The family were in New England for an extended weekend and I knew I needed to carve out a minute to…read morepay my respects to a writer that's been influential to me and my friends. First stop: Edson Cemetery (about 10 minutes away) to visit his burial plot, which would prove to be more profound and interesting to me. (I'd recommend that and skipping this park, to be honest.) Lowell seems to be a town struggling and it was heartbreaking to see so many people suffering and asking for help at almost every corner as I tried to get here. Then when I got to the park itself there were a few homeless people on the outer benches which made me feel like an idiot when I pulled out my phone to document my visit. All that being said... I think it's cool (and meaningful) that 'Ti Jean' was given a memorial park in his hometown. The park's small. Some benches are spaced between concentric columns. There was also a ping-pong table as well as plenty of trees off to the side. Some of the columns that have etched quotes and tidbits regarding Kerouac are faded/damaged and hard to read. Parking was an issue. (Litter all around was another.) Even the most devoted fans of Sal Paradise might not dig coming here. (If I were much braver I would've loved to swing by Arthur's Diner across the street which looked EXACTLY like the kind of place the Beats would've frequented to ramble and rant and preach and maybe even do a bit of writing about their most recent experiences out and about in the world.)

This park has cool history but it is pretty busy during the day & very small in size, and might be…read morebetter to see early in the morning or sunset. Parking is doable in the area.

The Esplanade is such an amazing place to run, bike, and take a walk, especially when it's warm…read more The views are absolutely beautiful and there are so many benches and places to relax along the way. It's the perfect hybrid between city life and nature. I've set up a hammock along the Esplanade at night and let me tell you, it's absolutely gorgeous listening to nature and looking at all the lights across the river. I would still be a bit weary with going around the Esplanade at night because it can get kind of scary, but that's an obvious unspoken rule. You can do a bunch here and I love how people friendly this all is! However, it's a bit frustrating that some people don't understand the meaning of the lanes. It's especially dangerous when you have fast bikers and runners trying to pass and some people are straying in the middle of the lanes without a clue. I know they don't do it on purpose, but I just wish it were more clear.

My friend and I had such a wonderful experience renting the BlueBikes and biking along the Charles…read more They have a $10 per day deal, and the first two hours are free. We biked about 1.5 miles of the path, starting in Allston and heading to Cambridge. There is a lot of space to bike even on a busy day and the asphalt is nicely paved. Would absolutely recommend biking here on a sunny day in Boston.

Nice to run here. Always refreshing to be along the river. Less crowded compared to running along…read moreCharles where I see hundreds of runners but today I saw 5 runners and 10 walkers here. That's way quiet, but along the highway. So it's lots is car noise which is down side. Anyway good to be outside.

Mystic River is a muddy hill space with stone benches. Apartment buildings block views. It is a…read moreglorified dog-walk area. Review: 3

I love well planned green spaces in the central areas of big cities, some of the most famous of…read morewhich are Central Park in NYC and of course, Boston Commons. Tonight after our dinner we enjoyed walking through here and Boston Public Gardens for a good 1.5 hrs catching up with our daughter. There was a growing crowd of happy people (families and children too) cheering the Iraq World Cup team who will play their first match tomorrow against Norway here in Boston. About a dozen Boston police were watching from the sidelines on their motorbikes and I prayed all would stay peaceful. Meanwhile, pedestrians, dog walkers, families were enjoying the fresh cool evening amidst the grandiose trees, lawns, ducks, fountains, and historic statues. If you're in the area, definitely stop by, and also check out the Boston Public Gardens, which are even more landscaped and welcoming!

Boston Common, which opened in 1634, is the oldest city park in the United States. It is 50 acres,…read moreand is bounded by Beacon Street, Park Street, Tremont Street, Boylston Street, and Charles Street. The nearest subway stations are Park Street Station and Boylston Station. To the west is Boston Public Garden, and to the North, on Beacon Street, is the Massachusetts State House and the start of the Freedom Trail. We walked through Boston Common a couple of times on our trip and saw The Embrace sculpture; Central Burying Ground; Parkman Plaza with the three bronze statues representing Learning, Industry, and Religion; and many, many grey squirrels. Boston Common is one of the top tourist attractions in Boston, and it's clear why! [Yelp collections: Boston, MA 2025; Parks and Gardens]

Exhibit with 100 life-sized elephant sculptures elephants made from lantana weeds by artisans from…read moreIndia have arrived in Boston from August 8 - September 13, 2026. I got the chance to see them on the 2nd day of their arrival. You might not have heard, but the elephants are here. The Great Elephant Migration has officially arrived in the Back Bay. The wildlife conservation exhibition launched in Newport, Rhode Island in the summer of 2024 and traveled across the United States. Heading south to Miami, Florida before migrating west to Beverly Hills. The Red Elephant is named Mayflower after a tree that blooms with red flowers. You can volunteer or purchase the elephant's. Check out their site for more details: thegreatelephantmigration.org

The Great Elephant Migration AUGUST 8 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026…read more BETWEEN FAIRFIELD & DARTMOUTH Such a Cool exhibit and for a great cause. If you can catch it on Comm Ave, definitely check it out. Free exhibit featuring 100 life-size elephants made from lantana weeds by artisans from India. My fav was Mayflower: The Red Elephant Named after a tree that blooms with red flowers, this distinctive sculpture was highlighted during the exhibit's-journey alongside supporting figures. You can volunteer and even purchase elephants! Check out their site: thegreatelephantmigration.org Metered Parking on side streets is your best bet for spots!

This is an absolutely stunning hidden little gem. I came across it on my way back from picking up…read moredinner while staying at the Royal Sonesta a block away. I decided to have my dinner right there on one of the benches surrounded by willows facing the circular waterway with its 160-ft. high water jet. The Cambridge Side mall overlooks this uncrowded and serene spot. You can catch a sunset boat tour from here, too

A. very nice and tranquil little spot off the Charles River. I was staying at the Sonesta hotel and…read moretook a walk after breakfast along the river and then along the canal to smoke a cigar. There are many shade trees and benches for lounging. Couples were picnicking on the grassy areas. Kayaks were cruising by. Once along the Canal I no longer felt like I was in the center of Cambridge. A very relaxing hour or so. Mark.

This is one of the most beautiful parks in the south end! Small and semi hidden from the world it…read morehow tax money should be spent.

Thanks so much for your comments on the Park. It is planted and maintained wholly by the Friends…read moreof Hayes Park. The City of Boston created this wonderful space 30 years ago on the understanding that a 'friends of the park' organization be established to maintain it. If you would like to become a Friend of Hayes Park, you can go to our website to join: hayespark.org

I think this park would be awesome on a clear and sunny day, but today wasn't that. It's still a…read moreneat park with a basketball court nearby and a whole lot of harbor view with the city skyline (the financial district part, at least). Green space, great little spot. As the signs say, "No drones" and "No dogs."

What a beautiful place to walk through. Beautifully landscaped to perfection. I am a dog lover but,…read moreit's nice that this park is dog free because it's let the bunny population grow. I've never walked through here without seeing at least a couple bunnies! It's a very small park, takes under 5 minutes to walk through it. But if you happen to be walking by already, I highly recommend taking a detour off of the sidewalk and walking through this little park path instead.