Arnold Arboretum
Arnold Arboretum
4.5
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Part of Olmsted's famous Emerald Necklace, America's oldest public arboretum has 265 beautiful acres of trees, shrubs and vines.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Jamaica Plain
This Boston neighborhood feels like a distinct community unique and separate from the bustle of other areas. Beautiful Victorian homes, restaurants with an emphasis on being eco-friendly and providing local and organic food, and a large Hispanic community. Visit Centre and South streets for restaurants, cafes, and little shops. The Arnold Arboretum is a beautiful, large green space well worth a visit if you venture to JP.
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4.5
674 reviews
Excellent
499
Very good
148
Average
20
Poor
7
Terrible
0
Coffeewow
Columbia, MD81 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I will preface this by pointing out I went in December and I assume it would be much better during another season... The Arnold Arboretum is a great place to go for a walk in nature while still in the city, however I don't recommend going out of your way to visit it during a week long trip to Boston. When I visited, none of the buildings were open.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison S
Springfield, MA1,019 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Family walk in spring. You cannot drive into the arboretum; all on-street parking. This was manageable on the drizzly day we walked but I imagine it's a problem on a beautiful day. (On the other hand, perhaps it limits crowds...) The park has several entrances and quite a long perimeter on the street, so more parking is available than you might think. Not a bad idea to look at an arboretum map online before you go. - This will show entrances and also various areas of the park. We focused on lilacs, which were a bit past but still amazing, and Bussey Hill. Most "trails" are the roadways now closed to traffic; but there are numerous smaller side trails. The array of plants is fabulous and fascinating. My favorite was the handkerchief tree, which was in bloom. with its hanky-like bracts on full display.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldtraveler_1037
san francisco170 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
If you love trees, hell, even if you don’t, please visit Arnold Arboretum. You’d have to be a curmudgeonly bitter old wart not to find some majestic beauty here. It is resplendent — at any time of year, any time of day, and for any amount of time. Breathe in the air, share the space with these stalwarts and feel alive.
It’s free. Seriously, there are no excuses unless you are a sad sack of flesh and have given up on the world. And if that’s your situation, go right now and love a tree. They will not let you down.
It’s free. Seriously, there are no excuses unless you are a sad sack of flesh and have given up on the world. And if that’s your situation, go right now and love a tree. They will not let you down.
Written 28 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miles Archer
Boca Raton, FL7,156 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
I spent an hour or so leisurely walking around enjoying the lovely scenery. Not crowded. I saw dogs on leashes. So many trees and shrubs. A welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle and noise of the city.
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
figburrata
Boston, Massachusetts71 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a very nice arboretum in the city. It has several paths, grass areas, lots of trees and a pond. It probably would only take two or three hours to enjoy the entire park, but well worth the time. The only downside is the lack of parking. One has to find whatever is available right outside the gates.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlinaMorrison
Belize6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Enjoyed the walk with my dog but had to keep dog waste bag with me during the walk... Didn’t like it and don’t recommend to visit before they back to normal service.
Same about drinking water fountains- closed even though they are in many other parks now.
Same about drinking water fountains- closed even though they are in many other parks now.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George G
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Very beautiful and peaceful place to visit. A docent provided an excellent talk on the outstanding Lilacs which were in bloom when I visited. The bonzai displays are great, as well. A great place to go for a long walk and to enjoy the scenery.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr H.
Lodz, Poland3,877 contributions
June 2019
It is really nice, green garden. Lots of trees and flowers. Amazing views. Liked it a lot and recommend to go there
Written 5 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHRISTINE G
Westwood, MA9 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We visited the Arboretum yesterday. The grounds are gorgeous, the trails are well maintained. However, there were some lacks we noticed. My husband and I (we are both 65+) noticed that there were not many benches for resting, that some of the maps were damaged and/or not clear in their directions, and very few of the plantings seem to be labelled. There is only ONE restroom area in the Arboretum. If you enter from the back end of the park it is a 40 minute walk to the restroom. This is not very good for seniors or parents with young children. There were two port-a-potties near the Bonsai house but they were appallingly filthy. This really took much of the pleasure out of the visit.
Written 13 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HvPssptWilTrvl
Newton, MA536 contributions
Nov 2015
The Arboretum is a goldmine for professional horticulturalists and backyard gardeners alike. It is a vehicle-less playground for small children, picnickers, kite flyers and walkers. The scenic beauty is astounding; in each season different plants steal the show. Even in February witch hazel is in bloom! Whether it's bonsai (my favorite) or aimlessly meandering the paths is no doubt that a day in this magnificent landscape won't boost one's spirits.
Written 18 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is there public parking?
Written 11 August 2020
TK1356
East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Hi. We will be at the Arboretum on the first weekend in May to take wedding photos. Can you please suggest specific areas with in the park that would be good? And the closest parking? Thank You.
Written 28 April 2019
Near the junction of Meadow and Forest Hills Roads should still have some blossoms if the weather remains cool and we don't get too much rain. Fingers crossed for the big day.
Written 29 April 2019
TK1356
East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
We would like to take some wedding (small elopement) photos at Arnold Arboretum on the first weekend in May. Can you please suggest some particular locations within the Arboretum that would be good. And best bet for parking for those locations. Thank you.
Written 28 April 2019
I suggest you call the Arboretum and ask for suggestions from them.
Written 29 April 2019
Tomer C
San Jose, California
Are there places to picnic near the arboretum? I understand it is prohibited in the grounds.
Written 27 August 2017
No picnic grounds since outside the Arboretum are city streets.
They do have bathrooms in the info center.
Written 27 August 2017
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