As the cold and blustering winds of winter die down, get outside and enjoy the beauty, bloom, and sunshine of Boston in spring. From birding to boating to bespoke Beacon Hill gardens, there’s an activity for anyone who wants to make the most of the longer days and finer weather while simultaneously soaking up the rich history, culture, and fun of our beloved Beantown.
No one should skip old faithfuls like Boston Common, the Public Garden, or the Freedom Trail, but there are some other less obvious ways to celebrate Boston in spring, and we want to make sure you don’t miss them.
Here are six adventurous options for spicing up your Boston in spring itinerary.
Peer into private gardens on the Annual Beacon Hill Garden Tour
Fancy yourself a bit of an urban gardener? Or if not, care to live vicariously through those that do? Then dig out your finest rain gear (I mean, it IS spring after all) and enjoy a day of highbrow garden peeping with the Beacon Hill Garden Club’s Annual Hidden Gardens Tour.
The Beacon Hill Garden Club was founded in 1928 and they’ve done an annual garden tour almost every May since. These are Beacon Hill residents’ private gardens, some you can walk right into and others are labeled “ribbon” gardens (meaning you need to stand behind a ribbon and look but don’t touch).
Keep in mind this tour is self-guided, so you can take your time and browse with a guide book you will purchase as your entry ticket. If this event piques your curiosity, be sure to book early as tickets often sell out fast. Lines are generally longest in the morning, so viewing after lunch might save you some queue time.
More of an armchair traveler? Check out the group’s Instagram where you can garden peep at home with a cup of tea.
Become a birder at Mass Audubon’s annual Bird-a-thon
After seeing so many gardens, has your attention moved from the leaves and flowers to the wildlife within? In that case, get out your binoculars and start looking for birds!
For over 40 years, the Mass Audubon Society has held its annual Bird-a-thon, a fundraiser, friendly competition, and celebration of nature. You can form teams and win prizes, or join a lower key guided program (some are free!) to learn a bit more about bird-watching and nature conservation efforts.
Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center located in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood, offers a wide variety of free and low fee Bird-a-thon programs for all ages. Feel like getting out of the city to fully capture that fresh spring air? Mass Audubon hosts Bird-a-thon and other nature programs at venues throughout Massachusetts. Make yourself an Audubon passport and visit them all!
Kayak down the Charles River
Perhaps you’re more of a water lover than a land dweller. In that case, put away your binoculars and get out your boat shoes instead. A unique and active way to see Boston in spring is by paddling your way down the Charles River in a kayak.
The stunning Boston skyline, vibrant sunsets, and unparalleled views of our beloved, and affectionately named, “Salt & Pepper” (Longfellow) Bridge are all perks of celebrating Boston in spring from the water.
Community Boating offers kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals from April through October on a first come, first served basis. Their website offers a thorough FAQ section so be sure to check that thoroughly for weather, age limits, opening times, and other restrictions before heading out.
Get history & culture on wheels cycling the Emerald Necklace
So maybe floating is not your thing? How about wheels instead? Rent or bring a bike (and a helmet!) and see Boston in spring from the lush cycling trails of Boston’s historic Emerald Necklace.
After the success of New York City’s Central Park, Boston leaders commissioned its designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, to create something similar for Boston. So in the late nineteenth century, Olmsted created Boston’s “green ribbon” as a refuge from the surrounding bustle of the city, and it continues winding peacefully through seven scenic miles of Boston neighborhoods and sightseeing destinations today.
With Boston’s support and guidance for cyclists growing by the year, you can now safely cycle the Emerald Necklace from the Back Bay through Fenway and Jamaica Plain all the way to the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park (perhaps visit the zoo!), covering a wide array of Boston attractions with a single route. Three cheers for efficiency!
Play giant chess and giant jenga at Lawn on D
Still looking for more unique ways to get outside and enjoy the warming weather of Boston in spring? Then look no further than Lawn on D in Boston’s thriving Seaport District.
Lawn on D (named for its location on D Street) originally opened in 2014 as a temporary outdoor interactive space to promote enrichment and engagement for the area connecting the Seaport to Southie (Southie is Boston’s affectionate name for South Boston). It was so popular that it became a permanent fixture and is now open yearly from May to October for public use and private events.
Come alone (and meet new people if you’re up for it) or bring along friends and family. You can easily get there on the Silver Line. Check their website before you go for special events you might want to attend (they sometimes have concerts and food trucks!) or to make sure they haven’t closed for weather or a private event.
Combine 13 Boston sites on a Freedom Trail Tour
The sheer quantity of choices for how to spend your time exploring Boston in spring can be overwhelming. We get it! That’s why we have a VIP Freedom Trail Tour. Take the decision-making out of your visit and let us guide you.
Our Freedom Trail tour lasts approximately three hours and includes 13 of the famous trail’s 16 sites. So get out your walking shoes and welcome spring to Boston with a guided tour through some of Boston’s most powerful historical and cultural landmarks. We can’t wait to see you during Boston in spring (…and every season!).