National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Northeast

About Boston Harbor Islands

. . . 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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Designation: National Recreation Area
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Boston Harbor Islands.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Boston Harbor Islands

Open 24 hours a day, every day.

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

Weather and when to go

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 cooler than the mainland, winds of 0-15 knots and waves of 1-3 feet.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, 21 Second Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 819-3587
Email: BOHA_Information@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/boha

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Boston Harbor Islands

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Boston Harbor Islands

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Hike Spectacle Island's Drumlins

Hiking · about 2 hours

Hike one of the drumlins of Spectacle Island to catch beautiful views of the city and harbor.
Visit One of the Boston Harbor Islands

Hiking · about 45 min

Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Choose an island and plan your adventure!
Hike with a Ranger on Spectacle Island

Guided Tours · about 45 min

Join a ranger for a hike on Spectacle Island!
Fort Tours on Georges Island

Guided Tours · about 45 min

Join a ranger for a tour of Fort Warren on Georges Island!
Take a Lighthouse Cruise

Boat Tour · about 1.7 hours · Reservation required

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

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 25 min

Learn about Boston's coastlines and King tides by taking the High Tide Trail audio tour or joining a high tide program hosted by our partners, the Stone Living Lab.
Camp on the Boston Harbor Islands

Camping · about 45 min · Reservation required

Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!
Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands

Arts and Culture · about 20 min

Join our volunteers on the Boston Harbor Islands to create your very own piece of artwork!
Visit a Mainland Park

Hiking · about 45 min

Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Choose a mainland park and plan your adventure!