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All 399 Boston Attractions »

Boston Harbor Islands National Park

Boston, MA
617-223-8666
Ranked #9 of 204 attractions in Boston
4.5 of 5 stars 50 Reviews
Type: National Parks, Islands
Activities: Hiking, Motor-boating, Camping, Fishing
Fee: No
Owner description: This National Park consists of 34 small islands just off shore in Boston Harbor. The most popular, George's Island, is home to Fort Warren, a Civil... more » Owner description: This National Park consists of 34 small islands just off shore in Boston Harbor. The most popular, George's Island, is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War Landmark that housed Confederate prisoners. Visitors to the 12 islands open for exploration can camp, kayak, tour lighthouses, ride harbor ferries, hike and swim. « less
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50 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Hadn't been to the Harbor Islands in 30+ years. Took the first ferry out on a beautiful Saturday to Spectacle Island. It was previously used as a dump, but you'd never know it now. Lovely walks around the island. Great views as well. Was surprised that is was NOT crowded at all! Try the adirondak chairs. What a way to... More

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See 3 more reviews by Jane_from_America for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

The Harbor Islands kiosk has it all, then head to the ferry docks. The Peddocks Island lure is the ghosts. Lovells has the topagraphy and the coastline, Georges is for the large groups, but Spectacle is fast approaching the masses. Look for the hidden gem in the National Park system.

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See 5 more reviews by SunkistTwo for Boston
North Billerica, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Bring a picnic and enjoy! Lots to explore, enjoy a walk and relax in the sun.

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See 8 more reviews by MiaVal for Boston
Quincy, MA
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We took the boat from Quincy out to George's Island, then a water taxi to Spectacle Island. My 2 year old loved the boat rides and the islands are a safe (car-free) stress free place for young children to run a round and explore. On George's Island we watched an old time baseball game - very cool! We had a... More

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See 4 more reviews by janutee for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Have been to George's Island twice now. Take your lunch, great spots for picnics. The visitor center is nice and ask for the trading cards for the kids. The boat ride alone is great. Going to try Spectacle Island with its swim area this summer. http://www.bostonharborislands.org/

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See 10 more reviews by letterboxer2010 for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I've only been to one of the Harbor Islands thusfar -- Spectacle Island, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ferry ride was a lot of fun, with great views of the city. The island has a fascinating history, and we actually went on a guided tour (free), which was extremely well done. After walking various trails, we relaxed on the porch... More

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See 14 more reviews by AssikoGal for Boston
boston
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2012

There are a variety of islands to choose from,there is hiking fishing swimming exploring wildlife Georges island has a great civil war era for. Fort Warren that was a prison and has a ghost. Getty access is easy to Georges and then water taxi will take younto other islands. There are sceduled concerts plays and reenactments. It's a great place... More

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See 3 more reviews by mowhite for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Most people who visit Boston find there is plenty to do without adding a boat ride to the schedule. But on a hot summer day there is no better way to "see" the city than from the harbor. George's Island, Peddock's and the others are little gems. There is one filled with seaglass that "sings" when the waves push it... More

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See 4 more reviews by Kristen M for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2012
3
people found this review helpful

People come to Boston and think "Whale Watch." The Harbor Islands are an alternative for people who like the idea of a boat ride but who dont' want the long boat ride a whale watch entails. There are cruises that toot around the harbor looking at the islands and talking about the history of the harbor (which is fascinating). There... More

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See 5 more reviews by CarolineMcMuffin for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
54 helpful votes 54 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2012
7
people found this review helpful

I have been to the Harbor Islands many times, but most recently last summer. My they have really improved things. Multiple company's will take you out there and back, but make sure you go back with the same ferry company who brought you there. I think George's Island and Spectacle Island are the only ones with concessions, but I recommend... More

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See 8 more reviews by troy mcclure for Boston

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