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National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands

A child dancing on the beach at dusk
A child dancing on the beach at dusk NPS Photo

Overview

. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.

State: MA6178193587

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      two people walking on a trail on Spectacle Island.

      Hike Spectacle Island's Drumlins

      Free

      Description

      Hike one of the drumlins of Spectacle Island to catch beautiful views of the city and harbor.

      More info
      A ranger walks along a gravel path on an island talking to two other people

      Visit One of the Boston Harbor Islands

      Free

      Description

      Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Choose an island and plan your adventure!

      More info
      A uniformed ranger walks with a guest on a grassy path on and island, boats in the water behind them

      Hike with a Ranger on Spectacle Island

      Free

      Description

      Join a ranger for a hike on Spectacle Island!

      More info
      Time:45 Minutes
      A uniformed ranger speaks to a crowd of mixed ages in an old brick hallway.

      Fort Tours on Georges Island

      Free

      Description

      Join a ranger for a tour of Fort Warren on Georges Island!

      More info
      Time:45 Minutes
      People on a boat taking pictures or looking at a white lighthouse on a rocky island.

      Take a Lighthouse Cruise

      $

      Description

      Cruise Boston’s outer harbor to learn about navigational aids in Boston and the uses of the islands over time.

      More info

      Fees

      Please purchase tickets on the Lighthouse Cruises page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.

      Time:90-120 Minutes
      People sitting on Long Wharf as someone in wellies stands in the flooded lower area of the walkway.

      Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides

      Free

      Description

      Learn about Boston's coastlines and King tides by taking the High Tide Trail audio tour or joining a high tide program hosted by our partners, the Stone Living Lab.

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:20-40 Minutes

    More Images

    A child dancing on the beach at dusk
    A child dancing on the beach at dusk
    A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
    A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
    An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
    An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
    Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
    Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
    Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island
    Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island