Boston Harborwalk

The basics

The Boston Harborwalk is one of the top attractions along the Boston Harbor, drawing locals and visitors alike to its waterfront promenade. The park runs from northern Charleston through Boston’s downtown to southern Dorchester, and forms a scenic and traffic-free artery for walkers and cyclists to get around the city. Dotted with attractions, from beaches and parks to museums and historic landmarks, it’s an ideal way to explore the waterfront before or after a Boston sightseeing tour, whether you’re walking, biking, or taking the hop on, hop off bus.

Things to know before you go

• Dozens of parks, playgrounds, and beaches are set along the Boston Harborwalk, so it’s great for breaking up a day of sightseeing—especially for families with kids.

• The entire pathway is free and open to the public; tickets are required to visit the museums and other cultural attractions along the route.

• There are plenty of eateries along the Boston Harborwalk, as well as picnic areas to dine alfresco.

• Public restrooms, water fountains, Wi-Fi points, and other services are available on the pathway.

• The promenade is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

There are countless points of entry along the Boston Harborwalk, from land and by water. You can head to the Boston Harbor on foot or by taxi and pick up the route from any point along the waterfront; you can also reach the pathway by public ferry or water taxi.

When to get there

The Boston Harborwalk is open daily year-round, but the cold wind off the water can make winter visits a challenge. Walk the route on a mild day, from spring through fall, when the parks, beaches, and other public spaces along the waterfront are bustling with locals and visitors.

Top museums and attractions along the Boston Harborwalk

The harbor promenade connects a number of important city attractions that are located along the route. Stop to visit the New England Aquarium on the Downtown Waterfront, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and the Children’s Museum on Fort Point Channel, the Institute of Contemporary Art on the South Boston Waterfront, and the ICA Watershed art gallery just across the harbor in East Boston, as well as the Boston National Historic Park in Charleston.