Parks and nature spots in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers a diverse range of outdoor environments, from the historic 1634 Boston Common and the Victorian-era Boston Public Garden to the expansive state forests of the Berkshires and North Shore. Explore over 3,300 acres of ponds and trails at Harold Parker State Forest, or visit the riverside Charles River Esplanade in Back Bay. The collection includes the entire island of Nantucket, a National Historic Landmark, along with Lowell’s urban green spaces and the coastal Ryder Street Beach in Provincetown.

Parks & Nature Spots — Map

Ingfbruno / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Boston Common

Historic public park established in 1634, featuring green spaces, historic monuments, and recreational facilities including the Frog Pond. It serves as a site for public gatherings and is part of a larger historic park system.

Daderot / Public domain

B

Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden, also known as Boston Public Garden, is a large park in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, adjacent to Boston Common.

Daderot / Public domain

C

Charles River Esplanade

The Charles River Esplanade of Boston, Massachusetts, is a state-owned park situated in the Back Bay area of the city, on the south bank of…

Swampyank / Public domain

D

Boston African-American National Historic Site

The Boston African American National Historic Site, in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts's Beacon Hill neighborhood, interprets 15 pre…

E

Harvard Yard

Harvard Yard, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the oldest part of the Harvard University campus, its historic center and modern crossroads.

Bobak / CC BY-SA 2.5

F

Nantucket Historic District

The Nantucket Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District that encompasses the entire island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

ToddC4176 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Beartown State Forest

Beartown State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features located in the towns of Great Barrington, Monterey, Lee, and…

Lofiuser / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Harold Parker State Forest

Harold Parker State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features encompassing more than 3,300 acres in the towns of Andover…

John Phelan / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Otter River State Forest

Otter River State Forest is a publicly owned forest and recreational preserve located in the towns of Templeton, Winchendon, and Royalston…

John Phelan / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Shedd Park

Shedd Park is a 50-acre public park in Lowell, Massachusetts. It is located off Rogers Street and flanked by Boylston Street and Knapp…

Janbazian / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

City Hall Historic District

The City Hall Historic District is a historic district in Lowell, Massachusetts roughly between Broadway and French Streets, Colburn Street…

Arjen Ros / CC-BY-SA

L

Ryder Street Beach

Public harbor beach located in Provincetown near MacMillan Pier. It offers accessible entry to the waterfront and views of the harbor, serving as a central recreational spot within walking distance of the town center.

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