Boston Esplanade Bridge Loop Run and a Cambridge Athletic Club Day Pass
Updated October 3, 2026
Start at Cambridge Athletic Club in Kendall Square, cross the Longfellow Bridge to the Esplanade, run upstream past the Hatch Shell to the Harvard Bridge, then return along the Cambridge bank with the Back Bay skyline across the water.
Boston runners measure the Charles in bridges, and this is the classic short loop: two crossings, both banks and a skyline the whole way. The Esplanade is parkland on reclaimed riverbank, with sailing docks, lagoons and the Hatch Shell, home of the Fourth of July concert, while the Cambridge side passes the great dome of MIT. Buy a day pass at Cambridge Athletic Club in the old Athenaeum Building and leave your bag in the locker room. Ask the desk before you head out, since some passes cover only one entry and you will want to get back in to shower.
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The run: Longfellow to Harvard Bridge loop on the Charles River
Both banks are car free, the bridges make the distance easy to adjust, and the skyline stays in view nearly every step.
- Distance
- 6.9 km (4.3 mi)
- Start
- Cambridge Athletic Club
From the club, jog through Kendall Square to the Longfellow Bridge and cross beneath its granite towers, nicknamed the salt and pepper shakers. At the Boston end, take the curving Frances Appleton footbridge down to the Esplanade, then run upstream past the Community Boating docks, the Hatch Shell and the lagoons to Massachusetts Avenue. Cross the Harvard Bridge back to Cambridge and turn right onto the riverside path along Memorial Drive. Pass Killian Court, the MIT dome and the sailing pavilion, then return through Kendall Square to the club. Continue to the BU Bridge before crossing if you want a longer outing.
Open the route mapThe flagship has a full weight floor with lifting platforms, a cardio deck, cycling and yoga studios, squash courts, towel service and locker rooms with a dry sauna; bring photo ID.
- Price
- As of October 2026, a day pass is $20, bought online or at the desk
- Showers
- Yes
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, Sat and Sun 8 am to 6 pm
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