. . . 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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
- LocationCharlestown, MA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now57°F Clear
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Abolition Movement
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Animals
- Archeology
- Birds
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Civil War
36 more topics
- Coastal Defenses
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Colonization and Settlement
- Enslavement
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
- Geology
- Hospital
- Incarceration
- Industry
- Lighthouses
- Maritime
- Maritime - Military
- Marshes
- Medicine
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Oceans
- Piracy and Privateering
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Ships and Shipwrecks
- Social Movements
- Unique Species
- US Army
- US Coast Guard
- US Navy
- War of 1812
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
- Wilderness
- World War I
- World War II
Alerts (1)
InformationContact Us
We continue to experience issues with our phone lines, please contact us via our email address: boha_information@nps.gov
Things to Do
17 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands
Join our volunteers on the Boston Harbor Islands to create your very own piece of artwork!
Learn more about Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 1 of 1
All 20 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center
Visitor Center
Located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center offers visitor information and serves as a waypoint before beginning your journey to the…
191W Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA (617) 819-3587 Directions
Details
Located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center offers visitor information and serves as a waypoint before beginning your journey to the Boston Harbor Islands. -
Georges Island Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center on Georges Island occupies a 1906 historic brick building that originally stored and serviced mines for the minefield located in Boston Harbor. The…
Georges Island Visitor Center, Boston, MA Directions
Details
The Visitor Center on Georges Island occupies a 1906 historic brick building that originally stored and serviced mines for the minefield located in Boston Harbor. The Visitor Center has a ranger-staffed desk, island and harbor information, a short informative movie about Fort Warren, an exhibit on the island's history, and restrooms. All are available during operating hours. -
Peddocks Island Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The former Guardhouse for Fort Andrews, the Peddocks Island Visitor Center is located near the dock. An information desk and seating are available with restrooms located…
Details
The former Guardhouse for Fort Andrews, the Peddocks Island Visitor Center is located near the dock. An information desk and seating are available with restrooms located on the lower level. -
Spectacle Island Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Spectacle Island Visitor Center has a staffed information desk, a small island exhibit and informative island movie, and restrooms.
Details
The Spectacle Island Visitor Center has a staffed information desk, a small island exhibit and informative island movie, and restrooms.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Boston Harbor Islands
Hours details
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Boston Harbor IslandsOpen 24 hours, daily
Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, 21 Second AveCharlestown, MA 02129
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
57°F
Clear · feels like 54°
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Today
63° 56°
Overcast14% rain -
Tomorrow
69° 53°
Sunny7% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
$5 Ferry Weekend
Event page for $5 Ferry Weekend (opens in a new tab)About
Visit Spectacle Island or Peddocks Island for just $5 in celebration of the Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park 2026 season!
Help us close out the 2026 public ferry season right by visiting Spectacle Island or Peddocks Island for just $5 on Saturday, October 10; Sunday, October 11; or Monday, October 12!
Tickets are now available online to reserve and purchase—click here for Spectacle Island tickets from Long Wharf in Downtown Boston, or click here for Peddocks Island tickets from Hewitts Cove in Hingham. Tickets purchased in-person are first come, first serve, so we recommend purchasing in advance.
Directions & Ferry Schedule:
For Spectacle Island: Guests should arrive at Long Wharf North (Gate 5) *at least 30 minutes early* to board and depart for Spectacle Island. Ferries will depart promptly at their scheduled times and will not wait for late visitors.
- Boston to Spectacle Island: 10:30AM or 12:30PM
- Spectacle Island to Boston: 1:30PM or 3:30PM
It is highly recommended to utilize public transportation (Aquarium Station on the Blue Line T), bikes, or ride share services, or to carpool as parking near Long Wharf is limited and can be expensive. Some recommended parking locations nearby are Post Office Square Garage ($9 – 10 minute walk) and Atlantic Wharf Parking ($12 – 12 minute walk).
For Peddocks Island: Your adventure begins at the Hingham Ferry Terminal at 28 Shipyard Drive in Hingham, MA, with direct service to and from Peddocks Island. Guests should arrive *at least 30 minutes* before their scheduled departure.
- Hingham to Peddocks Island: 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM
- Peddocks Island to Hingham: 11:15AM, 12:45PM, or 3:15PM
Parking is conveniently located near the Hingham Terminal and must be validated inside.
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Stewardship Saturday: Cathleen Stone Island (Thompson Island)
Event page for Stewardship Saturday: Cathleen Stone Island (Thompson Island) (opens in a new tab)About
Come join park biologists and volunteer stewards for a Stewardship Saturday at Cathleen Stone [Thompson] Island! Help us control non-native invasive plants and enhance native ecosystems and natural processes in the park. We will explore the local flora and fauna and discuss the ecology, natural history, and cultural significance of landscapes in the park as we work to understand and improve habitat for the native birds, bugs, trees, and flowers of the Boston Harbor Islands.
See a Day as a Park Steward for what it's like to join us!
Directions: Departure will be from EDIC pier. The dock is a short walk from multiple public transit stops (namely the Silver line and the Red line, with bus routes nearby as well). There are also public paid parking garages nearby and people occasionally find free street parking down Summer Street across the bridge. More information about arrival and logistics will be given the week of the event.
Timing: The boat departs at 9am. We will return by 3:00 pm.
What to wear: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes, and layers for the weather. Conditions can be unpredictable so please monitor the weather in the days leading up to the event and dress appropriately.
What to bring: Please bring a lunch and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat are always recommended. Tools, gloves, and PPE will be provided.
Event will run rain or shine, however, may be cancelled due to severe weather.
Location is subject to change. Information will be shared immediately about any changes
Click here to see all National Parks of Boston Volunteer Opportunities!
If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact me directly (Nolan_Oppelt@nps.gov) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications
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Boston Harbor Islands Partnership Meeting
About
This is a regular meeting of the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, which includes representatives from a range of federal, state, city, and nonprofit agencies. All members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input.
Agenda to come
Photos
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The drumlin hills of Spectacle Island have some of the best views of Boston Harbor. — NPS Photo -
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3 more photos
Getting There
Charlestown, MA 02129
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.
Mailing address: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Charlestown, MA 02129
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