Dating back to 1634, Boston Common is the nation's oldest park and is located in the heart of downtown Boston. Combined with the adjacent Boston Public Gardens it encompasses over 75 acres bordered by Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Financial District. Favorite activities in this safe and well-maintained park are feeding the ducks, watching the doggie day care groups, touch football games, picnicing, running, and ice-skating on the pond. You know that the weather is getting warmer and the seasons are changing when there is not a patch of grass not covered by sun soaking Bostonians. As opposed to the much more fancy and fragrant Boston Public Gardens, the Common affords a more down-to-earth feel. You'll find vendors selling hotdogs and Boston gear, baseball games, and the occasional Boston bum. Scenery and live local color are included of course. Boston Common Garage also lives under the Common and can be seen from South Charles Street. It is a 24 Hour Parking Garage that offers hourly, daily, and monthly rates.