Boston’s Best Picnic Spots

Photo by Kevin Burkett

It will happen. There will be sunny, dry days in Beantown. And when they happen, al fresco dining spots will be packed, so plan for a picnic instead. We’ve gathered the best places for a nature-set meal, but beware – alcoholic beverages are not allowed out here.

First up is the Boston Common. It’s not the most beautiful park in the world, but its location makes it easy to get to from public transportation, and if you park near Beacon Street, you can watch the Brahmin lux crowd saunter into their million dollar homes.

The Common’s next door neighbor is the Public Garden, which truly is beautiful. Shady, tree-lined pathways make romantic little hideaways, and benches along Swan Pond are perfect for watching the ducks cruise around. Cross the bridge to get the best view of all of the flowers in the lot.

For waterside urban space, you can do no better than the Esplanande. Overlooking the Charles River, you’ll get a great mix of greenery and cityscape. Pick a bench, a patch of grass, or a place on the deck and relax. Our advice for the best stretch is between the Mass Ave. Bridge and the Charles Street Bridge, where you can overlook Cambridge  near the Hatch Shell.

Despite the fact that Post Office Square is smack in the middle of the financial district, it’s actually quite pretty. Big trees give shade to lazy lunchers, and there are square plastic pads to sit on to keep the grass off your clothes. A trellis runs along the side of it, and a little indie café called Sip serves up the best lattes and paninis around.