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Gordon Mathias/Flickr

Boston's great weather: Where to enjoy it right now downtown

11 spots

By Tom Acitelli Updated
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By Tom Acitelli Updated
Gordon Mathias/Flickr

Editor’s note: This map was updated from one that originally ran in September 2014.

Such postcard-perfect weather! Where to take it all in amid the hustle and bustle of a workday?

We've curated 11 spots that are within or very near Boston's various commercial hubs, including the Financial District, Government Center, and Copley.

If we're missing any particularly easy workday getaways, do let us know in the comments section.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Charles River Esplanade

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The river-hugging park offers fabulous views and plenty of bench seating. Hop over the bridges to Cambridge for more of the same.

Boston, MA

Back Bay Fens

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The Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park sits at the nexus of several neighborhoods and commercial hubs, including Northeastern University, the Isabella Stuart Gardner, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Back Bay Fens, Boston, MA

Copley Square

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The bustling plaza sits near the main hub of the Boston Public Library and amid one of the city’s main commercial clusters. Get some lunch and sit outside.

Boylston St, Boston, MA

Thoreau Path

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Meander this 20-foot-wide connective path. Or just have a seat.

West End, Boston, MA

Boston Common

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America’s oldest public park is smack-dab in the center of town, with the Public Garden right there, too.

Tremont St, Boston, MA
(617) 635-4505
(617) 635-4505

Also featured in:

City Hall Plaza

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It’s right outside the ugliest building in America (or the finest example of brutalist architecture yet devised).

1 City Hall Sq., Boston, MA
(617) 635-4500
(617) 635-4500

Also featured in:

Norman B. Leventhal Park

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Benches, lawn, fountains, trees. Yes, the makings of a serene-y public park right in the heart of the go-go Financial District.

Post Office Sq, Boston, MA

Charlestown Navy Yard

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Gorgeous views and lots of history greet visitors to this public open space. Plus! It's a short stroll to Charlestown's historic gaslight area.

1st Ave., Charlestown, MA
617 242 3821
617 242 3821

Also featured in:

Paul Revere Mall

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The strand of parkland has plenty of bench seating and shade as well as an equestrian statue of its namesake. 

416 Hanover St, Boston, MA
Jamie/Flickr

The Rose Kennedy Greenway

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Pick any point along the ribbon of parkland born of the Big Dig and get strolling (or sitting or jogging).

Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA
(617) 292-0020
(617) 292-0020
Mass. Office of Tourism

Also featured in:

South Boston Maritime Park

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This park includes a lawn, a three-season cafe with outdoor seating, and a pair of pergolas. The expanse is also right across D Street from Eastport Park.

Boston, MA
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Charles River Esplanade

Boston, MA

The river-hugging park offers fabulous views and plenty of bench seating. Hop over the bridges to Cambridge for more of the same.

Boston, MA

Back Bay Fens

Back Bay Fens, Boston, MA

The Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park sits at the nexus of several neighborhoods and commercial hubs, including Northeastern University, the Isabella Stuart Gardner, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Back Bay Fens, Boston, MA

Copley Square

Boylston St, Boston, MA

The bustling plaza sits near the main hub of the Boston Public Library and amid one of the city’s main commercial clusters. Get some lunch and sit outside.

Boylston St, Boston, MA

Thoreau Path

West End, Boston, MA

Meander this 20-foot-wide connective path. Or just have a seat.

West End, Boston, MA

Boston Common

Tremont St, Boston, MA

America’s oldest public park is smack-dab in the center of town, with the Public Garden right there, too.

Tremont St, Boston, MA
(617) 635-4505
(617) 635-4505

City Hall Plaza

1 City Hall Sq., Boston, MA

It’s right outside the ugliest building in America (or the finest example of brutalist architecture yet devised).

1 City Hall Sq., Boston, MA
(617) 635-4500
(617) 635-4500

Norman B. Leventhal Park

Post Office Sq, Boston, MA

Benches, lawn, fountains, trees. Yes, the makings of a serene-y public park right in the heart of the go-go Financial District.

Post Office Sq, Boston, MA

Charlestown Navy Yard

1st Ave., Charlestown, MA

Gorgeous views and lots of history greet visitors to this public open space. Plus! It's a short stroll to Charlestown's historic gaslight area.

1st Ave., Charlestown, MA
617 242 3821
617 242 3821

Paul Revere Mall

416 Hanover St, Boston, MA

The strand of parkland has plenty of bench seating and shade as well as an equestrian statue of its namesake. 

416 Hanover St, Boston, MA
Jamie/Flickr

The Rose Kennedy Greenway

Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA

Pick any point along the ribbon of parkland born of the Big Dig and get strolling (or sitting or jogging).

Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA
(617) 292-0020
(617) 292-0020
Mass. Office of Tourism

South Boston Maritime Park

Boston, MA

This park includes a lawn, a three-season cafe with outdoor seating, and a pair of pergolas. The expanse is also right across D Street from Eastport Park.

Boston, MA