Public Garden

The garden follows Boston park closure hours, generally closing 11:30 p.m.-6 a.m. Swan Boats run seasonally and weather permitting on their own daily schedule.

There is no public lot in the garden. Use transit, nearby paid garages, or legal metered parking; Boston Common Garage is across Charles Street.

Enter from Charles Street for the shortest connection from Boston Common, or use Arlington Street for the George Washington statue and Back Bay. The lagoon loop reaches all major landmarks.

There is no dependable general-purpose restroom inside the Public Garden. Use confirmed-open facilities on Boston Common or nearby businesses before settling in.

Garden access and monuments are free. Swan Boats charge per ride; parking, food, and special programs cost separately.

Main garden paths and lagoon approaches are generally accessible, but historic surfaces, bridge grades, crowds, snow, ice, and temporary work can affect routes.

Pets are not allowed in the Public Garden except qualifying service animals. Do not use Boston Common dog rules for this separate park.

Duckling statues and Swan Boats are the family anchors. The lawns and flower beds are protected landscapes, so use paths and benches rather than treating the garden as a play field.

Arlington and Boylston stations serve opposite ends; Park Street is across Boston Common. Pick the station nearest the landmark you want.

Swan Boats are seasonal, weather dependent, and can pause for high winds or storms. Flower displays, bridge access, and event routes also change through the year.

Check the local forecast plus heat or wind chill, thunderstorms, snow and ice, high wind, air quality, and daylight. Waterfront places also require wind, tide, and water-condition checks; leave exposed water, fields, trees, and playgrounds when thunder is heard.