Georges Island houses the historic granite Fort Warren, constructed between 1833 and 1861.
Spectacle Island was transformed from a former landfill into a public park using nearly 2 million cubic yards of soil from the Big Dig project.
Peddocks Island, one of the largest in the harbor, served as a filming location for Martin Scorsese’s movie Shutter Island.
The harbor contains the Graves Light, a historic granite lighthouse built in 1905 that sits on a remote, wave-swept ledge.
Thompson Island has been used as a site for outdoor education and youth programs for over 150 years.
The islands were shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, forming drumlins that define the unique topography of the harbor.
Long Island, once the site of a historic lighthouse and institutional facilities, currently restricts public access.
Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park is a collection of 34 islands and peninsulas located within the Boston Harbor. It functions as both a federal National Park site and a Massachusetts state park. The islands provide diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and tide-pooling. Visitors can explore historical sites such as Fort Warren on Georges Island, which served as a Civil War prison. Spectacle Island features a public marina and a trail system that reaches a 157-foot hill with panoramic views of the Boston skyline. Peddocks Island offers a glimpse into military history and includes remnants of Fort Andrews. The islands are interconnected via seasonal ferry service departing from downtown Boston and neighboring coastal communities. Many islands remain undeveloped, serving as protected habitats for migratory birds and local wildlife.
The observation hill on Spectacle Island for an unobstructed view of the Boston skyline across the water.
Check the ferry schedule ahead of time, as weather conditions can lead to sudden cancellations.
Bring sun protection and layers, as the islands are highly exposed and temperatures can be significantly cooler than on the mainland.
Pack out all trash, as there are no public waste bins on most of the islands to protect the local ecosystem.
Attempting to visit multiple islands in a single day, as ferry schedules often require significant wait times between transfers.
Ferry services generally operate from late spring through early autumn; islands are largely inaccessible during winter months.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; stay on designated trails to protect nesting bird habitats.
