EXPLORE AN ISLAND PARK JUST MINUTES FROM
DOWNTOWN BOSTON

About the Park

The official website of the Boston Harbor Islands

Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation and learning. Check the park calendar for special events or create your own adventure with our trip planning tools below.

Learn About Our Partnership
An historic cleanup effort to preserve the Boston Harbor Islands and its natural treasures

Outer Boston Harbor Island Cleanup

The Boston Harbor Islands are undergoing a once-in-a-generation cleanup to restore their natural beauty and ecological health. Spearheaded by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), this initiative focuses on removing significant marine debris from five key islands: Great Brewster, Middle Brewster, Outer Brewster, Calf, and Lovells Islands.

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Lion Dance on Spectacle
Mini-Grant Program

Innovation Islands

The Innovation Islands program awards mini-grants of up to $5,000 to local community leaders to design, promote, and facilitate programming on and around the Boston Harbor Islands. Learn more about this year's mini-grant recipients and find out how to apply for a mini-grant for your community.

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Upcoming Events

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Dec14

Stewardship Event at World’s End

Come join park stewards and our partners at The Trustees to help with landscape and ecosystem management atop the beautiful drumlins of World’s End!

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Jan01

New Year’s Day Boat Trip to Cathleen Stone Island in Boston Harbor

Visit Cathleen Stone Island (formerly known as Thompson Island) on New Year’s Day with its meadows, forests, beaches and 40 acre salt marsh.

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Winter Wildlife Cruise - Snowy Owl
Jan18

Winter Wildlife Cruise

Join National Park Rangers and local naturalists to discover how alive the harbor is in the winter!

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Find Your Better Nature

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Boats moored off of Spectacle Island
Boston Harbor Islands

Mooring Information

Mooring reservations at Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Islands are now on Dockwa. Learn more about bringing your boat to the Boston Harbor Islands.

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Islands Accessible by FerryOther IslandsMainland ParksFeatured Historical Sites

Explore the Islands

Exploring is believing! Of 34 islands and peninsulas that make up Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, many are accessible by seasonal public ferry service or can be accessed year-round by car or on foot. Islands range from rustic retreats to family-friendly hubs with a range of activities. Hover over the map to learn more about each island destination!

About the Park

It's great to be able to get away from the city for a day and experience the outdoors in the harbor just a few minutes by boat from Boston.

Will from Dorchester

I feel like I'm walking through history right now!

Harbor Discovery Camper

Gorgeous views, quiet vibe, clear waters. Great spot to spend a summer day or weekend.

Danielle from Quincy

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