A child dancing on the beach at dusk

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Massachusetts

NPS Photo

📍 StateMassachusetts
🏛️ TypeNational Recreation Area
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities20
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Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Group of islands in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is a combination national recreation area and state park situated among the islands of Boston Harbor. The park is made up of 34 islands and peninsulas and is managed by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership. Twenty-one of the islands are also included in the Boston Harbor Islands Archeological District.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

. . . 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.

Park Photos

A child dancing on the beach at dusk
A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island

Activities

Operating Hours

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area include: Arts and Culture, Live Music, Boating, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Fishing, Saltwater Fishing.

What is the weather like at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?

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.

How do I get to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?

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.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

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.

Directions

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.

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Location

Coordinates42.3091, -70.9394

Official Resources

NPS Official Website