As the warm weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to pack a basket of goodies and head outdoors for a picnic. While we all love an afternoon at the Common and Public Garden or the Esplanade, the Fens, or the Rose Kennedy Greenway, maybe it’s time for a new adventure. From harbor breezes to sprawling grassy fields, here are some alternatives for your al fresco feast.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Charlestown:
Bunker Hill Monument
While the monument is a popular stop on the Freedom Trail, many don’t think of the area right in the heart of Charlestown when choosing a place to spread out their blankets. Enjoy the grand monument, the mature trees for shade, and the large expanse of grass. After you dine, consider climbing the 294 steps to the monument’s observation deck.
Dorchester:
Pope John Paul II Park
Looking for a park with wide open spaces for kite flying before or after you eat? This is the spot. Sometimes called “Pope Park,” this 66-acre state park offers beautiful spaces along the Neponset River to lay out your meal whether on a blanket or picnic table. Off-street parking makes it a convenient destination, and the miles of walking and bike paths, playground, and soccer fields offer recreation opportunities for the whole family.
East Boston:
Piers Park
Overlooking Boston Harbor, this landscaped park has trails and a pedestrian promenade, shade pavilions, and a play area and spray pool for kids. It is known for its incredible views of downtown Boston and the sunsets, making it a perfect outdoor dining destination. It is easy to access from the Blue Line (Maverick Square stop) or by ferry or water taxi from near the ICA in the Seaport. Don’t have time to pack your lunch? Visit one of the nearby restaurants or the ice cream stand. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, consider a visit to the ICA Watershed museum on the border of the park. It’s free and open now for the season.
East Boston:
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
This area is Boston’s largest salt marsh, at more than 300 acres, and visitors can see unique plants and more than 250 bird species, including some that are endangered. People can enjoy lunches at the picnic tables and benches around the marsh, as well as hikes, bird watching, and views of the Boston skyline.
Harbor Islands:
Georges Island, Peddocks Island, and Spectacle Island
After a short ferry ride, any one of these three Boston Harbor Islands could be the perfect place for an outdoor dining excursion. Georges Island, site of the Civil War-era Fort Warren, is a perfect luncheon choice for history buffs, offering covered pavilions on the southwest side of the island. Prefer looking for wildlife and birdwatching? Peddocks Island may be your preference and visitors will find areas to set up their feast near the ferry dock. Interested in a swim after you eat? Check out Spectacle Island which has a beach and stunning views of the harbor from the gazebos and picnic tables atop the drumlins.
Jamaica Plain:
Jamaica Pond
Part of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, this glacial kettle hole is a popular destination. There are open fields ideal for spreading out your quilts and a 1.5-mile path around the pond. Sunday evening concerts and movies draw crowds as well if you prefer an evening outdoor dining moment.
North End:
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
This harborside park was built and opened just in time for America’s bicentennial in 1976. Next to Long Wharf and a quick walk from Faneuil Hall and the North End restaurants, it’s the perfect spot for charcuterie on the grass while enjoying the harbor views. The park also features a large fountain, a playground, and a striking arbor with wisteria vines that offer shade on hot summer days.
Roxbury:
Franklin Park
Part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace, Franklin Park is Boston’s largest open space at more than 500 acres. The tables at Playstead Picnic Grove or Schoolmaster Hill are an excellent lunch spot, and then explore the miles of trails, playing fields and tennis and basketball courts, cricket pitch, and playgrounds. A few hours in Franklin Park Zoo is a great post-meal treat. On Tuesday evenings, free concerts are held at the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park if evening plein air dining is your speed.
Seaport:
Fan Pier Park
The views of Boston’s skyline from this city park cannot be beaten, and you’ll certainly see lots of photographers taking advantage of it. Located on the Harborwalk, there are many seating options for a picnic overlooking Boston Harbor, whether at the tables and benches or on the lawn by the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Court House.
South End:
Castle Island and Fort Independent
The 22-acre park at Castle Island is dominated by the pentagonal granite Fort Independence. Visitors can tour the fort which also affords great views of the Boston Harbor Islands. Dine at the shaded picnic tables, hit the playground, and take a stroll on the Harborwalk or the Causeway which circles Pleasure Bay. Ready to cool off? Enjoy a swim at Pleasure Bay Beach or the nearby Carson or M Street Beaches. Many people would say that a visit to the landmark Sullivan’s for a bite to eat is a required part of any trip.
A Few Other Options Less Than an Hour from Boston
Once you’ve exhausted the Boston stops, here are a few that take you a little further afield.
Brookline: Larz Anderson Park
Brookline’s largest park with stunning views of Boston and great sunsets and stargazing features uncovered tables and a covered shelter.
Concord: Old North Bridge and Walden Pond
Soak up some history while dining on the grass near the Concord River alongside the site of the “shot heard ‘round the world” or channel your inner Thoreau on the banks of Walden Pond.
Framingham: Garden in the Woods
This spot does charge an entry fee, but plant lovers will swoon over the 1,000 species of native plants on 45 acres. Picnic tables are available on the patio outside the education center.
Harvard: Fruitlands
Stunning views and miles of walking trails meander through this farmland that was once Louisa May Alcott’s father’s Transcendentalist experiment. Check out the art galleries and spread out on the expansive lawn or make use of the shaded picnic tables.
Hingham: World’s End
Four coastal drumlins offer rocky shores, gentle hills, and spectacular views of Boston. Bring a basket of treats and choose your picnic spot.
Ipswich: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Perch on a blanket and sup overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the grounds of a stately seaside estate. (There is a charge for admission.) Or spread out at Crane’s Beach, but make sure the seagulls don’t grab your lunch!
Milton and surrounding towns: Blue Hills Reservation
Given that GBH’s call letters stand for Great Blue Hill, this site has to be on the list. At more than 7,000 acres, there are many spots to explore. Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area is recommended for picnics.
Newburyport: Maudslay State Park
Eat at one of the many tables among the 19th century gardens and expansive meadows. This park features one of the largest stands of mountain laurel in the state and in the summer, visitors can attend performances by Theater in the Open.
Rockport: Halibut Point State Park
This park sits atop a granite edge along the Atlantic Ocean with tide pools to explore and, on a clear day, views of Maine’s Mount Agamenticus and the Isles of Shoals. While there are tables available, dining on the rocks will offer the most options for a great view.
Stoneham to Medford and surrounding towns: Middlesex Fells
Choose a spot along the trails to lay out your snacks. Then after eating, consider renting a canoe or kayak to explore Spot Pond.
This article was produced for an issue of The Deep Dive newsletter about picnics. Sign up for The Deep Dive to delve into a different topic each week that is trending across GBH, in the zeitgeist, or just plain fascinating. Need ideas for what to pack for your picnic? Visit GBH’s recipes page.
