National park · United States
Boston Harbor IslandsBoston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Go only if you will ride the ferry to Georges or Spectacle: entry to the islands is free, the ferry is the real cost (about $25 round trip), and the season runs roughly late June to Labor Day. Skip in winter — boats stop and most islands close.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
7 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (7 km²)
approximate
Established
1996
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 7 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (7 km²)
- Land area shifts with the tide, from roughly 1,300 acres (5.3 km²) at high water to about 2,500 acres (10 km²) at low (check). The park boundary also includes water and mainland units.
- Established
- 1996
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Boston
Thirty-four islands sit inside Boston's harbour, and the National Park Service runs them with the state, the city and a set of non-profits. Georges Island is the hub, with the Civil War-era Fort Warren; Spectacle Island has the trails, the beaches and the skyline view. Ferries from Long Wharf are the only practical way out, they run on a summer schedule, and pets and bikes are not allowed. The mainland units — Deer Island, World's End, Webb Memorial, Nut Island — are free, open year-round and reachable by car or transit.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1996.
Size and age
7 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (7 km²) · national park since 1996
Land area shifts with the tide, from roughly 1,300 acres (5.3 km²) at high water to about 2,500 acres (10 km²) at low (check). The park boundary also includes water and mainland units.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Boston.
Why go
- A national park area you reach by commuter ferry in about 30 minutes from downtown Boston.
- Fort Warren on Georges Island: a mid-1800s harbour fort used as a Civil War prison, with guided tours in season.
- Spectacle Island's five miles of trails climb a 157 ft hill for the best skyline view in the harbour.
- Camping on Grape, Bumpkin and Lovells — the only tent sites inside Boston city limits.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanFerries stop; islands closed to day visitors
- FebFerries stop; cold and windy
- MarMainland units only; boats not running
- AprMainland units only; some spring group trips by arrangement
- MayShoulder season; limited boat days (check)
- JunFull ferry schedule starts; long days
- JulEverything open; busiest and hottest
- AugWarm water, supervised swimming; book ferries ahead
- SepWarm, quieter after Labor Day; camping season ends
- OctMainland units and World's End at their best; boats mostly done
- NovMainland units only; short days
- DecFerries stop; nothing running on the islands
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Migrating and marine birds (nesting birds can be aggressive)Apr–Sep · Give nesting areas a wide berth, especially if you arrive by private boat. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| European hares on Lovells IslandAll year · Introduced in the 1940s and 1950s; rabbits are also numerous on Gallops Island. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Berries and beach plum on Grape IslandJul–Sep · Managed as a wildlife sanctuary; guided walks and a wild-edibles tour run in season. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Poison ivy along trailsMay–Sep · Common on the islands; long trousers and wash-up afterwards. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Downtown Boston (Long Wharf)
Ferry from Long Wharf, next to Christopher Columbus Park; MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium.
30–45 min
Open the page →
From South Boston (EDIC Pier)
Sunday-only ferry loop to Thompson and Spectacle Islands; bus or taxi from South Station.
20–30 min
Open the page →
From Hull (Pemberton Point)
Ferry to Georges Island, then the inter-island shuttle.
20–30 min
From Quincy (Fore River Shipyard)
Seasonal ferry to Georges Island (check days).
20–30 min
From Deer Island, by transit
MBTA Blue Line to Orient Heights, then bus 712 or 713 towards Point Shirley and the main security gate.
45–60 min
From World's End, Hingham, by car
Route 3 exit 14, Route 228 north, left on Route 3A, right on Summer Street, then Martin's Lane to the entrance.
35–50 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Georges Island | Ferry hub, Fort Warren, picnic grounds, paved walkways, snack bar. | Open with a ferry ticket in season. |
| Spectacle Island | Visitor centre, marina, café, two beaches, five miles of trails to a 157 ft hill. | Open with a ferry ticket in season; supervised swimming daily. |
| Peddocks Island | Fort Andrews ruins (most closed), over forty cottages, views of Boston and Hull. | Ferry and shuttle in season; paved walkways suit strollers. |
| Lovells, Grape and Bumpkin Islands | Camping islands: Fort Standish remains, berry thickets, picnic areas, a supervised beach on Lovells. | Shuttle in season; camping by reservation. |
| Thompson Island | Outward Bound base with a 19th-century school history. | Public only on Sundays in June, July and August. |
| Little Brewster Island | Boston Light, the oldest continually used lighthouse site in the country (1716). | Working Coast Guard aid; no casual landing, no public restrooms. |
| Mainland units | Deer Island, Webb Memorial Park, Nut Island and World's End — peninsulas with trails, fishing and skyline views. | Free, dawn to dusk, year-round; no boat access. |
Sketch map
- 1Long Wharf ferry terminal · Ranger station≈42.360, -71.050Main mainland departure point, next to Christopher Columbus Park.Map ↗
- 2Georges Island · Gate≈42.320, -70.928Ferry hub and Fort Warren.Map ↗
- 3Spectacle Island · Viewpoint≈42.325, -70.986Visitor centre, beaches and the 157 ft hill.Map ↗
- 4Peddocks Island · Trail≈42.299, -70.937Fort Andrews ruins and cottages.Map ↗
- 5Lovells Island · Sleep≈42.329, -70.929Camping and Fort Standish.Map ↗
- 6Grape Island · Sleep≈42.275, -70.917Wildlife sanctuary with camping.Map ↗
- 7Bumpkin Island · Sleep≈42.283, -70.900Farmhouse remains and group picnic areas.Map ↗
- 8Thompson Island · Village≈42.317, -71.000Outward Bound base; Sundays only in summer.Map ↗
- 9Little Brewster Island (Boston Light) · Viewpoint≈42.329, -70.891Lighthouse site from 1716; no casual landing.Map ↗
- 10Deer Island · Trail≈42.350, -70.967Mainland unit with a 2.6-mile perimeter path.Map ↗
- 11World's End, Hingham · Trail≈42.267, -70.883Olmsted-era paths on two drumlins.Map ↗
- 12Webb Memorial Park, Weymouth · Trail≈42.233, -70.933Free mainland peninsula, dawn to dusk.Map ↗
Take the points offline
12 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Island positions are approximate, taken from the park centre and public maps, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island entry (Georges, Spectacle, Peddocks, Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin) | Free | person | No park entrance fee; you pay the ferry. |
| Ferry, Long Wharf to Georges Island, round trip | US$20–25 | adult | 2026 estimate. Children and seniors pay less; inter-island shuttle included (check). |
| Ferry, Long Wharf to Spectacle Island, round trip | US$20–25 | adult | 2026 estimate. |
| Camping, tent site, per night | US$8–12 | site | 2026 estimate; Massachusetts residents pay less than non-residents (check). |
| Camping, yurt, per night | US$55–65 | yurt | 2026 estimate; resident and non-resident rates differ (check). |
| World's End, Hingham — parking | US$5–10 | car | 2026 estimate; limited spaces, fee charged. |
| Deer Island, Webb Memorial, Nut Island | Free | person | Free; free parking at Webb Memorial. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Ferry ticket permit or guide
Camping reservation permit or guide
Group day-use permit permit or guide
Boston Light tour permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$20–25
- US$20–25
- US$8–12
- US$55–65
- US$5–10
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Boston Harbor Islands before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed on the islands.
- Bicycles and rollerblades
- Not permitted on the islands; walk or use the paved walkways on Georges and Peddocks.
- Group size
- Day-use permit required for groups of 25 or more.
- Camping
- Only on Grape, Bumpkin and Lovells, late June to Labor Day weekend, by reservation; 14 cumulative days maximum per camper.
- Trash and water
- Carry in, carry out. Bring about one gallon of drinking water per person per day — there is none on the islands.
- Closed structures
- Heed warnings and stay out of unsafe buildings; where entry is allowed, watch for open holes, rusty rebar and crumbling concrete.
- Private boats
- Moorings at Georges are first come, first served; other island docks are for off-loading only. Little Brewster allows drop-off and pick-up only, no docking.
Where to stay
In the park
Camping on Grape, Bumpkin and Lovells Islands
Tent sites and yurts, composting toilets, picnic tables; no showers, fresh water, power or food.
Near the park
Downtown Boston hotels and hostels
Walk to Long Wharf for the first ferry; the widest choice of beds and the easiest early start.
Near the park
Hull and Hingham
South-shore bases close to the Hull ferry and to World's End, quieter and cheaper than downtown.
Safety
Missing the last ferry medium
Unsafe fort structures medium
Sun, wind and cold water medium
Poison ivy and ticks low
Harbour traffic while kayaking high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Georges and Peddocks Islands have paved walkways suitable for strollers and some wheeled access.
- Ferries and docks involve ramps and steps; ask the operator about boarding help when you book.
- Spectacle Island's visitor centre and lower paths are the easiest island stop for limited mobility; the summit trail climbs.
- Mainland units are the simplest option: Deer Island, Webb Memorial and Nut Island have accessible restrooms and short paved paths.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out everything, including food waste — trash receptacles are limited and the islands are carry-in, carry-out.
- Bring refillable water rather than buying bottles; there is no fresh water on the islands.
- Keep to marked trails to protect archeological sites; 21 islands have listed historic sites and the soils preserve artifacts well.
- Do not feed or approach hares, rabbits or nesting birds.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Boston Harbor Islands?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee for the islands or the mainland units. Your cost is the ferry: about $20–25 per adult round trip from Long Wharf to Georges or Spectacle (2026 estimate), with the inter-island shuttle included. Camping adds roughly $8–12 per tent site per night, or $55–65 for a yurt.
What are the best hikes in Boston Harbor Islands?
On the islands: Spectacle Island's five miles of trails to the 157 ft summit, and the loop past Fort Standish on Lovells. On the mainland, which is open year-round and free: the 2.6-mile perimeter path on Deer Island and the Olmsted-era gravel paths at World's End in Hingham. None are long or steep; the islands are walking, not trekking.
When is the best time to visit Boston Harbor Islands?
June to early September, when the ferries run daily and everything is open. July and August are warmest but busiest — book ferry tickets ahead and take an early boat. September is warm and quieter after Labor Day, though camping ends that weekend. October is good for the mainland units only.
Do I need a reservation for the ferry?
Not always, but in July and August the Georges and Spectacle boats fill up, so book online in advance. Camping always needs a reservation, and organised groups of 25 or more need a day-use permit.
Can I bring a dog or a bike?
No. Pets are not allowed on the islands, and neither bicycles nor rollerblades are permitted. Georges and Peddocks have paved walkways, so strollers are fine.
Can I drive to any of the islands?
No. Long and Moon Islands are closed to the public, and car travel to the rest is discouraged. Deer Island, Nut Island, Webb Memorial and World's End are mainland peninsulas you can drive to, with limited parking.
Is there food and water on the islands?
Georges and Spectacle have snack bars or cafés in season. The camping islands have nothing — no food, no fresh water, no showers and no power. Bring about one gallon of drinking water per person per day and carry out all your rubbish.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNational Park Service — Boston Harbor Islands
- officialNational Park Service — Boston Harbor Islands ferry and shuttle schedule
- officialMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation — Boston Harbor Islands State Park
- officialThe Trustees of Reservations — World's End
- officialMassachusetts Water Resources Authority — Deer Island
- secondaryWikipedia — Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
- secondaryWikivoyage: Boston Harbor Islands, revision 4834574 (CC BY-SA 4.0)