Connecting to the Charles River: Where to Walk, Bike, and Kayak in Boston/Cambridge

Posted: May 25, 2021

Stepping out onto Massachusetts Ave, the Charles River is only a few blocks away from Market Central’s front door. The Esplanade, a three-mile stretch of bike and pedestrian paths along the river, is popular among locals and tourists alike. It’s also home to the premier running trail in Greater Boston where Boston Marathon runners often train! The Dr. Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path runs for a loop of over 24 miles along both shores of the Charles River through Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and new extensions to Newton and Waltham.

At the Mass Ave and Memorial Drive intersection, continue across the Mass Ave bridge to end up in Back Bay, or cruise along the bike path on Memorial Drive and cross the Longfellow Bridge to Beacon Hill. If it isn’t too windy, take in views of the Boston skyline and the Esplanade from the water!

Read on for our favorite ways to connect to the Charles River from our property.


Walking, Running, Jogging
Arrive at the river after a 10-15 minute walk (or an even quicker run or jog).

Bicycling
Our on-site bike parking and bike-share programs make it easy to get around on two wheels.


Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Paddle Boston is open for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Their Kendall Square location is a 20-minute walk, short drive, or one subway stop away from Market Central.


Rowing
Community Rowing offers a variety of programs to match any skill level. You can bike, bus, or drive to their boathouse in Brighton!


Swimming
Magazine Beach is the spot to cool off on a warm summer day — the 17-acre park along the river features a pool and an outdoor gym. Located at 668 Memorial Drive, it is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride from our building.

Want to join our community and live in one of Cambridge’s most culture-rich neighborhoods? Schedule a socially distant in-person tour or make a virtual appointment today to learn more about how you can become a resident of Market Central. Ask about our current leasing special on select brand new apartment homes!

Back to all posts