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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Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Charles River and nearby attractions

The area
How to get there
  • Kendall/MIT • 9 min walk

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles804 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
249
Average
43
Poor
4
Terrible
2

Piotr H.
Lodz, Poland3,877 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019
Very pleasant place. Lots of peaple jogging there or walking. Interesting views to the city of Boston and Cambridge
Written October 5, 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, TX2,508 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 August 24, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
Written January 1, 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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 July 13, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 June 16, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 November 1, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 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 December 18, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 November 20, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 27, 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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 October 13, 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.

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CHARLES RIVER (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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