Exploring the Boston Harbor Islands
The city of Boston is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, see a play or a Red Sox game, enjoy nightlife and shopping, and soak up the city life. But if you’re looking for an escape in nature, you do not need to go far. Enter: The Boston Harbor Islands.
These islands – 34 in total – are a great way to spend a summer day. And with so many islands in the harbor, there is so much to explore! Discover historical forts, to lighthouses, and of course stunning views of the Boston skyline.
Georges Island
Here you will find Fort Warren, which was formerly used by Civil War soldiers as a training facility. The Visitor Center on the island will be your hub for all the history and information about this island. The island is accessible by ferry, and features amenities such as a visitor center, snack cart, restrooms, and more.
Spectacle Island
Here you will find a beautiful beach, which is the perfect day to spend relaxing, playing, or enjoying music. Swimming is allowed in designated areas, and there are a number of events on the island throughout the summer. The island is accessible by ferry, and features amenities such as a visitor center, snack cart, restrooms, and more.
Grape Island
This island is home to beautiful trees and wild berries, and is a great spot for a walk, picnic, or even to set up camp for the night.
Outer Brewster Island
This island is home to a rocky shoreline and walking trails, a great spot for avid birdwatchers as it is a breeding ground for a number of species.
Peddocks Island
Here you will find plenty of wildlife including turkeys and deer. Explore the hiking trails and see what you can uncover, and spend the night at one of the campsites. Be sure to pack your own food, though, as there is no food station on the island. The island is accessible by ferry, and features amenities such as a visitor center, charcoal grills, restrooms, and more.
Cathleen Stone Island
Formerly Known as Thompson Island, here you will find meadows and marshes for you to explore, complete with fruit trees, herons, egrets and more. The Conservation Area is open to the public, though the Building Envelope is not. The island is accessible by ferry and private boat and has restrooms.
Calf Island
Here you will find diverse vegetation, tidal marshes, and views of the other harbor islands.
Lovells Island
Did you know this island was one of the proposed locations for the Statue of Liberty? A number of shipwrecks are located just off the island. The coastline is rocky and consists of many tidepools as well as some beaches. You will have a great view of the Boston skyline and Boston Light.
Little Brewster Island
Here you will find the oldest continually used lighthouse in America, Boston Light. Little Brewster historically has been used to signal mariners and aid them navigating the sandbars and weather in the harbor. The island is currently an active U.S. Coast Guard facility, you can view the lighthouse from the water or aboard a narrated Lighthouse Cruise tour.
For additional information, including up-to-date info regarding visitation and accessibility to the islands, we recommend visiting the official Boston Harbor Islands Website