To Do Today: Visit Boston Harbor Islands
Take a short ferry ride to discover history, wildlife, and nature
Little Brewster Island is the home of Boston Light, the oldest continually used light station in the country. Photo by Bill Gormley
To Do Today: Visit Boston Harbor Islands
Take a short ferry ride to discover history, wildlife, and nature
What?
Boston Harbor Islands, accessible by ferry
When?
Ferry tours depart Boston at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm to Georges Island, and 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm to Spectacle Island. Check out the return schedule here.
Where?
Boats depart from Long Wharf North, 190 Atlantic Ave., Boston (next to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park).
How much?
Round-trip ferry tickets are $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for students, military, and seniors (65-plus), $17.95 for children (3 to 11), and free for children under 3.
Why should I go?
The Boston Harbor Islands are a collection of 34 islands and peninsulas located within Boston Harbor. Those who visit the area will discover the nature and history that played an important role in the development of Boston and beyond. Considered both a national and state park, the Harbor Islands attract over half a million visitors each year. The park’s islands offer wildlife sanctuaries, parks, and historic sites like Fort Warren, Fort Andrews, Boston Light, and Deer Island.
Home to the Civil War–era Fort Warren, Georges Island is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The fort, made of stone and granite, was built between 1833 and 1860 for coastal defense following the start of the American Civil War. It eventually became a training facility for Union soldiers and later served as a prison for Confederate soldiers and government officials. Visitors can tour the fort’s bakery, parade ground, and pitch-dark tunnel. End your day at Georges Island with a picnic and legends of the fort’s rumored ghost, the Lady in Black.
Spectacle Island is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking. The 114-acre island offers panoramic views of Boston Harbor and a lifeguarded beach, perfect for relaxing by the sea. Over the years, the island has supported farming and even housed resort hotels before becoming a public park. On select dates, Spectacle Island offers jazz concerts and visitors can grab a bite at Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen before concluding their day.
The Boston Harbor Islands also offers a special two-hour narrated cruise on select dates to explore three lighthouses: Long Island Head Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light (America’s first and oldest continually used light station). Learn about maritime history while enjoying views of the Harbor Islands and Boston skyline. Check out available dates and prices here.
Comments & Discussion
Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.