Commonwealth Avenue Mall Boston
A grand, tree-lined pedestrian mall in Boston, featuring statues and connecting major city parks. A historic urban oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical with snow & lights
Commonwealth Avenue Mall Boston
Best Time
Magical with snow & lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand, tree-lined pedestrian mall in Boston, featuring statues and connecting major city parks. A historic urban oasis.
"This is a really beautiful park. Lots of trees line the sides, providing relaxing shade on a hot day."
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Connects Public Garden to Back Bay Fens. Ideal for a leisurely walk between attractions.
✨ Magical in Winter
Experience the enchanting beauty of snow and twinkling lights for a truly scenic winter walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue Collection
Along the Mall
Admire a series of impressive statues honoring historical figures, adding a rich layer of history to your stroll.
Winter Wonderland
Entire Mall
Experience the magical transformation of the Mall under a blanket of snow, illuminated by twinkling lights.
Autumn Foliage
Entire Mall
Witness the vibrant colors of changing leaves, creating a picturesque and peaceful atmosphere for a walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seasons
A Stroll Through History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Connects Public Garden to Back Bay Fens. Ideal for a leisurely walk between attractions.
✨ Magical in Winter
Experience the enchanting beauty of snow and twinkling lights for a truly scenic winter walk.
🍂 Fall Colors Galore
Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage for a peaceful and picturesque experience.
🏛️ Admire the Statues
Take time to appreciate the historical statues that line the mall, each with its own story.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Connects Public Garden to Back Bay Fens. Ideal for a leisurely walk between attractions.
✨ Magical in Winter
Experience the enchanting beauty of snow and twinkling lights for a truly scenic winter walk.
🍂 Fall Colors Galore
Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage for a peaceful and picturesque experience.
🏛️ Admire the Statues
Take time to appreciate the historical statues that line the mall, each with its own story.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Commonwealth Avenue Mall as a beautiful and peaceful urban oasis, perfect for leisurely strolls. Its historical statues, tree-lined paths, and seasonal transformations, especially in winter and fall, are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note the lack of direct amenities like restrooms, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, appreciating its scenic beauty and connection to other city attractions.
"This is a really beautiful park. Lots of trees line the sides, providing relaxing shade on a hot day. There are some really nice sculptures to enjoy. A lovely place for a stroll."
Harry Bradley
"I discovered this Mall by accident when I observed the Mall covered by snow 🌨️ with all of the Christmas lights. It was very scenic!
I visited Boston again and while I drove past I noticed all of the statues with the Christmas lights still up. I had a chance to walk the Mall from one end to the other. With the style of the buildings along Commonwealth Avenue, the Mall adds to the neighborhood.
Reading the websites of the government of Boston and The Friends of the Public Gardens, the 32 acre Mall was developed between 1858 to the 1870s. Authur Gilman was the designer and he drew his influences from Parisian boulevards and the green squares 🟩 of London. Gravel was brought from Needham by train 🚂🚃 with arrivals reaching every 45 minutes. Two new 🆕 house 🏠 lots were being developed every day. Gilman used a grid pattern for the design of the streets. The Mall links 🔗 the Public Gardens to the Back Bay Fends. The Mall is referred to as the central axis of the Back Bay and Winston Churchill said of the Mall "the grandest boulevard in North America" according to the Friends of the Public Gardens website.
The statues were not part of the original design or plans. I am interested in history and they inspired me to research each person who has a statue modeled after them.
The types of shady 🌲 trees that are along the Mall and listed on the Boston government website are sweetgum, green ash, maple 🍁, linden, zelkova, Japanese pagoda and elm.
The Mall was an enjoyable walk even in the winter 🥶. People were walking their dogs, jogging 👟, sightseeing and taking photos.
I want to visit again in the other seasons."
Stephen Priest
"Went to Boston for the fall in 2024. Leaves were changing colors. This walkway was awesome. The sun peaked through between buildings and trees. Peaceful. You want a nice walk in Boston. Then you come here. 🤙"
Jeremy Schilling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mall is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the MBTA Green Line (B, C, or D branches) to stations like Kenmore, Hynes Convention Center, or Arlington. It's also a pleasant walk from Boston Common and the Public Garden.
Absolutely! It's a central artery connecting the Public Garden to the Back Bay Fens. You can easily walk from Boston Common, the Public Garden, and even towards Fenway Park. +1
Parking can be challenging in this area. Consider parking at the Boston Common Garage or the Hynes Convention Center Garage and then walking to the Mall.
Yes, several MBTA Green Line stations (like Kenmore, Hynes Convention Center, and Arlington) are located along or near the Mall, making it very accessible by public transit.
While it's a pedestrian mall, cyclists often use the adjacent streets. The Mall itself is best enjoyed on foot to appreciate its beauty and statues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a public park and is free to enter and explore at any time.
The Mall is open 24/7, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
All statues and the Mall itself are free to view and access.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall stretches for a significant length. You can access it from various points, including near the Public Garden, Kenmore Square, and numerous cross streets in between.
Yes, dogs are welcome on Commonwealth Avenue Mall, but they must be kept on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Mall offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with the statues, tree-lined paths, and surrounding architecture. Winter with snow and lights, and fall with foliage, are particularly photogenic. 
Yes, the scenic beauty, statues, and varied backdrops make it an excellent location for portrait photography, especially during golden hour.
Drone usage in Boston parks is generally restricted. It's best to check with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for current regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful light. Winter evenings with the Christmas lights are also spectacular.
The statues are key landmarks. The grand Parisian-inspired design of the Mall itself, with its wide promenade, also makes for iconic shots.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Enjoy a peaceful walk, admire the statues, relax on a bench, and soak in the historic atmosphere. It's a beautiful urban oasis for leisure and sightseeing. +1
Yes, there are numerous park benches strategically placed along the Mall, offering ample opportunities to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Many people use the Mall for jogging and running due to its long, flat, and scenic path.
The Mall is lined with a variety of mature trees including sweetgum, green ash, maple, linden, zelkova, Japanese pagoda, and elm, providing ample shade.
Restroom facilities are not directly on the Mall itself. You would need to find them in nearby parks like the Public Garden or in adjacent commercial areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no playgrounds directly on the Mall, its proximity to the Boston Public Garden, which features the famous Swan Boats and a fantastic playground, makes it an ideal starting or ending point for a family outing. Pack some snacks and enjoy a peaceful picnic on one of the many benches, making it an affordable and enjoyable family activity.
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Walkers
It's a fantastic way to experience Boston's charm without the intensity of crowded tourist hubs. The Mall provides a sense of calm and a beautiful backdrop for reflection or simply enjoying a moment of solitude amidst the city.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the magic of winter with snow and lights, the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, or the lush greenery of summer. The golden hours of morning and late afternoon offer particularly beautiful lighting conditions for both landscape and portrait photography.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History and Design
This historical significance is further enhanced by the numerous statues that dot the Mall. These monuments were not part of the original design but were added later, each commemorating important figures and adding layers of historical narrative to the landscape. The variety of mature trees, including maples, elms, and lindens, contributes to its beauty throughout the year, offering shade in summer and vibrant colors in fall. Winston Churchill himself reportedly praised it as "the grandest boulevard in North America," underscoring its architectural and aesthetic importance.
The Mall's design as a pedestrian-only promenade makes it a unique urban feature. It serves as a peaceful escape from the city's hustle, offering a place for quiet contemplation, leisurely strolls, and appreciation of both nature and art. Its integration into the urban fabric, linking key city areas, makes it a vital and beloved part of Boston's landscape.
Seasonal Splendor and Photography
This ethereal beauty makes it a prime spot for capturing unique winter photography. As spring and summer arrive, the Mall bursts with lush greenery. The mature trees provide ample shade, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing walk or a moment of relaxation on one of the many benches. The vibrant green canopy creates a serene urban oasis, perfect for capturing the essence of a Boston summer.
Autumn is perhaps one of the most visually stunning times to visit. The changing leaves paint the Mall in a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop for photography and leisurely strolls. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the colorful foliage adds to the enchantment.
For photographers, the Mall presents a wealth of opportunities. Beyond the seasonal beauty, the impressive collection of statues offers compelling subjects. The grand, tree-lined promenade itself, with its architectural symmetry, provides a classic urban landscape. Whether you're capturing the grandeur of the statues, the seasonal colors, or the festive winter lights, Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a photographer's delight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit