5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Boston
With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and stunning waterfront, Boston provides drone enthusiasts with a plethora of opportunities to capture breathtaking aerial footage. However, it's important to fly responsibly and follow the rules and regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight experience. In this blog post, we will highlight the top five best places to fly a drone in Boston, where you can unleash your creativity and capture stunning aerial shots.
The Charles River Esplanade: The Charles River Esplanade is a picturesque urban park located along the banks of the Charles River. Offering stunning views of the city skyline, the Esplanade provides an excellent backdrop for aerial photography and videography. Fly your drone along the river, capturing shots of the sailboats, iconic bridges, and the Boston skyline. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from pedestrians and follow FAA guidelines regarding flying over crowds.
Warning: Though it’s a beautiful spot to fly, it is a no-drone zone for the DCR land so make sure to take off and land on public property.
Castle Island and Pleasure Bay: Situated in South Boston, Castle Island and Pleasure Bay offer a unique perspective of the city's coastal beauty. The historic Fort Independence, located on Castle Island, provides a captivating subject for aerial photography. Fly your drone along the shoreline to capture the juxtaposition of the fort, sandy beaches, and the Boston Harbor Islands. Be mindful of any restricted airspace around Logan International Airport, which is in close proximity.
Warning: This land is in a 0-fly zone so make sure to get FAA approval through LAANC (using Air Control) or FAA Drone Zone before flying.
The Boston Common: As America's oldest public park, the Boston Common is a landmark steeped in history and natural beauty. From the air, you can capture stunning footage of the park's iconic pathways, manicured lawns, and the iconic Massachusetts State House. Fly your drone during the golden hour to capture the park's beauty as the sunlight bathes the landscape in a warm glow. Remember to avoid flying directly over people and maintain a safe distance from any events or gatherings.
Fenway Park: Home to the beloved Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is an iconic sports venue with a vibrant atmosphere. While drone flights over the stadium itself are prohibited due to FAA regulations, you can capture impressive shots of the surrounding area. Position your drone in areas like the Back Bay Fens or the Emerald Necklace Park System to capture unique perspectives of Fenway Park, showcasing the energy of the neighborhood and the green oasis in an urban setting.
Charles Anderson Bridge/Harvard/Magazine Beach: Situated on the Charles River, these areas offer a scenic location for aerial exploration. With its stunning views of the river together with the city skyline and 150-200ft of auto-approval, these spots provide an ideal spot for drone photography. Capture shots of the sun setting over the water, Harvard’s stunning architecture, and the surrounding city.
Be clear with where you choose to fly, be confident, and don’t overthink it. Each of these areas has their own rules and restrictions so plan ahead before you fly, make sure you have the proper authorizations, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun!