Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

Quicklinks:

Here is a place . . .

. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, visit 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.

Boys begin building a sand castle on Spectacle Island.

Trip Planner

Participate in self-guided or ranger-led island tours and a variety of special events; enjoy family activities and performances on the Harbor Islands. Two islands have direct ferry service from downtown Boston. Four islands offer rustic harbor-view camping. Full details about visiting the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area can be found at bostonharborislands.org, the park's trip planner.

		Islands to Explore Experience the oldest light station in the country on a Boston Light Tour of Little Brewster Island. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War era prison. Spectacle Island features a marina, visitor center, cafe, a swimming beach, and five miles of walking trails. Go island hopping to Peddocks, Grape, Bumpkin, or Lovells. Explore on your own or take a ranger-led tour. Keep up-to-date on park happenings on our Facebook page.

Civil War Sesquicentennial

Join us on the Boston Harbor Islands to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, New England's most historic Civil War site. Programs include Civil War music performances, costumed interpretation, interactive living history demonstrations, and a series of historian talks. more...

Island Facts

Each of our 34 islands and peninsulas has its own unique character and history. Explore the fact sheets to learn about island basics, natural and cultural resources, and brief history. Which island do you think was used as a Native American Trading Post? Which had a lighthouse that was destroyed by the British during the Revolutionary War? more...

Write to

Boston Harbor Islands Partnership
408 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 228
Boston, MA 02110

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(617) 223-8666

Fax

(617) 223-8671

Climate

Summer weather is changeable, so bring a jacket or windbreaker, a hat to shade the sun, and sun block.

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