Visitors relax on benches and at the InterContinental hotel’s outdoor 
café along the HarborWalk section in Downtown Boston.

The Boston Harbor Association played a crucial role in planning for the first-ever free HarborWalk audio tours (link to Audio tours page), developed and funded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, thanks to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

The HarborWalk website provides updated information on the Harborwalk segments for the general public, with maps, site descriptions, transportation information, events, and resources for enhancing neighborhood advocacy. The site promotes Boston's Harborwalk as a resource for residents and visitors, encouraging them to take advantage of the many publicly accessible attractions along Boston Harbor.

The site is updated regularly, including new HarborWalk locations and amenities, new public art, and special events and activities of immediate interest occurring on the HarborWalk. Art lovers and the public will enjoy "Art on the HarborWalk" that showcases the unique sculpture, paintings, displays, and interpretive signage found along Boston's six waterfront neighborhoods.

The website can be found at www.bostonharborwalk.com.

HarborWalk Tours

TBHA Executive Director Vivien Li leads a HarborWalk tour group past the Gillette factory during the Rolling Bridge and South Bay Parks tour on 16 June 2009.

Participate in one of The Boston Harbor Association's free 2009 HarborWalk tours, including our 4 August “Environmental Sustainability along Boston’s Waterfront” tour, and our 10 September “Evolution of the Fan Pier” tour. Enjoy Boston's waterfront and scenic views while learning about developments along the South Boston waterfront which are helping to foster sustainability. On 10 September, learn about the changes on South Boston’s Fan Pier. Both residents and visitors are welcomed to attend these free tours.

From Grading the HarborWalk…

TBHA Executive Director Vivien Li points out signage at the 
Fort Point Channel section of the HarborWalk during a tour.

The New England Aquarium’s newest addition, the Marine Mammal Center on the HarborWalk.

Fur seal at the Mammal Center.

Boston’s HarborWalk network began in 1984, as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize and promote public access along the Boston waterfront. Today, more than 39 miles of the HarborWalk system is completed, in the waterfront neighborhoods of Dorchester, South Boston, North End, Downtown, Charlestown, and East Boston.

The HarborWalk is comprised of many sections, each owned and controlled by different private and public entities. The Boston Harbor Association assesses each section individually, looking at a set of criteria that includes maintenance and upkeep, accessibility, signage, and implementation of public amenities. 

…To HarborWalk Advocacy

New water transportation pavilion  at Fairmont Battery Wharf.

Newly constructed pocket maritime museum  completed at the new Battery Wharf section  of the HarborWalk in early July 2009.

Since 2000, TBHA has completed assessment reports of the Boston HarborWalk every year. Summer 2009, TBHA is currently working on its latest progress report, comparing conditions and improvements to previous years. 

New HarborWalk segments this year include the Fairmont Battery Wharf on the North End waterfront. This new segment is becoming one of the most popular on the waterfront, with interpretive signage, free binoculars, free public restrooms next to the HarborWalk, a new water transportation pavilion, and an outside terrace dining area. TBHA was the primary advocate in successfully getting a free maritime museum and 24-hour observation deck as part of the Battery Wharf complex development. Both the pocket maritime museum and the observation deck are fully accessible to the general public and free. 

Be sure not to miss the new HarborWalk segment completed in July 2009 as part of the new Marine Mammal Pavilion at the New England Aquarium. The environment-friendly LED strips used to light this segment of the HarborWalk network make it one of the most unique in Boston, particularly during the evening.
In August 2009, the HarborWalk segment across from the Federal Reserve Bank will be completed, allowing the public to enjoy yet another section along the Fort Point Channel.

...return to top

The Boston Harbor Association   -   374 Congress Street, Suite 307   -   Boston, MA 02210   -   617-482-1722 (P)   -   617-482-9750 (F)   -   mail@tbha.org