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National Recreation Area

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A child dancing on the beach at dusk

A child dancing on the beach at dusk

Photo: NPS Photo

About

. . . 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.

Activities

Arts and CultureLive MusicBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingFishingSaltwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingLiving HistoryPaddlingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatching

Directions

There are many ways to enjoy Boston Harbor Islands and many ways to get there. For more information on how to get to the park by ferry, car, or private boat, please visit www.bostonharborislands.org.

Get directions →

Weather

The Boston Harbor Islands have a humid maritime climate characterized by slightly cooler temperatures than the mainland, so dress in layers. Typical summer conditions feature air temperatures approximately 5-10 degrees cooler than the mainland, winds of 0-15 knots and waves of 1-3 feet.

News

Feb 26, 2026

National Parks of Boston and Partners Commemorate 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day

The National Parks of Boston will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Evacuation Day with a series of events marking the historic departure of British forces from Boston in 1776 and the first major victory of the American Revolutionary War. The event runs March 5 through March 17.