Two Connected Parks with Different Histories and Layouts

Boston Common and the Public Garden are two separate parks that sit next to each other in downtown Boston, and most visitors move between them without realizing they crossed from one to the other. The Common is the older space — established in 1634 as a shared grazing ground for cattle and sheep — and it sits on 50 acres of open lawn, walking paths, and monuments. The Public Garden, built in 1837 on filled-in marshland, is smaller at 24 acres and designed as a formal garden with flower beds, trees planted in rows, and the famous lagoon where the Swan Boats operate.

The two parks connect at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets, and you can walk from one to the other in under five minutes. Most people visit both in a single trip because they are adjacent and because the route between them passes through some of Boston's most photographed spots — the Make Way for Ducklings statues, the Ether Monument, and the bridge over the lagoon.

Key Takeaways

  • Boston Common is free and open year-round, with no entrance fee, and covers 50 acres of lawn, walking paths, and historical monuments.
  • The Public Garden is also free and sits directly next to the Common, featuring formal gardens, a lagoon, and the Swan Boats (which charge a separate fee to ride).
  • The Swan Boats operate seasonally — typically from mid-April through mid-September — and tickets are purchased at the lagoon entrance, not in advance.
  • Both parks are accessible by the MBTA Red, Green, or Blue Lines, with Park Street Station the closest stop to the Common and Arlington Station closest to the Public Garden.
  • The parks are heavily visited year-round, but spring and fall draw the largest crowds; winter is quieter and offers a different view of the landscape.

Getting There by Transit and Finding Parking

The MBTA subway serves both parks. Park Street Station (Red, Green, or Blue Line) puts you at the edge of Boston Common near the Visitor Center. Arlington Station (Green Line) is closer to the Public Garden entrance on Marlborough Street. Both stations are within a five-minute walk of the parks' main entrances.

Parking in the area is limited and expensive. The Boston Common Garage sits beneath the Common itself and charges by the hour; rates vary by time of day and day of week. Street parking on surrounding blocks (Charles Street, Beacon Street, Mount Vernon Street) is metered and fills quickly, especially on weekends and during warm months. If you are driving, arriving before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. increases your chances of finding street parking. Many visitors find it simpler to use the subway or a rideshare service.

What to See and Do in Boston Common

The Common has no single "main attraction" — it is designed as a place to walk, sit, and move through rather than a destination with a fixed route. The Visitor Center, located in the Tremont Street side of the park, has maps and information about the monuments scattered throughout. The Central Burying Ground, at the Boylston Street end, is the burial site of Paul Revere and other colonial-era figures and is open to walk through.

The Frog Pond, in the center of the Common, changes purpose by season: it is a wading pool in summer, a skating rink in winter, and a reflecting pool in spring and fall. The pond is free to use in summer and fall, but skating in winter requires a ticket. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a tall granite tower near the Beacon Street entrance, is one of the most photographed spots in the park. Walking paths crisscross the entire 50 acres, and the lawn is open for picnicking, reading, or sitting on one of the many benches.

What to See and Do in the Public Garden

The Public Garden is smaller and more structured than the Common, with planted flower beds, tree-lined paths, and a clear layout. The lagoon is the centerpiece, and the Swan Boats are the main paid activity — they operate from mid-April through mid-September, typically 10 a.m. to dusk, though hours shift with the season. Tickets are sold at the lagoon entrance (not online or in advance) and cost around $4 for adults and $2.50 for children, though prices vary year to year.

The Make Way for Ducklings statues, depicting characters from Robert McCloskey's children's book, sit near the lagoon's north end and are one of the most visited spots in either park. The bridge over the lagoon, known as the Japanese Bridge, is another popular photo location. The garden's flower beds change seasonally — spring brings tulips and daffodils, summer features roses and annuals, and fall displays chrysanthemums. Walking the perimeter of the garden takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Seasonal Differences and When to Visit

Spring (April through May) brings blooming flowers in the Public Garden and mild weather, but also the largest crowds. The Swan Boats begin operating in mid-April, which draws families and tourists. If you prefer fewer people, visit on a weekday morning rather than a weekend afternoon.

Summer (June through August) is warm and busy, with the Frog Pond wading pool open and the Swan Boats running at full capacity. The parks are green and full, but expect crowds, especially on weekends and during school vacation weeks. Fall (September through October) offers cooler weather, changing foliage, and fewer visitors than spring or summer. Winter (November through March) is quiet and the parks look sparse, but the Frog Pond skating rink operates and the landscape has a different appeal for photography and solitude.

Facilities, Rules, and What to Bring

Both parks have public restrooms. The Visitor Center on the Common has facilities, and there are additional restrooms near the Frog Pond and at the Public Garden's lagoon entrance. Water fountains are scattered throughout both parks, though they are turned off in winter.

Picnicking is allowed in both parks, and many visitors bring food and sit on the grass or benches. Alcohol is not permitted. Dogs are allowed on leash in both parks. The parks close at dusk, though the exact time shifts with the season — in summer, dusk is around 9 p.m., while in winter it is around 4:30 p.m. Bring sunscreen in warm months, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket even in summer, as the parks have little shade in some areas.

Nearby Attractions and How Long to Spend

The parks sit within walking distance of Beacon Hill, a neighborhood of brick townhouses and narrow streets that many visitors explore after the parks. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Public Library, and the State House are all within a 10 to 15-minute walk. Charles Street, which runs between the Common and the Public Garden, has shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Most visitors spend one to two hours in the parks combined. If you ride the Swan Boats, add 30 to 45 minutes (including the wait in line, which can be long on warm weekends). If you are walking slowly, photographing, or sitting to read, you may spend longer. Many people visit the parks multiple times during a stay in Boston rather than trying to see everything in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to enter Boston Common or the Public Garden?

No. Both parks are free to enter and walk around. The only paid activity is the Swan Boats in the Public Garden, and the skating rink in the Frog Pond during winter. Everything else — walking, sitting, picnicking, and viewing the monuments and gardens — costs nothing.

Can I bring my dog to the parks?

Yes, dogs are allowed in both parks as long as they are on a leash. There is no separate dog area or off-leash section in either park, so your dog must remain leashed at all times.

What time do the Swan Boats start and stop for the season?

The Swan Boats typically begin operating in mid-April and run through mid-September, though the exact dates shift slightly year to year based on weather and maintenance. They operate from around 10 a.m. to dusk, with longer hours in peak summer months. Check the Swan Boats website or call ahead if you are visiting in April or September to confirm they are running.

Is there a visitor center where I can get a map?

Yes. The Boston Common Visitor Center is located on Tremont Street on the Common side of the park and has maps, information about monuments, and staff who can answer questions. It is open year-round, though hours vary by season. The Public Garden does not have a separate visitor center, but maps are often available at the Swan Boats entrance.

Can I ice skate at the Frog Pond in winter?

Yes. The Frog Pond becomes an ice skating rink from November through early March, depending on weather. Skating requires a ticket, and skate rentals are available on-site. Hours and prices vary by year, so check the Boston Parks and Recreation website or call ahead before visiting.