Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Beautiful waterfront park dedicated to Christopher Columbus at the edge of the North End. Quite a bit of open green space to play or picnic, wonderful flower beds, and a pergola/canopy overflowing with greenery. A very nice refuge in the city.

Great place to sit down and wind down. It has a lawn area that's is very well kept. Near the harbor and great restaurants around. Running path nice walkway path and biking lanes Playground No playground. Toilets No public restrooms Dog-friendliness Dog friendly Picnic area No benches or tables but great place for a traditional picnic

I was impressed with this park because there is so much to 🙈 see! The harbor view, the Trellis, the Beirut Memorial, Rose Kennedy Garden with the water fountain ⛲, but where is Christopher Columbus? His pedestal is there but he is gone baby gone! He was "decorated", had comments posted on him, literally, beheaded and has finally moved to a new 🆕 home. The Park has its own Wikipedia page 📄 and is considered the start of the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. The creation and idea 💡 for the park has at least two different accounts. The Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus devoloped the park and named it after their patron, Christopher Columbus. In 1967, the Council had voted to establish a non-profit corporation whose goal 🥅 was to construct affordable housing. Another account is that Frank S. Christian, a local 🏦 banker, had planned the Park to be named Waterfront Park while developing the effort for the park's construction 🚧. The account continues that Authur Stivaletta, considered a local provocateur, and with the approval of Boston Mayor Kevin White, the park was named after Christopher Columbus. Kevin White had the recent support from the Italian American community of Boston in his bid for reelection as mayor. It is a well maintained and active park with minimal litter 🚮. I enjoyed exploring the area and a noticeable amount of people, including myself, were taking photos. You are not far from Faneuil Hall Marketplace or the New England Aquarium. It is worth a visit.

Great views, convenient location, seemed to be plenty of activities and eateries in walking distance. I particularly loved the carousel, which had many beautiful and unique animals.

Exploring Boston means finding the best places to sit and soak it all in. Christopher Columbus Park is that perfect pause, harbor breeze, garden paths, and views that make you fall for this city all over again. 😍

Nice park - great for meditation, watching the planes, and catching the ferry.

This place is Boston’s most polite cover-up job. First, Columbus himself? Never came within cannon-shot of Boston. The park was cooked up in the 1970s as part of the city’s Bicentennial glow-up. Naming it after Columbus wasn’t some deep historical tie — it was a convenient banner for Italian-American pride, greased by whispers of North End “businessmen” with more marinara on their hands than city planners liked to admit. And the statue? Ah yes, the star attraction that spent more time headless than upright. Installed in 1979, it was beheaded three times: once the noggin rolled dramatically down Atlantic Ave, another time cops found it chilling — literally — in a pizza shop freezer. Each time, the city dutifully patched him up, only for vandals to remind everyone that Columbus wasn’t exactly a saint. By 2020, the city quietly hauled the statue off “for repairs,” which was code for: we’re tired of playing Humpty Dumpty with genocide’s poster boy. But the landscaping hides older bones — literally. This was once part of Boston’s Town Cove landfill. When the city dug the rose garden, workers hit colonial remains, tossed here when cemeteries were relocated in the 1800s. Official reports are mum on where they ended up. Translation: every Instagrammable proposal under the arbor doubles as a séance with forgotten Bostonians. Then there’s the harbor edge. Stand there on a still night and you’ll catch the water’s memory: echoes of dockworkers, immigrants, and sailors who drowned when rotten piers gave way in the 19th century. You won’t hear that on a Duck Tour, but ask an old North Ender and watch them shift uncomfortably. Here’s the part guides really dodge: the park sits on ground once busy with rum, molasses, enslaved Africans, and indentured Irish laborers. Before it was Columbus Park, it was one of Boston’s darker economic engines. The pergola, as nice as it looks, is a floral band-aid over a wharf that once dripped with blood, sugar, and sweat. ⸻ Final Verdict: 4 stars for the roses, 5 stars for waterfront selfies, and a hidden 10/10 if you like your parks sprinkled with mob money, severed statue heads, buried skeletons, and ghostly echoes. Columbus may not have belonged here, but the ghosts sure do.

What a pretty place right in the city. On a recent visit I met one of the community volunteers who keeps up the beautiful flower garden. Included are a couple of pics of their flowers. I also saw lots of young kids getting selfies and school and dance photos. From people walking their dogs to others just enjoying the peace it is a lovely place to just be.

I visited for the art festival and bands. Not an amazing park in itself but it is close to tourist spots if you want a little break by the harbor. It serves mainly a port for ferries. A signature feature is the pergola walkway.

This was a nice, smaller, walkable park by the Marriott at Long Wharf. I walked through both at night and during the morning on my way to explore historic Boston and enjoyed it both times and felt safe. It is well-lit at night and I love how the wooden pergolas are lit with tiny Christmas-type lights at night. It gives a romantic glow to the area and there were plenty of people walking around at night and in the morning. Love added green space in urban areas and this park had abundant green space for kids and animals to run around as well as beautiful views of the waterfront and harbor.

This is the first time here in 13 years. Lots change in that period of time. Appears the same hotel is in the same location. More retail shops and places to eat have popped up all over. Appears more transit is available all over. Great place to relax and view the water.

Located more or less between Faneuil Hall, the North End, and The Aquarium, lies Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. It's a lovely green oasis with a pretty view of Boston Harbor and all of it's boats, docks and all things nautical.. You'll see people lounging, picnicking and just enjoying the great outdoors. There were street musicians performing on the paved walkways. In the center of the park is a twelve foot tall monument to the park's namesake. The statue of Christopher Columbus is made out of white Carrara marble, and a plaque reminds us that the marble (mined in Carrara, Italy), "is the same marble from which comes Michelangelo's "Pieta," "Moses," and "David." Now that's a pedigree. Columbus is looking quite dapper -he has his arms crossed, he has a sword dangling from his belt, and he's holding a book in his left hand. This statue was dedicated on October 21, 1979 by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee.

I feel like this place has upgraded a lot and it's really lush and pretty. Our last day in MA, we came here to picnic, hang out with the family and get some food truck eats and hang out here. My kids ended up asking to stay even longer. It's so close to the North End that you can get some cannolis from Mike's Pastry and bring it over here to watch the boats go by and enjoy the view.

We loved this park with our toddler! There are pretty views of the water and boats, tons of restaurants nearby and a fun carousel and awesome playground. The playground is fenced in and there is a big sandbox. It kept our 18 month old busy for almost 2 hours. Highly recommend if visiting with kids.

Beautiful location! There were quite a few locations I would have loved to get engaged in Boston that I looked into. But this park was the perfect spot for our special day.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is named after the famous Explorer who discovered America in 1492. Fast forward 484 years, the citizens and public officials had long discovered that they wanted their waterfront back. After the 1950s, with suburban sprawl blight had crept it's way into the waterfront. The citizens and public officials of Boston were not going to stand for this, and took action. One of the positive results to come out of this occurred in 1976 during the United States Bicentennial Celebration when the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park opened around the exact time as Quincy Market Place. Some people would consider it to be part of a tourist area. I consider tourist areas urban entertainment districts. Let's face it, tourist areas are usually entertaining places. I will describe the surrounding area and Park using a 360 snapshot from the center of the park facing North going clockwise. At 12 the park faces the historic North End district. At 2 o' clock the historic buildings adjoining the dock and harbor come into view. At 3 o' clock, the Harbor Walk public Plaza merging with Boston Harbor is the prominent scenery. At 6 o' clock the adjacent Marriott Wharf with a Starbuck's and Waterline restaurant take up the view. Immediately south of the hotel is the Long Wharf and New England Aquarium. At 9 o' clock the Boston skyline starring the Custom House view is prominent. On my first night in Boston, I entered the park from, 6 o' clock. We had just walked from the Beacon Hill Wyndham and in the spirit of the park's namesake were set on exploring. Christopher Columbus waterfront Park gave us an opportunity to explore the waterfront. The focal points of this 4.5 acre point were the Boston Harbor and skyline views. We made our way to one of the benches overlooking the harbor. On my walk I noticed that the interior of the park is grassy open space interspersed with oak trees where the waterfront acreage is a linear public plaza. Within the 4.5 acres are points of interest that include a central trellis where plants provide shade over a walk way, an interactive water fountain, and a marble statue of Christopher Columbus. This is a park that celebrates Bostons' maritime history. The chains that border the harbor imitate ships. And a series of street lamps imitate sailboat masts. On the other hand this park does not celebrate the car. It is hard to believe that only a few years ago that the attractive perpendicular Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was the unsightly elevated Interstate 93 freeway. With the Interstate now underground, this park is a green connection to attractions including Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. 524 years after Christopher Columbus discovered America, this park bearing his name is a fantastic green waterfront park in Boston to discover and enjoy. It is just one of many Boston points of interest I rate highly.

It's right there in the name. Waterfront. And Park. This large green space is between famous Faneuil Hall and Boston Harbor, just at the southern end of the also famous North End. Complete with playgrounds, a restroom building, a covered walkway and a lot of walks along the water, it is perfect.

My wife and I were in town to visit the Aquarium on a very hot (95+ degree) and after we decided to go for a walk to our favorite pizzeria in the North End. A recipe for disaster and dehydration, to be sure. However, we purchased some water and stopped at this park for a couple of minutes to relax. It was a wonderful little Oasis and I wish we had more time to explore it. We mostly sat on the benches by the water fountain, which looked oh so cool and refreshing. Had I worn my sandels, I would have stuck them in it for sure. Also, have you ever stopped to smell the roses? Frankly, I didn't even give that turn of phrase much thought until my wife and another woman mentioned it while at the park. The rose garden was so fragrant that we could literally smell them 75 feet away. Who knew that they could be so good. Unfortunately, we eventually had to get up and walk throu the oven-like heat. But, it is a fun little place and I hope we can come back for a break the next time we are in town.

Love walking through here to cut over to Richmond Street in the way to the North End. Always clean and bustling with people. Huge picture spot. Lots of people bring their dogs.

Right in the Harborside of Boston!! Great place to walk around, take pictures! It's a beautiful site to see boats and old ships. There are great local restaurants that offer plenty of seafood options. The aquarium is on the same side of the harbor, you can also observe seals hanging outside and getting fed by the aquarium! We decided to join a tour bus, Old trolley, you cannot miss it. I suggest this if you want to get around Boston and learn great fact about the city! Also is walking distant to North End where you can find great local Italian restaurants and seafood restaurants. Across the street from Quincy market, and Faneuill hall where you can eat shop and start following the freedom trail.

Definitely one of the highlights of my Boston trip. If you're exploring the Boston Harbor side of the city (much like the person this waterfront park was named after) make sure to stop by this gorgeous landmark. There are plenty of benches to sit on and relax, enjoying the view, enjoying great conversation, or both. My favorite part of the park is the picturesque arched tunnel. I've only seen this in the winter, but I'd imagine it's much more beautiful encapsulated by greenery. Great place for romantic walks or photo shoots. There are also lots of eateries within walking distance, so grabbing a meal or drink afterwawds is a natural progression. Whether you're taking a short breather from work or planning a Boston vacation, make sure to include this must-see park in your schedule!

This is a really wonderful area to take a walk. There are grassy areas where you can picnic and picturesque views of the water and boats. There are a couple of restaurants you can eat at. This place is close to all of the Italian shops in North End and is also close to Quincy Market and Faneuli Hall. If you like dog-watching like I do, I'd recommend coming here. If you didn't bring a picnic blanket, do not fret. They have benches! There is also a playground for kids to play. I think Boston really has done an amazing job of creating a sense of community with all of their public green spaces. I've seen so many opportunities to picnic while visiting Boston for only a few days. There is an arbor that has benches underneath it. It lights up at night.

This park is really well-maintained and so beautiful, even on a cloudy day. All the trees were flowering with bright pink flowers and the gazebo tunnel was decorated with tiny little lights. This is a great place to take pictures and walk around when you have some free time. Next time, I'll remember to bring a better camera. The only thing I don't like about this is the name. Christopher Columbus Park? Really? I'm so glad we're honoring the man who "discovered" America. Cause, you know, nobody lived here before he discovered it or anything.

Come here in between eating a million meals at North End. It's a really nice park just outside of that area where you can relax along the water. It's worth a short detour while you're exploring all the things in the North End area. The highlight of the area is the trellis, basically a long corridor with some planting along its arches. It looks great any time of day but it is best to come here at night when it lights up with all the skyscraper lights in its backdrop. If you wander off along the water you'll see plenty of boats in the harbor, some old buildings on the outskirts of North End, and in the distance are the buildings of downtown Boston. You can get a lot of great views from just one place.

What a pretty place to hang out around. Wish we had one of these in ATL. They have benches, the water front, neat architecture around (awesome place to take pics!) and ... some shade. I didn't realize Boston was so hot till I got here. Thank God this place existed. Saw some boats, a nice grass area, good food nearby, and overall amazing views. Short review since most yelpers have written the pros of this place. I'll be back when I visit. I can totally imagine a very pretty night view too.

This park holds a very special place in my heart. My husband & I would often stop by in our dating days to sit under the trellises and enjoy some deserts we've brought over from the North End. During the spring & summer days, there's lots of activity and tourists, families, and people walking their dogs, all share space in the park. The views of the harbor are very pretty. You won't be disappointed if you linger in Christopher Columbus Park on a visit to Boston.

That's right, 4 stars for Yay! I'm a fan. Last time I was here there was a 50ish guy in disturbingly short-shorts and a too tight t-shirt. He was listening to the Red Sox game on headphones and loudly giving updates every 30 seconds or so. "Yook just doubled! Oh man! He's in there!" It may have been my imagination, but it seemed like there were quite a few people hovering just far enough away from this guy to avoid contact but not so far that they couldn't catch the play-by-play. I enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, people watching and of course stayed within earshot of the game updates. Thankfully, the guy was close enough o the playground that my kids could play and I could keep an eye on them without missing the calls.

Nice view, clean grass area, shade with benches. View was fine, but nothing spectacular.

Love this park. It's one of my favorite spots in Boston, and I've visited this park on most of my trips to the city in the last few years. I'm sure I'll be back on any future trips to Boston.

This was marked as a "kid friendly" venue and it is! There is a great view of the waterfront. Depending on the weather, you can soak up the rays in the lawn, or cool off under the arbor. There's a playground nearby, tons of people watching, and the day we went, there was some kind of free fair. We snagged free iced tea and learned about some local businesses.

Great for dates, family outings, practice photography, marriage proposals etc. This is one universal park for everyone! Beautiful location on the waterfront and nearby to many great eateries and Boston neighborhoods like the North End, Quincy Market etc.

Nice view, rubber mat flooring, enclosed area, No swings. descent quality play structures, parking sucks!

Great park to take a stroll thru, and take some pictures. Right near the water and there are plenty of benches to sit and people watch. Lots of grassy area to bring a picnic or grab some food to go from a local restaurant and just lounge about.

I really like to go to park, like the feeling to walk away from the busy street for just a bit and enjoy the color of nature and some fresh air. This park is just like that, but what even make me love this more, the park has a great view to the harbor. be able to walk around this place along the water just refreshing. Of course, there are serval other park just like this in Boston. but this one was quite close, the Aquarium is quite close by. the park is quite easy to find. I'm sure, it doesn't matter which season you visit this place, it won't loose its charm.

Every now and then you will find me grasping for the right words to describe a place I've recently visited. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is a place of summertime dreams. We only had 8 hours to spend in Boston and I could have spent every second of them here. God smiled down on me and my family by providing picture perfect weather. A sunny 80 degree day with blue skies and fluffy clouds that occasionally drifted in front of the sun to provide a little relief. All around us were couples cuddling on blankets, dogs rolling in the grass, parents with children playing and singles catching up on reading a good book. Bountiful varieties of delicious food @ nearby Quincy Market, soft green lawns, attractive vine covered arbors, views of beautiful Boston Harbor and melodious musicians playing jazz-style acoustics that demanded you stop and listen for a while. My youth was spend on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago listening to jazz artists perform. No better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than taking in the sights and smells of great food and wonderful lake views. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park was a time portal for me. It transported me back in time instantly, or better yet, it stirred up feelings of some of the best times in my life. I don't know what this place is like on other days of the year, but TODAY it was pure perfection. If I hadn't seen any more of Boston (which I did), this would have been enough. Today was a good day! ------------------- - - - - - - - - - INTERESTING THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT COLUMBUS - His Italian name was really Cristoforo Colombo - The South American country of Colombia took on his correct last name. - People really didn't believe the earth was flat in the days of Columbus. They new full well it was round. The Greeks had proven it 2,000 years before Columbus was born. - He never set foot on North American soil as most of us in the United States believe. He actually landed in what is now Cuba, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. - He thought he'd landed in Asia. - Columbus was a brutal viceroy on the island of the Caribbean he discovered. As governor he was tyrannical and cruel. So much so that he spent 6 weeks in a jail in Spain for his treatment of natives he found in the America's and stripped of his Governorship of Hispaniola (Haiti/DR) - Columbus would never admit (even up til his death) he did not find the shortcut to Asia he though he did. He actually became sort of a laughing stock of his age as he would never accept he did not discover a new route. - Viking Leif Eriksson had actually crossed the Atlantic 5 centuries before and it is believed he landed in Newfoundland. - Nina and Pinta were NOT the actual names of two of his three famous ships. Truth be told, you might not really want to know the facts behind the man many of our schoolbooks consider a hero.

Warm weekend days are the ideal times to get in your: make-out ocean gazing squealing kid rambunctious dog bared skin quota. While not big enough for kite flying or frisbee less you clock someone in the noggin, there's a little play area for the youngsters and usually a patch of grass if you don't mind being in close proximity to amorous couples. Station yourself safe distance from the fountain where the wind will carry some spray but not too close that your bum will be soaked from the muddy grass. Fantastic place to remember how amazing it feels to be in the sun with your shoes off.

Great place to just go down and spend time in the summer around th water. Very nice park, Highly recommend it.

Grass- check Benches- check Clean- check Peaceful and quite- check People watching- check Flowers and assorted plants- check Being able to take a nice stroll- check What else do you want in a Park? Also since you're over here go and check out the Long Wharf... it's what we call a pier.

A small, but picturesque park a few acres in size, this is home to many festivals, meetups, protests, film nights and is just a good way to kill a lunch break. It's within a 5 minute walk from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and The New England Aquarium, it's always going to be busy on nice days so head somewhere else if you're looking for a quiet spot, but you could spend a couple hours here taking pictures of the trellis and water if you wanted to, with plenty of popular nearby destinations to visit as well.

Right in the middle of everything, this is the perfect downtown city park. There's a gated playground that is clean and safe, an expansive water view, flowers, green grass, places to sit, easy access to restaurants and free Wifi. Easy for wheel chairs to get around, too. Think of all of the things that could be here- parking lots, malls, office buildings, condos, another Legal Seafoods - and you'll appreciate it even more. This is a great open space right on the water that is accessible to everyone, attractive, and easy to find. Bring a sandwich if you work in the area, bring the kids if they need to let off steam, bring your sweetie for an evening stroll towards the North End. Don't miss this precious place. Makes me happier just thinking about it.

What could be better than The Princess Bride outdoors by the waterfront? Their outdoor series is amazing! Next week is UP. The sausage cart nearby. And the people-watching. Always, the people-watching. Covered arbor, proximity to Tia's/Faneuil/Aquarium/North End, boat foghorns, great skyscraper view. One of the places in Boston I celebrate.

Cute park I walk through all the time. The big plus about this place is it has a nice new-ish gated playground facility for the kids. Awesome. Plus bathrooms on-site. Cute little park where people walk their dogs. There's usually that guy out there playing sax. Lotta people come here to picnic for lunch and there is a distinct lack of homeless people here bugging you! Yay!

I like it! That's all that matters. Its a great relaxing point after visiting the busy north end. Walk over with your box of mike's pastries and find a spot to plunk down and enjoy. Due to the proximity of all of the tourist hot spots (i.e., quincy market, aquarium etc) there are a lot of tourists, but that wouldnt stop me from enjoying my visit. I did end up in the nearby fountain one night after a networking booze cruise, but it was awesome. I recomend playing in it.

Very nice waterfront park. Too bad the scumbag rioters had to target the statue of Columbus. Has Mighty Marty changed the name of it yet ?. Worth a daytime visit

I was reminded that I haven't reviewed this gem yet from the best lunch spots in Boston thread http://www.yelp.com/topic/boston-what-are-the-best-lunch-spots-in-boston Located between North End and Faneuil Hall (I discovered this when I continued walking past Quincy Market toward the sea! You'd be surprised as to how many tourist don't know about this little place), a great park to take your Volle Nolle sandwich and Boston Beanstock coffee to enjoy while watching the waters relax your mind. I've also been here many times to sit on the benches to read and study. There's also wi-fi service around, but I don't know if it's free. P.S. Christopher C. did NOT discover America for all of the world. It's like me walking to your house and claimed new land because I never seen it before.

One of my favorites areas of Boston to walk around in. Also a great place to have lunch outside during work hours (or whenever, really). In one word: LOVERLY.

I went here for (ahts) yesterday. The review of the Arts Festival is for another time (much smaller than I anticipated, but nice). Naturally, I walked through the park just to get a feel for it. I made my way over to the waterfront, which had a lovely view and some lines for boat shuttles, I think. I could stare at the water forever. But I decided to continue on. When I stumbled into it, the rather small rose garden kept me occupied for at least 30 minutes. Every species of rose had a distinctly different smell, and they're all in bloom right now. What an amazing half hour. :-)

A nice little island of green in a very developed area. The park's fixtures are impressive, and it was notably clean. You couldn't ask for a better place to enjoy the breeze drifting in off the harbor (ha-buh?). In addition, it does offer useful facilities; there is a playground and the water fountain next door was one of the few I found in the area.

Just keep looking east and you will forget you're in the city. This is one of the newer parks in the city. At least, I don't recall it being this relaxing and placid back in teenage years when they highway was roaring thru Atlantic Ave. I think this was part of the Big Dig project. Very romantic place so it seems. I just need to find a date to prove it or otherwise!

People watching, flowers, plenty of seating... Just the place to enjoy a coffee, cannoli and good conversation. I like to go here to pet other people's dogs or just relax from the daily grind. Go, you won't be sorry.

Wow...wish we had a park like that over here. Not only is it by the water, but it is close to everything. The pier/wharf, North, F. Hall, lots of places to eat and walk around. I was here when it was warm and sunny. Did I mention they have WiFi even?! I guess you can work here too. I'll do lunch here next time.

Nothing bad to say about this place. Absolutely loved the short time I spent here before a flight out of Logan. Definitely recommend coming here if you have some time and want to relax.

Covered arbor, dog run and ample playground nestled on the waterfront between/adjacent to the harbor front and North End. Great way to turn a boring Sunday afternoon into a day: - Go see the seals outside the seals outside the Aquarium. - Take a stroll through Chris Columbus park, sit on a blanket, watch the boats, relax in the sun, etc. (if you are with a dog and kiddos let them frolic) - Grab lunch at Fanueil Hall, people watch etc. Soak up the touristy goodness - Stroll to the North End for coffee and gelato/pastry 3 hours killed, and a whole lot of Boston (albeit the corny forced bits) imbibed In summary, just a great little park in a great little spot.

Such a nice place to sit and relax. The rose garden is small but gorgeous; the fountain is just as nice. This is the perfect place to eat the stuff you bought from nearby Quincy Market.

What a wonderful little park! It's lovely and in a great setting, along the waterfront and near Quincy Market. There's a beautiful rose garden and a trellis area, plus some great green space for the city area. A good place to stroll and relax.

On a warm day, the park provides a great "urban oasis" to get away from the city madness.

This park was such a highlight on my Boston vacation. It was right outside our hotel, and before we left for the airport, I sat out along the water for a little while, soaking in the sights and smells of Boston. It's peaceful, beautiful, and conveniently located to other attractions without letting the tourist vibe infiltrate this serene space.