Visiting the same green spaces over and over can quickly feel repetitive. Renew your wonder for nature by heading somewhere a little off the beaten path. Numerous state parks ring Boston and they're an affordable and fun option for a day trip. Even if you've already checked out popular spots like Blue Hills or Middlesex Fells reservations, some of these 11 lesser-known state parks to visit in Massachusetts will hopefully be new to you:
Situated at the southern end of Plum Island, this 77-acre park is a great destination for swimming or just an afternoon spent unwinding at the beach. Nesting birds are also fans of this spot, which can only be accessed by traveling along Plum Island Drive, through the Parker River Wildlife Refuge.
Boston was once surrounded by salt marshes, but Belle Isle is the last one left in the city. This tranquil spot offers birds, butterflies, and soothing views. Belle Isle Marsh is located at 1284 Bennington Street in East Boston.
Not to be confused with the Lowell National Historical Park, this often-overlooked area includes a two-mile stretch of waterfront. Stroll or bike beside the water or take a boat out onto it for a day of outdoor fun. This state park is located at 160 Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell.
If you’re seeking a new summer swimming hole, check out the pond at Pearl Hill for a refreshing dip. This 1,000-acre park is linked to Willard Brook State Forest via a four-mile-long hiking trail for even more recreational opportunities. If you want to extend your visit, there’s a campsite right here at Pearl Hill State Park. Head to 105 New Fitchburg Road in West Townsend.
A surprising variety of landscapes are united in Ellisville Harbor State Park, where you’ll find a bog, salt marsh, forested land, and a barrier beach. Enjoy a shady hike through the forest, complete with views out to the ocean, or get closer to the water and see if you can spy harbor seals. Ellisville Harbor State Park is located at 1861 State Road in Plymouth.
Borderland State Park has it all: a fireproof mansion, paths winding through the forest, and trails looping around ponds. Popular activities here include fishing, horse riding, and walking. The Ames Estate has been converted into a one-of-a-kind state park that is well worth exploring. Borderland State Park is located at 259 Massapoag Avenue in North Easton.
Even if you haven’t been to these quarries, Quincy granite is something you’re probably familiar with because it was used to create the Bunker Hill Monument. Whether you’re a rock climber or an admirer of street art in a unique setting, you should visit this park. Quincy Quarries Reservation is convenient to the city at 77 Ricciuti Drive in Quincy.
Looking for a family-friendly beach that’s off the beaten path? Then head directly to this one on Buzzard’s Bay. Splash around in the warm, shallow water, stroll across the beach while taking in the views, savor a picnic, or indulge in a little birding. The park is definitely one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Demarest Lloyd State Park is located at 115 Barneys Joy Road in Dartmouth.
About 12 miles in length, this paved path echoes the route of the Nashua River. It was once part of the Boston and Maine Railroad and has now been converted into a mixed-use trail for cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers. It starts at Route 2A in Ayer and extends just over the New Hampshire border.
Recreational activities at this 600-acre salt marsh include fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. You’ll find Rumney Marsh Reservation off Route 107 in Saugus.
This park centers around the Whitehall Reservoir, making it appealing for kayaking, boating, and fishing enthusiasts. Other permitted activities include hiking and horseback riding and - in winter - ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Head to 300 Wood Street in Hopkinton to explore this park.
It's easy to combine a visit to Whitehall with a trip to nearby Hopkinton State Park.
What's your favorite state park near Boston? Show us your pics, and let us know about your experiences in the comments below!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Massachusetts' state parks and reservations are filled with hiking and biking trails, lakes, beaches, marshes, and more. If you're at a loose end, venture into the great outdoors and immerse yourself in their natural beauty. You might be surprised by how many of these soothing spots lie within Boston, or just a short jaunt from the city! Here are eight incredible state parks near Boston that you should visit:
A series of parks and beaches make up this park near Boston. Malibu Beach, a protected cove, is a great swimming spot. You can also take a dip at Tenean Beach and Savin Hill Beach. Other popular activities at the reservation include baseball, basketball, tennis, and fishing. Learn more about this neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, here.
This huge green space spans 120 acres and incorporates a large wetland where migratory birds take refuge – so not all of it is accessible to the public. However, hikers and runners can take advantage of the trails and paths at this scenic park around Boston for a little peace and quiet.
The crown jewel of this 335-acre reservation is Walden Pond, which became famous after Ralph Waldo Emerson allowed his friend Henry David Thoreau to live in a cabin next to the water for two years. Thoreau shared his experiences in nature in "Walden," thereby launching the conservation movement. Even without the literary connection, this glacial-formed pond is pretty enough to warrant a visit in its own right. Follow the trails around the water or spend time on the beach, where you can take a dip. While you might find solitude here in colder weather, during the warmer months, it’s a beloved swimming hole. Fun fact: its the deepest natural pond in Massachusetts!
One of the best-known parks around Boston and most heavily used green spaces in the city is the vast Charles River Reservation. Stretching for 20 miles, it’s so extensive that it can get a little confusing. Essentially, the reservation is divided into two sections: the Charles River Basin connects the Watertown Dam to Boston, while the Upper Charles River joins West Roxbury’s Riverdale Park to Watertown Square. There’s no end to the recreational possibilities here, from boating, to biking, to ice skating.
The Southwest Corridor Park near Boston is another chain of green spaces that is popular with walkers, bikers, street hockey players, and tennis enthusiasts! It’s also extremely family-friendly, with multiple playgrounds for little ones. The park ties together the JP, Roxbury, Back Bay, and South End neighborhoods. It was originally intended to be part of I-95, but the project was met with so much local resistance that it was halted. Since then, the space has evolved into the park you see today.
The loop path around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir is roughly 1.5-miles long and it's a pleasant place to take a stroll. With all the geese moseying around and ducks bobbing on the water, this serves as a small oasis in an urban environment.
At this diverse park near Boston, you can explore a 2.3-mile long beach, a marsh, and even a little history. Native Americans used Moswetuset Hummock as a seasonal camping area, which is why this portion of the reservation is a National Historic Site. While hunting is no longer permitted here, fishing is allowed. Alternatively, explore the lookout tower or go swimming at Wollaston Beach.
When you next have some free time and a yearning for fresh air, grab your hiking boots and head to this 640-acre forest, one of the most beautiful parks around Boston. Clamber up some of the park’s seven hills or try a little birding near the Saugus River. Take the plunge into Pearce Lake, an invigorating freshwater lake within the reservation. You can still take advantage of the reservation in colder months, when cross-country skiing is a popular activity.
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Whether you want a physical challenge or simply to unwind, these parks around Boston rarely disappoint. For even more beautiful nature, check out some of the best hikes in Boston.
