Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

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

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

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

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

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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.

Available 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

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 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.

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