The Boston Public Garden is a 24-acre Victorian botanical park adjoining Boston Common, established in the 19th century as the first public botanical garden in the United States. Formal flowerbeds, mature trees, winding paths, and a central lagoon crossed by a small suspension footbridge make it one of the city’s most photographed green spaces, set between the Beacon Hill and Back Bay neighborhoods.
Its signature attraction is the Swan Boats, pedal-powered pleasure boats that have glided across the lagoon since 1877 and operate seasonally in warmer months. The garden is also home to the beloved “Make Way for Ducklings” bronze statues inspired by the children’s book, plus a prominent equestrian statue of George Washington. The park is free and open to the public, but Swan Boat operating dates and fares change seasonally, so check the official Swan Boats site before planning a ride.
Good to know
- Free public park; the first public botanical garden in the U.S.
- Swan Boats operate seasonally and require a separate fare
- Home to the ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ bronze statues
- Adjoins Boston Common and sits on the Freedom Trail
Getting there
- Address: 4 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116 (bounded by Arlington, Boylston, Charles, and Beacon Streets)
- Neighborhood: Between Beacon Hill and Back Bay (Downtown Boston)
- Nearest T: Arlington (MBTA Green Line), about a 4-minute walk; Boylston (Green Line) and Charles/MGH (Red Line) are also nearby