Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is America's first public botanical garden — a free, 24-acre Victorian oasis in the heart of downtown Boston, open daily year-round. Iconic for its pedal-powered Swan Boats, the bronze Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, and seasonal floral displays, it anchors the northern end of the Emerald Necklace alongside Boston Common.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a picnic or bring food into the Boston Public Garden?

Picnicking on the lawns is welcome (no alcohol permitted). There are no food vendors inside the Garden, but dozens of cafés and restaurants are steps away in Back Bay and Beacon Hill. The nearest public restrooms are at the Boston Common Visitor Center, across Charles Street.

How do I get to the Boston Public Garden by public transit?

The closest stop is MBTA Green Line Arlington Station, right at the corner of Arlington and Boylston Streets — directly across from the Garden's main entrance. The Boylston and Park Street Green Line stops are also within easy walking distance.

Are there free guided tours of the Public Garden?

Yes. The Friends of the Public Garden offer free 60-minute walking tours from late May through early September, covering the Garden's history, horticulture, and public art. No reservation details are listed on their site, so check friendsofthepublicgarden.org for the current schedule.

What are the Boston Public Garden's opening hours?

The Garden is open every day of the year, with staffed/lit hours from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; pedestrian access is available 24 hours a day. Admission is always free.

What is the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, and where is it in the Garden?

It is a beloved bronze sculpture by Nancy Schön, installed in 1987, depicting Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings (Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack) from Robert McCloskey's classic children's book. The 35-foot-long sculpture is set in old Boston cobblestone near the Beacon Street and Charles Street gate — not by the lagoon.

Is the Boston Public Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Garden features paved, level paths throughout and accessible entrances on all bordering streets. Wheelchair users can also transfer onto Swan Boats with staff assistance, and non-motorized wheelchairs can be placed on the front row of most boats.

How much do Swan Boat tickets cost, and when do they run?

For the 2026 season, tickets are $4.75 for adults, $4.25 for seniors (65+), $3.25 for children ages 2–15, and free for children under 2. The boats run April 18 through September 7, 2026: daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Apr 18–Jun 20) and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Jun 21–Sep 7), weather permitting. Tickets are purchased at the dock — no advance reservations needed.

Are dogs allowed in the Boston Public Garden?

Leashed dogs are welcome in the Garden year-round; leashes must be no longer than 8 feet per city rules. There are no off-leash areas inside the Garden itself — the nearest off-leash zone is on adjacent Boston Common, managed by Common Canine.

Nearby in Ask Boston

• Boston Public GardenPark0.03 km · 0 min walk
• Boston CommonPark0.41 km · 5 min walk
• Beacon HillNeighborhood0.52 km · 7 min walk
• Freedom TrailAttraction0.55 km · 7 min walk
• Trinity ChurchAttraction0.61 km · 8 min walk