Boston Common
America’s oldest public park
In 1634, before there was a United States of America, the Common became the first public park in America.
Since then, it has been part of the American story, the space has been used to muster the Colonial Milita against the British Redcoats, graze cows, recruit soldies for the Civil War, discuss abolition of slavery, grow WW I victory gardens, protest the Vietnam War, host a papal mass, and entertain famous visitors from Generals Washington and Lafayette to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, visitors and locals alike come to enjoy the city oasis especially in summer, particularly around the Frog Pond. Perfect for a picnic lunch!
Adjacent is the Victorian-era Boston Public Garden — equally worth a visit, especially for those with kids.