Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

State park · Boston

Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

State park · Boston

191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109

Highlights

Explore the scenic Boston Harbor Islands, where you can hike, picnic, and check out historic Fort Warren, all just a ferry ride away from the city.

191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109 Get directions

bostonharborislands.org

@afar

"The past two decades have seen the dozens of islands scattered across Boston Harbor transformed from barely noticed dots on the horizon to one of the city’s most popular attractions. The Boston Harbor Island National Recreation Area , established in 1996, has propelled them into prominence, with ferries carrying day-trippers and overnight campers from downtown Boston, Hingham, and Hull to eight of the islands (19 more are accessible by private boat or charter excursions). Most visitors head to Georges Island, home of the Civil War–era Fort Warren, or the beaches and hiking trails of Spectacle Island, the one closest to downtown Boston. (Don’t skip the concession stands here: The food is from James Beard Award–winning Boston chef Barbara Lynch.) You can also camp on Peddocks, Grape, and Bumpkin islands, or take a tour to Little Brewster Island to witness the 300-year-old Boston Light, the nation’s oldest lighthouse."

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Ana Cano Diaz

Google

If you are a national and state park aficionado, you will love this one. It consists of 4 islands that you can visit. You do have to take a fari to get to them. We only had time to visit George's Island, which is the one that's is also a national historic site. It truly is an amazing place. I did see that they had a little store where they sell hot dogs, but there are a bunch of places that you can picnic at. You need a good 2 full days to explore this park. we will be visiting again soon so we can visit the other island. There are almost no trashcans in the islands, so you do have to carry your trash with you.

Andy Smith

Google

This is a great place to visit. You really need one or two days to do it justice, as you have to visit the islands by boat. Its worth doing Spectacle Island and also going across to Pemberton Point. If you can get one that goes out to Boston Light and the smaller islands they are worth a visit.There are various boat trips out of Boston harbor from near the Aquarium. The visitor center is also here, though this is quite small and there is a lot more info available at Faneuil Hall Visitor Center. Some of the islands also have visitor centers. Makes a good weekend trip.

Philip Welch

Google

We visited George's Island. They have Fort Warren there. It was very interesting. They have a few runs during the day, as well as guided tours. You can also amble around on your own if you want. There is a visitors center where you can see information on the history of the fort, and a brief video. There are restrooms there as well. There is a rule that whatever you bring to the island, you take when you leave. There are no garbage barrels there. You also should bring food and beverages, as there are none on the island. You may purchase beverages and snacks on the boat going there. Definitely worth going. There are a bunch of islands but you would have to start early to see more than one. Check them out!

Jennifer Hagen

Google

We visited Spectacle Island. I was a little disappointed, was expecting more based on the reviews. Read that this is one of the cleanest beaches in the area but I was not impressed. There is a trail around the island which is a nice walk, but there was not much that is varied in the nature there. Mostly grass and we didn't see any wildlife, not even birds. It was tempting to take some sea glass as a souvenir but we did not per park rules. Lunch offerings were great. Good hot dogs!

Benjamin Warren

Google

Spectacle was a good day trip for picnicking, going for a light hike and dip in the harbor. Be careful with how much you bring, as the park is carry on, carry off. And do not swim on the boat side of the dock. Otherwise it’s a nice escape from the city. Hard to believe that people lived here year round!

Mary Childs

Google

Absolutely beautiful trails. We walked through tree lined fields and woods. We enjoyed views of the bay and observed the Boston skyline in the distance. There are benches dotted throughout. The paths are wide and well maintained. We past families with small children, families with baby strollers, joggers, people with dogs, and groups of young people. We are members of the Trustees Organization so parking was free for us.

erin byrne maness

Google

I could not love these islands more! George's Island has Fort Warren. Amazing! Peddocks has tons of original buildings and the remains of mortars. Fabulous! Spectacle has incredible views and a beach full of pottery and beach glass fragments. Wonderful! Love, love, love. $17 gets you an all day pass to take shuttles between the islands. Please go explore!

Paul Hoffman

Google

Excellent park just a short boat ride away from Boston. The fort in the island is very accessible, but not exactly wheelchair friendly. Park rangers are available to answer any questions you may ask. Also has a picnic area. They require that you remove all your trash with you leave.