Rate Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Recreation Area
Operating Hours & Seasons
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Monday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Tuesday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Wednesday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Thursday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Friday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Saturday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Fees and Reservations Vary
Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park; fees and reservations vary. The park does not charge an admission fee, but a transportation fee applies for the public ferry. Reservations are recommended. Please note that National Park Land Passes do not cover transportation fees. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
About
Here is a place . . .
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, visit 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.
Directions
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 between 60-80 Fahrenheit, winds of 0-15 knots and waves of 1-3 feet.
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Nearby Businesses
