Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum

May is one of Boston’s most pleasant months. Temperatures are usually mild, days are noticeably longer and both locals and visitors begin to treat the entire city as an outdoor living room. Trees in the Public Garden and along Commonwealth Avenue are in full leaf, and parks feel green and welcoming again.

A highlight of the month is Lilac Sunday at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, typically held in early or mid May. The Arboretum maintains one of the world’s best documented collections of lilacs, and on this day hundreds of shrubs are in bloom across hillsides and paths. The air is fragrant, the landscape is full of color and people spread blankets to picnic, which is allowed only on Lilac Sunday. Families, couples, artists and photographers all find reasons to linger.

Beyond the Arboretum, May is ideal for exploring Boston’s neighborhoods on foot. The Back Bay’s brownstones, tree lined streets and independent shops feel especially refined in spring light. The South End is full of galleries, cafes and parks where residents walk dogs and sit on stoops. The North End has not yet reached peak summer visitor numbers, so you can wander its narrow lanes, visit historic churches and choose a restaurant without feeling rushed. Outdoor dining expands each week, and a simple bench in Copley Square or along the Charles River can become your favorite place to pause.

Hotels often offer better rates than in peak summer and foliage season, especially outside graduation weekends. With a little planning, a four or five night stay can feel both relaxed and affordable, giving you time to mix major attractions with quieter afternoons in residential areas.

ExploreBoston.com tips for May

• Use our Jamaica Plain guide to find coffee shops, breweries and casual restaurants near the Arnold Arboretum so you can plan a full Lilac Sunday outing without needing a car.
• Check our neighborhood walking itineraries for Back Bay, the South End and the North End. Each route highlights photo spots, playgrounds and coffee or pastry stops that work well in mild weather.
• Explore the ExploreBoston.com hotel section for shoulder season deals, and focus on locations with easy Green Line or Orange Line access if you want quiet evenings with short subway rides into the center.