10 Under-Appreciated Boston Parks You Should Visit

The Common and the Arnold Arboretum get a lot of love around here—for good reason. But Boston is also home to a slew of gorgeous green spaces that fly a little further under the radar. Next time you’re itching to feel the breeze in your hair and the grass under your toes, check out these under-appreciated Boston parks:

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1. Torbert MacDonald State Park

This Medford gem is just a stone’s throw from Assembly Row, but it offers plenty of scenic views of the Mystic River and the city skyline in the distance.

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2. Quincy Quarries Reservation

Part park, part public art project, Quincy Quarries Reservation is a great spot for both weekend explores and funky photo shoots.

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3. Jean B. Waldstein Playground

This park, located just off the Beaconsfield T stop in Brookline, offers a splash ground for the kids, tennis and basketball courts for adults, and plenty of green space for everybody. Pro tip: Many area residents bring their dogs here to play, too.

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4. Lovells Island

A visit to this quiet Boston Harbor Island is well worth the ferry ride. Let the crowds teem on Georges and Spectacle while you explore this 62-acre island, complete with deserted beaches and views of Boston Light.

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5. Amory Park/Hall’s Pond Sanctuary

In a shady corner of this well-used park in Brookline is the Hall’s Pond Sanctuary, a wonderful area for a wooded stroll. There’s also a quaint gazebo for all your Instagramming needs.

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6. Allandale Woods

This sprawling, 86-acre West Roxbury green space includes a pond, a historic spring house, and plenty of trails just waiting to be explored.

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7. Neponset River Greenway

Soak in the water views on this gorgeous greenway winding its way through Milton, Mattapan, and Dorchester. It’s a great place for a morning jog or an anytime stroll.

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8. Mount Auburn Cemetery

It may feel a little creepy to spend your leisure time in a cemetery, but you’ll get over it when you see just how beautiful this quiet Cambridge spot really is.

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9. Belle Isle Marsh

Take the Blue Line out to Suffolk Downs and you’ll soon find yourself at Belle Isle Marsh, a 241-acre salt marsh in East Boston. Take in the full views from the on-site overlook tower.

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10. Southwest Corridor Park

Stretching all the way from Back Bay to Forest Hills, this skinny park rivals the Esplanade in terms of uninterrupted running potential. It’s also pretty darn lovely.