Walden Pond

Just out of view of the city nearby lies an ecological haven, the beauty of which once inspired one of the nation’s great thinkers.

Swap the sidewalks and shop floors of the city center for fine white beaches and woodland walks at Walden Pond. Look across the glistening water for kingfishers, deer and other wildlife, and discover the story behind the landmark’s famous literary history.

Happening upon the lake, which is obscured by a large forest, is a magical experience. This large waterway dates back to the last ice age, when it was formed by a huge glacier melting. At its deepest point, the pond reaches depths of more than 98 feet (30 meters).

Pick your spot on the narrow sandy beach and bask in the sun or take a refreshing swim. A great way to explore the lake is on a canoe, paddleboard or small boat, though you will have to bring your own equipment as there are no rental outlets at the pond. The fishing in Walden Pond is superb. Cast your hook for pickerel and sunfish as well as perch and smallmouth bass.

Wake yourself from lounging, set down your line or book and embark on a gentle hike through your leafy surroundings. The Pond Path forms a rugged circuit along the shore and is decorated with clusters of vivid berry bushes, pine, oak and hickory trees. Look for gray squirrels and chipmunks scampering past and spot kingfishers perched on the tips of overhanging branches.

Refresh your love of American literature with a visit to the information center where you will find stories about the area’s most famous resident, Henry David Thoreau. He wrote his book Walden while staying in a one-room home next to the pond between 1845 and 1847. Visit a replica of this small dwelling to see the minimalist lifestyle that helped inspire the American conservationist movement.

Walden Pond is located just a 5-minute drive south of Concord. Drive and use the parking lot or get a ride and be dropped off. The area has a small shop, but no other facilities, so arrive early and come prepared if you plan to spend the full day here.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Walden Pond

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

See the striking, peaceful home with its wooded garden, a suitable spot for a novelist who stirred the imaginations of millions.

Old North Bridge

Journey just outside Boston to see where the Revolutionary War began: a gorgeous, colonial town, home to some of early New England’s favorite sons and daughters.

Harvard University

Walk in the footsteps of presidents and Nobel laureates at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.

Cambridge

You’ve seen Harvard University through a TV screen, but believe us, it’s far prettier in real life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of academia at the architecturally rich, museum-filled campus of one of America’s most celebrated universities.

Hotels near Walden Pond

Boston Park Plaza

50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this historic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Newbury Street, Boston Public Garden, and Boston Common. Copley Place and Hynes Convention Center are also within 1 mi (2 km). Arlington Station is only a 2-minute walk and Boylston Station is 8 minutes.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport

One Hotel Drive

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in East Boston, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Long Wharf, New England Aquarium, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Boston Harbor and The Freedom Trail are also within 3 mi (5 km). Airport Station is 16 minutes by foot and Maverick Station is 22 minutes.

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

575 Memorial Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in MIT, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University. MIT Museum and Agganis Arena are also within 1 mi (2 km). Boston University West Station is 15 minutes by foot and Boston University Central Station is 15 minutes.

The Liberty, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

215 Charles St

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in West End, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Massachusetts General Hospital, Charles River Esplanade, and Museum of Science. Boston Public Garden and Massachusetts State House are also within 15 minutes. Charles-MGH Station is only a 2-minute walk and Science Park Station is 8 minutes.

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

39 Dalton St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of The Shops at Prudential Center, Newbury Street, and Berklee College of Music. Northeastern University and Hynes Convention Center are also within 10 minutes. Prudential Station and Hynes Convention Center Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Harborside Inn Of Boston

185 State St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Boston Financial District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The Freedom Trail and TD Garden are also within 15 minutes. Aquarium is only a 2-minute walk and State St. Station is 5 minutes.

Revere Hotel Boston Common

200 Stuart St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Boston, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Boch Center, Wilbur Theatre, and Emerson College. Newbury Street and The Freedom Trail are also within 10 minutes. Arlington Station is only a 5-minute walk and Boylston Station is 6 minutes.

Four Points by Sheraton Boston Logan Airport Revere

407 Squire Rd

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 9 mi (15 km) of TD Garden, Harvard University, and New England Aquarium. Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Boston Common are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Hyatt Regency Boston

One Avenue De Lafayette

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Boston, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Boston Opera House and The Freedom Trail. Boston Common and Orpheum Theater are also within 10 minutes. Chinatown Station and Downtown Crossing Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Boston Omni Parker House Hotel

60 School St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Boston, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Boston City Hall, Quincy Market, and Boston Common. New England Aquarium and Boston Tea Party Ship are also within 15 minutes. Government Center Station and State St. Station are within a 5-minute walk.

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

10 Huntington Ave

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this hotel is steps from Boston Public Library, Copley Square, and Copley Place. Newbury Street and Boston Marathon Finish Line are also within 5 minutes. Copley Station and Back Bay Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Embassy Suites Boston Waltham

550 Winter Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the business district, this hotel is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Brandeis University and within 9 mi (15 km) of Boston College and Harvard University. Harvard Square and Boston University are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Club Quarters Hotel in Boston

161 Devonshire St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Boston, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and New England Aquarium. Boston Harbor and Long Wharf are also within 10 minutes. State St. Station and Downtown Crossing Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Boston Marriott Copley Place

110 Huntington Ave

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Copley Place, Boston Marathon Finish Line, and Boston Public Library. Copley Square and Newbury Street are also within 10 minutes. Prudential Station is only a 3-minute walk and Copley Station is 5 minutes.

Loews Boston Hotel

154 Berkeley Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of John Hancock Tower and Newbury Street. Copley Square and Copley Place are also within 10 minutes. Arlington Station is only a 5-minute walk and Copley Station is 7 minutes.

Doubletree By Hilton Boston Logan Airport Chelsea

201 Everett Ave

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Chelsea, this hotel is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Encore Boston Harbor and within 6 mi (10 km) of TD Garden and Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Boston Public Garden and Harvard Square are also within 6 mi (10 km). Chelsea Station is 9 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor

101 Harborside Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Long Wharf, New England Aquarium, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Boston Harbor and The Freedom Trail are also within 2 mi (3 km). Maverick Station is 25 minutes by foot and Aquarium is 28 minutes.

Embassy Suites Boston Logan Airport

207 Porter St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in East Boston, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Long Wharf and Boston Harbor are also within 3 mi (5 km). Airport Station is 9 minutes by foot and Maverick Station is 13 minutes.

The Westin Boston Seaport District

425 Summer St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Seaport District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston Harbor, and Boston Children's Museum. New England Aquarium and The Freedom Trail are also within 1 mi (2 km). South Station is 14 minutes by foot and Downtown Crossing Station is 20 minutes.

The Newbury Boston

1 Newbury St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Boston hotel is located in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of Newbury Street and Boston Public Garden. Boston Common and Copley Square are also within 10 minutes. Arlington Station is only a 2-minute walk and Boylston Station is 8 minutes.

Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton

320 Washington Street

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Newton Corner, this hotel is 2 mi (3.2 km) from Boston College and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Harvard University. Boston University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are also within 6 mi (10 km). Newtonville Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Le Méridien Boston Cambridge

20 Sidney Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Cambridgeport, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Kendall Square. Fenway Park and Boston University are also within 2 mi (3 km). Central Square Station is 6 minutes by foot and Kendall-MIT Station is 15 minutes.

The Midtown Hotel

220 Huntington Ave

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Boston Symphony Hall, Northeastern University, and The Shops at Prudential Center. Copley Place and Berklee College of Music are also within 10 minutes. Symphony Station and Prudential Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Copley Square Hotel

47 Huntington Ave

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Back Bay, this romantic hotel is steps from Copley Place, Boston Public Library, and Boston Marathon Finish Line. Copley Square and Newbury Street are also within 5 minutes. Copley Station and Prudential Station are within a 5-minute walk.