Sure, maybe you’ve dined in the North End, strolled through Boston Common, and sung “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park. But if you’ve never visited the Boston Harbor Islands, you’re missing out on one of Boston’s best experiences.
For most of its history, Boston turned its back on the harbor. But in recent decades, people have learned what a treasure they have in Boston Harbor and have turned most of its 34 islands into a national recreation area. Home to a marina, free moorings, and many great anchorages, the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is extremely boater-friendly. And with its beautiful scenery and fascinating history, the harbor’s islands offer many great adventures for visitors. Here are five of the best.
TOUR BOSTON LIGHT – Little Brewster Island, on the harbor’s outer reaches, is home to the oldest light station in the United States, Boston Light. The first light built on the site was in 1716. The current light dates back to 1783 and it’s the only lighthouse in the U.S. still actively staffed by the Coast Guard. Tour the light, climbing its 76 steps to the top, and learn about its history, the maritime traditions of Boston Harbor and island life. You’ll also be treated to some of the best views of the harbor.
HUNT FOR SPORTFISH – In recent years, Boston Harbor has become a fishing hotspot for striped bass, bluefish, cod, flounder and more. Schoolie stripers start appearing in the harbor in May, and by mid-June you can find keepers around rocky outcroppings. Good spots early in the season include Faun Bar off Deer Island, Hospital Shoals off Rainsford Island, and The Narrows between Georges and Lovells Islands. Later in the summer, the big fish move to deeper waters off the Graves, the Brewsters and deep ledges outside the harbor. From May to July, you can find flounder in most spots with flat, muddy bottoms in 10 to 30 feet of water. A good flounder hotspot is the muddy bottom off Peddocks Island and the Deer Island Flats.
VISIT FORT WARREN – Located on Georges Island, Fort Warren is a Civil War-era fort that once served as a prison for Confederate officers and government officials. The fort features attractive granite archways, towers that offer great views of the surrounding harbor, and a grassy parade ground that is ideal for taking a scenic walk. It is also said to be haunted by a ghost known as the “Lady in Black.” A museum features exhibits about the history of the fort, and ranger-guided tours are available. A number of shade trees near the fort offer wonderful picnic areas.
CAMP IN VIEW OF THE BOSTON SKYLINE – Island camping is a unique experience where you can be lulled to sleep listening to the surf and then wake to enjoy the sunrise over the harbor. A number of harbor islands offer camping, including Grape and Bumpkin Islands in the Hingham Bay area, and Peddocks Island, which features both campsites and yurts – wooden structures with vented windows and bunkbeds. But it’s Lovells Island that offers campers the truly surreal experience of rustic camping while enjoying an amazing view of the city skyline. The island is also close to the sites of legendary shipwrecks, and it has scenic walking trails, a remote beach, and the ruins of military gun batteries and bunkers.
EXPLORE SPECTACLE ISLAND – One of the harbor’s most popular islands, Spectacle Island, is a recreational gem. With more than 100 acres, including a hill 157 feet tall and several miles of trails boasting amazing views, Spectacle makes for a hiker’s paradise. The island is exceptionally family-friendly, as it is home to a visitor center with exhibits about the history and evolution of the island, a café, a gift shop, and gorgeous sandy beaches manned by lifeguards. It’s also very boater-friendly, with a marina that is open from May through Columbus Day.
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