America's oldest public arboretum: 281 free acres of trees and paths designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, run by Harvard. A local's park for walking, running, and spring lilacs. Open sunrise to sunset daily, always free. Orange Line at Forest Hills gets you there.
Key facts
| Hours | Grounds: sunrise-sunset, daily Visitor Center: 10am-4pm daily |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Forest Hills (Orange Line), short walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Mid-May Lilac Sunday or peak fall color |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.7/10- Value9.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level8.5
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- What's the best time of year to visit?
- Mid-May for Lilac Sunday, when the famous lilac collection peaks and the arboretum throws its one big event. Otherwise, cherry and magnolia blossoms in spring and foliage in October are stunning. It's beautiful year-round, honestly.
- How big is it and can I walk it all?
- It's 281 acres with about 15,000 plants and miles of paved paths. You won't see it all in one visit; a good loop takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Peters Hill at the south end gives a skyline view worth the climb.
- What is the Bonsai collection?
- The arboretum's Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection includes some of the oldest bonsai in the country, displayed seasonally outdoors near the Dana Greenhouses. It's a quiet highlight many first-timers miss; check current display dates.
- Is it worth it for out-of-towners?
- If you like the outdoors and Olmsted's landscape design, absolutely, it's a peaceful, authentic Boston experience with zero tourist-trap feel. If you're on a tight two-day sightseeing blitz, it may be a stretch to fit in.
- Is it good for kids?
- Yes, wide paved paths are stroller- and bike-friendly, and there's plenty of open space and hills to run. It's a low-key nature outing rather than a playground, so bring a picnic (allowed) and let them roam.
- Can I bike or bring my dog?
- Biking is allowed on the paved roads, and leashed dogs are welcome on the roads and paths, which makes it a favorite for local dog walkers and runners. Stay off the plant collections and beds themselves.
- How do I get there on the T?
- Take the Orange Line to Forest Hills and it's a short walk to the Arborway gate. That easy transit access, plus free parking along the Arborway, makes it one of the more reachable big green spaces despite being outside downtown.
- Is the Arnold Arboretum free?
- Yes, always free and open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. It's owned by Harvard and part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park chain. No tickets, no gates. The visitor center keeps shorter hours, roughly 10am-4pm.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Jamaica PlainNeighborhood1.34 km · 17 min walk
- Roslindale Village Farmers MarketMarket1.46 km · 18 min walk
- Jamaica Plain Farmers MarketMarket1.46 km · 18 min walk
- Jamaica PondPark2.07 km · 26 min walk
- Franklin ParkPark2.82 km · 35 min walk
Where to stay near Arnold Arboretum
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