A beloved Boston tradition for nearly 150 years, the Swan Boats glide through the Public Garden lagoon, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city. First launched in 1877 by Robert Paget, the boats were inspired by Wagner’s opera Lohengrin—where a knight crosses a river in a swan-drawn vessel.

Each pedal-powered, catamaran-style boat carries up to 20 passengers as it floats past weeping willows, vibrant flowerbeds, and even the island home of the Make Way for Ducklings statues. The business has remained in the Paget family for four generations, with Robert’s wife Julia Paget running operations for over 30 years—before women even had the right to vote.

Handcrafted and the only boats of their kind in the world, the Swan Boats are a must-do experience, blending history, nature, and timeless charm.