Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
. . . 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.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
. . . 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.
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Driving times from Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Boston Harbor Islands
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Backcountry Camping, Birdwatching, Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Adams National Historical Park (31 min), Boston National Historical Park (46 min), Boston African American National Historic Site (47 min), Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (52 min), Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site (54 min), John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (55 min).