Boston Common
INFO
Visitor Information Center
148 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
617-357-8300
Freedom Trail Foundation Website
City of Boston Freedom Trail Website
The Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. It covers 50 acres and includes walking paths, a playground, statues and fountains.
The Boston Common is the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Guided tours of the Freedom Trail, led by costumed actors, depart from the Information Center located on Tremont Street.
An inscription at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets reads: "In or about
the year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred thirty and four the then present inhabitants of the Town of Boston of whom the Hon John Winthrop Esq, Gov of the Colony was Chiefe did treat and agree with Mr William Blackstone for the purchase of his Estate and any Lands living within said neck of Land called Boston after which purchase the Town laid out a plan for a trayning field for which ever since and now is used for that purpose and for the feeding of cattell"
GETTING THERE
The Boston Common is bordered by Park, Tremont, Boylston, Charles and Beacon Streets. The Boston Common Garage is located underneath the Common and the entrance is on Charles Street. On street parking is hard to come by in this area.
Park Street station serves both the Red and Green subway lines, and is located at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets. Park Street is generally considered the central hub of the subway system and is also served by many bus routes. Boylston Street Station is on the Green Line and is located at the corner of Tremont and Boylston Street.
The Boston Common has many entrances that are accessible, but many entrances from Beacon Street (north side) have stairs. The Park Street side of the Common is fenced and only has entrances at the corners of Beacon Street (large, steep staircase) and Tremont Street (level entrance).
GETTING AROUND
The Frog Pond: In July and August, the Frog Pond becomes a wading pool for youngsters. Its six-inch depth makes it ideal for toddlers seeking relief from the summer heat. A spray head provides a fountain of water that adds fun to the wading experience. There is no charge for this summer program. The Frog Pond is frozen in the winter months for public ice skating. There is a charge for skating.
Boston Common Frog Pond Website
The Tadpole Playground is located next to the Frog Pond. There is also a carousel that operates from April to October.
There are NO public restrooms on the Boston Common.
OTHER
Many of the paths on the Common do have steep grades that can be very challenging to wheelchair users and those with stamina issues. Many of the entrances on Beacon Street (north side) have stairs and are not wheelchair accessible.