Discover the charm of New England waters.
Have you ever imagined gliding past historical landmarks and city skylines?
The best places to paddleboard in Boston are just waiting for you.
Come aboard, and let’s explore Massachusetts’ most iconic city from its stunning waterways. Adventure awaits
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Boston
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Charles River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Charles River Canoe & Kayak (Cambridge Location) (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river currents, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans, blue herons
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Boston and Cambridge skylines, historical bridges, MIT campus
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect boating lanes, watch out for other watercrafts, adhere to river rules
The Charles River offers paddleboarders a fantastic way to explore the beautiful cityscapes of Boston and Cambridge. With its calm waters and stunning views, gliding down the river provides a unique urban adventure.
Start your journey close to the famous Harvard and MIT campuses, and admire their beautiful grounds from the water as you paddle downstream towards the iconic bridges and skylines.
#2 Jamaica Pond
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Jamaica Pond Boathouse (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, Canada geese, turtles
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Surrounding parkland, tree-lined shores
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay within the designated swimming area, life jackets required
Jamaica Pond, located within Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system, offers a serene setting for paddleboarding. The calm waters and lush surroundings make it an ideal spot for beginners or those seeking a peaceful adventure.
Take in the beauty of nature as you paddle along the glistening waters, watching the local wildlife bask in the sun on the lakeshore.
#3 Pleasure Bay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: M Street Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered bay waters, light wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, various fish species
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Boston skyline, Castle Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of surrounding boat traffic, adhere to designated zones
Pleasure Bay, part of South Boston’s waterfront, provides a calm and sheltered environment for paddleboarders. The bay offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and historic Castle Island.
Experience the gentle lapping waters of Pleasure Bay as you cruise along and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and picturesque scenery.
#4 Spot Pond
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Spot Pond Boating (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Parkland, wooded shores
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Life jackets required, avoid restricted areas
Located just north of Boston in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Spot Pond offers tranquil waters surrounded by lush parkland and wooded shores. The calm environment makes it a perfect oasis for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
As you glide across the water, embrace the tranquil beauty of nature around you and relax into your paddleboarding experience.
#5 Fort Point Channel
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Channel
- 📍 Access Point: Fort Point Pier (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, urban waterfront setting
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, fish
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, downtown Boston
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to channel regulations
Fort Point Channel provides an exciting urban waterfront experience for paddleboarding adventurers. The historic channel boasts iconic views of downtown Boston and the famous Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Paddle along the channel’s waterways as you marvel at the historic architecture and urban vibrance all around you.
#6 Revere Beach
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Revere Beach Pavilions (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate surf, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, fish
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Atlantic Ocean, historic pavilions
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of rip currents, respect beach regulations
Revere Beach, located just north of Boston, is America’s first public beach. Its coastal charm makes it a delightful spot for paddleboarding. Enjoy the ocean scenery and historic pavilions as you ride the waves.
Take caution with the ocean currents and immerse yourself in the sun, surf, and sand that makes Revere Beach a popular summer destination.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Boston?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Boston include the Charles River, Jamaica Pond, and Boston Harbor.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Boston?
No, there’s no need to register paddle boards in Boston.
When is the best time to paddle board in Boston?
Late spring through early fall is the optimal time for paddle boarding in Boston, due to favorable weather conditions.
