National Park Near Me
Menu

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Massachusetts

A child dancing on the beach at dusk
Enjoy beautiful summer sunsets during special evening programs on the islands. Photo: NPS Photo

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
Phone
6178193587
Address
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Charlestown, MA 02129

About Boston Harbor Islands

. . . 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.

Hours

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Changes to these hours

  • Winter, Oct 15 to May 17, 2027: Closed

Getting there

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.

Weather

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.

Things to do

Arts and Culture, Backcountry Camping, Birdwatching, Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Dining, Fishing, Food, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Live Music, Living History, Paddling, Picnicking, Saltwater Fishing, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Wildlife Watching.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Boston Harbor Islands ↗