Boston is easily explored without blowing your budget. There are a number attractions that are completely free and most allow you to stay active in some way. The many parks and waterfront areas in Boston are ideal for walking, jogging or biking. Boston also has a number of waterways that can be enjoyed with a kayak or canoe.
The Arnold Arboretum
Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum is the oldest public arboretum in North America. Its 265 acres features some of Boston’s most popular public landscapes and are home to a variety of plants including bonsai, conifers, lilacs and centenarians. A network of trails snake their way through the diverse natural landscapes. The arboretum is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, except on holidays, and has no admission charge. The visitor center offers maps and self-guided tour brochures, exhibits on plants, a gift shop and children’s activities.
Parks
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation offers a deal for park enthusiasts to enjoy all the parks under the department’s supervision for free. You can pick up a day pass at any local Massachusetts library that gives you access for free parking at over 50 facilities in Massachusetts. Places to visit in Boston include the 152-acre Belle Isle saltwater marsh in east Boston and the bike paths and esplanade of the Charles River and its waterfront.
Castle Island
Castle Island in south Boston is a great spot for a stroll, jogging or biking. The waterfront trail here is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The island connects to Carson Beach and is home to the 19th-century Fort Independence. During the summer, visitors can take a free tour of the fort. Castle Island is a 22-acre urban park that can be reached by car or pedestrian walkways. The island is adjacent to Pleasure Bay, M Street Beach and Carson Beach, which all offer great views and public amenities. An outdoor courtyard is a good spot for leisure activities, like Frisbee or a picnic.
Boston Bike Tours
An inexpensive way to see Boston is through a guided bike tour. Tours include many of the most well-known attractions in Boston, including Beacon Hill, the Italian North End, Fenway Park and the Back Bay. Bike tour companies, like Boston Bike Tour, feature a variety of themed tours. Boston Bike Tour’s Emerald Necklace Tour, for instance, snakes its way through the many parks in Boston, while the Tour de Boston highlights the Boston Harbor and the Charles River.
Canoeing and Kayaking
A relatively cheap way to explore Boston, and to see the city from a whole new angle, is with a kayaking or canoeing tour on one of the city’s many waterways. Water enthusiasts can rent all the necessary equipment from river tour companies like Charles River Canoe and Kayak Company. Tours highlight several sections of the city, like Boston and Harvard University, as well as MIT. Other locations include the Charles River Basin and the Newton Lakes District.
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