Charles River
Charles River
4.5
About
A nature reservation covering 950 acres along both sides of the Charles River offers bicycle and jogging paths, 12 tennis courts, six swimming pools and the popular Hatch Memorial Shell with live concerts.
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How to get there
- Kendall/MIT • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
804 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
249
Average
43
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Piotr H.
Lodz, Poland3,877 contributions
Jun 2019
Very pleasant place. Lots of peaple jogging there or walking. Interesting views to the city of Boston and Cambridge
Written 5 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria L
Austin, TX2,509 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
There were several docks where people relaxed, shared meals, or enjoyed drinks. It was so much fun walking on the esplanade and see the beautiful Charles River.
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmirJahangir
Islamabad, Pakistan1,325 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This is an amazing place to walk by. I love the they way pathways have been built. The river flows smoothly and has bridges over it for traffic to pass over it.
Sitting by the Charles can be a great experience
Sitting by the Charles can be a great experience
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil S
Melbourne, FL33 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
One of the first things we did on our visit to Boston was take the subway to the north end of the Green Line and go on an hour-long Charles Riverboat Cruise tour. It was a nice, relaxing trip on calm waters. It was nice to see the city as well as the universities along the way. The captain and first mate offered lots of history and trivia and answered all the questions we had. I would definitely recommend doing this tour.
Written 13 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RitaLyC
Chicago, IL386 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The river was so large and calm it appeared to be a lake between Cambridge and Boston. We watched the sailboats and kayakers enjoy the river. It made a great setting for MIT and the Boston sky line.
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evie P
13 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
No words needed! View from our room at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Lovely to walk along the river and over Longfellow Bridge.
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melinda R
Philadelphia, PA17 contributions
Sept 2019
One of the best places to run in a major US city. Paved trail runs around the Charles that can be easily accessed. Go early and watch local collegiate crew/rowing teams out in the water. Perfect for a run or walk.
Written 18 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph Roberts
New York City, NY14 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
It is absolutely breathtaking whether you stand on the bridge gazing over or walking along the riverbank. If you are fortunate, you may get a glimpse of the rowing teams practicing.
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McHopper
Tallahassee, FL86 contributions
Oct 2019
We go every year to see the Head of the Charles River Regatta, a "world event" that attracts thousands from all over the globe to compete and watch this adrenaline pumping exciting event. The Charles River is filled with the long skinny boats of one, pairs, fours and eights with coxswains wailing at the rowers to give it their all toward the finish line. The banks and bridges of the Charles River stream with crowds of college students and families who enjoy several days of boat watching and races and shouting encouragement to their favorites. Booth after booth offer everything from seafood, hotdogs and hamburgers, wraps, and more to free samples of new products like fizzy maple drinks and healthy veggie snacks. Being outside and gathering at the Charles River, sitting in the trimmed grasses to view the shimmering river and the races or walking down the tree-lined paths with the sun shining down through sprinkles of yellow leaves is the epitome of feeling happy.
Written 27 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorry
Cambridge, MA334 contributions
Oct 2019
Always worth a stroll, whether on the Boston or Cambridge side. Fun to see the crew competitions on the river or just rent a kayak and go out for yourself and enjoy the views.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mahalakshmi2018
Pondicherry, India
I would like to know how far is the boarding point from the holiday inn Brookline? Are there any afternoon or evening trips scheduled for June 8/9
Written 10 May 2018
There is a train nearby called Saint Paul that can leave you at the airport. It is located crossing the street from the hotel. The mbta (train) closes at midnight.
Written 13 May 2018
Is the tour still operating on Oct 15 -17? Was unable to check availability for those dates. Is 4:30 the latest tour. Someone in the reviews had mentioned a sunset tour.
Written 30 September 2016
Sorry i don't have the information
Written 12 October 2016
I'm staying at the Marriott Back Bay and have difficulty walking, how far is it to get to the cruise?
Written 6 June 2016
U can order taxi because back bay is a little bit far it's not walkable
Written 6 June 2016
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