Updated for 2025

Boston’s secret gardens offer tranquil retreats amidst the urban buzz. From manicured courtyards to sprawling sanctuaries, these hidden green spaces invite you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and soak in the city’s softer side. Discover eight Boston secret gardens perfect for a peaceful escape!

Discover more green spaces in our Jamaica Plain historic sites guide.

1. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Courtyard

Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
Hours: Wed–Mon, 11 AM–5 PM (Thu until 9 PM; closed Tue; subject to change)
Description: In Fenway-Kenmore, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s courtyard is a European-inspired oasis with blooming flowers, lush foliage, and a reflecting pool, surrounded by stunning architecture and art.
Visiting in 2025: Admission is $20 (adults), $18 (seniors), $13 (students); free for kids under 18. Enjoy seasonal blooms like spring tulips or winter orchids. Check for special garden events like the “Courtyard Concerts” series.

2. The Arnold Arboretum

Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset (free entry)
Description: Spanning 281 acres in Jamaica Plain, the Arnold Arboretum—America’s oldest public arboretum (founded 1872)—is a Harvard-managed sanctuary with 16,000 trees and shrubs, serene ponds, and winding paths.
Visiting in 2025: Perfect for seasonal strolls—expect lilacs in May (Lilac Sunday, likely May 11) or fall foliage in October. Join free guided tours. A top Boston nature escape for all ages.

3. The Public Garden

Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–11:45 PM (free entry)
Description: In downtown Boston, the Public Garden is a Victorian-style gem with gorgeous flower beds, elegant statues, and iconic swan boats on its lagoon, offering a serene escape near the Common.
Visiting in 2025: Swan boats operate Apr–Sep ($4.50/adults, $3/children). Enjoy spring tulips or summer roses. Pack a picnic or join a free garden tour in this Boston public garden oasis.

4. Kelleher Rose Garden

Address: 73 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Description: Hidden in the Back Bay Fens, the Kelleher Rose Garden blooms with over 1,500 roses across 200 varieties, offering fragrant tranquility with benches and pathways for relaxation.
Visiting in 2025: Peak bloom is June–July—don’t miss the brilliant colors! Ideal for a quiet walk or photography. Check boston.gov for rose care workshops or community gardening days in this Boston rose garden gem.

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5. Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA 02126
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM; Sat–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM (trails daily, dawn to dusk; free entry).
Description: In Mattapan, this 67-acre urban sanctuary features meadows, forests, and wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and nature walks, with educational programs on conservation.
Visiting in 2025: Explore 2 miles of trails to spot native wildlife like red-tailed hawks. Join 2025 events like “Spring Bird Walks”. A hidden Boston wildlife sanctuary for nature lovers.

6. The Back Bay Fens

Address: 100 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215 (main entrance near Fenway/Kenmore)
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk (free entry)
Description: Part of the Emerald Necklace in Fenway, the Back Bay Fens—designed by Frederick Law Olmsted—offers winding paths, flower beds, lagoons, and the Victory Gardens, where locals grow their own plants.
Visiting in 2025: Stroll the paths to admire spring blooms or fall foliage. Visit the Victory Gardens to see community plots.

7. The Labyrinth at Mount Auburn Cemetery

Address: 580 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–5 PM (May–Sep until 8 PM; free entry)
Description: Within Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, this stone labyrinth offers a meditative space for reflection, surrounded by the cemetery’s historic landscape and gardens.
Visiting in 2025: Walk the labyrinth for a calming experience—best in spring or fall for the scenery. Join a free cemetery tour to explore more of this Boston meditative garden space.

8. Gibson House Museum Garden

Address: 137 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Wed–Sun, tours at 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM; garden access with museum entry; $12/adults, $10/students
Description: In Beacon Hill, the Gibson House Museum’s garden is a Victorian-era oasis with seasonal flowers, lush greenery, and a charming fountain, reflecting 19th-century elegance.
Visiting in 2025: Tour the museum to access the garden—book online to secure a spot. Spring and summer bring the best blooms. A perfect Boston Victorian garden for history buffs.

Find Peace in Boston’s Gardens

These secret gardens offer a serene escape from Boston’s bustle, blending nature with history. Which oasis will you visit next? Share your favorites in the comments!

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8 Secret Gardens in Boston to Escape the City in 2025