10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Boston
Where to Take the Best Photos of Boston?
The best Boston viewpoints will take you up to the top of a granite tower in a memorial garden and across a beautiful bridge spanning the Charles River. Discover some of New England’s finest scenery with a stroll along the harbour or a hike up a hill and along riverside trails. You’ll find spectacular views in the many parks scattered throughout the city too.
Boston is known for its rich history, and you can enjoy magnificent views of the city whilst exploring its past in forts and sky-high observation decks. Whether you’re cruising down the river soaking up a magnificent sunset or relaxing with a picnic on an island, you’ll be treated to stunning views of this photogenic city.
1. Boston Harbor
Dazzling sunsets from a historic part of the city
Good for: Photo, Nightlife, History
Boston Harbor is the place to head to for waterfront photos. Go for a leisurely stroll along the Boston Harbor Walk and you’ll be treated to stunning views over Massachusetts Bay and the dozens of colourful ship masts. On a clear day, the red-brick buildings lining the dock reflect in the water, giving you spectacular photo opportunities.
Take a sunset cruise to view the magical skyline of Boston illuminated at night. Listen to your guide narrate tales of the Boston Tea Party as the sun goes down behind the city’s skyscrapers and the downtown buildings come alive with lights. There are regular fireworks displays along the waterfront, making the views from the boat even more dazzling.
Boston Harbor
2. Washington Tower
An exceptionally beautiful lookout
Good for: Photo, Budget
Standing tall in the picturesque city of Watertown, Washington Tower gives a distant view of the Boston skyline which will take your breath away. It’s located in Mount Auburn Cemetery, and this serene memorial garden is worth a photo or 2 itself. Dating back to 1831, it’s a peaceful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it’s immaculately maintained.
You won’t find large crowds at Washington Tower, especially early in the day, so it’s a wonderful choice for taking your time to enjoy nature and the panoramic views over the city skyline. Visit in autumn for stunning treetop views of vibrant golden and red foliage set against a backdrop of Boston’s skyscrapers.
Location: Mountain Ave, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 617-547-7105
Washington Tower
3. Prospect Hill
A lofty overlook
Good for: Budget, Photo, Couples
The leafy neighbourhood of Somerville is home to Prospect Hill and its scenic park. Follow a tree-lined hiking trail in Prospect Hill Park and climb over 135 metres to discover an overlook that will give you amazing views. The incline is a little steep in places, but the path is wide and paved, and the breathtaking vistas from the overlook at the top make it well worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with a rolling landscape of residential roads set against Boston’s skyline, and you can get incredible photos from this height.
The granite, castle-style monument in the park commemorates the important role this hill played in the American Revolution. Take Instagram-worthy pictures of this imposing monument too.
Prospect Hill
4. Bunker Hill Monument
A historic site
Good for: Budget, Photo, History
You’ll find the Bunker Hill Monument on The Freedom Trail. It’s an imposing, granite obelisk standing over 67 metres tall, surrounded by beautiful green spaces. You can learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill, visit the museum to see American Revolution memorabilia and take a selfie with the statue of Colonel William Prescott.
This striking monument is also one of Boston’s best viewpoints. Venture inside the obelisk and climb the 294 steps to the top for breathtaking city sights. It’s not for the faint-hearted though. The staircase is narrow and winding, and it’s a long climb to the top. Be sure to arrive early as only 20 people are allowed inside at a time, so there are often long queues.
Location: Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 617-242-5641
Bunker Hill Monument
5. Boston Common
A lively viewpoint
Good for: Families, Budget, Nightlife
Boston Common will delight kids and adults alike with its beautiful green spaces and vibrant scenery. This urban park sprawls over 50 acres and it’s popular with locals thanks to its downtown location. You’ll see them strolling around the lake, admiring the fountains and sculptures and watching their children climb and swing in the playgrounds.
But the biggest draw of America’s oldest park is its fantastic views of Boston. You can laze on the vast lawns and enjoy a picnic, surrounded by towering office buildings and high-rise apartment blocks. Be sure to check the park’s summer theatre schedule. Enjoy a free performance of Shakespeare in the evening and look up at the city’s lit skyscrapers for an unforgettable experience.
Location: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 11.30 pm
Phone: +1 617-635-4505
Boston Common
6. View Boston
Panoramic vistas from a staggering height
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Head to the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center where View Boston awaits you with its sensational 360° views of Boston. You’ll see the nearby cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill from the observation decks and far out to the sailboats dotted along the Charles River. Gaze in awe at the gleaming dome of the Massachusetts State House and peek inside Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox baseball team.
This amazing vantage point is wonderful to experience at night. Grab a bite to eat in the indoor bistro or sip on cocktails on the outdoor terrace of the rooftop bar and take in a magnificent sunset. Watch the bustling city below as a vibrant orange hue descends behind the skyscrapers.
Location: 800 Boylston St, Floor 52, Boston, MA 02199, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 617-544-3535
View Boston
7. Longfellow Bridge
A popular spot for photos
Good for: Budget, Photo
Longfellow Bridge is an architectural masterpiece that links downtown Boston with Cambridge. Transit commuters using the Red Line are treated to gorgeous views over the Charles River, flanked by picturesque waterfront scenery. There’s also a pedestrian walkway, separated from the traffic by a guardrail, so you can take your time strolling across the bridge, soaking up the views.
The bridge is popular at sunset when visitors crowd to take stunning photos of the Boston skyline against the night sky. But a sunrise visit is not to be missed. The lanterns along Longfellow Bridge cast a shimmering yellow light across the morning mist over the water. Take in the enchanting sight as the city wakes up.
Longfellow Bridge
8. Public Garden
An escape to nature in the city centre
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Public Garden is a historic park and a wonderful urban oasis to escape the bustle of city life. It’s popular with locals who sprawl out on the lush, green lawns to sunbathe in summer. In the colder seasons, you’ll see them enjoying a brisk walk to take in the scenery, with the surrounding high-rise buildings peeking through treetops.
Kids will love going out on the water on a “swan boat” and you’ll get fantastic views across the park and the neighbourhood from the lake. Stop to take photos of the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. This whimsical, bronze sculpture is a tribute to the children’s author, Robert McCloskey, who introduced Mrs. Mallard and her brood to avid little readers worldwide.
Location: 4 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Phone: +1 617-635-4505
Public Garden
9. Boston Harbor Islands
Boat rides and diverse activities
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Board a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands to discover some incredible Boston viewpoints. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park consists of 34 stunning islands and peninsulas, so you can choose which ones you want to explore. Locals love to visit Spectacle Island for its hiking trails, and you’ll see families swimming and enjoying picnics whilst soaking up the city views from the coastline. The jazz concerts in summer are an excellent way to enjoy outstanding scenery whilst listening to soulful music.
History buffs should check out the majestic Fort Warren on Georges Island. Approaching the main entrance, you can also get a breathtaking view of the fort with the Boston skyline in the distance.
Boston Harbor Islands
10. Charles River Esplanade
A busy park by the water
Good for: Budget, Photo, Nightlife
Charles River Esplanade is a popular spot for photos of Cambridge, as well as the Boston cityscape. It’s a lovely choice for spending a day outdoors in beautiful weather. You can walk or jog the well-maintained pathways and even rent a kayak for incredible views from the water. You’ll see locals walking their dogs and relaxing on benches watching boats sailing down the river.
In the evening, the park fills with crowds catching a sunset over the water or sitting outdoors in the beer garden and enjoying live music. Check the events calendar online before visiting as there’s a packed schedule of guided tours, dance and fitness classes, concerts and nature exploration days for kids year-round.
Location: Storrow Dr, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 617-227-0365
Charles River Esplanade
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