Boston Common Tours and Activities

Boston Common which includes flowers, a garden and landscape views
Boston Common
Boston Common
Boston Common
Boston Common


The oldest public park in the United States has been the stage for centuries of drama. These days it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Boston Common is the place where locals and tourists alike come to picnic, enjoy musical performances and play. It’s also the start of the Freedom Trail, and is often buzzing with eager tourists ready to begin their exploration of Boston’s Revolutionary-era landmarks. But before you hit the trail, don’t forget to spend a little time in this fabulous 50-acre (20-hectare) public park.

Each springtime the famous Swan Boats come out to glide the waters of the common, just as they have for over 130 years. Take your sweetheart for a cruise, and admire the gardens and the historic buildings in the skyline peeping above the trees.

In summer, sit and cool off by the elegant Brewer Fountain. Or head for the Frog Pond where children can splash in the spray pool. In winter the Frog Pond is transformed into an enchanting ice-skating rink. Whether you can skate or not, the Skating Academy offers a wide variety of lessons. You’ll be twirling, and maybe even cutting figure eights, in no time.

Climb the slight rise to Flagstaff Hill to the large, white granite Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The hill is a great photographic vantage point and a popular tobogganing run in winter. One of the parks most visited monuments is the bronze relief sculpture that commemorates the bravery of Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War.

Boston Common had its beginnings as a cow pasture (“common”) in 1634. It was an encampment for British Red Coats prior to the American War of Independence, and was used for public hangings until 1817 and was a recruitment point during the Civil War. Stroll through the park’s historic Central Burying Ground, on the Boylston side of the park, and examine the hundreds of fascinating gravestones from the 1700s and 1800s. The Common has also served as a historic rallying point for protests, from anti-slavery meetings to anti-war gatherings.

Boston Common and the neighboring Public Garden are located in the heart of the city. They serve as two of the links in Boston’s network of parks and gardens known as the Emerald Necklace. The Boston Common Visitor Information Center is located on the Tremont Street side of the park near the start of the Freedom Trail. It’s open daily, and admission is free.

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Best Lodging Options Near Boston Common

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
505 Washington Street, Boston, MA
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
The Revolution Hotel

The Revolution Hotel

3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The Revolution Hotel
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

4 out of 5
185 State St, Boston, MA
Harborside Inn Of Boston
Revere Hotel Boston Common

Revere Hotel Boston Common

4 out of 5
200 Stuart St, Boston, MA
Revere Hotel Boston Common
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA
The Langham, Boston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Boston Common

Boston Common offers a range of exciting activities and attractions for visitors. Enjoy summer concerts, engaging photo tours, and vibrant downtown activities. For those looking to explore further, various day trips are available that showcase the rich history and culture of the area. With a blend of theatre, sports, and guided tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic park.

Shopping

For shopping near Boston Common, visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 1.1km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Also, check out Boston Public Market, 966m away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, the Boston Design Center, 3.2km away, features unique home décor and design items.

Recreation

At MGM Music Hall at Fenway, enjoy vibrant concerts that uplift your spirit, located 3.2km from Boston Common. Agganis Arena offers exhilarating sports events 4.8km away, while Larz Anderson Park, 8.0km from the Common, provides a serene space for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Adventure

Embark on the Irish Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking experience located 966m from Boston Common, showcasing rich history. For aquatic thrills, visit Courageous Sailing Center, 1.6km away, offering exciting water sports. Enjoy the serene Deer Island HarborWalk, 9.7km distant, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Boston Common, the Charles Playhouse offers a blend of culture and romance, perfect for an entertaining night out. Just a short stroll away, the Wilbur Theatre provides captivating performances, while the Charles Hayden Planetarium promises a family-friendly experience under the stars.

Find the best attractions near Boston Common

Boston Common, an iconic urban park, offers a blend of culture and family experiences, making it a must-visit for travellers. Explore the historic sites and university landmarks nearby, while also enjoying events at local venues. Don't miss the picturesque views of Boston Harbour and the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this historic location, often referred to as the heart of Boston.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the charm of this historic sports stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox. Just 3.2km from Boston Common, Fenway Park offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can soak in the rich baseball culture and passionate sports vibes, making it a must-visit for any sports enthusiast.
  • TD Garden: Located 1.3km from Boston Common, TD Garden is an iconic event venue that hosts concerts, sports events, and conferences. With its bustling business vibes, it's a great spot to catch a live performance or enjoy the energy of a game.
  • Copley Square: Just 966m away, Copley Square is a modern urban plaza surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant storefronts. Enjoy the lively city vibes, relax on the green spaces, and explore nearby shops and eateries.

Best time to go to Boston Common

Visitor numbers around Boston Common is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Boston Common can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Boston Common falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Boston Common falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Boston Common

Boston Common is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travellers, as it offers free entry and nearby attractions like Harvard University and Copley Square. To save on accommodations, consider visiting between December and February when prices are lower, and aim for a Tuesday stay, the cheapest day. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Don't forget to sort by price to uncover great rates and special offers during your trip!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Boston Common are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Boston Common is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Boston Common is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some money by combining your hotel stay near Boston Common with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.