Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public ferries run to several of the islands, such as Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Islands.

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

See Boston Light, the oldest light station in the country, during summer Lighthouse Cruises.

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

Boston Light's Fresnel lens still operates today, guiding ships into Boston Harbor.

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

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

Several seals resting on rocking outcropping

Harbor seals are just one of the many animals visitors might see while traversing Boston Harbor.

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

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

Photos: National Park Service

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

State Massachusetts

Designation National Recreation Area

State Code MA

Weather The Boston Harbor Islands have a humid maritime climate characterized by slightly cooler temperatures than the mainland, so dress in layers. Typical summer conditions feature air temperatures approximately 5-10 degrees…

Location & Map

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is located in Massachusetts.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.

Wednesday All Day

Monday All Day

Thursday All Day

Sunday All Day

Tuesday All Day

Friday All Day

Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Live Music Boating Camping Backcountry Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Saltwater Fishing Food Dining Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Living History Paddling Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching

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 Directions

Contact & Address

Address Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Charlestown, MA, 02129

Phone 6178193587

Email BOHA_Information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

American Revolution Archeology Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Colonization and Settlement Enslavement Forts Incarceration Industry Maritime Coastal Defenses Maritime - Military Lighthouses Piracy and Privateering Ships and Shipwrecks Medicine Hospital Military US Army US Navy US Coast Guard Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Schools and Education Social Movements Abolition Movement Wars and Conflicts Colonial/European Contact Conflicts American Revolutionary War War of 1812 Civil War World War I World War II Animals Birds Fish Coasts, Islands and Atolls Forests and Woodlands Geology Oceans Scenic Views Unique Species Wetlands Marshes Wilderness

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 2026 season, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center will be open Thursday - Sunday: 9:30 am - 1 pm.

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: From June 15 to September 7, Georges Island is open 7 days a week. Ferries operate from downtown Boston.

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 15 to September 7, Peddocks Island will be open six 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 July 17 to September 7.

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