A seven-mile chain of lush green spaces winding through the heart of Boston, the Emerald Necklace is one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s greatest landscape achievements. Spanning from Back Bay to Dorchester, this 1,100-acre urban oasis links together Boston Common, the Public Garden, the Fens, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park, creating a continuous stretch of parks, waterways, and woodlands. Designed in the late 19th century by Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, the Emerald Necklace was crafted to bring nature into the city, providing Bostonians with an escape from urban life and a sanctuary for both wildlife and people.

Each section of the Emerald Necklace offers something unique—from the flower-filled paths of the Back Bay Fens to the canopy-covered trails of the Arnold Arboretum and the expansive meadows of Franklin Park. Along the way, visitors can explore scenic waterways, historic bridges, tranquil gardens, and hidden trails, making it a perfect destination for walking, biking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing.

Whether you’re strolling along the Riverway, admiring the Victorian-style plantings at the Arboretum, or kayaking through the Fens, the Emerald Necklace is a living masterpiece that transforms with every season. This meticulously designed park system remains one of Boston’s most cherished landmarks, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience Olmsted’s vision of green space in an ever-changing city.