Have you been to even one of the Boston Harbor Islands?
If you answered “no” like many Bostonians, read on, as this article is for you. The Harbor Islands are just a quick trip from Boston’s Waterfront, and something every Bostonian should experience at least once. There are 34 spectacular islands in the family, including Spectacle Island, and many more. Each has a unique charm and some even offer, hiking, swimming, and camping plus some of the best views of the city. Learn more about this underrated Boston excursion.
How many Boston Harbor Islands are there?
In total there are 34 Boston Harbor Islands. Explore 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,” as expressed by the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It’s important to note that not all islands are open to the public or accessible by the ferry. Below is a complete list of the Boston Harbor Islands by location:
Boston (18)
- Calf Island
- Deer Island
- Gallops Island
- Georges Island
- The Graves
- Great Brewster Island
- Green Island
- Little Brewster Island
- Little Calf Island
- Long Island
- Lovells Island
- Middle Brewster Island
- Nixes Mate
- Outer Brewster Island
- Rainsford Island
- Shag Rocks
- Spectacle Island
- Thompson Island
Weymouth (4)
- Grape Island
- Sheep Island
- Slate Island
- Webb Memorial Park
Quincy (4)
- Hangman Island
- Moon Island
- Nut Island
- Raccoon Island
Hingham (6)
- Bumpkin Island
- Button Island
- Langlee Island
- Ragged Island
- Sarah Island
- World’s End
Hull (1)
- Peddocks Island
Winthrop (1)
- Snake Island
Boston’s Little Brewster Island is home of the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the United States, Boston Light. Built in 1716, the lighthouse is over 300 years old. Due to ongoing maintenance lighthouse visits and tours have been suspended for the time being.
Getting there: Boston Harbor Islands Ferry
Boston Harbor Cruises offers daily connections from Long Wharf at Christopher Columbus Park to the Boston Harbor Islands. The ferry is $25, and Massachusetts residents qualify for $10 off, for a $15 trip on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets are round-trip, and you do not need to purchase a return ticket.
Ferries travel from Boston Long Wharf to two major Boston Harbor islands:
- Spectacle Island (30-minute ferry)
- Georges Island (45-minute ferry)
Once on Georges and Spectacle Island, you can explore some of the other islands via a free ferry or boat. Transportation to Boston islands is also available from the Hingham Shipyard and Hull.
Islands with public access
In addition to Georges and Spectacle Island, the public can explore Grape, Bumpkin, Lovells, and Peddocks Islands via private charter. Public roads travel through Deer Island, Nut Island, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial Islands.
Thompson Island is open to the public only on summer Sundays. Ferries from Spectacle Island travel to Thompson.
The eerie story of Shutter Island
We’d be remiss to mention the Boston Harbor Islands without noting they were the inspiration for the adapted novel Shutter Island. The 2003 storyline is inspired by author Dennis Lehane’s visit to the Boston Harbor Islands as a child during the Blizzard of 78′. Lehane visited Long Island, an abandoned Boston Harbor Island no longer accessible to the public.
The supernatural thriller, released in 2010, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, filmed on Peddocks Island in addition to many other parts of Massachusetts.