Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Profile Photo - Attractions in Boston MA

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Attractions
 Boston, 02110

Send Message
See Phone Number
Call: +1 617-223-8666
Are you Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park? Claim this listing now. Claim Listing

About

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is 34 islands and peninsulas scattered across the outer harbor, and the easiest way to get a day outdoors from downtown without a car. It is a National Recreation Area in the National Park Service system, cared for by a partnership of eleven agencies, and two islands are the ones most visitors reach: Georges Island, with a granite Civil War fort, and Spectacle Island, with trails and a beach.

It suits history-minded travelers, families who need open space, and anyone who wants to see the skyline from the water. Public ferries leave from Long Wharf North, next to Christopher Columbus Park, and only run from mid-May to mid-October; outside that season the islands have no services, so a visit is a warm-weather plan. The park charges no entrance fee, and the round-trip ferry ticket is the only cost.

Georges Island and Fort Warren

Fort Warren took from 1833 to 1860 to build and was nearly obsolete by the time it was done. In the Civil War it trained Union soldiers and held Confederate prisoners, among them Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, and it guarded the harbor through World War II before closing in 1947. You can walk its parade ground, bakery and the Dark Tunnel, join a ranger program or ask at the visitor center about the Lady in Black. Inside the fort there are narrow passages, steep stone stairs and dark corridors, so keep children close. Swimming is not allowed.

Spectacle Island

Spectacle's 114 acres have been farmland and a resort-hotel site in their time; now the draw is the climb to North Drumlin for the view back over the harbor. It is the only island with a 1.5-mile perimeter trail that meets ADA guidelines, and the beach has a rinse station, plus a beach wheelchair on request. There is little shade and grilling is not allowed, so bring sunscreen and a picnic that needs no cooking.

Beyond the day trip

Peddocks Island, reached by ferry from Hingham, has tent sites and yurts in season. Boston Light, which the Park Service calls the oldest light station in the country, stands on Little Brewster Island, which is closed to public access; the park runs lighthouse cruises in summer to see it from the water.

Food for the trip

The islands run on a carry-on, carry-off rule, so plan to take your trash back to the mainland. For the 2026 season ZaZ Restaurant serves Caribbean fusion food on Spectacle and Georges Islands, and the ferries sell light snacks and drinks.

Before boarding, Luke's Lobster runs a shack at the park's Welcome Center Pavilion on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a five-minute walk from Long Wharf, and takes orders ahead for pickup before an afternoon ferry.

Sources: Boston Harbor Islands, about the park, ferry schedule, ferry tickets, access and hours, FAQs, Georges Island, Spectacle Island, food and drink, camping, National Park Service, NPS basic information. Checked September 30, 2026.

Get Directions View Larger Map

Contact Information

Company Name
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Phone Number
See Phone Number
Call: +1 617-223-8666
Location
191W Atlantic Avenue
Boston, 02110
Visit Website Buy Ferry Tickets

About Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Quick answer: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is a park at 191W Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110. 34 islands and peninsulas reached by seasonal ferry from Long Wharf, led by Fort Warren on Georges Island and the trails of Spectacle Island.

Last updated

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is 34 islands and peninsulas scattered across the outer harbor, and the easiest way to get a day outdoors from downtown without a car. It is a National Recreation Area in the National Park Service system, cared for by a partnership of eleven agencies, and two islands are the ones most visitors reach: Georges Island, with a granite Civil War fort, and Spectacle Island, with trails and a beach.

It suits history-minded travelers, families who need open space, and anyone who wants to see the skyline from the water. Public ferries leave from Long Wharf North, next to Christopher Columbus Park, and only run from mid-May to mid-October; outside that season the islands have no services, so a visit is a warm-weather plan. The park charges no entrance fee, and the round-trip ferry ticket is the only cost.

Georges Island and Fort Warren

Fort Warren took from 1833 to 1860 to build and was nearly obsolete by the time it was done. In the Civil War it trained Union soldiers and held Confederate prisoners, among them Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, and it guarded the harbor through World War II before closing in 1947. You can walk its parade ground, bakery and the Dark Tunnel, join a ranger program or ask at the visitor center about the Lady in Black. Inside the fort there are narrow passages, steep stone stairs and dark corridors, so keep children close. Swimming is not allowed.

Spectacle Island

Spectacle's 114 acres have been farmland and a resort-hotel site in their time; now the draw is the climb to North Drumlin for the view back over the harbor. It is the only island with a 1.5-mile perimeter trail that meets ADA guidelines, and the beach has a rinse station, plus a beach wheelchair on request. There is little shade and grilling is not allowed, so bring sunscreen and a picnic that needs no cooking.

Beyond the day trip

Peddocks Island, reached by ferry from Hingham, has tent sites and yurts in season. Boston Light, which the Park Service calls the oldest light station in the country, stands on Little Brewster Island, which is closed to public access; the park runs lighthouse cruises in summer to see it from the water.

Food for the trip

The islands run on a carry-on, carry-off rule, so plan to take your trash back to the mainland. For the 2026 season ZaZ Restaurant serves Caribbean fusion food on Spectacle and Georges Islands, and the ferries sell light snacks and drinks.

Before boarding, Luke's Lobster runs a shack at the park's Welcome Center Pavilion on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a five-minute walk from Long Wharf, and takes orders ahead for pickup before an afternoon ferry.

Sources: Boston Harbor Islands, about the park, ferry schedule, ferry tickets, access and hours, FAQs, Georges Island, Spectacle Island, food and drink, camping, National Park Service, NPS basic information. Checked September 30, 2026.

Attractions Parks National Parks Islands Waterfront Downtown attractions
Phone: +1 617-223-8666

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When do the Boston Harbor Islands ferries run?+
Public ferries run from mid-May to mid-October. In 2026 the fall schedule runs from September 10 to October 12, with Long Wharf sailings to Spectacle and Georges Islands on selected days each week, and October 12 is the last day of the season. Check the official ferry schedule for departure times.
Q. How long is the ferry ride?+
About 30 minutes from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island and about 45 minutes to Georges Island.
Q. How much does it cost to visit?+
The park charges no entrance fee, and National Park or MassParks passes do not cover the ferry. The fare table on the park's ferry schedule page, headed 2025, lists round trips at $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors, students and military, $17.95 for children and free for children under 3.
Q. Where do I buy ferry tickets?+
Online on the park website, by phone at 617-227-4321, or at the ticket center at Long Wharf North. All tickets are round trip, and the park asks you to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Ferries from Hingham to Georges Island are run separately by the MBTA and are paid on board or in Hingham.
Q. Where do the ferries leave from in Boston?+
Long Wharf North in downtown Boston, next to Christopher Columbus Park. The park's Welcome Center is on the Rose Kennedy Greenway at 191W Atlantic Avenue, about a five-minute walk from Long Wharf.
Q. What are the park hours?+
The islands are open from sunrise to sunset, but if you come by public ferry your day is set by the last boat back. Outside ferry hours there are no visitor centers, restrooms or drinking water on the islands.
Q. Can I bring my dog?+
No. Pets are not allowed on any of the islands reached by ferry. Service dogs are permitted, and leashed pets are welcome at the park's four mainland sites.
Q. Is there food on the islands?+
In 2026 ZaZ Restaurant runs the food concession on Spectacle and Georges Islands, and the ferries sell light snacks and drinks. Packing a picnic is encouraged, and all trash must be carried off the island.
Q. What should I bring?+
The park recommends layers, because the islands are often cooler than the mainland, plus water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Ferries run rain or shine and are cancelled only in unsafe sea conditions.

BostonVacay earns a commission from Expedia if you book through this search box, at no extra cost to you.

Things to do

Book a Boston experience

See all Boston tours

BostonVacay earns a commission from Viator if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

BostonVacay earns a commission from Expedia if you book through this banner, at no extra cost to you.