4 Scenic Runs Around Boston

With a bagel shop recommendation for every route

One of my favorite things about Boston is that it got a perfect running route for any running mood that I could possibly be in.

Sometimes, I feel like doing a long run on an easy flat course and sometimes, I like to throw in some hills. Sometimes, I like being around lots of other runners and sometimes, I want a bit of alone time. Sometimes, I feel like running on streets and sometimes, I like to get away on quiet trails.

The list can go on and on. Fortunately though, Boston has it all.

Over the past few months, I found that I have four different go-to routes that I choose from depending on my mood. I wanted to share them with you all — hopefully, you’ll find something new here! 🍃

And of course, no run is complete without a proper refueling afterwards so I added a local bagel shop recommendation for every route :)

The Charles River Esplanade. It’s flat, it’s beautiful, it’s customizable. You can make your run as little as 3 miles or as many as 10, or even more.

You get some great views of Boston from the Cambridge side. You get some great views of Cambridge from the Boston side. You get some great views of both from some dope bridges. It’s a win-win-win.

It’s perfect for sunset pics, sunrise pics, and everything in between. It’s perfect if you want to be around other runners (there are lots and lots of them — also bikers, rollerbladers, walkers, DOGS). And yeah, it’s safe to run at night (I would remain cautious though).

It’s perfect if you’re a tourist and want to get a tour of Boston while running (without getting lost!). It’s perfect if you just moved here and want to explore your new home.

It’s especially perfect if you’ve been stuck in an endless home → work/school → home loop and just need a little refresher on what a wonderful city you’re a part of.

It’s truly a Boston running staple.

Physical-distance-friendliness score: 2/10. It’s quite difficult to avoid people on this one.

This flat course takes you all the way from Charlestown to South Boston. The best part is that you get to stay along the water almost the entire way.

This one is ideal to do during the summer — when the wind isn’t as brutal.

You’ll see quite a few runners on the way too (especially near Castle Island). You’ll see lots and lots of airplanes as well.

Physical-distance-friendliness score: 6/10. Can get a little crowded on intersections, around Seaport area, and around Castle Island (on a nice day).

If you’re longing for some hills and solitude, then Arnold Arboretum is the way to go. It’s a free public park in Jamaica Plain/Roslindale that is easily accessible by the orange line (Forest Hills stop).

There are some wide paved roads as well as tiny trails. You can spend months exploring this park and running there never gets boring.

Physical-distance-friendliness score: 10/10. Most roads are wide enough to stay very fah apaht.

This one starts in the heart of Brookline, takes you all the way downtown via Beacon St, and then back up to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir via Commonwealth Ave.

You get hills, you get flats, you get cool architecture, you get swans, you get college vibes, you get tasty smells.

This one might be best for an early weekend morning though if you don’t want to zigzag around people and constantly stop for cars.

Physical-distance-friendliness score: 8/10 early in the morning, 3/10 during the day.

Thank you for reading!

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