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National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands

A child dancing on the beach at dusk
A child dancing on the beach at dusk NPS Photo

Overview

. . . 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.

State: MA6178193587

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      A ranger walks along a gravel path on an island talking to two other people

      Visit One of the Boston Harbor Islands

      Free

      Description

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

      More info
      A group walks along a gravel path in the middle of a forest with blooming bushes around.

      Visit a Mainland Park

      Free

      Description

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

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      A ranger in uniform talks to a group of volunteers in a grassy and wooded area

      Join a Stewardship Saturday Program

      Free

      Description

      Join us for a Stewardship Saturday program! Work alongside park staff clearing invasive species, improving trails, and protecting important habitat areas.

      More info
      A kid sitting on the ground looking down at an activity he is working on.

      National Parks of Boston: Find Your Park Anywhere

      Free

      Description

      Find your park anywhere, from your home to your backyard, with activities spanning the National Parks of Boston.

      More info
      Ages:8Time:30-60 Minutes
      People on a boat taking pictures or looking at a white lighthouse on a rocky island.

      Take a Lighthouse Cruise

      $

      Description

      Cruise Boston’s outer harbor to learn about navigational aids in Boston and the uses of the islands over time.

      More info

      Fees

      Please purchase tickets on the Lighthouse Cruises page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.

      Time:90-120 Minutes
      Green tent structures on wooden bases.

      Camp on the Boston Harbor Islands

      $

      Description

      Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!

      More info

      Fees

    More Images

    A child dancing on the beach at dusk
    A child dancing on the beach at dusk
    A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
    A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
    An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
    An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
    Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
    Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
    Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island
    Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island