Top 10 Nature & Parks in Downtown, Massachusetts (MA)

Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Close to the mainland, Peddocks Island is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor—featuring historic structures, hiking trails, unique geologic features, and even solar energy installations. One area is also still home to active cottages that serve as private residences. Hike around an island that has been home to American Indians, militiamen, prisoners of war, farmers, summer vacationers, and others. Explore an island that was home to Fort Andrews from the early 1900s through World War II.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway, a roof garden atop a highway tunnel, is a contemporary public park in the heart of Boston. The non-profit Greenway Conservancy maintains, programs, finances, and improves the 1.5-mile Greenway on behalf of the public. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually, and the Conservancy has won numerous awards for our organic landscape care, public art, and programming.

The Boston Irish Heritage Trail takes visitors through 300 years of local history in which the Irish have played a role. Run by the Boston Irish Tourism Association, the 20 stops along the Trail take you from the waterfront to the Fens, recounting deeds of patriots, poets and politicians. Guided tours are offered, starting at the Boston Common Visitors Center, and self-guided maps are available at visitor centers on the Boston Common and at the Prudential Center. 2019 Marks the 25th anniversary of the Irish Heritage Trail, which was officially launched in June 1994.

The New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. During your visit, reach out and gently touch cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and epaulette sharks as they swim through The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, then dive into the Science of Sharks at our exhibit featuring shark species from around the world. Meet three different species of penguins and pet a sea star, meet a lobster, or cradle a hermit crab at the Edge of the Sea’s tidepool touch tank. Wind your way along the four-story Giant Ocean Tank and be mesmerized by the 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit teeming with more than 1,000 marine animals. The Aquarium has something to entertain visitors of all ages and Aquarium educators are always present to answer any questions.