge at Arlington Street is wheelchair accessible and an ideal starting point. All said and done, what's the best path to take? If you’re exploring Boston for the day, take a walk up through Back Bay from Massachusetts Avenue and loop back down along the Esplanade. If at any point you need a break, you can pop back out to Beacon Street or relax along the water. If you’re feeling ambitious or want the best city views of Boston, cross the Harvard Bridge on Massachusetts Avenue and continue east along the Cambridge side of the Esplanade, crossing back to Boston at the Longfellow Bridge." - Elizabeth Wellington

Charles River Esplanade – Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler
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Hritik

Google
When you are tired of the day and feel like finding a place that would allow you to be at a place far off the chaos but still not far from the city, come visit Charles River and enjoy the serenity. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Boston which make you feel to pause for a while and sit at the deck for a beautiful sunset. I found it to be the place I make sure to visit after the classes. Want to have a glimpse of this majestic place, hop on to these pictures below 👇😉

Wanyu Huang

Google
Taking walks when cannot work anymore...now it is full of ice & snow! Fun fact: where you walk now used to be part of the Charles River, but was converted to land later (quite a while ago though)- that's why this part of the esplanade is ridiculously straight (if you have ever wondered about this, as I did).

Antonio Maldonado

Google
Great views to capture and see the City in its brilliant lights at night. So much to explore and seek in all you can venture.

Zoe T

Google
Nice place for a stroll! As a tourist it was a nice place to sit to take a break from walking but still have a nice view! And not have to pay for food/drinks to sit… :)

Nabeel Kasim

Google
Amazing place to catch the sunset over the Charles river, go for a stroll, take your pet for a walk, or all of the above. Really cool to see a natural park beautifully integrated into the city. You can also see views of boats sailing in the river. Highly recommend. Can get crowded and busy though

Kim V.

Google
This is a beautiful area for people to enjoy nature, in the city. We walked on a pedestrian bridge over the highway to get to the river. The bike path is 23 miles long. The path was paved and enjoyable to walk on with views of the river. This place was packed with joggers, bikers, and walkers. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon but was still busy. We even saw someone slack lining by the trees. There were mini sailboats on the river with a great view of the city. There were benches along the way if you get tired. So many recreational options for people who use this river and path. Overall, a cool place to get some exercise and be one with nature.

Laheri k

Google
Been here twice for the July 4th fireworks 🎇. We had the best view to watch the fireworks and of course the place is beautiful as u see in pictures. Wonderful views especially during fireworks.

Scott W

Google
The Esplanade is such an awesome space along the Charles River. Lots of amenities including band shell, playground, seating, beer garden, green space.