Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park image

Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

Tourist attraction Park Recreation center State park National park

One of the Top rated State parks in Boston


Address

191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109

Website

bostonharborislands.org

Contact

(617) 223-8666

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 AM to 7 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: island (11) islands (8) Great (8) Boston (7) fort (6) views (6) nice (6) walk (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Philip W. 4 years ago on Google • 236 reviews
    We visited George's Island. They have Fort Warren there. It was very interesting. They have a few runs during the day, as well as guided tours. You can also amble around on your own if you want. There is a visitors center where you can see information on the history of the fort, and a brief video. There are restrooms there as well. There is a rule that whatever you bring to the island, you take when you leave. There are no garbage barrels there. You also should bring food and beverages, as there are none on the island. You may purchase beverages and snacks on the boat going there. Definitely worth going. There are a bunch of islands but you would have to start early to see more than one. Check them out!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael J. 5 years ago on Google • 282 reviews
    A bunch of rare gems that few venture out to see. Well worth taking a day to explore an island or two. (Or even go camping!) Shuttles are inexpensive but keep an eye on times so you're not stranded and make sure the shuttle goes back to your original starting point. Seals can be spotted in the summer lounging on the rocks on some of the islands! It's a Beachcombers paradise since very few people go to some of the islands that do not have public shuttles. Take a kayak or small boat to explore!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul H. 2 years ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Excellent park just a short boat ride away from Boston. The fort in the island is very accessible, but not exactly wheelchair friendly. Park rangers are available to answer any questions you may ask. Also has a picnic area. They require that you remove all your trash with you leave.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary C. 6 years ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Absolutely beautiful trails. We walked through tree lined fields and woods. We enjoyed views of the bay and observed the Boston skyline in the distance. There are benches dotted throughout. The paths are wide and well maintained. We past families with small children, families with baby strollers, joggers, people with dogs, and groups of young people. We are members of the Trustees Organization so parking was free for us.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jennifer H. 5 years ago on Google • 235 reviews
    We visited Spectacle Island. I was a little disappointed, was expecting more based on the reviews. Read that this is one of the cleanest beaches in the area but I was not impressed. There is a trail around the island which is a nice walk, but there was not much that is varied in the nature there. Mostly grass and we didn't see any wildlife, not even birds. It was tempting to take some sea glass as a souvenir but we did not per park rules. Lunch offerings were great. Good hot dogs!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David J. 10 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    I went out on free ferry day to Georges Island where Fort Warren is located and had an incredible day!! Such incredible history and a truly wonderful place to explore!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Noelle B. 4 years ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Very nice place to camp. A real cast away experience. It's a great place to explore. Walk round the beach and see what's washed up or head in land and through the trails or a thick Forest. Explore the old fort (no guilded tours) that is slowly being reclaimed by the forest. The campsites while are close together there is thick brush between giving very good privacy. You will forget they are there. On the down side. It is under the flight path for Logan. So that can get a little loud sometimes. Also the party boat sails close to the island and it is loud. Otherwise. A beautiful island and a wonderful experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin W. 4 years ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Spectacle was a good day trip for picnicking, going for a light hike and dip in the harbor. Be careful with how much you bring, as the park is carry on, carry off. And do not swim on the boat side of the dock. Otherwise it’s a nice escape from the city. Hard to believe that people lived here year round!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane L. 3 years ago on Google
    We parked on Moon island road in Quincy. When the tide is low you can walk right over to Thompson island. My fav spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Traci C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful spot for an outdoor day trip. The walk to the top, with gorgeous views, is easy and only took about a half hour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vishal G Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Boston harbor Islands is vibrant and energetic, you can visit this place, if you wanted to go on cruise for viewing the sunset!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayala p. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, I really enjoyed, there is a possibility for a bike path.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 paul m. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a nice walk or bike ride, you can run it if you like. Beautiful view a nice breeze. If you like looking at the ocean the harbor and some of its islands it's something to appreciate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steffen G. 2 years ago on Google
    George’s island, cool sights and historic buildings
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Well maintained paths. Great for walking, running and biking. Great views of the city and surrounding islands.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kiran p. 1 year ago on Google
    The light house is historical place on sea. Beautiful sea ocean keep calm neture. Lovely park wins heart. Hygine & healthy place. Parking is comfortable. The place wheres enjoyed holiday & peace
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited Spectacle Island. Swam, hiked and enjoyed spectacular views of Boston and the harbor. Beach is very small and wild; watch out for wake waves! We were not made aware and had to quickly grab our belongings! The Ranger/ Info center is very interesting. Definitely worth the trip. A bit pricey so look for discounts or deals.

  • 5/5 Lucky Dog O. 1 year ago on Google
    The best place in town to be on a wicked hot day! Never have had a bad trip out on the islands. Bring what you need! Views cant be beat.

  • 5/5 Travis D. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing views of Boston! Great place!

  • 4/5 Tom K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great if you're into history. Not much for kids to do. Great views of the islands and the outer Boston harbor. No food for sale so keep that in mind. Carry in and carry out.

  • 5/5 George D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to explore a 19th century fort.

  • 4/5 Shawn V. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool fort to visit. No food or drink available. Carry trash on and off. Ferry pickup is every 2 hours, last pickup is 5 pm. This looks like a nice spot for the family to visit. There's an underground room in the fort which feels like it has A/C. Try and find it

  • 5/5 Michael M. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent place for a romantic walk in the summer, or just for a morning run! Just take a nature stroll and appreciate the simpler things in life.

  • 5/5 juan e. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to go for walk beautiful I recommended

  • 4/5 Matt O. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy some time away from civilization if you're living in Boston. And if you're a visitor, this is a perfect place for sight seeing. A number of islands to choose from. Just bring sunscreen and know that the ferries are 2 hours apart. So plan on spending at least that time on an island! Definitely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Sue M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for a wonderful day out with your main squeeze. Loved the day.


Call (617) 223-8666 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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