Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade
4.5
About
A popular path for walkers, joggers, bladers and bicyclists, the Esplanade is also home to the Hatch Shell, where the Boston Pops holds its annual summer concerts.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: West End
How to get there
- Science Park • 1 min walk
- North Station • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
757 reviews
Excellent
477
Very good
242
Average
33
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Adventure Diva
Manchester, CT2,781 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
The esplanade attracts anyone looking to take a stroll whether you are a runner, cyclist or walker. This public park is a perfect place to also catch some rays. Along the way there are park benches that you can seek shade if it gets too hot and check out the local scenery.
Written 14 June 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.
Mary Helen Hull
Augusta, GA29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I visit Boston frequently, and every time I am there I run and/or walk on the Esplanade. The river is beautiful, and the path is always full of people especially when the weather is nice. In the summer, there are always lots boats on the river and crew teams rowing. A must do when in Boston!
Written 15 January 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.
363cymru123
Cardiff, UK127 contributions
Aug 2023
We had a very relaxing afternoon visiting the Charles River Esplanade. We started our walk at the Hatch Shell which is a area for outdoor concerts. As you walk along there are areas to sunbathe on boardwalks over the river. There are plenty of benches both in the sun and shade to stop and enjoy watching the boats out on the river itself. Also plenty of trees with low branches to shade under during the summer too. On the other side of the esplanade there is the lagoon which has lots of ducks and geese going by and from time to time some people enjoying a paddleboat or canoe ride, its all very laid back and we enjoyed a little picnic lunch while we we watching the world go by on a sunny day. There are public restrooms here which is very welcome but not very common in Boston.
Written 6 August 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.
Alexandra Arrivillaga
Newton, MA639 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
If you’re visiting Boston you must come to the Charles ! There is no parking so take the redline in and get off at the stop called the Charles ! Lots of outdoor walking so make sure you bring the correct clothing for the weather and comfortable shoes .
Written 10 August 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.
Jaskel08
California355 contributions
June 2023
The Esplanade has a green space along the banks of the Charles River. It extends from the Museum of Science to Boston University. We stayed in the Back Bay. I spent my morning running the Esplanade’s paved paths. It’s really close to Newberry Street. Beautiful views of nature, as well as the city. Runners, walkers, and bicyclists all share the path and the green space with plenty of space for everyone.
Written 2 July 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.
EcoBean
Kennington, UK258 contributions
Apr 2022
Very easy access to walk along the Charles River, away from the cars and hustle and bustle of the city. Plenty of sculptures and art work to enjoy en route. Thoroughly recommend.
Written 23 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.
Rita V
Hudson, MA764 contributions
Aug 2020
Mask on, and start your walk. Lot to take in - back drop of a city, the scent of the Atlantic, the beauty of nature. People watching. Dog walking. Just a great way to unwind. And then find a cafe and ponder!
Written 21 November 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.
Kathleen R
Midlothian, VA111 contributions
Apr 2021
My daughter & I were visiting BU and really enjoyed the Esplanade. Walking along it, we got great views of the river, Cambridge and the BU campus. It was easy exit an find out lodgings. Plenty of benches and trash cans. Very chilly in April.
Written 26 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.
Piotr H.
Lodz, Poland3,877 contributions
June 2019
Really amazing place. You can see the river and the skyline of the city of Boston. Really great area for walking or jogging
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.
scottcabal
Folkestone, UK315 contributions
This is a nice walk along the banks of the Charles River. It is probably the best place to see the river without going on one of the Boston Duck Tours. However it is also a scenic route back into the city centre from the Museum of Science departure point of the Boston Duck Tours.
The best way to get to the walk is to get the subway to the stop that's next to the Museum of Science (on the south bank of the river). Then head along the south bank of the river in a westerly direction and you'll go through some nice gardens and along a walk next to the river.
When I walked the route there were some Canada geese that had recently hatched some young and they were so cute. There were also some other birds in the area as well as plenty of plants... and trees to escape the sub from.
In addition to a nice walk it's a nice place to just chill or soak up the atmosphere. I saw lots of people sitting and relaxing as well as people walking, cycling, roller blading and also skating - a good place for everybody it seems.
When you get to the hatch shell you can cross a bridge across the road which will send you in the direction of the Boston Common, which is only a few minutes from this point.
The best way to get to the walk is to get the subway to the stop that's next to the Museum of Science (on the south bank of the river). Then head along the south bank of the river in a westerly direction and you'll go through some nice gardens and along a walk next to the river.
When I walked the route there were some Canada geese that had recently hatched some young and they were so cute. There were also some other birds in the area as well as plenty of plants... and trees to escape the sub from.
In addition to a nice walk it's a nice place to just chill or soak up the atmosphere. I saw lots of people sitting and relaxing as well as people walking, cycling, roller blading and also skating - a good place for everybody it seems.
When you get to the hatch shell you can cross a bridge across the road which will send you in the direction of the Boston Common, which is only a few minutes from this point.
Written 21 May 2008
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.
How do you keep out of the sun? I am planning to go this july 4 but they won't let me bring a tent. And the canopies cost atleast 50. Do you end of staying in the sun the whole day?
Written 29 June 2016
The prime seating area in front of the stage is open and there is no cover from the sun. There are trees around the perimeter and towards the back of the performance area. You would be sacrificing view for comfort, but I would go for the comfort. I'm not sure how early they allow people in to the area, but as soon as it opens, it fills quickly. If you're part of a small group, you can put a blanket or chairs down and hold the space for yourselves. You can all take turns leaving for food, restroom breaks, walk a bit, etc. Good luck! It's been years since I've done the Esplanade on the 4th. I hope you enjoy it.
Written 29 June 2016
Hi Jamal,
Can you advise when your family got in lines for the wristband? Secondly, does all family members have to be in line the whole time? I have a little one and want to know if they to be with me the whole time or only when we are closer to the gate?
Written 28 March 2016
Bostonians take the Fourth of July serious and have been known to show up as early as 4:00 a.m. since they banned overnight camping. I believe the City now attempts to regulate this at 6:00 a.m. There is limited space and a major Holiday here. We show up after dusk and sit on the river in front of the barge to watch the fireworks. The Pops concert is played from speakers close to the hatch shell if you don't get a seat in front and people bring radios up and down the river. Remember there is limited viewing of the fireworks from the Hatch Shell and little shade during the day. Google what the Hatch Shell looks like as there really are no "gates". They put up barriers around the area of the Shell where the best viewing is, which is a large section of grass with a walkway around it. It is not an enclosed area on a regular day. This will give you a better idea of what your options are. It's a fantastic way to spend the 4th. Boston has a sense of pride and tradition on the Fourth of July that you will not find anywhere else and it's contagious! Even if you don't get a seat in front of the Hatch Shell you'll have a blast.
Written 29 March 2016
What time should we arrive to be in line for the Pops concert REHEARSAL on 7/3 in order to have the best chance at getting a spot on lawn in front of the hatch shell????
Written 30 June 2015
I cannot give a specific answer because this is a very subjective question, which depends on what criteria are important for selecting the "best" spot. Typically the events at the hatch shell are extremely popular, drawing large crowds well in advance. Depending on weather conditions and time availability, a 2-3 hour time period before the event is very advisable. This is somewhat comparable to Tanglewood where the gates typically open two hours before an event.
Written 2 July 2015
How do you get there? Is there a place to park?
Written 27 April 2015
You can park on streets parallel to newbury street or in the garage and then take footbridge to the esplanade. There is no parking there.
Written 28 March 2016
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