The Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts is eighty miles long and flows through twenty-three communities. It is recognized around the country for it’s fantastic Independence Day celebration at the Hatch Shell, which features the Boston Pop’s concert and a fireworks display.
There are several ways to explore this beautiful river. Below is a list of twenty-one activities to try when visiting the Charles River. Whether you are living in the city or are traveling from afar, this list can help you discover fantastic views of the city. A monthly list of events follows to aid in planning for upcoming events.
21 Activities To Try On The Charles
1) Running
2) Rowing
3) Cycling
4) Slacklining
5) Group Exercise Classes (Free Zumba, CrossFit, yoga, and running)
6) Kayaking
7) Sailing
8) Boating
9) Duck Tour
10) Stand Up Paddling (SUP)
11) Dragon Boat
12) Gondola Tour
13) Lounging on the Docks
14) Picnic
15) Ice Cream Stroll
16) Roller Blading
17) Skateboarding
18) Skulling
19) Festival-going
20) Swimming (At own risk! For the first time in over fifty years public swimming was permitted in 2013.)
21) Hatch Shell Concert
- Earth Day: Charles River Cleanup
- Charles River Watershed Association’s Run of the Charles
- Recreation Sundays (Memorial Drive closes the road for recreation.)
- March of Dimes March for Babies
- Esplanade 5k Dash
- Recreation Sundays
- Charles River Annual Swim
- Hong Kong Boston Dragon Boat Festival
- AIDS Walk & 5K Run
- Children’s Hospital Walk
- Recreation Sundays
- Fourth of July Concert
- WBZ Free Friday Flicks
- Earthfest
- Free Zumba
- Recreation Sundays
- Free Sunset Yoga
- Free CrossFit
- Free Run Club
- Recreation Sundays
- Boston Heart Walk
- Recreation Sundays
- Head of the Charles
- 5k Walk for Diabetes
- Breast Cancer Walk
- Recreation Sundays
- Walk for Hunger
- Recreation Sundays
The Charles River has a plethora of fun activities to take advantage of, especially in warmer months. Whatever your favorite activity, use this guide to try something new, such as joining a walk for a good cause or slacklining on the esplanade. If there is an activity or event I missed, please comment below!
Happy New Year!
Travels With Alison 