How to Visit Boston Harbor Islands

Only minutes away from the heart of downtown Boston, the Boston Harbor Islands offer a relaxing escape from city life. Whether you want to picnic, camp, explore historic lighthouses and forts or simply enjoy the view, there are few better places to spend a summer afternoon. Here is how to make the most of a trip to one of Boston’s best-kept secrets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the different island offerings and plan your itinerary. The Boston Harbor Islands are a National Park area and offer many options for nature lovers, including hiking and swimming in lifeguarded waters.

2. Bring a picnic, or grab a bite at George’s Island’s Snack Bar.

3. Take the ferry. The express ferry runs from May to October and brings visitors to Spectacle Island in only 10 minutes, or George’s Island in 25 minutes. Buy tickets online to save time or in person at Long Wharf.

4. Catch free entertainment. From concerts to plays to old-time baseball matches, George’s Island is the perfect spot to find free family-friendly entertainment all summer long. Check the calendar, below, for more.

5. Go camping. Several of the Boston Harbor Islands – Bumpkin Island, Grape Island, and Lovell Island – allow camping.

6. Swim at Spectacle Island’s lifeguarded beaches. Or if you’d rather go fishing, Spectacle Island also rents fishing equipment.

7. Feed your inner history buff. Tour Boston Light, the second-oldest lighthouse in the nation, or visit the historic Fort Warren on George’s Island.

Resources

• Official tourism site of the Boston Harbor Islands
• Boston Harbor Islands Events Calendar