Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area • Massachusetts

A big arched door opens to the parade ground of Fort Warren.

Group of children sit on a bench on a drumlin hill on Spectacle Island overlooking Boston Harbor

view from Spectacle Island overlooking the water with a public ferry and a sailboat

a white lighthouse and other buildings on Little Brewster Island at sunset. City in the distance.

A lighthouse lens to the left, and to the right is a window looking out over a rocky shoreline.

Beach on Peddocks Island, with a white chapel and forested area in the background.

Several seals resting on rocking outcropping

Salt marshes during fall. The tall grass and surrounding forest have orange and yellow coloring.

Looking out onto a hill and a small spit of land connecting it to the mainland.

A bird with brown plumage flies close to the water, its wings touching the surface

With 34 islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands offer numerous opportunities for visitors to explore, enjoy, and find respite. 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. Composed of eleven agencies, the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership stewards the islands to ensure their open access and preservation for future generations.

Enjoy beautiful summer sunsets during special evening programs on the islands.
NPS Photo

Explore Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort, on Georges Island.
Arlan Fonseca

The drumlin hills of Spectacle Island have some of the best views of Boston Harbor.
NPS Photo

Public ferries run to several of the islands, such as Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Islands.
NPS Photo/ M. Bozio

See Boston Light, the oldest light station in the country, during summer Lighthouse Cruises.
NPS Photo/ M. Bozio

Boston Light's Fresnel lens still operates today, guiding ships into Boston Harbor.
NPS Photo/ K. Woods

With public ferry access and campsites, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the nature and history of Peddocks Island.
Arlan Fonseca

Harbor seals are just one of the many animals visitors might see while traversing Boston Harbor.
NPS Photo/ E. Bernbaum

Like many of the islands, Thompson Island (also known as Cathleen Stone Island) is home to many habitats, including salt marshes.
NPS Photo / E. Bernbaum

One of the mainland parks, World's End provides easy walking paths and beautiful views of Hingham and Boston Harbor.
Matt Teuten

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA). The islands provide an important site for long-term research, education, and bird conservation.
NPS Photo/ E. Deino

Children looking back at the city from the Boston Harbor Islands

Come Visit the Islands!

Plan your adventure at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

Last updated: June 27, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
21 Second Ave
Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 819-3587
This is the phone number for the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. It is only checked while the Welcome Center is operational. During the off-season, please contact us via email.