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Parks #28 in Boston

Larz Anderson Park

4.7 · 1,334 reviews
Expansive, breezy, and serene.
Larz Anderson Park, Goddard Ave & Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445, United States
Interesting facts
1

The park was historically part of 'Weld,' the 64-acre estate owned by diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife Isabel Weld Perkins.

2

The park's high vantage point offers a rare unobstructed view of the Boston skyline from outside the city limits.

3

The property contains the remains of former estate gardens, including remnants of decorative stone walls and terraces.

4

The outdoor ice rink, known as the Larz Anderson Park Ice Rink, is one of the few municipal open-air rinks in the region.

5

The park is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Larz Anderson Park Historic District.

Overview

Larz Anderson Park is a 64-acre public space in Brookline, Massachusetts, recognized for its elevation providing panoramic views of the Boston skyline. The grounds were once part of the Larz Anderson estate, a prominent Gilded Age property. The landscape features a mix of managed gardens, open rolling hills, and wooded trails. During winter months, the park operates an outdoor refrigerated ice skating rink. The site is physically adjacent to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Visitors utilize the high-elevation topography for seasonal activities such as kite flying and sledding. It serves as a municipal recreational hub maintained by the Town of Brookline. The park includes designated areas for picnicking and informal athletic activities.

Photo spot

The highest hilltop peak looking toward the downtown Boston skyline.

Insider tips

Bring a kite, as the hilltop location is known for consistent winds.

Visit during sunset to view the Boston skyline illuminated against the evening sky.

Walk the perimeter trails to transition from the manicured lawns into the denser wooded sections.

What to avoid

Attempting to park on Goddard Avenue during peak winter ice skating hours when street space is limited.

Good to know

The outdoor ice rink operates on a seasonal basis, typically opening in late autumn and closing in early spring.

Etiquette

Stay on marked paths in wooded areas to protect local ground flora; dogs must be leashed in specified zones.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Fall for foliage colors and sunset views; winter for outdoor ice skating.
Address
Larz Anderson Park, Goddard Ave & Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445, United States
42.312, -71.137
Get directions
Details
Landscape featuresRolling hills and panoramic skyline vistas
Recreational facilitiesSeasonal outdoor refrigerated ice rink

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Fall for foliage colors and sunset views; winter for outdoor ice skating..

The highest hilltop peak looking toward the downtown Boston skyline.

Close by you'll find Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Fenway Park, Larz Anderson Auto Museum.