Boston in April: Previewing the Boston Marathon Finish Line

Every April, on a Monday, Boston hosts the Boston Marathon which ends near Copley Square and the Boston Public Library.

Preparations underway at the Boston Marathon finish line as the city gears up for Marathon Monday, with banners and barricades in place.

This year, two days before the Boston Marathon, I wandered over to Copley Square to check out the crowds and the setup of the Boston Marathon Finish Line before the world descended on Boylston Street. If you've never finished this part of the city leading up to Marathon Monday, it's an experience worth having.

Tribute of daffodils at the Boston Marathon Finish Line Memorial, honoring the victims with a heartfelt display of remembrance and resilience.

Walking toward the Finish Line, the first thing that struck me was the flowers. Bright yellow daffodils dotted the sidewalks, planters, and were displayed along key historical monuments on Commonwealth Ave. The yellow daffodils are a symbol of resilience (Boston Proud!) and remembrance to honor the four victims lost from the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy.

Boston has honored the four victims with a moving monument with four pillars representing each of the four victims. The permanent memorial is located near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street near where one of two of the bombings took place. Seeing the memorial is emotional on its own, but the addition of the yellow daffodils make it a true living memorial. One the pavement near the memorial, people paused to pay their respect. The city has done a beautiful job of preserving a memorial space within a public space.

Memorial for Boston Marathon Finish Line Victims adorned with daffodils, set against the backdrop of city buildings and race preparations.

As I kept walking towards the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street, it felt like a festival. Along Boylston were numerous pop-up shops and vendor booths selling Boston Marathon merchandise, local Boston shops, charity organizations, and photo-op backgrounds. Some vendors were giving away small items. I was able to grab a small cowbell with the Boston Marathon logo that I could ring at the Finish Line.

Boston Marathon signage displayed prominently against a blue sky, featuring the iconic unicorn logo with city architecture in the background.

It was very impressive to see the Finish Line all set-up, ready for Marathon Monday. The final blocks of the race route are already closed off, with barricades lining Boylston Street and sections near the Finish Line are inaccessible to the public.

It was busy, but in the best way. If you are visiting Boston for the first time, and don't want to battle the Marathon crowds, visiting the Friday before Marathon Monday is a great way to experience some of the magic of the Marathon.

Visiting the Finish Line before Marathon Monday gives you a perspective you don't get on race day. You feel the excitement and emotion without the massive crowds. Boston does an extraordinary job honoring its past, celebrating its runners, and welcoming the world every April. How to Get There By Public Transportation

Getting to the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Boylston Street is easy by public transportation, but there are a few things to know—especially during race week.

The closest station is Copley on the MBTA Green Line, but Copley Station is often closed in the days leading up to Marathon Monday for security reasons. Closures can vary slightly year to year, but generally, you won’t be able to enter or exit at Copley during race weekend. If you’re planning to visit the Finish Line or see the pop-up shops, don’t rely on this stop being open.

Arlington Station (Green Line) – 5–7 minute walk

This is the easiest option when Copley is closed. Walk straight down Boylston Street toward the Boston Public Library and you’ll be right in the heart of all the Marathon activity.

A historic church on Boylston Street adorned with blue and yellow flags in a tribute to the Boston Marathon.