Accessibility

While the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership strives to create a public space that is welcoming and accessible to all, most islands do not currently meet ADA accessibility standards. The park is working to rectify this. Please contact us for any further information to help you plan a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

 

 

Spectacle Island Accessible Waysides

 

Materials Available in Multiple Languages

Boston Harbor Islands Jr. Ranger books are available in multiple languages, including:

• Spanish
• Simplified Chinese
• Portuguese
• Vietnamese
• Haitian Creole
• English

General Guidelines for People with Hearing Impairment

The films "History of Georges Island" and "A History of Spectacle Island" have English captions available.

General Guidelines for People with Low or No Sight

The Boston Harbor Islands created an audio-described version of our brochure through UniDescription. Access our brochure by visiting our Blind/Low Vision Page.

General Guidelines for People with Limited Mobility

The mainland Boston Harbor Island Welcome Center and Ferry Centers are fully accessible. Due to transportation requirements, the islands are not fully accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Please see below for island-specific accessibility information.

 

Mobility Information

Spectacle Island

• Spectacle Island is the only park island that features an accessible 1.5-mile perimeter trail that meets ADA guidelines. All trails on the island are wide with low gradation and crushed-gravel substrate.
• Visitor Center, exhibits, and multi-stall restrooms are at ground level with no steps. An accessible beach mat and beach wheelchair are available upon request.
• All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep during extreme high and low tides. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

Georges Island

• Georges Island features wide paved pathways around the exterior of Fort Warren and throughout island picnic areas. Inside the fort, a mix of paved and stone pathways provide access to much of the structure. The interior of this historic fort includes some narrow passageways, doorway thresholds and steep stone staircases.
• Visitor Center, exhibits, and multi-stall restrooms are at ground level with no steps, as are single-stall Clivus (composting toilet) units in island picnic areas.
• All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

Peddocks Island

• Peddocks Island features wide paved pathways on the East side of the island as well as wooded trails throughout the island. Camping areas are accessed by a mix of paved and dirt paths.
• Single-stall restrooms and drinking fountains are at ground level with no steps, with additional restrooms down one flight of stairs. Welcome Center and exhibits are several steps up and are accessible by elevator.
• All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

Lovells Island

• Lovells Island features paved pathways as well as rustic dirt or sandy trails.
• Single stall Clivus (composting toilet) units are at ground level. Picnic areas and primitive campsites are accessed by wooded trails. Come prepared: there is no running water and limited shade.
• All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

Grape Island

• Grape Island features grassy and wooded trails.
• Single stall Clivus (composting toilet) units are at ground level. Picnic areas and primitive campsites are accessed by wooded trails. Come prepared: there is no running water.
• All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

Bumpkin Island

• Bumpkin Island features grassy and wooded trails as well as a small number of paved pathways.
• Single stall Clivus (composting toilet) units are at ground level. Picnic areas and primitive campsites are accessed by wooded trails.
• Come prepared: there is no running water. All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.

World's End

• World's End has wheelchair accessible parking available.
• There are some wheelchair accessible trails – wide, even, gravel-surfaced carriage roads. Grade might be challenging in some places.

Webb Memorial State Park

• Webb Memorial State Park has a 1 mile loop trail composed of sand dust.

Nut Island

• Wheelchair accessible parking available
• Nut Island has some paved footpaths.

Deer Island

• 2.6 mile paved handicapped accessible perimeter path
• A new handicapped accessible fishing pier

 

General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals

Service animals are welcome when accompanying qualified individuals.

General Guidelines for Accessible Parking

There are several parking garages in downtown Boston with accessible parking.

General Accessibility Guidelines for Utilizing Public Transportation

Because parking in Boston can be such a challenge, it may be easier to visit us by taking public transportation. Most of Boston's subway, commuter rail, bus, and ferries are accessible to people with disabilities. Learn more through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Page.

MBTA subway stops closest to the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway include Aquarium (Blue Line), State Street (Orange Line), and Government Center (Green Line). Visit the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website for maps and information.