3 Great Local Spots for a Summer Picnic

Image Source: Arnold Arboretum | Cover Image Source: Boston Magazine

Hi friends,

Picture this: the sun is shining, the sky is a brilliant, cloudless blue, and you have a free summer day ahead of you. A picnic is just the ticket, and we have some great spots to put on your radar if they aren’t there already. Before you pick a place, be sure to stock up on some provisions from your local market. Our favorite formula for a perfect picnic? Something savory + something sweet + something to sip on.

Now that you’re all stocked up, here are some places to lay down your picnic blanket and enjoy the sweet summer weather.

Public Garden
If you’re seeking shady, grassy knolls, a prime location for people watching, and the option to take a spin around the pond on one of the iconic Swan Boats, the Public Garden is the place for you. This beautiful, bustling park is smack dab in the middle of the city, so if you find yourself craving a coffee or needing another snack, there is an abundance of cute cafes, markets, and shops within a 5-10 minute walk.

Access the Public Garden by taking the Green Line to Arlington Station, which will bring you to the corner of the park, or Park Street Station, about a 7-minute walk away.  

Image Source: Esplanade Association

Charles River Esplanade
We can’t think of anything more idyllic than watching the sailboats and kayaks pass by, feeling the warm waterfront breeze, and stretching out with some good snacks and a great read on the shores of the Charles River. As the waves gently lap against the shore and the leaves on the ample trees rustle overhead, you might be surprised just how peaceful you feel in the middle of the city.

Our favorite place to access the Esplanade is at the end of Charles Street, via the Frances Appleton Footbridge.

Arnold Arboretum
Venture just a few miles from the city center, and you will find a plant-packed oasis in the Arnold Arboretum. Explore the ample botanical gardens, the many towering trees, and the abundance of bird species that call the Arboretum their home. This 280-acre park offers a respite from the commotion of the city and plenty of areas to venture off to when (or if) you feel like leaving your picnic blanket.  

The Arboretum can be accessed by driving and parking along the Arborway, Bussey Street, and Walter Street, or via various T lines.

Until next time, 
The BRIGS Team