Boston Area's Best Places To Go On A Picnic
Enjoying a picnic in the city is undoubtedly fun, but finding the right place can be tricky. With thousands of people walking the city streets every day, sometimes finding a peaceful spot to enjoy a packed lunch is just what the doctor ordered. From South Boston to the North End, there are some pretty great spots to enjoy a bite on your own time. The places listed below are all public and don't require any type of pass or residential ID.
Castle Island
2010 Day Blvd.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 727-5290
www.mass.gov/castle-island
Taking a ride to Castle Island is a favorite for many people who live in Massachusetts, and for many who visit the area. Aside from being surrounded by water, there is a lot of history at this 22-acre urban park. While it does get crowded during the warmer months, it's never impossible to find a spot to sit. You will have great views of the ocean and, if you're lucky, airplanes heading into Logan Airport will fly overhead. There are plenty of areas for children to play, and the area is pet friendly. Forgot lunch? No worries. Sullivan's is easy to locate and has decent burgers and seafood.
171 Summit Ave.
Brookline, MA 02446
www.brookline.com/neighborhoods/corey-hill
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city is key for many people, especially those who have families. Hundreds of people flock to Corey Hill Outlook Park for relaxation, but still managing to enjoy the beauty that is the city of Boston. How, you might ask? Well "The Great Hill" is 260 feet above sea level, which gives visitors a splendid view of the city without them needing to be in the city. Bring a blanket to put down on the grass and enjoy the serenity.
Puopolo Park Or Langone Park
543 Commercial St.
Boston, MA
www.bostonharborwalk.com/placestogo
If you're in the mood to stroll around the North End, having a picnic lunch at one of the nearby parks is a splendid idea. You can head into any of the nearby eateries for a takeout lunch and walk a short distance to one of the two parks. The area is great for adults who want to do something a little "off the beaten path," but it is also a great area for kids. There are benches to sit on here as well, in case you don't want to sit on the ground while you eat.
Constellation Wharf
Pier 7, 1 Constellation Wharf
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 887-3333
www.constellationwharf.org
If you love being on the ocean, this perfect picnic spot is for you. Constellation Wharf has amazing views of the Boston skyline and the Zakim Bridge. There are restaurants and cafés in the area if you'd like to grab some takeout, and enjoy the sights from the green grass. The area boasts a large park that is perfect for families.
The Esplanade
Storrow Drive
Boston, MA
(617) 227-0365
www.esplanadeassociation.org
Perhaps the best way to experience Boston is by being in the center of it all. The Esplanade is almost always packed with people, but it's a great place to enjoy a bit of sunshine and check out the sailboats in the Charles River - in fact, you can rent a sailboat here, too. You will see plenty of people exercising here, as the area provides for quite a scenic evening jog. There are three playgrounds here, too, so the kids can play and make new friends after eating a PB&J.
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Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with interior design trends. Effie draws on her Greek/Italian heritage for inspiration and shows a keen eye for little things that make a house a home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.