The City's Best Outdoor Spots
By Eric Grossman, Boston Editor
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Bouchee
159 Newbury St, Boston, MA
Classic French bistro fare for the Newbury Street crowd, complete with a premiere see-and-be-seen patio. -
Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St, Boston, MA
One of the Back Bay's most popular patios and an affordable menu of designer sandwiches make for a crowd-pleasing spot. -
Barking Crab
88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA
A small-town fish shack with picnic tables, right in the heart of downtown. -
Devlin's Restaurant and Bar
332 Washington St, Brighton, MA
One of Brighton Center's most popular outdoor options, serving dependable comfort fare. -
Stephanie's on Newbury
190 Newbury St, Boston, MA
Warm indoor expansion adds extra layer of comfort to Boston's queen of sidewalk dining. -
Tavern on the Water
1 Eighth St Ste 6, Charlestown, MA
Low-key bar provides Charlestown residents with great views of the city and a relaxed spot for a bite. -
Oleana
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA
Award-winning Cambridge fave maintains a lovely, romantic patio. -
Z-Square
14 JFK St, Cambridge, MA
All-purpose eatery sits at the heart of Harvard Square and offers a shady, hidden patio.
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The Captains Golf Course
1000 Freemans Way, Brewster, MA
One of Cape Cod's must-see courses boasts tree-lined fairways, wonderfully designed par-3s and a peaceful feel. -
Cyprian Keyes Golf Club
284 E Temple St, Boylston, MA
From the impressive clubhouse to holes carved out of gorgeous woodlands, the club provides a must-have golfing experience. -
Poquoy Brook Golf Course
20 Leonard St, Lakeville, MA
Nearly perfect course with wonderful views, superb layout and a classic test of shotmaking. -
Shaker Hills Golf Club
Shaker Rd, Harvard, MA
With the feel of an exclusive private club, one of New England's finest newer courses welcomes the public. -
Stow Acres Country Club (North)
58 Randall Rd, Stow, MA
With a gaudy 130 slope, a terrific place to test the hype about your new titanium driver.
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Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA
The country's oldest arboretum features plenty of trails and a spectacular array of flowering trees, blossoms and wildflowers. -
Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Concord
Weir Hill Rd, Sudbury, MA
Outstanding trails within this sprawling refuge through which the historic Concord and Sudbury rivers flow. -
Green Mountains Long Trail
Waterbury, VT
The nation's first long-distance trail runs through Vermont, from Massachusetts to Canada. -
Mount Monadnock
Rte 124, Jaffrey, NH
With stunning views and numerous accessible trails, it's easy to see why crowds visit from all over New England. -
The Presidentials
Rte 302, Bartlett, NH
Only very experienced hikers should tackle this exposed granite ridge.
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Biking on Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard, MA
A more interesting way to explore the island. -
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Route 134, Dennis, MA
Paved bike path stretches from Dennis along the old Penn Central Railroad into Wellfleet. -
Lynn Woods Reservation
106 Pennybrook Rd, Lynn, MA
One of the country's first municipal parks is a mountain biking haven just 10 miles north of Boston. -
Middlesex Fells
Fellsway West, Stoneham, MA
An urban escape for hiking, biking, rock climbing, picnicking and more. -
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
Cambridge to Bedford, MA
The closest thing to a bicycling highway in Massachusetts.
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Blue Hills Reservation
1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA
Great views, hiking, biking and fishing close to the city. -
Boston Common
South side of Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
The city's best-known green space boasts a rich history and a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of downtown. -
Castle Island
William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA
Harborside spot offers spectacular views, recreation and a side of history. -
Esplanade
Storrow Dr, Boston, MA
The crown jewel of the Charles River Basin, a favorite spot for outdoor types, music lovers and families. -
Walden Pond
915 Walden St, Concord, MA
Henry David Thoreau's old stomping ground is arguably the most famous pond in the world.
