Taking the train? Two Harborwalk routes that start at North Station
· North End
Route 1: Lovejoy Wharf to Charlestown (3 miles one-way). Once you arrive at North Station, you can check whether the locks are open for pedestrian access to cross the Charles River using the Gridley Locks Footpath, which will bring you directly to in Charlestown.
An alternative option is to walk through off of Causeway Street when you exit the station. From there, you can stroll along the water before crossing the Bill Russell Bridge on N Washington Street. Take a right onto Chelsea Street and cut through the public walkway at City Square Park down the stairs to reach the rest of the Harborwalk.
From there, begin your journey through historic Charlestown. As you walk along the marinas you'll reach the Boston National Historic Park and Charlestown Navy Yard, home to the USS Constitution, the world's oldest still-afloat warship, built in 1797. Stop at the museum or board the boat, then wind through the many piers and wharves that highlight some of the best views of the city. Pause at one of the scenic along the water, or grab something to eat or drink before ending your walk at Menino Park.
To return to Boston, walk back the way you came, wander through Charlestown's neighborhoods to the Bunker Hill Monument on the Freedom Trail, or hop on the Charlestown Ferry from the Navy Yard ferry terminal to Central Wharf, near the New England Aquarium.
Along the way: public restrooms at the Residence Inn on Boston Harbor, One Constitution Center, HarborView at the Navy Yard, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Building 114. Eateries include Alcove and Night Shift Brewing at Lovejoy Wharf, the Anchor beer garden, and Pier 6 Restaurant & Bar.
Route 2: Lovejoy Wharf through the Wharf District. Another way to reach the Harborwalk from North Station winds through Boston's historic North End down to the Wharf District. Turn onto Causeway Street toward the water and visit Lovejoy Wharf before taking the pedestrian walkway that curves beneath the bridge toward the North End.
Once you exit the walkway over the water, continue along the Harborwalk to Langone Park, with sweeping views of the North End, Charlestown, and East Boston across the water. Langone Park is one of the city's coastal resilience projects: the park itself is designed to mitigate flooding while providing sport courts, fields, and recreation for nearby residents.
From Langone Park you'll be directed toward the sidewalks away from the water; the US Coast Guard station next to the park is not publicly accessible. Soon enough you'll reach Battery Wharf, where you can rejoin the waterfront and wind through the wharves of the Wharf District. From here on, as long as you stay by the water, you're on the Harborwalk.
Near the end of this route you'll pass popular restaurants and Christopher Columbus Park before reaching Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium. Be sure to say hello to the seals swimming behind the aquarium ticket booth before concluding your journey.
To return to North Station, take the Blue Line from Aquarium station to Government Center and transfer to the Green Line, or walk 10–15 minutes to Government Center, Downtown Crossing, or South Station.
The Harborwalk ensures that Boston's waterfront remains accessible to all. If any public amenity isn't accessible during your visit, contact 311 and they will notify the property owner.