Boston Walking Paths with Water Views

Walking isn't just the most popular form of transportation in Boston. Sure, the streets are teeming with students and business people hustling from end to end. But walking doesn't serve as a practical means of transportation alone; there are plenty of opportunities for recreational walking, too. Activity seekers in search of a scenic trek are treated to walks along the Charles River, over bridges, along historic streets and through breathtaking gardens.

The Charles River
Walks along the Charles River offer an unparalleled view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. A 17 mile loop called the Paul Dudley White Bicycle Path wends along either side of the Charles River. On the Cambridge side of the river, walkers and in-line skaters are treated to a curving paved pathway along the campuses of Harvard University and MIT. Under great shade trees and centuries old architecture, walkers can work out as they watch sailboats and rowing crews as they slice through the waters of the Charles. On the opposite shore on the Boston side, a smooth, wide trail hosts joggers, bicyclists and walkers alike. At times, the path bisects the Charles and smaller inlets and bypasses sites like the Hatch Shell performing arts amphitheater.

Harvard Bridge
Another way to enjoy the Charles River and Boston's scenery is to take a walk over the Harvard Bridge. Also known as the "Mass. Ave. Bridge", the segment of Massachusetts Avenue connects Boston to Cambridge. The four-lane road is just short of half a mile long and has both a wide sidewalk and a separate bike path. The bridge is also measured in "Smoots". 620 Smoots and one ear, to be exact. The legend says a gentleman named Smoot, who was either an MIT student or professor, was laid down on the bridge from end to end, measured by his height from his toes to the top of his head. At the end of the bridge, his ear was used to complete the measurement. Each length of Smoot is noted on the sidewalk of the bridge.

Back Bay
The city streets of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood offer walkers long, straight paths to stretch their legs. The Mall on Commonwealth Avenue is a wide, grassy median that runs between the lanes of traffic from the Boston Public Garden to Massachusetts Avenue. Along the tree lined Mall are monuments and public artwork as well as benches for admiring the scenery. Running parallel to Commonwealth just one block away is Marlborough Street. The narrow road is known for its brick sidewalks and million dollar brownstones. Peeking into the little courtyards and admiring the architecture makes this walk one of my favorites in Boston.

Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
For a walk in the park, the 50 acres that make up Boston Common are an assortment of hills and flats, monuments and ballparks. Trails crisscross the Common and its perimeter offering urban trekkers views of the State House, Charles Street, and Piano Row. Right across the way is Boston Common's little sister the Boston Public Garden. The Public Garden is only four acres but still has beautiful trails lined with tulips, willow trees and the scenic Swan Boats in the lagoon.

With all the walking options Boston has to offer, walkers don't run short on choices. The views are always striking whether walkers choose the garden path, an overwater route or shoreline excursion.