Art Lovers
Cambridge Art & Culture Immersion
A curated journey through Cambridge's artistic treasures
2 days9 stops
All ItinerariesNature Lovers
Cambridge Green Spaces & Nature Trail
Urban wilderness, garden cemeteries, and river walks
1 day
7 stops
Active
Spring for blooms, fall for foliage. Year-round for birding.
Overview
Most visitors think of Cambridge as a university town, but it's also remarkably green. This active day hits the city's best parks, waterways, and nature areas — from the world-famous Mount Auburn Cemetery (a National Historic Landmark and premier birdwatching site) to the hidden wetlands of Alewife Reservation. Expect 6-8 miles of walking and cycling through some of the most beautiful urban green spaces in New England.
Your Day
7:30 AM2 hours
Mount Auburn Cemetery — Birdwatching at Dawn
580 Mount Auburn St
America's first garden cemetery is one of the best birdwatching sites in Massachusetts. Over 200 species recorded. Climb Washington Tower for panoramic views.
Insider Tips
- •Arrive at dawn for the best birding
- •Bring binoculars — warblers are everywhere in May
- •Grab a map at the entrance — the winding paths are a maze
9:45 AM1 hour
Fresh Pond Loop
250 Fresh Pond Pkwy
Circle the 2.25-mile loop around Cambridge's reservoir. Watch for herons, turtles, and hawks. The surrounding woodlands have bonus trails.
Insider Tips
- •The loop is exactly 2.25 miles — great for measured runs
- •No swimming — it's a drinking water reservoir
- •The woodland trails on the north side are quiet and beautiful
11:00 AM30 min
Coffee & Pastry Break
Porter Square
Refuel at one of Porter Square's excellent cafés. Diesel Café or 1369 Coffee House are both perfect for mid-hike energy.
Insider Tips
- •Diesel Café has great outdoor seating
- •1369 Coffee House is a Cambridge institution
11:45 AM1 hour
Alewife Reservation Boardwalk
Acorn Park Dr
115 acres of urban wetlands at the end of the Red Line. Boardwalk trails wind through swamps — watch for great blue herons and painted turtles.
Insider Tips
- •The boardwalk through the swamp is the highlight
- •Can be buggy in summer — bring repellent
- •Connects to Minuteman Bikeway
1:00 PM45 min
Lunch on the Minuteman Bikeway
Arlington Center (bike or walk from Alewife)
Take the Minuteman Bikeway into Arlington for lunch. Multiple casual spots near the trail. The bike path follows Paul Revere's route.
Insider Tips
- •Rent a bike at Alewife if you don't have one
- •Arlington has great casual lunch spots right on the trail
2:15 PM1.5 hours
Charles River Walk
Memorial Drive
Walk or bike along the Charles River from MIT to Harvard. On summer Sundays, Memorial Drive closes to cars. Sailboats, crew teams, and Boston skyline views.
Insider Tips
- •Summer Sundays are car-free on Memorial Drive
- •The MIT sailing pavilion rents sailboats to the public
- •Best sunset views from the Harvard Bridge area
4:00 PM1 hour
Magazine Beach & River Sunset
Memorial Dr at Magazine St
End at Magazine Beach for a sunset over the Boston skyline. The grassy lawns are perfect for lying down after a day of nature exploring.
Insider Tips
- •Pack a blanket for sunset watching
- •The splash pad is a bonus if you have kids