Parks / Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · MA
. . . 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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Contact Us
We continue to experience issues with our phone lines, please contact us via our email address: [email protected]
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Stewardship Saturday: Webb State Park
Sep 5, 2026 · 371 River St, Weymouth, MA 02191
Bomba By The Sea: Spectacle Island Birthday Bombazo
Sep 6, 2026
TGIF (Thank Goodness I'm Fishing) on Spectacle Island
Sep 7, 2026 · Spectacle Island
Boston Harbor Islands Partnership Meeting
Sep 15, 2026
Things to Do
Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands
Join our volunteers on the Boston Harbor Islands to create your very own piece of artwork!
Camp on the Boston Harbor Islands
Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!
Explore Fort Warren
Travel back in time and explore Fort Warren on Georges Island.
Fort Tours on Georges Island
Join a ranger for a tour of Fort Warren on Georges Island!
Hike Spectacle Island's Drumlins
Hike one of the drumlins of Spectacle Island to catch beautiful views of the city and harbor.
Hike with a Ranger on Spectacle Island
Join a ranger for a hike on Spectacle Island!
Join a Stewardship Saturday Program
Join us for a Stewardship Saturday program! Work alongside park staff clearing invasive species, improving trails, and protecting important habitat areas.
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 program hosted by our partners, the Stone Living Lab.
Swim in Boston Harbor
Cool off by taking a dip in Boston Harbor! Swim in Spectacle's designated swimming area.
Take a Lighthouse Cruise
Cruise Boston’s outer harbor to learn about navigational aids in Boston and the uses of the islands over time.
Visit a Mainland Park
Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Choose a mainland park and plan your adventure!
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 plan your adventure!
Visitor Centers
- Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
- Georges Island Visitor Center
- Peddocks Island Visitor Center
- Spectacle Island Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.