Boston Harbor Walk

The Boston Harborwalk is a public path that runs along the city’s shoreline for about 43 miles, linking waterfront neighborhoods to the harbor and to each other. In the Seaport, miles of harborside path encircle Fan Pier and suit walking, running and cycling. The near-continuous route stretches from the Neponset River in lower Dorchester to Constitution Beach in East Boston, passing through Charlestown, the North End, Downtown, the Seaport and South Boston.

Much of its appeal is variety: in places the path runs past working port operations, while elsewhere walkers can swim, fish, visit more than forty parks and a dozen museums, or try waterfront restaurants. The Harborwalk began taking shape in 1984 under Mayor Raymond L. Flynn, and it relates to Chapter 91, the state law protecting public use of tidelands. The nonprofit Boston Harbor Now supports the path through its Friends of the Boston Harborwalk group.

What to Know

• Except for wheelchairs, the Harborwalk is a non-motorized pathway.
• Bicycles are welcome from the Neponset River Greenway to Castle Island; north of there, riders should use bike lanes.
• The path connects to the Emerald Necklace, Charles River Esplanade, Rose Kennedy Greenway, Freedom Trail and East Boston Greenway.
• It passes nine public beaches and 356 individual properties with public and private owners.