During your next stay at Westin Copley Place, take advantage of some of the more beautiful, and inexpensive, aspects the city has to offer. Jump on the T and head to the Charles River Reservation! The Charles River Reservation offers numerous opportunities for individuals or families looking for an inexpensive, scenic and relaxing afternoon. Here are just a few benefits the 20 mile Charles River Reservation has to offer:
Spectacular Views
Stretching from the Boston Harbor into West Roxbury, the Charles River Reservation affords breathtaking views of calm waters and gorgeous greenways against a clear and complete city skyline. Check out the picture perfect campuses of MIT, BU and Harvard or take in a Venice-like Gondola ride through the serene lagoon. The best place to experience the scenery is from the Cambridge side, where the Reservation, Downtown Boston and the Zakim Bridge shimmer off the sail boat laden Charles River. Don’t forget your camera!
Outdoor Activities
For the more active guest, the Reservation offers bike paths and hiking trails on each side of the River. From the Boston side, exercise enthusiasts can take in the 18 mile Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path for a scenic jog or try and belt one over the mini-Green Monster at Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields! On the other side of the Charles, visitors can grab lunch in Harvard Sq. and take in Riverbend Park where pedestrians rule the road! Vehicular traffic is prohibited every Sunday from April to November until 7pm.
More comfortable in the water? Head down to Artesani Park! This portion of the Reservation offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as numerous pools for both children and adults in the summer months. Take a family canoe ride, trek through the public gardens and work up a little sweat. Kids will have a blast cooling off at the park’s fun, unique spray pool!
Whichever section of the Reservation you explore, bird and animal enthusiasts should keep their eyes open. The Reservation is home to painted turtles, hawks, songbirds, hooded mergansers, foxes, buffleheads, and much more!!
Free Entertainment
Come explore the historical Hatch Memorial Shell, home of the state’s biggest 4th of July celebration!! The Shell offers numerous events Wednesday through Sunday including concerts, movie nights and full day celebrations. Admission is free and events are generally kid friendly. For a full list of Hatch Shell events click here: 2009 Events
Looking for a more intimate setting? Head to the Publick Theater at Herter Park! This outdoor summer theater has plenty of parking and presents high quality weekly performances. The Publick Theater is great for a couple’s romantic evening or a theatrical outing for the whole family.
The Charles River Reservation is one of the most beautiful places in Boston. Don’t miss out on the scenery, activities and events during your stay at the Westin Copley Place!
Image: Flickr, Martin Hapl
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