Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is a botanical garden in the center of the city, covering roughly 24 acres (10 ha) with winding paths, a large central lagoon, and formal Victorian plantings arranged in geometric patterns. The space sits directly beside Boston Common, forming a continuous green area in the heart of downtown.

Philanthropist Horace Gray petitioned for the creation of this space in 1837, making it the first public botanical garden in the United States. Over the following decades, the site received its Victorian design, including the lagoon and the introduction of the Swan Boats, which have operated for more than a century.

Locals and travelers use the space for morning walks, picnics on the lawns, and quiet breaks from the surrounding streets. Families bring children to see the bronze ducklings near the entrance, inspired by a popular picture book familiar to many American readers.

Walking paths run throughout the space, connecting different planting areas and offering benches for sitting. Access is possible from several sides, with main entrances at the street crossings that border the grounds.

More than 80 plant species grown in city greenhouses are displayed here, with seasonal rotations between spring tulips and tropical summer specimens. The Swan Boats have been pedal-powered since their introduction in the 19th century, with operators manually controlling the movement from the back of each vessel.