Charles River Esplanade

Photo provided by Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade


The famous Independence Day concert takes place here on the Fourth of July, but the park’s lively atmosphere lasts a whole summer long.

Take a pedestrian bridge across hectic Storrow Drive and find yourself immersed in the Esplanade, an oasis of green, a bountiful strip of waterways and trees that runs along the southern bank of the Charles River. In a city renowned for its masterful use of public green space, the Charles River Esplanade ranks among Boston’s finest. For joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, casual boaters, sunbathers and picnickers, the Esplanade is a haven on the edge of the city.

The beautifully landscaped green space is much adored by locals and tourists alike. As Boston emerges from its long and chilling winter, the city springs to life along the banks of the Charles with sprawling picnics, free fitness classes, community sailing lessons, Frisbee games and children at play all finding a home on the grass of the Esplanade. As you stroll along the shore, watch for the giant bust of Arthur Fiedler, a legendary conductor for the Boston Pops.

Meanwhile, the Esplanade remains a fabulous place for relaxing, reading in the shade, and watching people go by. Enjoy the magnificent views of the glorious sun-kissed Charles River, of college rowers plying their trade, of gliding sailboats and noisy geese and of the elegant city skyline. Stop into one of the small cafés or playgrounds popular for children.

Pack a picnic and catch a free film on a summer Friday night at the Hatch Shell, a great outdoor bandstand in art deco style. The Hatch Shell hosts a variety of free events throughout the summer, culminating in the famous Boston Pops’ July Fourth concert each year. Don’t miss the U.S. Army cannon, which is used in the climax of the “1812 Overture” that finishes off the Boston Pops’ Independence Day concert.

The Charles River Esplanade is located near the Museum of Science and stretches along the river to Boston University Bridge. It is easily accessible by subway and a short walk away from the lively Back Bay area. Just make sure to cross Storrow Drive with a pedestrian bridge rather than chancing the traffic.

Plan a trip to see Charles River Esplanade

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Beverly
Boston Harbor Hotel
Raffles Boston

Tours & day trips

See all 249 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 49 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 10 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 7 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
505 Washington Street, Boston, MA
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston Back Bay
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
The Revolution Hotel

The Revolution Hotel

3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The Revolution Hotel
Revere Hotel Boston Common

Revere Hotel Boston Common

4 out of 5
200 Stuart St, Boston, MA
Revere Hotel Boston Common
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Charles River Esplanade

At Charles River Esplanade in Boston, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including cycling along the scenic Charles River bike path, engaging in sports, and experiencing local theatre performances. This picturesque area offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Shopping

The Charles River Esplanade offers delightful shopping experiences with Faneuil Hall Marketplace, just 621m away, boasting a vibrant atmosphere. Boston Public Market, 559m away, features local goods. For a charming store, visit John Lewis, Inc, located merely 311m from the Esplanade.

Recreation

Enjoy live music at the House of Blues Boston, just 1.6km from the Esplanade, where the lively atmosphere will lift your spirits. Alternatively, the Hatch Shell, a mere 62m away, hosts outdoor concerts, perfect for soaking in the entertainment vibes along the river.

Adventure

At Courageous Sailing Center, experience the thrill of sailing on the Charles River, located 621m away. Enjoy the scenic views and adventurous spirit. Alternatively, hike the Irish Heritage Trail for picturesque landscapes, also 621m away, or stroll along the Deer Island HarborWalk, which is 3.7km away, immersing yourself in nature.

Nightlife

The Charles River Esplanade offers a vibrant nightlife with the Charles Hayden Planetarium for family-friendly entertainment, and the Wilbur Theatre for a blend of culture and romance. For a whimsical experience, enjoy the Frog Pond Carousel, adding a playful touch to your evening.

Find the best attractions near Charles River Esplanade

The Charles River Esplanade in Boston offers a delightful mix of attractions, including historic colleges and universities, urban parks, and event venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy family-friendly experiences while exploring the picturesque Charles River and its nearby attractions, such as the Charles River Reservation and the Charles River Peninsula. This vibrant area is perfect for those seeking a blend of leisure and education during their visit.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the charm of this historic sports stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox. With its iconic Green Monster and rich history, Fenway Park offers a unique atmosphere filled with sports culture and passionate fans.
  • TD Garden: As a premier event venue, TD Garden hosts a variety of concerts and sporting events, including the Boston Celtics and Bruins. Its modern facilities and vibrant energy make it a must-visit for business and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
  • Boston Common: This expansive urban park is perfect for families and outdoor lovers. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoy recreational activities, or simply relax in the heart of the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Charles River Esplanade

The best time to visit Charles River Esplanade can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Charles River Esplanade falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Charles River Esplanade falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Charles River Esplanade

When visiting the Charles River Esplanade, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation costs. Sundays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare prices and identify budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. To maximise savings, book a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Don't forget to explore the Esplanade itself, where you can enjoy free outdoor activities like walking and cycling along the scenic river paths.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Charles River Esplanade are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Charles River Esplanade is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Charles River Esplanade is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Charles River Esplanade with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.