National Recreation Area · MA

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A child dancing on the beach at dusk
A child dancing on the beach at dusk
A man on a kayak in Boston Harbor
Kayaking in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area
An image of the sun setting over the Boston skyline from the Islands
Watch the sunset from Boston Harbor Islands
Children looking out at Boston from the Harbor Islands
Looking out at the city from the Boston Harbor Islands
Historic Fort Warren on Georges Island
Visit historic Fort Warren on Georges Island in Boston Harbor

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Living History
  • Paddling
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching