Reviews of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park (Park)

Laura Michalski

This is a nice afternoon getaway. The NPS does a great job with tours. It is a short ferry ride through the harbor. You can buy snacks and drinks on board.

Ray Stevens

This is one of Boston's little known gems. It's possible, even easy, to take a short boat trip from Boston to the harbor islands and enjoy a scenic ride, spectacular views, and a quick island visit. It's a great family trip on a nice day and something totally different. Pack a lunch and go explore!

Danielle Hayman

I went to Spectacle and Georges during this visit on a hot July Saturday. The ferry from Long Wharf to Spectacle took about 15 minutes. Spectacle has great walking trails and a guarded beach along with changing rooms. The visitor center houses some information on the island’s varied history along with a sea glass mural, made with items found on the beach. Photos can be taken of the sea glass and pottery but must not be removed from island. The vistas of the Boston Harbor waterfront area are great from the hiking trails as well as the beach and dock.

Slava Oleinik

I love these islands! Wonderful place to visit with kids!

Maddie Conway

I came here for a wedding. The staff on Thompson Island was very helpful and friendly. The facilities are older but they were clean, and the outdoor pavilion where we had the wedding was beautiful. I did not stay the night on the island but I know there are dorms where you can.

francis okeke

Beauty and historic blend into one helluva experience!!!

Tansy Chau

Some easy hikes and nice view of the Boston Skyline. Not much more than that. A great place for a picnic. Ferry ride is nice though! Definitely worth the money for both a ferry ride and a park visit, but I wouldn't choose it over many of the other Boston attractions if your time is limited as a tourist.

Mary Childs

Absolutely beautiful trails. We walked through tree lined fields and woods. We enjoyed views of the bay and observed the Boston skyline in the distance. There are benches dotted throughout. The paths are wide and well maintained. We past families with small children, families with baby strollers, joggers, people with dogs, and groups of young people. We are members of the Trustees Organization so parking was free for us.

Kurt Stavenhagen

A fantastic memory from my day airport layover time in Boston. Beautiful ferry ride. Lots of hip and friendly millennials picnic and hiking there that day. Competent staff. Great lobster rolls--venue staffed with a cook that is part of an award-winning restaurant in Boston. . .Quiet, unpretentious beauty---wide fields and spacious views. A place to write poetry as the harbor breeze tossles your hair.

Kawaii Yandere Brie

Full of history and splendor.

Jamison Bourque

Go here, have a walk on your own private island, and live the good life.

Tamas Martin

Great place to walk or ride a bike

Tim Pappageorge

The area is close to Logan airport and thus a good place to kick around if you have an hour or two to dispense, but really there was a tired look to everything and it was not ideal.

Valerie Ward

Unique park. You need to plan your visit though because you need to work with the ferry schedule to get around to different islands. But the staff will help you since they know which islands you still have time to visit and they make sure not to leave anyone overnight!!

Hari Sathi

Nice view and water

Lawrence Krakauer

I really nice outing on a Sunny day.

Jim Salvas

Beautiful views of Boston's harbor islands and plenty of historical items to learn about.

Ian Hay

What a fantastic place to relax, walk around, heck... Even grab a quick lunch, sit in the car and look out at the Majesty...

Cristina Mazara

Our experience wasn’t the best. We bought tickets to go to Spectacle Island, but we weren’t told that the afternoon ferry only stops at the island for 15 minutes, we thought that we will have some time for a walk and to see some of the island. We paid for a ferry ride and that was all.

Darwin Liang

Good half day off from the city, beautiful scenes of the harbour & the fort, just beware of mosquitoe bites

E L

We camped at Peddocks Island and visited George Island on the way back to Boston. Ferry is a convenient way to get here. Peddocks Island felt like a different world, despite the fact it is close to Boston.

B R

Scenic place!

Mann Singh

Peaceful and beautiful view.. it’s amazing place to get relaxed!!

David Coon

George's island is fascinating and peaceful. The historic fort is fun to visit and well maintained.

Matthew McLean

Always fun to take a boat out onto the islands. Recommended to anyone.

Karen Acone

Great for walking, running or biking!

ankush gupta

Beautiful and peaceful. Perfect for camping.

Renee Burns

This is a great place to take a nice long 3 Mile Walk and get the best view of Boston ever

erin byrne maness

I could not love these islands more! George's Island has Fort Warren. Amazing! Peddocks has tons of original buildings and the remains of mortars. Fabulous! Spectacle has incredible views and a beach full of pottery and beach glass fragments. Wonderful! Love, love, love. $17 gets you an all day pass to take shuttles between the islands. Please go explore!

Matt Reid

Very cool. Great way to kill the day with the kids. Boat ride and then a huge island with a huge fort to explore. My four year old and my nine-year-old so it's enjoyed it dot-dot-dot which is rare.

Dave Piccuito

GREAT place to boat

Flavio Rivas

Nice place for exercise, for running, to walk, for bikes, ecxelente.

Robin Brunke

Plenty of things to do and explore on the islands. Some islands have camping and even just a day visit is fun. Lots of historic ruins, some islands have guided tours. Ferry available so you can visit more than one island if you wish. Great seasonal hidden gems

Mr Sanchez

Best island for a wedding.

Julia Bruton

Great great great. I liked the fort the best.

Grace kim

It is a beautiful place to enjoy one day trip. 45min boating time, fort,wide lawn, it is good for kids to run and play. Its good for picnic for a family.

Louis Rossetti

Very new england views

Elizabeth Hill

George's Island - amazing day with my own flock!

Angie Lizeth Matamoros

It was a really beautiful place! Very peaceful with awesome sceneries.

Gentley Bondeson

A lovely escape into nature! Amazing view of Boston!

Dennis Charolle

Wonderful historical park

Carole Buonopane

Walking swimming and relaxing

Maddi Madd

Long Island Is Fantastic, Helped Out With The Harborview Camp Organization. Really Great Island To Get Children Involved With For Leadership & General Skills, Also Introductions To Activities Some May Not Do Or Experience Due To Financial Limitations

FickelMYNickeler

There a pretty good cor tourist to come and visit

Bill Ilott

It has an ocean view hiking trail which follows 2.6 perimeter. Other shorter trails. Parking is some times crowded especially on nice days.

Emma Stitcher

I love the ferry ride and hanging out on the peaceful islands. It's like a mini vacation from busy Boston

Christian Oliva

Beautiful scenery, well maintained!!

John Lanni

Historic waterfront National Park system consisting of inner and outer harbor islands. Much to see on this system of islands from forts with gun fortifications to unimproved rugged outcroppings of granite accessible by small boat or kayak relatively unspoiled and teaming with wildlife. From seals to deer swimming in the harbor. Yes I said deer. Was cruising behind long Island heading towards Rainsford Island and seen somethings swimming in the distance. Thought seals, birds, people though unlikely in that area. We swung in closer for a look and sure enough it was two deer. Guessing 6 to 8 months old swimming towards Rainsford. Turned away as we did not want to interrupt their apparent long swim from Long Island. I wonder what could have chased them from Long Island. We moved back in closer when we were sure they were going to make it to land. They were tired, but both made it up out of the water at Rainsford. Fresh fish for dinner easily obtained while sightseeing. Some areas are pretty rugged and wise to do your homework on access to some of these places but will send you back in time hundreds if not thousands of years. Very easy to imagine that on these untouched areas. Some hidden swimming beaches in some ice cold deep blue water too.

Noel Baum

Very nice place to camp. A real cast away experience. It's a great place to explore. Walk round the beach and see what's washed up or head in land and through the trails or a thick Forest. Explore the old fort (no guilded tours) that is slowly being reclaimed by the forest. The campsites while are close together there is thick brush between giving very good privacy. You will forget they are there. On the down side. It is under the flight path for Logan. So that can get a little loud sometimes. Also the party boat sails close to the island and it is loud. Otherwise. A beautiful island and a wonderful experience.

Francis Moran

Breathtaking. Mother Nature showing off her very best outfit with all her jewels. Sparkling ocean, salt air, singing seagulls. A silver symphony for ear and heart

michael rosenblum

Who would have thought a walk around the sewage treatment plant would be so enjoyable? It was Beautiful, they have lots of informational plaques. Don't miss the view of Boston and the harbor islands from the peak of the island

Philip Welch

We visited George's Island. They have Fort Warren there. It was very interesting. They have a few runs during the day, as well as guided tours. You can also amble around on your own if you want. There is a visitors center where you can see information on the history of the fort, and a brief video. There are restrooms there as well. There is a rule that whatever you bring to the island, you take when you leave. There are no garbage barrels there. You also should bring food and beverages, as there are none on the island. You may purchase beverages and snacks on the boat going there. Definitely worth going. There are a bunch of islands but you would have to start early to see more than one. Check them out!

Ken Koellner

The Boston Harbor Islands are a hidden treasture. I but most people live their lives in Eastern MA without even knowing they are there.

Johnny Wyatt

Absolutely beautiful

Asdf Jkl

Boston harbor views lots of tree shade playground small shop for food good for kids to explore

Howard Fogelson

Went to a wedding reception there so not much exploring on my part. Great view of Boston

Bmcgreggs M

Nice area , well maintained.

christopher gray

Beautiful islands and one of them even has a restaurant/snack bar.

Taja Mitchell

Amazing George's Island experience on our mommy daughter date

Bob D

If you have a boat it's worth the ride

John Forgione

My most favorite lighthouse.So glad the new owner is investing in the restoration of this navigation landmark.It is a joy to watch the trades craftsmens progress in action.The exterior looks AWESOME,all pointed and washed,new windows and paint.I was observing the men working on the catwalk between the two buildings ,wind blowing 20 mph,waves crashing on the rocks below,happy in the knowledge that they were tethered to a cable above.Keep up the great work.By the way,just getting to the jobsite is so challenging.Take a boat out,rubber raft in,climp a 30 foot ladder to a deck,then another 25 footer to the entrance door!!!

Ronald Wagogo

This is a beautiful walk around Deer Island. The views are very picturesque, and there are plenty of bathrooms along the way. Definitely bring a water bottle and a few snacks, as the time it takes to walk around and taking the sites is long. Great for personal exercise, or leisurely strolling, or a group sightseeing. Bring sunglasses on a bright day.

Will Koehrsen

The Boston Harbor Islands are a true gem for Boston. I'd recommend visiting any of them if you get a chance. It's great to be able to get away from the city for a day and experience the outdoors in the harbor just a few minutes by boat from Boston. Check the ferry schedules for planning a trip to the islands.

Weston Marlow

Only one suggestion for summer visitors... bug spray! Mosquito repellent is a MUST on islands other than George's.

Ramona Medeiros

The Boston Harbor Islands National Park is beautiful and you can tell that all the parks staff work hard to preserve its nature.

opm smuT

Clean fresh air, a private gem tucked away

Daniele Ramella

Gourgeous views, quiet vibe, clear waters. Very well maintained. Great spot to spend a summer day or weekend. Ferry option to reach the islands could use an upgrade, but other than that, it's one of my favorite spots.

Charles Murphy

Nice place.

Jolt Hammer

Great boat ride. Cool little island. Only need 2 to 4 hours to explore the island.

Muriel Rand

Spend a relaxing day visiting these islands in Boston harbor. Ferries are expensive and the schedule is impossible to figure out, but the trip is great!

Chris Bailey

Fantastic views, great chain of parks thought out the Boston harbor. Great way to spend a day sailing from island to island.

Michael Interbartolo

Free harbor cruise Friday was a great way to take the kids to George's island to explore the fort for an afternoon. Real pleasant staff at the ticket booth, on the boat and staffing the island to answer questions and explain to the kids more about life at fort Warren.

Michelle Hedin

Love going out to George's Island to explore! My son loves it too!

Margaret Comer

Loved our vacation there. very interesting

L R Watkins

Regular volunteer on the islands, giving back and enjoying it even more.

Khushi Malik Sah

Its a serene island which offers great city view

Judd Brogden

Absolutely beautiful in August. An excellent place to go for a vacation.

Jim Bowker

So many people lived near Boston, yet never visit the islands. Great place to take the family!

Sheila Springfield

Very peaceful

John Collins

Good time with the kids. Nice little island for exploring a bit.

Paul Dunphy

Well managed, clean. Great historical area,

Bridget

One ticket on the ferry will allow you to go from island to island for a day. We chose to visit Georges Island (home to a civil war-era fort with lots of passage to explore, ample picnic tables) and Spectacle Island (small beach, gorgeous overlooks of the city). There happened to be live jazz playing at Spectacle Island’s Visitor Center when I was there so check to the schedule to see if any events are planned beforehand. Both islands had snack bars but I’d recommend packing a picnic!

Carlene Mc Kenzie

It is such a Serene and tranquil space to relax and reflect. It's one of Boston's hidden gems and would definitely recommend.

Barry Scott

Loved the views. And the fresh air.

Dante Ballerini

Beautiful place for a walk.

Michelle Ervin

I love the islands! Ressurgiu George's Island. Great place for groups as for history

Nick Leonardo

Great peaceful place to have lunch fish or relax with family

R. Spencer Perry

A truly historical experience that has never been taught in the history books

Ron Brown

Go for a walk you won't regret it beautiful views. One of the best things about Boston are the harbor islands

Casi Rich

It's so gorgeous, and clean here. We come early in the morning with the dog. Just beautiful.

salvatore d'oro

Very nice to walk and bike

Sarah Miller

Such a beautiful walk around Deer Island. Can't beat the views or waterscape!

Jan Myers

Ferry ride that overlooks Boston Harbor. The old fort on George's Island is so we'll persevered. A must see

John Joyce

I have been going here for 15 years, and I have never had a bad meal or service. This is a restaurant that knows how to treat it's customers. TOP SHELF ESTABLISHMENT.

Sharon Mercier

A nice and peaceful place to just walk around, enjoy the view, clear your mind, relax and the people that are there for the same reasons are very nice. Every bench is a memorial of someone who was special to someone. I love going here with my mom.

Ellen Perpétuo Guimarães

Amazing place

Saint Pats

A nice place for walking with your dog. In the summer time it is a great place where you can enjoy the view water and the islands. Also there is the castle island people go and watch this amazing old structure. Love Boston

josephine graceffa

My favorite place to be. Ocean, ocean, ocean. Hreat place to clear your head, i walk it. Love to sit there and watch the planes take off and land. But the ocean its a neautiful place, to me

Devra Machado

Easy walk to get to for me, open yet secluded, fishing off pier, free parking, port-a-potties, plenty of benches and open grass to lay on in shade or sun, great breeze and view of Boston.

Jonathan Rosborough

Beautiful sunset walk

Bob DeYoung

Loved it, visited from Indiana, plenty of walking and biking trails, plenty of peace and quiet listening to the ocean splash against The Rocks

Suzanne Del Grosso

Clean, well-kept spot to enjoy beautiful views & walk the dogs

Caleb Amy

Beautiful, easy trip out of the city

Brandon Hriniak

Interesting history combined with picturesque views of Boston and Graves Lighthouses. The city skyline can be blocked depending which island you're on, but overall very nice.

rishi lad

Best island near Boston to visit if you want best view of Boston skyline

Ayo Ogunsanlu

Glorious place to spend a day!

Marcus B.

A wonderful day for some jazz!

tom sidelinger

Great way to spend the afternoon!

Mark Angel

The Boston Harbor Island National Recreation Area consists of 34 islands and peninsulas. This original area of approximately 1,600 acres (647 hectares) provides visitors with a unique Boston experience. From beach camping, kayaking, swimming, hiking and fishing to exploring the old lighthouse, exploring Fort Warren or enjoying a cup of coffee, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment. Visit these islands and visit the port ferries from Quincy, Singh, downtown Boston and Hull. Park rangers usually call on the boat to tell you which are the best islands to visit.

Manikantha Dronamraju

Awesome place to visit especially when the whether is going good

Ashley Lissaint

Great place to walk, run

Herb Philpott

I've lived here for 50+ years and never visited these wonderful islands. The ferry was convenient and comfortable, the islands were beautiful, and the views were spectacular!

Anthony Osemwegie

Nice and beautiful place

Patricia Becker

Boat rides between islands all day. Easy walking trails. Beaches, birds, not crowded on a beautiful Saturday in August.

Michael Johnson

A bunch of rare gems that few venture out to see. Well worth taking a day to explore an island or two. (Or even go camping!) Shuttles are inexpensive but keep an eye on times so you're not stranded and make sure the shuttle goes back to your original starting point. Seals can be spotted in the summer lounging on the rocks on some of the islands! It's a Beachcombers paradise since very few people go to some of the islands that do not have public shuttles. Take a kayak or small boat to explore!

Achleay Page

Such a beautiful view

Jennifer Hagen

We visited Spectacle Island. I was a little disappointed, was expecting more based on the reviews. Read that this is one of the cleanest beaches in the area but I was not impressed. There is a trail around the island which is a nice walk, but there was not much that is varied in the nature there. Mostly grass and we didn't see any wildlife, not even birds. It was tempting to take some sea glass as a souvenir but we did not per park rules. Lunch offerings were great. Good hot dogs!

Mikes strikes

Very nice area, couldn't reccomend more

Jens Marquardt

Great option to get away from busy Boston and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. Be aware that afternoon ferries fill up quickly.

D Arthur

Nice views and several trails

Lisa Parker

Nice place,enjoyed it

Hamza Malik

Incredibly beautiful place to visit for a day!!!! Loved every bit of it

Ernie Watson

$20 gets you out to the islands. Inter-island ferry is free. Plenty to do and see. Full day adventure

Josh Onyango

We were here for an Outward Bound event. The weather was pristine and made walking from place to place between activities such a serene experience. Would definitely come back here as a summer get-a-way. Very peaceful

C.M H-H

Atmosphere: a getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boston. George’s island is a clean and inviting place for all ages! Service: Never met a bad park ranger and this island is no exception, they truly love what they do and it shows through their passion & kindness. The trip over to the island is a bit slow, however BHC offers a range of affordable snacks, meals and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to keep you busy while on the journey. The island itself has a small cafe with plenty of meals (starting at $4.) I opted for the ‘peanut butter & jelly’ which came with chips and a pickle all for only $4.. what a deal!

Eduardo Rojas

Great service. Very friendly

B F

The Boston Harbor was beautiful this afternoon.

Ken V

Great history lesson about early Boston area, Boston Harbor but on a hot summer day, be prepared with water, sunscreen, sunglasses. Bring cash for the cafe. Not much shade.

Ramona Wood

Nice place to sit on the beach and have lunch, great view if Boston!

Sean S

They can get busy but there's good reason. I love visiting the islands on a nice day

Whitethorn80

Breath taking. Amazing idea to turn the waste water treatment plant for the area into a park. Even with the faint smell the views of the harbor and of Boston we're amazing!! Would definitely visit again if in the area!!

Pratik Chakraborty

This tour includes George islands, spectacle islands and peddock island, only in 17 bucks. Need 6-7 hours for complete tour of all 3. You can go to either of them also. There was numbers of ships to hop on hop off. Only you have to mind the timings if go to all 3. You can have self guided tours in each islands.

Brooks Payne

A national and local gem, not to be missed, for sure! I'm a volunteer tour guide at Fort Independence, Castle Island, and we have visitors from all over the world. Wonderful place to experience history, nature and relax!

Elaina L.

So beautiful!

Betsy Eadie

Everyone should visit! Very interesting place!

Shweta Chakravarty

Serene place ...visit for some quality time with nature

Jake Smith

Great event with LLBean and Night Shift brewing

Cathy Lathey

It was so beautiful and a very good tourist attraction. Loved it

alisa ritchie

Beautiful, clean and peaceful. A nice walk with the option of some hills if wanted

Passeurs D'Images

Beautiful Park for a walk and Watching the plane

Sean Mortimer

Its cool

Mark Bolling

I went here just to walk around and clear my head. The views are great, the flowers and plants all give you a wonderful fresh air smell, and it's very peaceful. I could see how parking could be a bit of an issue, but it wasn't a problem while I was there. Really a pretty place to go for a walk

angel huynh

Love this place. So windy and see the ocean view really clear. Lots of people do squidding from day to night.

Elena Cañadas

Great place for celebrations, walk, or just a escape from the city...

Faith Girdler

Went camping on Peddock's, had a great time hearing star talks, s'mores & ghost stories!!

abhishek singh

A very good getaway place from Boston. Serene view of Boston's highrise with sinset is worth a shot.

january carey

Great for a hike that is steep at times or completely flat. Fun for the whole family. Bring water shoes if you plan to hit the beach.

Naqeeb Ullah

Great place to the beautiful Boston city from it. In this picture it was raining and the city was cover in clouds and just the quietness made it more beautiful

John Roland Elliott

It's beautiful out here (Deer Island, north of Boston, not where the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area marker shows.) Who would've guessed a visit to a water treatment facility could be appealing? Went to drop off water samples from the Mystic River but the journey was the reward.

Juan Aguiar

If you have not already done so, take a time to visit these beautiful islands!

Carole McCorry

Nice boat ride from Hingham or Boston. Take a tour and explore some of American history

Rick Peralta

The grounds and artifacts tell a marvelous story. There are folks around to tell stories of hospitals, prisoners and graves. If looking to connect with the harbor, this is a good first stop. The island ferries can make for a wonderful field trip.

Tony C

I go to Nut Island at least three times a week hunting for sea glass.

David Hemenway

Fabulous time out on the water in Boston Harbor inner and outer Islands.

Bill Larkin

Weekdays are less crowded. Last time i visited there were a number of school groups visiting as well. 14 and 15yr olds can be loud and unruly, but they all cleared out by 1pm.

Tomas Mezzrow

Beautiful place with very nice and managed public recreation area !!!

Joel Couch

Not much out here, but it's a change from the routines of the city. And it's close.

E. James Shepard

Nice place to spend a few hours to enjoy the weather and learn a little history. Park Rangers were very personable and approchable if you had any questions.