Best of Boston

1996 Best Beach, Alternative to

Arnold Aboretum

Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This “museum of living plants” provides you with 278 acres worth of walking, jogging, and birdwatching. But don’t pack a lunch—picnicking is allowed only on Lilac Sunday.

125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-1718,