Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

The Basics

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an ideal day trip from the city, with both natural and man-made attractions. Head to Spectacle Island for five miles (eight kilometers) of trails and scenic views of Boston Harbor; visit Georges Island to explore historic Fort Warren; or admire Little Brewster Island’s Boston Light lighthouse. Peddocks Island is a popular wilderness destination, while Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin islands offer rustic camping spots.

To see the park from the water, head out on a Boston Harbor Islands sightseeing cruise and listen as a tour guide describes the area’s history. Views of the islands’ highlights also feature on many brunch and dinner cruises.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Only Georges and Spectacle islands have places to buy food and water, so pack a picnic lunch if you plan to visit other islands.

• A full day will enable you to enjoy two or three islands; more than that and you’ll end up spending more time aboard the inter-island water shuttle.

• The main ferries serving the islands are wheelchair accessible, but the smaller shuttles are not. Only a few islands have paved, level trails suitable for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

To reach Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, take the seasonal ferry service from Long Wharf to Georges, Spectacle, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, Lovells, or Thompson Island. Inter-island water shuttles service the smaller islands.

When to Get There

Facilities on the islands are open from May to October; passenger ferries and shuttle boats only operate during this time. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when it’s best to make an early start or opt for a weekday visit to avoid crowds.

Harbor Island History

This national and Massachusetts state park is rich with history. Native Americans and colonists used some of the islands to cultivate crops, while Grape Island got its name from colonists who discovered the wild fruit growing there. Fort Warren, built in 1845, was used as a prison during the American Civil War and is also known for its ghost legend of “The Lady in Black.”

Is visiting Boston Harbor Islands National Park worth it?

Yes, visiting Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is worth it—it boasts a whopping 34 islands on the Massachusetts Bay, around 10 of which are open to visitors. There are dozens of hiking trails, stunning bayside views, camping opportunities, and historical sights, like lighthouses and a Civil War-era fort. The area is also an important wildlife habitat.

How long does it take to tour Boston Harbor Islands National Park?

That depends. At minimum, you’ll want to plan at least a half-day—four hours or more. While the islands are easy to visit from central Boston’s Long Wharf North, getting around and exploring can take time. If you’d like to spend longer, you can stay overnight at Peddocks Island’s campsite.

Is there free parking at Boston Harbor Islands National Park?

Yes and no. Visitors traveling by the Boston Harbor Islands Ferry can find free parking in Hingham Shipyard after purchasing their ticket—make sure you get a pass from the ticket office and arrive early to secure a spot. Note that passengers embark the ferry on foot and don’t take cars aboard.

Is Boston Harbor Islands National Park good for kids?

Yes, Boston Harbor Islands National Park is great for children. Families can stop by the visitor centers on Georges Island and Spectacle Island to collect a free Junior Ranger booklet with fun, self-guided activities for kids. There are also digital booklets for several islands, featuring interactive challenges, which can be downloaded on the park’s website.

When is the best month to visit Boston Harbor Islands National Park?

May through to October is the best time to visit Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, when seasonal passenger ferries operate. Some islands, like Thompson Island—known for its beaches and salt marshes—are only open to the public on weekends during those months.

Are there restrooms at Boston Harbor Islands National Park?

That depends on the island. Lovells, Bumpkin, and Grape—the more rustic of islands—only have composting toilets. If you prefer a restroom with full facilities, then head to Georges, Spectacle, or Peddocks Island. Georges and Spectacle also have visitor centers and picnic areas.