Spring Time in Boston, MA

Spring is always a welcomed time of year especially after a long, cold winter. In Boston, springtime is a chance to forget all about the snow and ice and instead embrace the numerous outdoor activities the city has to offer.

First and foremost is the Boston Marathon. The world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon attracts runners from all over the world. The race starts in nearby Hopkinton and finishes 26 miles, 385 yards later in Boston's Back Bay.

Play Ball! The Boys of Summer actually begin their quest to reach the Fall Classic in the spring. The Boston Red Sox begin their season in April and they play in the venerated and legendary Fenway Park. The historic ballpark offers tours of its fable grounds until two hours before first pitch.

While not outside, the spring also means it's post season time for the NBA's Boston Celtics and the NHL's Boston Bruins. Both teams play at TD Garden.

Speaking of "garden," nothing says springtime in Boston more than gardens, greenspaces and flowers in bloom. The Emerald Necklace offers Boston residents and visitors the best opportunity to commune with nature. Six parks compose the Emerald Necklace: the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park. If you're up for a walk, Boston Park rangers will lead you on foot through all six recreational areas.

Not part of the Emerald Necklace but a fabulous outdoor space nonetheless is the Public Garden situated right next to Boston Common. This beautiful 24-acre plot of land is the United States' first public garden. The park is home to a large bronze statue of George Washington.

However, the Public Garden's main attraction is the swan boats. These boats, which have been in service since 1877, and are synonymous with the city, begin their annual operations in April. Swan boats are 30 feet long, hold about 20 passengers, and are generally operated by high school and college students. They were apparently inspired by Richard Wagner's Lohengrin.

The Franklin Park Zoo, part of Franklin Park from the Emerald Necklace, is the oldest zoo in the United States. It was founded in 1913. Animals are out and about all year around but what makes springtime especially enticing for visitors is the prospect of seeing cute little baby animals.

The 22-acre Castle Island is open to the public year around but from Memorial Day through Labor Day the historic Fort Independence is open for tours. The fort, situated on the island, played a part in the American Revolution and later served as Massachusetts' first state prison. Besides the fort there's also a playground for the kids. For lunch, families can enjoy foot-long hotdogs from Sullivan's Snack bar. Visiting the island is free.

Springtime is also a great time to take a tour of the city. Old Town Trolley Tours offers extensive sightseeing expeditions of Beantown; the unique Boston Duck Tours takes visitors on an amphibious journey of the city; and Boston By Foot is perfect for those wishing to see the town and take a walk at the same time.

Springtime is also the prime opportunity to tour Boston Harbor. Boston Harbor Cruises, located at One Long Wharf, shows tourists the vast sights of the harbor including the historic U.S.S. Constitution.

Quincy Market and Harvard Square come alive during the spring months. These destinations provide prime people watching opportunities and are brimming with unique and talented street performers. You'll find more "acts" on the weekend then during the week. Expect everything from magicians to break dancers.

"The Market" is located downtown near Faneuil Hall while "The Square" is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street adjacent to Harvard Yard.

Springtime is also a great time to catch a show in Boston. Boston has several venues hosting the best in music, comedy, and stage productions such as the Wang Theatre, The Orpheum, The Boston Opera House (see Wicked in Boston for example), the Shubert Theatre, and Bank of America Pavilion. A show is so much better when you know you'll be walking out of the venue into a lovely Boston springtime evening and not into a cold winter night. Also see our Top Ten Places To Visit In Boston.

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