We continue to experience issues with our phone lines, please contact us via our email address: boha_information@nps.gov
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Massachusetts
. . . 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.
About Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a national recreation area located in Massachusetts. 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.
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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Boston Harbor Islands is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Live Music, Boating, Camping, and 16 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Boston Harbor Islands
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Boston Harbor Islands
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Boston Harbor Islands before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Boston Harbor Islands. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Boston Harbor Islands get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Boston Harbor Islands. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
. . . 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Harbor Islands
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Adams
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams…
Appalachian
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant…
Blackstone River Valley
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in…
Boston African American
Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community of 1800s Boston led the city and the…
Boston
Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and…
Cape Cod
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine…