The Best Running Route in Boston

Written by
Sue Parke
Boston is a city that provides history, culture and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. From Duck Tours to art museums, shopping on Newbury Street and dining in the heart of downtown, Boston is a city that will keep you busy and entertained any time of the day and year.

For runners, there are number of gorgeous roads and routes to choose from. Whether it's on the Freedom Trail or along the Charles River, you won't ever get bored running the streets of this city. Boston also offers a number of popular road races throughout the year, including the ever-so-famous Boston City Marathon and the Boston Run to Remember, both of which take place in the spring.

From the born and raised Bostonian to the city's many tourists, Boston is known as a great city to run, walk or bike. Looking for a running route? Here's a detailed seven-mile loop, with approximately 190 feet of elevation, which will take you through some of Boston's most beautiful eye appealing streets and national landmarks including the State House, Quincy Market and the Boston Public Garden.
Custom House
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Start on John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road and State Street, and head north on Fitzgerald. You'll see the famous Custom House, where The Royal Commissioners of Customs administered customs during the colonial period.
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Quincy Market
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Proceed north onto Congress Street. Around this point you will see the Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall. Here you will find some of the city's finest markets, shops, street performers and restaurants. You will also run by Government Center.
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Charles River
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Congress Street turns into Merrimac Street. Turn right onto New Chardon Street and left onto Canal Street. Proceed left onto Causeway Street.

Turn right onto Lomasney Way. Continue on Nashua Street in a loop around the Suffolk County Sheriff's office building.

Continue onto Dr. Paul Dudley White Path, and follow this path until you reach 3.2 miles. Here you'll run along Boston's beautiful Charles River and pass the Hatch Shell, where many concerts and events take place. You will very likely see other fellow runners and walkers along this path.
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Commonwealth Avenue Mall
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Head off the Dr. Paul Dudley White Path and turn right onto Back Street. At this point, you will be around mile 3. Between miles 3 and 4, you will see the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
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Boston Public Garden
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Turn left onto Massachusetts Avenue. Proceed left onto Commonwealth Avenue. Take Hereford Street to dogleg back east on Commonwealth Avenue.

Proceed right onto Arlington Street. Here you should be around mile 4, and you will see the Boston Public Garden. Turn left into the park and follow the path northeast through the Boston Public Garden.
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Frog Pond
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At about mile 5, you will see the Boston Common Frog Pond. You should end up in the northeast corner of Boston Public Garden.
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Boston State House
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Turn right onto Park Street. You will see the Boston State House, which is across from the Boston Common located on the top of Beacon Hill.
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Park Street Church
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Turn left onto Tremont Street. On your left, you will see the famous Park Street Church.
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Omni Parker House
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Proceed right onto School Street. Here you will see the Omni Parker House, the home of the Boston Cream Pie!
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Federal Reserve Building
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Turn left onto Washington Street, then left onto Summer Street. Turn left onto Dorchester Avenue before the Summer Street Bridge. Here you will see the Federal Reserve Building.
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Boston Harborwalk
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Turn right onto Congress Street and go over the bridge. Turn left onto Boston Harborwalk.
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Seven-Mile Boston Running Route
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Cross back over the channel by turning left onto Seaport Boulevard. Proceed right onto Atlantic Avenue. Turn right onto E India Row and another right onto John F Fitzgerald.

Arrive at the finish to complete the 7-mile loop.

Check out the full route on MapMyRun.
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Boston Hubway
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If you're not feeling up for a run or touring the city on foot, fear not, as Boston provides a Hubway bike-sharing system with 140 stations located throughout the city and its suburbs. The hubway service is available three seasons out of the year, and you can pick up and drop off your bike at any station. This is another great way to check out the happening sites and scenes, run errands or simply get in some outdoor exercise and fresh air all while seeing the beautiful city of Boston.
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