Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area adventure.
Get out of Boston without really leaving Boston by hopping on a ferry and heading east into the harbor. There, a hidden treasure of 34 islands and peninsulas await you. You'll find top-notch hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and swimming on the beach. There's something for everyone here, especially during the summer.
Visit Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort, on Georges Island. The fort served as a military base from 1861 until 1947. It now hosts events, musical performances, and kids' activities. Ghost hunters might even see the Lady in Black, a supposed ghost that haunts the fort. Georges Island also offers great views of the Boston Light and the surrounding islands.
Enjoy a two-hour tour (set to music, but minus getting lost on a deserted island with Gilligan), of the area's three major lighthouses. The cruise combines history, the allure of the sea, and the romance of historic lighthouses.
Four islands have camping facilities, including the wooden yurts on Peddocks Island. You and your family can make a weekend getaway out of the harbor islands. Leave the bustle of the city behind for a few days and get back to nature. Just be sure to pack enough food! These four islands also boast great hiking among grassy knolls, sand dunes, and gently rolling hills.