Visit One of the Boston Harbor Islands

Visit one of the Boston Harbor Islands!

NPS Photo/ C.Gould

Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Explore a historic fort, enjoy a picnic with sweeping harbor views, or sleep in a rustic campsite beneath the stars. Choose an island and plan your adventure!

Public ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands operate from May – October. For 2025, Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Island will be accessible by public ferries. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.  

Thompson Island (also known as Cathleen Stone Island) will be open to the public via public ferry every Saturday and Sunday from May – October. For more information, please visit cathleenstoneisland.org.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Service animals are allowed on the islands. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

2025 Season Public Ferry Schedule

Spring Schedule: May 16 – June 15

Summer Schedule: June 16 – September 1

Fall Schedule: September 4 – October 13

For moredetails, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.

Accessibility Information

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.

Service animals are allowed on the islands. 

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.

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.

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.