Activities: Boating, Fishing, Swimming,
Walking, CampingAccess: Ferries from Boston, Quincy, Hingham
State: Massachusetts
Town: Boston
Facilities: Varies by island
Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands National
Recreation Area is a collection of 34 islands in and around
Boston Harbor. Many of the larger islands feature shell and slate
beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas, old forts and campgrounds. The
smallest islands are habitats for wildlife only. This area is a popular
destination for boating and fishing. Georges and Spectacle islands are
primarily accessed by ferries from Boston and Quincy and water
taxis run from these two islands to other islands. Dogs may accompany
their owners on the park ferries but may not disembark on the islands
(service dogs excepted). Private boats can land in many places
including a well developed marina at Spectacle. The rich history of the
islands and details of all there is to do can be found in Christopher
Klein's Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands available
at amazon.com
Overnight camping is permitted on Grape,
Bumpkin, Lovells, from late June to early September. Camping is by
reservation only and a fee is charged. Campsites are primitive and do
not offer amenities such as drinking water from a tap or hot water
showers. Weather conditions are variable and temperatures in the harbor
are usually cooler than those on the mainland. You must bring your own
drinking water and food. Reserve campsites on Grape, Bumpkin, or
Lovells at www.reserveamerica.com.
Georges Island
Fort Warren, a National Historic Landmark, is the primary
feature here.
Built between 1833 and 1869, Fort Warren was used during the Civil War
to train Union soldiers and later as a prison for captured
Confederates. There are picnic areas, snack bar and rest rooms with
running water.George's is open to the public from May to
mid-October. Spectacle Island: 105 acre
Spectacle Island features a marina, visitor center, rest rooms
with running water, cafe, swimming beach with lifeguards (in
season) and spectacular views of Boston from a 157 foot high hill. The
island has five miles of trails for walking. Map
Lovells Island
Popular with campers, Lovell's is a quiet island othat offers beaches,
tide pools, dunes, woods, marshes and great views of the outer harbor.
The remains of Fort Standish are open for exploring. There are 11
campsites, day use picnic areas and a swimming beach. Map
Peddocks Island
188 acre Peddocks is one of the largest islands in Boston harbor. The
remains of century old Fort Andrews are here along with a salt
marsh, pond and mature coastal forests. Map
Bumpkin Island
35 acre Bumpkin provides an open and relaxed atmosphere for camping
with 10 individual campsites and one group site. There are slate and
shell beaches, a stone farmhouse and the remains of a children's
hospital. Map
Grape Island
Wild berries and rose hips are abundant on 50 acre Grape and provide
food for many types of birds. Trails wind around the isdland and
through the woods. Here there are 10 individual campsites and one group
site as well as picnic areas. Map
Great Brewster Island
This 23 acre island offers great views from a 100-foot hill. There are
picnic tables, trail, composting toilet, and a small weather shelter. Map
Webb Memorial State Park
This 36-acre peninsula in Weymouth offers walking trails and
great
harbor views. There are picnic tables, grills and a pavilion available
for large groups. Handicap accessible restrooms are on site. The free
parking lot is next to the beach making it easy to launch a kayak.
Ferry Information
- Boston at Long Wharf has frequent service to Georges and Spectacle Islands, with free service between them. Connect to Georges from other islands for small fee.
- South Boston at EDIC Pier has limited service to Thompson Island, with free connections to Spectacle Island.
- Quincy at Fore River Shipyard serves Georges Island, with free connections to Spectacle and service to other islands for a small fee.
- Hingham at Hingham Shipyard and Hull at Pemberton Point have frequent service to Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, Georges, and Lovells Islands, with free connecting service to Spectacle Island.
- Park ferry schedule to Georges and Spectacle Tel: 617-223-8666.
More
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
- Boston Globe article by Christopher Klein
- Thanks to the Big Dig and the incredible cleanup of the harbor, the 34 Boston Harbor Islands are experiencing unprecedented visitation, finally assuming their rightful place as Boston's backyard. Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands a recent book from author Christopher Klein, is an indispensable guide to help you plan your island adventures. Explore the military installations that protected Boston during wartime including Fort Warren, home of Confederate prisoners during the Civil War. Visit Boston Light on Little Brewster, site of the nation's oldest lighthouse. Kayak into the coves where pirates and bootleggers once hid. Wander the meadows that were the camps of Native Americans and the sites of Revolutionary skirmishes. Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands is published by Union Park Press and may be purchased at amazon.com.