Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
A harbor archipelago protects forts, trails, campsites, beaches, wildlife, and Indigenous history within sight of downtown Boston.
Artwork inspired by Fitz Henry Lane
A harbor archipelago protects forts, trails, campsites, beaches, wildlife, and Indigenous history within sight of downtown Boston. The park’s meaning lies in connections across water: glacial drumlins became fishing grounds, quarantine stations, farms, military defenses, waste sites, and recreation landscapes.
Ferry schedules determine the day. Pick one primary island, reserve transport and camping separately, bring water and layers, and never assume another island can be added spontaneously. Weather cancels ferries and exposed crossings feel colder than downtown. Island surfaces include steep paths, stairs, ruins, ticks, and limited services. Even the skyline changes meaning when Boston is approached from its harbor.
- Islands and peninsulas
- 34
- Signature fort
- Fort Warren
- Access
- Seasonal ferry and private boat
Quick guide
- Choose one island
- Transport time makes island-hopping inefficient.
- Read the harbor
- Each drumlin carried a different public use.
Know before you go
- Choose one island
- Transport time makes island-hopping inefficient.
- Read the harbor
- Each drumlin carried a different public use.
- Pack self-sufficiently
- Food, water, and shade are limited.
- Protect the return
- Never miss the final ferry.
Good to know
Weather cancels ferries and exposed crossings feel colder than downtown. Island surfaces include steep paths, stairs, ruins, ticks, and limited services.
Notice these
- Georges Island
- Spectacle Island
- Boston Light views