Take a walk in the park during your upcoming Boston car rental road trip and plan to spend an afternoon at the Boston Common. Beautiful and serene, the Boston Common is almost 50 acres in size and features some of the finest scenery in all of Massachusetts. It is the starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston's historic walking tour, as well as the oldest park in the entire nation. History has made a home in this beautiful park, so why not take the time to drop in for an impromptu lesson. You never know what you might learn.

A Common or Commons?

If you've never visited Boston before, there is one very important thing that you should know about the Boston Common. It is a Common, not a Commons! This slip of the tongue drives locals absolutely crazy, so be sure to watch for slips when talking about the park.

Notable features of the Common

Want to explore all 50 acres of the Boston Common, but not sure you'll have the time on your Boston car rental vacation? Prioritize your visit by planning to check out the following attractions:

• The Massachusetts State House - the state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is located on top of Beacon Hill. It is across the street from the northern edge of the Common.
• The Plaque to the Great Elm Tree - this unique attraction is located where the original elm tree once stood (it was destroyed in the storm in 1876). During its lifetime, the tree was adorned with lanterns to represent liberty, used as a point of fortification and also as a place for hangings.
• Frog Pond and the Parkman Band Stand - if you're planning to visit Boston Common during the winter months, make sure to check out the Frog Pond. Situated in the northern portion of the park, this cheery pond becomes a popular ice skating rink in the winter. During the summer, Boston car rental travelers can enjoy musical concerts and theatrical productions at the Parkman Bandstand located in the eastern end of the park.
• The Annual Christmas Tree - 'tis the season to celebrate at the Boston Common thanks to the towering Christmas tree located on the Common. This tree is donated to the city every year by the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The tree symbolizes Nova Scotia's enduring gratitude for the relief efforts of the Boston Red Cross and the Massachusetts Public Safety Committee following the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Boston car rental travelers will find the tree displayed at the heart of the Common.

A place for important events

Throughout history, the Boston Common has been a place for community gatherings, whether it be for celebrating a victory or protesting an injustice. Boston car rental travelers may remember the Common as the place where more than one hundred thousand people gathered to protest the Vietnam War. Celebrities, including Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II and Gloria Steimen have all given speeches on the Common, while Judy Garland performed her largest concert ever in front of more than 100,000 cheering fans.
The Boston Common has been a declared US National Historic Landmark since 1987. Boston car rental travelers can visit the Common any day of the year. Admission is free and tours are offered by the Freedom Trail foundation. For more information on the park and park events, please contact the Boston Freedom Trail Foundation at 617-357-8300. Boston car rental travelers will find the Common bounded by Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park and Boylston Streets.