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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Boston (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Boston, Massachusetts.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Boston, Massachusetts.

If you live in (or are traveling to) Boston, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.

fly drone boston

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Boston, MA. Source: VFR Map

Boston Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Boston (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.

When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.

Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

So those are the federal rules.

But what about local Boston drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Massachusetts. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Boston. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.

Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Where to Fly a Drone in Boston

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Boston area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.

1 — Horn Pond Recreation Area

Arlington Rd, Woburn, MA 01807

Horn Pond Recreation Area is located just outside of Boston in Woburn, Massachusetts. It features a beautiful pond surrounded by mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. Drone pilots will enjoy the serene feeling of this location and the numerous filming opportunities.

Mavic Air 2 - Horn Pond. Woburn, MA

2 — Lynn Woods

106 Pennybrook Rd, Lynn, MA 01905

Lynn Woods is located in Lynn, Massachusetts and it is a truly unique location that is filled with landmarks, wildlife, ponds, and much more. It is the second-largest municipal park in the United States, spanning an impressive 2,200 acres. The most notable feature is the Stone Tower, which stands tall on the highest point in the area. This location offers something for every drone pilot to enjoy.

Stone Tower - Lynn Woods - Lynn, Massachusetts

3 — Bill Martin Field

Medfield, MA 02052

The Bill Martin Field is an AMA airfield run by the Charles River Radio Controllers. The property is located within the Charles River Reservation in Medfield, Massachusetts. All types of RC aircraft are welcomed at the field. The area features a grass runway and all members must have an AMA membership and a key to the airfield. The Charles River runs through the property making it an ideal location for drone flying.

fly drone Bill Martin field

Source: Marcbela

4 — Chandler Hovey Park

Lighthouse Ln, Marblehead, MA 01945

Chandler Hovey Park spans just over 3 acres and overlooks the harbor’s mouth in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The focal point is the lighthouse that towers above the thousands of boats that navigate the area every day. Drone pilots will enjoy this stunning location and its picturesque coastal vibe.

Marblehead Light Tower | Chandler Hovey Park | 4K

5 — Old Scituate Lighthouse

100 Lighthouse Rd, Scituate, MA 02066

The Old Scituate Lighthouse is was built in 1811 and was added to The National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The lighthouse is situated on 1.2 acres and sits on both the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and the Scituate Harbor. Drone pilots will appreciate the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and of course the lighthouse. The harbor also provides pleasant scenery as boats arrive and depart.

fly drone Scituate lighthouse

Source: Eric Morenzo

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Boston

If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Boston area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.

Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Boston.