Jamaica Pond Park
Jamaica Pond Park
4.5
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The area
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Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
This Boston neighborhood feels like a distinct community unique and separate from the bustle of other areas. Beautiful Victorian homes, restaurants with an emphasis on being eco-friendly and providing local and organic food, and a large Hispanic community. Visit Centre and South streets for restaurants, cafes, and little shops. The Arnold Arboretum is a beautiful, large green space well worth a visit if you venture to JP.
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1,413 within 3 miles
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950 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
23
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Carole L
Arlington, VA30 contributions
Jun 2012 • Business
A few years back a friend emailed me a link to the 100 most beautiful places in the world and amongst the photos was Jamaica Pond in a shot that captured the beauty of the pond and its boat house.Jamaica Pond can be described as the gem on the Emerald Necklace, which is the series of ponds and parks designed by Olmsted. A former glacial basin, the pond is historical as well as lovely, having been a popular destination of well to do Bostonians whose summer homes were in Jamaica Plain and a favored ice skaing spot of proper Bostonians, including the Cabots. At less than one and one half mile around, you can easily stroll around the pond which is at its best in the Fall when the colorful trees are reflected in the water.
At the entrance of the pond is the boathouse where you can rent boats and take sailing lessons. As you walk around the pond, try to imagine the old ice company that used to be there, selling ice around the world. If you start your walk to the left of the boathouse, at the corner of Burroughs street and the Jamaica way, note the beatufiul mansion, now condominiums, that used to house the Boston Children's Museum. The museum prior to that had been located at the Pond in Pinebank, one of the houses that used to be located at the pond; you will see the steps that used to lead to Pinebank on your trip around the pond. As you continue to circle the pond, you will pass Hellenic Hill, of interest as it has largely been untouched since the area was first settled. Continuing around the pond, you will no doubt find people fishing or children feeding the ducks as you pass by the former Cabot estate, now also private condominiums. As you proceed, you will see the sugarbowl area of the Pond, a favored sledding spot and also a venue for concerts and occassional festivals, past that spot you will see the steps that used to lead to Pinebank and then you will shortly be back in front of the boathouse. From Jamaica Plain you can walk to other parks in the emerald necklace or to the Arnold Arboreteum. Visit Jamaica Pond for the history, the scenery, the people watching or for exercise - something there for everyone.
At the entrance of the pond is the boathouse where you can rent boats and take sailing lessons. As you walk around the pond, try to imagine the old ice company that used to be there, selling ice around the world. If you start your walk to the left of the boathouse, at the corner of Burroughs street and the Jamaica way, note the beatufiul mansion, now condominiums, that used to house the Boston Children's Museum. The museum prior to that had been located at the Pond in Pinebank, one of the houses that used to be located at the pond; you will see the steps that used to lead to Pinebank on your trip around the pond. As you continue to circle the pond, you will pass Hellenic Hill, of interest as it has largely been untouched since the area was first settled. Continuing around the pond, you will no doubt find people fishing or children feeding the ducks as you pass by the former Cabot estate, now also private condominiums. As you proceed, you will see the sugarbowl area of the Pond, a favored sledding spot and also a venue for concerts and occassional festivals, past that spot you will see the steps that used to lead to Pinebank and then you will shortly be back in front of the boathouse. From Jamaica Plain you can walk to other parks in the emerald necklace or to the Arnold Arboreteum. Visit Jamaica Pond for the history, the scenery, the people watching or for exercise - something there for everyone.
Written June 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Want some great sailing, this is your place. Not far is James Michael Curley's house.
Written July 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert S
Lawrence, KS2,659 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Jamaica Pond is beautiful in every season. Our first time was in the Winter and we would walk Beezee the beagle around the pond at least once a day.
We were staying right across the street, so we could look out at the pond and the people traffic (and auto traffic) any time of day.
The pond to part of Boston's Emerald Necklace.
We were staying right across the street, so we could look out at the pond and the people traffic (and auto traffic) any time of day.
The pond to part of Boston's Emerald Necklace.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,501 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a huge park on the edge of the city limits providing some wild space out in the suburbs, a good place for picnics and some long hikes.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lileemai
Cincinnati, OH339 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Come to exercise and make a loop around the pond. Watch people fish. Rent a sailboat at the boat house and drift around. Bring kids or your dog and explore a quieter part of Boston. Flowers are blooming right now. Walk over to Center St to the shops for baked goods or treats (blue frog bakery, JP Licks, when pigs fly). The 39 bus can drop you off a few blocks away and you can take this bus back into the heart of Boston. Or you can explore the lower part of the emerald necklace and inch closer to longwood and eventually fenway. Go the other way and find yourself in the Arnold Arboretum and much further...Franklin Park.
Written May 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue_near_Boston
Boston, MA302 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
This was my second visit to Jamaica Pond and it certainly didn't disappoint!
It's not the easiest place to get to, but upon arrival we set about trying to find somewhere to park. On one small stretch of the pond perimeter there is on-road parking for 2 hours (no meters) - unfortunately there are probably only about 20 spaces, and only on the side closest to the pond, so for practical purposes it's almost easier to drive all the way around the pond back to the parking in hopes of finding a vacant space. I did venture down Pond Street opposite the boat house for street parking, but in over 2 blocks everywhere was full and honestly we were getting just too far from the pond itself. As luck had it, we found a space on our second time around the Pond and were all set. FYI ... the parking is directly across the pond from the boathouse.
The path around the pond is paved and very suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, or people who need more even ground to walk safely. It's easy to venture down to the water's edge or the beach areas, but these sections are obviously not paved.
The entire walk is about 2 miles and flat all the way.
At this time (early October) the Boathouse seemed closed, although the restrooms were open. We had wished there was a coffee stall or shop nearby ... would have loved to stroll & sip!
On my previous occasion, I visited early evening to sunset on a Sunday evening. It was quite busy with joggers and couples walking. On this occasion (late morning on a Friday) it was much quieter - still a few joggers and quite a few Mom's with little ones out with the stroller.
Looks like a good fishing spot (fishing license is required). You can see fairly large fish only a foot or two from the edge. Didn't get close enough to see what type of fish though.
Dogs on a leash are allowed.
For little ones who like to feed the ducks - we only saw a few. Not sure if they were hiding somewhere, but definitely only a few. There was a mature pair of white swans, and a few Canada geese too.
The trees are just starting to change, a few maple trees have already turned bright Fall colors. I estimate that around October 20 onwards the Fall color show will be fabulous!
This is a great place! A nice paved alternative to Walden Pond - which is slightly smaller and over in the Concord neighborhood 15 miles NW of Boston.
It's not the easiest place to get to, but upon arrival we set about trying to find somewhere to park. On one small stretch of the pond perimeter there is on-road parking for 2 hours (no meters) - unfortunately there are probably only about 20 spaces, and only on the side closest to the pond, so for practical purposes it's almost easier to drive all the way around the pond back to the parking in hopes of finding a vacant space. I did venture down Pond Street opposite the boat house for street parking, but in over 2 blocks everywhere was full and honestly we were getting just too far from the pond itself. As luck had it, we found a space on our second time around the Pond and were all set. FYI ... the parking is directly across the pond from the boathouse.
The path around the pond is paved and very suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, or people who need more even ground to walk safely. It's easy to venture down to the water's edge or the beach areas, but these sections are obviously not paved.
The entire walk is about 2 miles and flat all the way.
At this time (early October) the Boathouse seemed closed, although the restrooms were open. We had wished there was a coffee stall or shop nearby ... would have loved to stroll & sip!
On my previous occasion, I visited early evening to sunset on a Sunday evening. It was quite busy with joggers and couples walking. On this occasion (late morning on a Friday) it was much quieter - still a few joggers and quite a few Mom's with little ones out with the stroller.
Looks like a good fishing spot (fishing license is required). You can see fairly large fish only a foot or two from the edge. Didn't get close enough to see what type of fish though.
Dogs on a leash are allowed.
For little ones who like to feed the ducks - we only saw a few. Not sure if they were hiding somewhere, but definitely only a few. There was a mature pair of white swans, and a few Canada geese too.
The trees are just starting to change, a few maple trees have already turned bright Fall colors. I estimate that around October 20 onwards the Fall color show will be fabulous!
This is a great place! A nice paved alternative to Walden Pond - which is slightly smaller and over in the Concord neighborhood 15 miles NW of Boston.
Written October 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth O
Boston, MA13 contributions
Apr 2012
It's a little out of the way, but worth the trip to get a sense of what Boston is REALLY all about. Not just all Brahmins and Good Will Hunting
Written April 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill
Boston, MA415 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Great views walking around this pond, both in nature and the surrounding homes. Lots of spots to stop and sit at, including the infamous bench you can't really sit in (google it)!
Written September 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Northern_Traveler00
California77,946 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
for a nice walk along the water. Bad weather in the forecast had us doing our walk at Jamaica Pond instead of going into the city to our usual walk at Castle Island.
Parking can be tough but the walk is worth it. And decades later the floating island still hasn't moved very far!
Parking can be tough but the walk is worth it. And decades later the floating island still hasn't moved very far!
Written December 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DANIELLA107
London, UK2,210 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
Every morning, early, or late afternoon, I breath in the wonderful air and the natural sites of Jamaica plain pond.
I have learnt it was made by a glacier many moons ago.
Early morning you encounter runners, dog walkers, groups of girlfriends, mothers with strollers and I...
I watch the Canadian geese who made this pond their home and people do not scare them.
They walk one after the other to the bank and than swim one after the other.
What a troop.
Other ducks and also some fishermen.
Go, by all means.
I have learnt it was made by a glacier many moons ago.
Early morning you encounter runners, dog walkers, groups of girlfriends, mothers with strollers and I...
I watch the Canadian geese who made this pond their home and people do not scare them.
They walk one after the other to the bank and than swim one after the other.
What a troop.
Other ducks and also some fishermen.
Go, by all means.
Written July 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Furkan A
Boston, Massachusetts
Can I do kayaking at Jamaica Pond with my own kayak?
Written October 10, 2017
Unfortunately you can not bring your own kayak.
Written October 11, 2017
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