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Spectacle Island in Boston. Stephanie Schorow

By Kristi Palma

An island with panoramic views of Boston Harbor located four miles from downtown is the most peaceful spot in Boston, according to a new study.

The 114-acre Spectacle Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands, was named the city’s most peaceful area in a study of the quietest places in the world’s loudest cities by Earth.fm, a non-profit that bills itself as a Spotify but with nature sounds.

The organization analyzed cities with a population of 250,000 or more and named Boston the loudest in the U.S. after consulting academic and official sources to determine the percentage of residents who are exposed to high noise levels — more than 65 decibels — on an average day. Boston was the highest at 11.8%, followed by Fresno, Calif. at 11.4% and Chicago at 10.9%.

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Earth.fm then determined the top 10 most peaceful destinations in the cities based on a “Quiet Score” comprised of three factors: the amount of each destination’s reviews that mention “quiet,” “peaceful,” “relaxing,” “tranquil,” and “calm,”; the location’s average visitor rating; and the spot’s popularity and whether that impacts its peacefulness.

“Opportunities to connect with nature and find quiet—away from traffic noise, pneumatic drills, and the general city buzz—are so important for our mental wellbeing,” said Catalin Zorzini, founder of Earth.fm, in a statement.

Travelers can take a ferry to Spectacle Island between May and October, and go hiking, swimming, boating, and attend special events. This year, guests can also check out a solar eclipse viewing on Spectacle Island on April 8.

Here are the 10 most peaceful Boston destinations, according to Earth.fm:

1. Spectacle Island

2. Arnold Arboretum

3. Paul Revere Mall

4. George’s Island

5. Charles River Esplanade

6. Rose Kennedy Greenway

7. Boston Public Garden

8. Boston Harbor Islands State Park

9. Jamaica Pond Park

10. Boston Common

Do you agree that Spectacle Island is Boston’s most peaceful place?

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