Aloha! In 1978 I discovered the Boston Harbor Islands and life hasn’t been the same since. Over the years I have been a day visitor, overnight camper, and worn many hats including being a seasonal(state park) island manager, National Park Service ranger and founder of Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands whose celebrating 45 years of public service on land, sea and the islands in 2024.
The NPCA Summer 2023 magazine, “National Parks” features an article “Offshore Summer Escape” by Dorian Fox. Check it out to find out what you might enjoy and discover around Boston Harbor.
This photo was taken at the base of Boston Light during its 300th anniversary celebration on Little Brewster Island in 2016. The Friends initiated public access trips to Boston Light in 1986. Today the lighthouse tours are operated by the National Park Service. Ferry service to several islands is seasonal but there are island penisulas you may drive to and hike around. Private boaters have year-round access
Sincerely,
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Rich in history, the 34 beautiful islands and peninsulas of this national recreation area feature lighthouses, military sites, hiking trails and numerous other outdoor adventures. Walk in the steps of the Union soldiers who guarded Boston from their station at Fort Warren during the Civil War. Search the horizon for ships from Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, the second-oldest working lighthouse in the nation. Observe sea creatures in sun-warmed tidal pools and cast your line for striped bass and winter flounder. All of these adventures and more are an easy ferry ride from the city.
State(s): Massachusetts
Established: 1996
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Greetings from Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
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