Boston Harbor is the pride of this city, greatly owing to a group of islands it embraces. Each one is special on its own with something unique to offer. Little Brewster Island is home to the oldest lighthouse in America. Historic Fort Warren, which is reminiscent of Civil War times, remains abandoned on Georges Island. A solar-powered visitor centre sits on Spectacle Island. The islands offer amazing walking trails and cozy camping sites as well. Besides, one may find hidden beaches to indulge in unsupervised swimming and fishing. One may even find the occasional jazz concert, enjoy seafood at a clambake, or even take part in vintage baseball games. The Boston Harbor Islands National Park consists of 34 islands, but visitors are only allowed on 10 of them, and 6 of those are accessible exclusively from May through mid-October. So, this period is considered the best season for island hopping.
Practical info
What makes the attractions on Boston Harbor Islands unique?
The Boston Harbor Islands have a variety of attractions that are distinct to each island. For instance, the oldest lighthouse in the US is situated on Little Brewster Island, whereas Georges Island reveals the historic Fort Warren that dates back to the Civil War. Spectacle Island is home to a solar-powered visitor center, and every island has opportunities to explore various walking trails and camping sites. Some activities visitors can enjoy are jazz concerts, clambakes, or vintage baseball matches. Show more
What is the ideal timeframe for visiting the Boston Harbor Islands?
Typically, the best time to visit the Boston Harbor Islands is from May through mid-October. During these months, visitors can access six of the ten islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. The comfortable weather during this period is ideal to explore the islands and engage in activities such as walking, camping, swimming, fishing, jazz concerts, or clam bakes. Essentially, this is the perfect duration to encounter everything that these islands hold. Show more
On which island in the Boston Harbor Islands is the oldest lighthouse in the US located?
The oldest lighthouse in America stands on Little Brewster Island, situated within the Boston Harbor Islands. Operating since 1716, it serves as a remarkable landmark of Boston's maritime history. To learn about its significance to the community, visitors can take a boat tour to the island and enjoy a guided trip around the museum and lighthouse. Show more
What activities can be performed on the Boston Harbor Islands?
Visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands can partake in various activities, from exploring walking trails and camping sites to kayaking, sailing, or fishing. The harbor's islands unveil the historical significance of the area through the various tours of lighthouses and fortresses. The eco-friendly visitor center on Spectacle Island provides panoramic views of Boston's skyline. Moreover, jazz concerts, vintage baseball games, picnics, and clambakes held during the summer provide more options to enjoy on the islands. Show more
How many islands can visitors access in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, and where can they get access to them?
Boston Harbor Islands National Park boasts a total of 34 islands, but only 10 can be accessed by visitors. Six of these islands are exclusively accessible between May and mid-October, considered the suitable season for island hopping due to the ideal weather conditions. Visitors can get to these islands by taking ferry services offered at Long Wharf North in Boston or Hingham Shipyard in Hingham. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and tickets are available online or at the dock. Show more
