Riverside Row-Mance

While the Square has a variety of traditional dinner-date spots, there are also ways to get creative with more unconventional spots, including my personal favorite: the Charles River. Having grown up in the Cambridge area, some of my favorite memories were made along the Charles River and I’ve made it a goal of mine to make time for these moments even throughout my busy days as a Harvard student. Whether it’s going on a solo stroll in the morning, chatting on one of the benches with a friend, or having a river-side picnic with a significant other, the Charles River has helped me appreciate “the art” of going on dates. From solo or friend outings to romantic dates, here are some of the best options along the river to spend time with the people you love. 

Picnicking 

Fall is the perfect time to have a picnic along the river, right before the weather becomes too cold. With a blanket and some snacks, there are many different ways to enjoy this easy date. Whether it’s chatting together while watching the sun go down, painting, or playing spikeball, this date allows for versatility.

One of my favorite spots to picnic is right by the Anderson Memorial Bridge, where you can sit on a bench or people-watch from the stairs leading up to the bridge. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can bike along the Charles to picnic at the Charles River Esplanade, a quick 20-minute ride from Harvard Yard. The Esplanade is particularly pretty when you’re able to see the seasons transition, with fall leaves, winter snow, and spring blossoms. It is also a popular place to go for those who enjoy time outdoors—you can bring a picnic basket or a hammock and get creative. 

Canoeing & Kayaking 

Canoeing or kayaking along the river is another immersive way to not only get to know someone better, but also, to experience a tour of Boston while getting your cardio in. Kayak and canoe rental services are available throughout the river and often offer discounts on a student season pass. Canoe and kayak rental prices vary depending on the service, but typically fall between $15 and $35 dollars for an hour, while season passes may be on the pricier side. Boston University’s Sailing Pavilion near their campus charges $25 for a day pass, while the downtown outlet Paddle Boston charges $35 for an hour and a half. Perhaps a more active and adventurous date than picnicking, kayaking or canoeing together allows you to bond with your partner. 

Being out on the water is also a great chance to unplug from devices, say hello to ducks in the river, and admire the Boston skyline. Depending on which rental service you decide to use, you can also stop in the nearby areas for lunch or explore the surrounding stores. If you end up near Boston University, you could stop for boba at LimeRed Teahouse or even a late-night show by Paradise Rock Club or Brighton Music Hall. 

Paddle Boston offers nearby attractions as well, such as Kendall Square for the Cambridge location and the Museum of Science for the Boston one. Kayaking is an easy and fun way to reconnect with nature, as well as with your partner or friend after a stressful week. As winter approaches and the days get colder, it is still possible to kayak and canoe along the river—but don’t forget to layer up with hats, gloves, and jackets! 

Late Nights Along Weeks Bridge

One of my favorite hidden gems is the pedestrianized walkway on Weeks Bridge. This spot is especially lovely when it’s dark out and the city’s lights, the moon, and the buildings around the river are reflected on the water. And, after a night out, it’s the best spot to go with a significant other or friend to unwind, have hour-long conversations, or just laugh and listen to music. 

I recommend picking up a late-night meal, whether a Felipe’s burrito or a slice of Joe’s, and walking down to Weeks Bridge as a spontaneous but nevertheless charming date. In the yellow-tinged lamplight of the walkway, you’ll fall into natural conversation and linger for hours while overlooking the city. As you sit on the bridge, you can choose whether to face Boston and see the lights of the office towers or towards Harvard and admire how magical the Dunster tower looks in the evening glow. The quiet of the city at night creates a sense of intimacy and magic that is perfect for a date. 

This weekend, as the campus prepares to cheer on Harvard’s rowing teams at the Head of the Charles, I urge you to return to the river. Each time you do, you will fall more and more in love—with yourself, with someone else, and with the Charles. 

Audrey Wu ’29 (audreywu@college.harvard.edu) is comping the Independent.