The Lyric Staff’s Favorite Outdoor Spots in Boston – Fall 2020
The Lyric Stage is located in the heart of Boston, and there are so many fun things to do and discover in the city! Our walking audio plays invite you to explore a variety of places around Boston. Here are some other outdoor spots that our staff recommends (that are also safe to enjoy)!
1. Boston Common
“I’m always there enjoying nature in the middle of the city, so really, there’s nothing that beats it for me!” – Julia Thorn, Digital Media Assistant
There is no doubt that the Boston Common is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Established in 1634, the Boston Common is America’s oldest public park and takes up 50 acres. The Common is surrounded by five of Boston’s most popular streets that form a pentagon: Tremont, Park, Beacon, Charles, and Boylston Streets. The Common also has many activities for people to enjoy, such as having a picnic near the Frog Pond, or walking the Freedom Trail for Boston tourists.
2. Boston Public Garden
“It’s a great place to relax or just walk around, and it’s incredibly beautiful during the fall season when the leaves change colors.” – Marieska Luzada, Digital Marketing/Social Media Assistant
Located just adjacent to the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden is one of the most picturesque places in Boston all year round. Built as the first public botanical garden in America, the Boston Public Garden is also a part of the Emerald Necklace system of parks in the city. The Boston Public Garden is perfect for locals and tourists alike, whether you want to do some sightseeing or just take some time to wind down and relax.
3. Paddle Boston Kayak Rentals
“So much fun, and they have discounts for evening rentals making it way more budget friendly.” – Aja M. Jackson, Interim Production Manager
For those interested in outdoor recreational activities, check out Paddle Boston Kayak Rentals! Paddle Boston specializes in canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals in Boston (Allston and Brighton), Cambridge (Kendall Square), Somerville, Mystic River, Waltham, and Newton. Paddle Boston offers group corporate outings, birthday parties, and ten-person canoes in addition to guided tours on the Charles River and the Boston Harbor!
4. Boston Nature Center
“It’s an excellent spot for communing with nature in the middle of the city.” – Matt Chapuran, Executive Director
A hidden gem of the city, the Boston Nature Center has a mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife. The Boston Nature Center is a community-based urban sanctuary, and it is located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital. There are two miles of trails through meadows and woodlands, and a boardwalk protects 10 acres of wetlands, creating a home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants. It also has a lookout on a marsh that is serene and isolated, so the Boston Nature Center is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
5. Jamaica Pond
“It’s beautiful and always has a nice cool breeze even on warmer days.” – Kate Casner, Digital Marketing Associate
As a part of the Emerald Necklace of parks in Boston, Jamaica Pond is a beautiful place to wind down and to take in the beauty of nature. Located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Jamaica Pond is a kettle pond that also acts as the source of the Muddy River, which drains into the lower Charles River. The pond has an area of about 68 acres with a depth of 53 feet at its center, making it the largest body of freshwater in Boston. Sailboats, kayaks, and rowboats can be rented at the Jamaica Pond Boat House, and the Pond is the site for many famous events such as the Lantern Parade held every October.