About Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
. . . 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.
Quick Facts
Location & Map
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is located in Massachusetts.
Operating Hours
Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
Activities
Getting There
There are many ways to enjoy Boston Harbor Islands and many ways to get there. For more information on how to get to the park by ferry, car, or private boat, please visit www.bostonharborislands.org.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike Spectacle Island's Drumlins
Hike one of the drumlins of Spectacle Island to catch beautiful views of the city and harbor.
Visit One of the Boston Harbor Islands
Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Choose an island and…
Hike with a Ranger on Spectacle Island
Join a ranger for a hike on Spectacle Island!
Fort Tours on Georges Island
Join a ranger for a tour of Fort Warren on Georges Island!
Take a Lighthouse Cruise
Cruise Boston’s outer harbor to learn about navigational aids in Boston and the uses of the islands over time.
Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides
Learn about Boston's coastlines and King tides by taking the High Tide Trail audio tour or joining a high tide…
Visitor Centers
Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
Located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center offers visitor information and serves as a waypoint before beginning your journey to…
Hours: For the 2025 season, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center will open for special events and programming.
Georges Island Visitor Center
The Visitor Center on Georges Island occupies a 1906 historic brick building that originally stored and serviced mines for the minefield located in Boston Harbor.…
Hours: Georges Island is closed for the season due to waterline repairs.
Peddocks Island Visitor Center
The former Guardhouse for Fort Andrews, the Peddocks Island Visitor Center is located near the dock. An information desk and seating are available with restrooms…
Hours: From June 16 to September 1, Peddocks Island will be open seven days a week. Ferries to Peddocks Island will depart from Hingham.
Spectacle Island Visitor Center
The Spectacle Island Visitor Center has a staffed information desk, a small island exhibit and informative island movie, and restrooms.
Hours: Spectacle Island will be open seven days a week from June 16 to September 1.
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