15+ Best Picnic Spots Around Boston

As warmer weather approaches, picnic under the open skies at some of Boston’s most beautiful public parks and outdoor spaces. by Kenneal Patterson 1) <a href="https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/">Boston Common and Public Garden</a> Where: Downtown What: Why not start with the oldest city park in the United States? The Boston Common dates back to 1634, and it’s an urban oasis in the midst of downtown. You’ll find the Public Garden right next door– it’s a botanist’s haven, complete with seasonal blooming flowers, beautiful trees, and <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-public-garden-swan-boats-2022-boston-377709">swan boats</a>.  2) The lawn in front of <a href="https://www.timeoutmarket.com/boston/">Time Out Market</a> &amp; <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/trillium-fenway-beer-garden-2023-boston-344503">Trillium Brewing</a> Where: Fenway What: Picnics are often better when you don’t have to worry about the cooking and packing. Pick up delicious, flavorful dishes at Time Out Market, an innovative food hall with fifteen unique vendors, and enjoy your meal on the lawn outside. Don’t forget to head to grab drinks at Trillium Brewing, which offers everything from IPAs to wild ales to hard seltzers.  3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rose-kennedy-greenway-contemporary-public-park-boston-411908">Rose Kennedy Greenway</a> Where: Downtown What: The Greenway meanders through Boston’s downtown and offers tourists and locals alike the chance to rest, admire public art and grab something tasty from a food truck.  4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/thursdays-on-the-lawn-at-the-loring-greenough-house-jamaica-plain-384981">The Lawn at Loring Greenough House</a> Where: Jamaica Plain What: Every Thursday from now through September, picnic with friends on the expansive grounds of the property with a basket brought from home, local takeout, or eats from the food truck on site. Enjoy drinks in the beer and wine garden and live music as the sun sets over Jamaica Plain.  5) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/nature-exploration-at-forest-hills-cemetery/374283">Forest Hills Cemetery</a> Where: Jamaica Plain What: Don’t be intimidated by the spooky name: the Forest Hills Cemetery doubles as an extraordinary garden and a crown jewel of the Emerald Necklace.  6) <a href="https://piersparksailing.org/about-us/piers-park">Piers Park</a> Where: East Boston What: Piers Park provides unique views of the water from across the harbor.  7) <a href="https://esplanade.org/">The Charles River Esplanade</a> (pictured) Where: Back Bay What: Picnicking on the esplanade is like a scene from a classic film, complete with picturesque views of the skyline. Wake up early to see the sun rising over MIT, spend an afternoon watching sailboats pass by, and even admire people dancing on the dock at sunset. 8) <a href="https://www.mass.gov/locations/castle-island-pleasure-bay-m-street-beach-and-carson-beach">Castle Island</a> Where: South Boston What: Castle Island once served as the base for a military fort; it now serves as a quintessential spot for Boston families to spend summer afternoons.  9) <a href="https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/back-bay-fens/">Back Bay Fens</a> Where: Back Bay What: The Fens is a beautiful urban wild strewn with lovely rose gardens, spacious athletic fields and historic war memorials.  10) <a href="https://www.foccp.org/about">Christopher Columbus Park</a> Where: North End What: Spend the evening watching boats leaving the harbor on the grassy lawns. The park boasts trellises, flowerbeds, and an abundance of shade trees which makes it the perfect picnic spot. 11) <a href="https://brookline.com/corey-hill/">Corey Hill Outlook </a> Where: North Brookline What: Corey Hill has walkable pathways, plenty of benches and even a dog park. But its best feature is its stunning high viewpoint of Boston neighborhoods.  12) <a href="https://www.bostonharborislands.org/spectacle-island/">Spectacle Island</a> Where: Boston Harbor What: Take a day trip to Spectacle Island, a beautiful, 114-acre offshore retreat. Here, you can explore peaceful trails, natural beaches, and views from the top of North Drumlin. Spend your day swimming, flying a bike, hiking, or picnicking, of course.   13) <a href="https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/jamaica-pond/">Jamaica Pond</a> Where: Jamaica Plain What: Grab take-out from Centre Street and spread your picnic blanket on the shore of the gorgeous Jamaica Pond. Enjoy lunch while watching the swans and turtles float by.  14) <a href="https://www.franklinparkcoalition.org/">Franklin Park</a> Where: Encircled by Roslindale, Dorchester, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain What: Did you know that Franklin Park is Boston’s largest open space? Stroll through 485-acres of running courses, woodlands and the banks of Scarboro Pond.  15) <a href="https://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/parks/parksinfo/parks/cambridgecommon">Cambridge Common</a> Where: Harvard Square What: Enjoy the chic ambiance of Cambridge by heading across the Charles to this National Historic Landmark. 16) <a href="https://www.tclf.org/landscapes/harvard-yard">Harvard Yard</a> Where: Harvard Square What: Harvard Yard isn’t just for students. Pack a picnic and admire the ancient grounds, lovely greenery and centuries-old architecture.

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

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Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

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S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

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15+ Best Picnic Spots Around Boston

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