There is no parking along the Esplanade as it was designed as an URBAN riverfront pathway. It's not a drive-up park like in the suburbs except for special events (e.g. concerts) where they allow parking on the grass behind the Hatch Shell for workers and elderly and disabled attendees. However, just a short walk across the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge there is PLENTY of first-come-first-served metered parking in the Back Bay and Beacon Hill neighborhoods along Beacon St, Arlington St and Charles St. If you're lucky (and I mean EXTREMELY lucky!!) you can snag one of the free spots just on the other side of the Fiedler Bridge.
No. Best bet is a meter or the garage at the common.
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