The Boston Common was first declared for public use all the way back in 1634, which makes it the oldest public park in the US! It is located in the heart of Boston, bordering the downtown area, historic Beacon Hill and the connecting Public Garden. Both gardens are part of the "emerald necklace" which is a series of connected public parks in the area.
The Common is bordered by Boylston St, Charles St, Beacon St., and Tremont St. You can find the main Boston visitor's center on the Tremont St. side of the Common and the historic Central Burying Ground is located on Boylston. From time to time, the large lawns of the Common have held host to speeches by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr or Pope John Paul II.
Boston Common is used most often for recreational purposes and is representative of an older English style of park. The neighboring Public Garden is more cultivated and planted with flower beds, representing the French style of garden. This is where the famous "swan" boats can be pedaled around the Public Garden Lagoon in the spring and summer.
For those who'd like to follow the historic Freedom Trail, it starts at Boston Common. This three mile, 16-site walking tour covers places of historic importance and is a fantastic way to explore Boston and some of its history. This is suggested for spring, summer and fall seasons only.
Also within walking distance is the downtown Financial district, the Theater district and Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market.
