Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a national recreation area run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.
In the park service’s words
. . . 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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides (20 to 40 Minutes): 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.
- Hike Spectacle Island's Drumlins: Hike one of the drumlins of Spectacle Island to catch beautiful views of the city and harbor.
- 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!
- Hike with a Ranger on Spectacle Island (45 Minutes): Join a ranger for a hike on Spectacle Island!
- Fort Tours on Georges Island (45 Minutes): Join a ranger for a tour of Fort Warren on Georges Island!
- Take a Lighthouse Cruise (90 to 120 Minutes): Cruise Boston’s outer harbor to learn about navigational aids in Boston and the uses of the islands over time.
- Camp on the Boston Harbor Islands: Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!
- Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands (15 to 30 Minutes): Join our volunteers on the Boston Harbor Islands to create your very own piece of artwork!
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
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.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) | Boston, MA | No road route | 5 | Large hub |
| Laurence G Hanscom Field (BED) | Bedford, MA | No road route | 21 | Regional |
| New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) | New Bedford, MA | No road route | 44 | Regional |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- [Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:30AM - 1:00PM; Fri 9:30AM - 1:00PM; Sat 9:30AM - 1:00PM; Sun 9:30AM - 1:00PM. For the 2026 season, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center will be open Thursday - Sunday: 9:30 am - 1 pm.
- [Georges Island Visitor Center](): Daily, 10:30AM - 5:00PM. From June 15 to September 7, Georges Island is open 7 days a week. Ferries operate from downtown Boston.
- [Spectacle Island Visitor Center](): Daily, 11:00AM - 5:30PM. Spectacle Island will be open seven days a week through September 7.
- [Peddocks Island Visitor Center](): Mon 9:30AM - 5:30PM; Tue Closed; Wed 9:30AM - 5:30PM; Thu 9:30AM - 5:30PM; Fri 9:30AM - 5:30PM; Sat 9:30AM - 5:30PM; Sun 9:30AM - 5:30PM. From June 15 to September 7, Peddocks Island will be open six days a week. Ferries to Peddocks Island will depart from Hingham.
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Acadia, about 197 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
- National Park Service Data API: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (public domain)
- Official website
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?
No entrance fee.
Where is Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?
In Massachusetts. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Boston Logan International Airport, about 5 miles away.
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