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Happy spring from a very colorful, fragrant, and slightly rainy, Boston, MA! Boston is currently experiencing peak bloom, and these few weeks really are some of the city’s most beautiful. Home games for the Sox are back at Fenway Park, the magnolias on Comm Ave are here, it’s Boston Marathon weekend, and the city is slowly coming back to life after a long, dark, and cold winter season. I’ve written this type of blog post for each of New England’s 3 other seasons — a guide to summer, fall, and winter, and am going to round out this series with a list of 25 things to do in Boston during the spring, broken down by neighborhood.
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Back Bay
1. Magnolias On Commonwealth Avenue Mall
This is one of Boston’s most fleeting spring moments, and one of the most beautiful. The pink and white magnolias bloom for just a few weeks, from mid-April through early May, turning Comm Ave into a pastel-lined walkway that feels straight out of a movie. Be sure to pack your camera and enjoy a stroll down here in the springtime!
2. Tulips & Swan Boats At Boston Public Garden
After the magnolias start to bloom, next comes the tulips! Tulips bloom around Boston in late April into early May, and can be seen all around Comm Ave, Marlborough Street, and throughout the Public Garden, America’s oldest public park!
On top of this, the Swan Boats also typically open around Patriots’ Day weekend (mid-April). Once the lagoon is cleaned and filled with fresh water, it’s always a true sign that spring has arrived. The Swan Boats at the Boston Public Garden cost about $4.75 for adults and the ride lasts roughly 12–15 minutes, making it a quick, affordable, and iconic spring activity in Boston.
Pro-tip: You can also catch tons of beautiful tulips by the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
3. Sunset Walks Along The Esplanade
As a Back Bay local, this is one of my favorite springtime / summer activities. After Daylight Savings occurs in early March, and once it’s warm enough again, evening walks here hit different. Enjoy sunset by the Charles — you’ll see lots of people picnicking on the docks, playing music, biking, running, etc.
4. Community Boating On The Charles
Another sign of spring in Boston each year is the re-opening of Community Boating in mid-May. Each May, there’s an Open House event where you can play lawn games, decorate a sail, learn about the history of the company and the boathouse, and enjoy a free sail on the Charles.
5. Watch The Boston Marathon
Marathon Monday is one of my favorite days in the city. Whether you’re a runner or not, the energy throughout Boston is electric. Marathon weekend is a fun time to explore the city, as there are many pop-up events in the stores around Boylston and Newbury. On Marathon Monday (usually around April 20th each year), I recommend hanging out in Back Bay, watching the runners go down Comm Ave + Boylston towards the Finish Line, or the “one mile left” mark in Kenmore Square.
Pro-tip: Visiting for the Boston Marathon? This citizenM Hotel is located right on Newbury St (near the Finish Line) and is one of my favorite spaces in the city. Awesome for co-working, has a vibey rooftop bar, & is near plenty of restaurants at Lyrik. Plus, a Green Line stop (Hynes) is right across the street.
6. Boston Public Library Courtyard
Although the free courtyard concerts don’t return to the Boston Public Library until late May / early June, the courtyard is a lovely place to hangout during springtime in Boston. Enjoy the fountain, flowers and sunshine. The courtyard is one of the best hidden outdoor spots in the city for coffee or a quiet lunch.
Pro-tip: You can visit Copley Square, plus 15+ other iconic Boston locations, on this award-winning hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Fenway-Kenmore
7. Opening Day At Fenway Park
Opening Day at Fenway is usually the first week of April and is a major Boston event! Lansdowne Street is always a vibe — I especially love Bleacher Bar, which overlooks Center Field. Whether you’re attending a game or just looking to grab a drink at one of the Fenway bars, the energy by America’s oldest ballpark is 100% worth experiencing.
Pro-tip: Not in town during a game? Check out this affordable, behind-the-scenes tour of America’s most iconic ballpark. I did this recently and learned + saw so much… even as a local!
8. Nasturtiums At Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Boston’s most beautiful museum — the Isabella Stewart Gardner. In early-mid April each year, bright orange nasturtiums begin cascading into the courtyard, transforming it into one of the most beautiful spring spaces in Boston. It only lasts ~3 weeks so visit while you can!
9. Art In Bloom At Museum Of Fine Arts
Art in Bloom is a spring event at the Museum of Fine Arts, where floral designers create stunning arrangements inspired by artworks throughout the galleries. Held for just a few days each year (typically early May), it’s included with museum admission and turns the entire space into a vibrant, flower-filled experience.
Pro-tip: In Boston for Memorial Day Weekend? You can visit the MFA for free!
South End
10. SoWa Open Market
SoWa reopens in early May each year with local vendors, art, and food trucks. Enjoy the return of outdoor market season with a stroll through here each Sunday this season.
11. Outdoor Dining On Tremont St
When the patios re-open, the South End is the place to be. Head to Tremont Street (and the surrounding roads) and grab a reservation at places like Petit Robert Bistro, Desnuda, & Barcelona Wine Bar, and enjoy the return of warm weather!
Cambridge / Somerville
12. Daffodils At North Point Park
Each spring (April into May), North Point Park fills with blooming daffodils along the Charles River. It’s an easy, scenic walk with great skyline views. I used to work around here, and highly recommend you visit!
13. Mayfair In Harvard Square
Taking place in late May, Mayfair brings Harvard Square to life with street performers, live music, food vendors, and local artists.
14. Union Square Farmers Market
Running Saturdays starting May 10, this market brings 60+ local vendors to Union Square. Expect fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and other local staples in a lively neighborhood. Many farmers markets kick off around Boston this time of year.
15. Somerville PorchFest
Held each May around Mother’s Day weekend (~May 10th), PorchFest turns Somerville into a neighborhood-wide music festival. This is one of the most iconic events in Boston during the springtime! Local musicians perform on porches and lawns, and the whole day is best spent walking, listening, and exploring. There’s a map you can download here to see the line-up.
Seaport
16. Latte Flights At Travelmug Cafe
Travelmug creates seasonal latte flights several times a year, so this has made the list on my other Boston blog posts too! Travelmug brings fun flavors into seasonal latte flights in the spring — including carrot cake, lavender, etc. Their flights are definitely the most beautiful in Boston.
17. Opening Weekend At Cisco Brewers Seaport
Cisco’s Seaport reopening (usually mid-April) is basically Boston’s unofficial start of summer. Enjoy live music, frozen drinks, and a packed outdoor space — which now includes private cabanas to hangout in (as of April 2026!).
Pro-tip: Need a place to stay in the Seaport while visiting Boston during the spring? I’ve stayed at YOTEL a few times now and love it! The rooftop restaurant and bar here has an amazing view of the city, and the location is perfect (2 minutes from Cisco!).
18. Walk The Boston Harborwalk
Once the weather turns in April, the Harborwalk becomes one of the best places in the city again. It’s perfect for a long walk along the water through neighborhoods like Charlestown, the North End, and the Seaport.
19. Seaport Sweat Returns
As soon as it warms up, Seaport Sweat brings free outdoor workout classes back to the Seaport. It’s the best, FREE way to get moving outside, especially with city views and an energetic group setting. Classes kick off in early May and run through late September each year. Get the full schedule of events here.
20. Free ICA Admission On Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston offers free admission. Spend a few hours by the water, walk through the galleries, and grab a drink or snack at the café inside — the natural wine bar has amazing harbor views!
Beacon Hill
21. Get Spring Lattes At Bon Coffee
BON Speciality Coffee is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city. While they don’t have a ton of seating inside, their speciality lattes are truly worth the visit. Trying their spring latte menu is a Boston must! Plus, the cafe is right on the corner of the Boston Common, so it’s the perfect place for a spring stroll.
Greater Boston
22. Lilac Season At Arnold Arboretum
Mid-May is peak lilac season at the Arboretum, when the hills fill with hundreds of blooming lilac varieties. It’s one of the most underrated spring moments in the city, with stunning skyline views and plenty of space to bike, walk, and wander.
23. Tulip Mania
Located at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, about 18 miles outside Boston in Wellesley, this is one of the largest tulip displays near the city. Over 75,000 tulips bloom across gardens and fields for a short window in late April, so timing it right is everything. Plan your pick-your-own tulip trip, and bring home a bouquet!
24. Walk Through Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn turns into one of the most beautiful spring landscapes in Greater Boston. Think cherry blossoms, magnolias, and flowering trees spread across rolling hills with quiet paths and skyline views.
25. Spring at Brooksby Farm
Brooksby Farm starts to wake up in spring with orchard blossoms, farm animals, and early season farm stand treats each April. If you find yourself in the North Shore (Peabody to be exact), hangout here!
That brings us to the end of this blog post all about things to do in Boston during the spring! I hope these ideas help you make the most of the season.
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