This state-owned reservation runs along the Mystic River and includes four waterfront parks in Somerville, Chelsea and Medford. Picnicking, walks and general ogling of the scenery are popular activities at all four.

The Somerville stretch includes Draw Seven Park behind Assembly Square Mall as well as the Shore Drive parklands just a hop away in the Ten Hills neighborhood. In season (on weekdays), you can rent a boat at the Middlesex County Boys & Girls Club Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, located at Shore Drive. From there you can paddle across the river to take a look at Medford's pretty Torbert Macdonald Park, which is also part of the reservation.

Mary O'Malley Waterfront Park in Chelsea and Mystic Lakes in Medford are the final two parks in the reservation. But why stay on shore? Kayakers and canoeists can set their boats into the water at Shore Drive, Mystic Lakes or Draw Seven and paddle to their heart's content.