A coastal playground just minutes from downtown, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is a breathtaking collection of 34 islands and peninsulas offering a mix of nature, history, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring Civil War-era Fort Warren on Georges Island, the eerie WWII ruins of Fort Andrews on Peddocks Island, or hiking to the best skyline views on Spectacle Island, each island tells a unique story.

History lovers can visit Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, the oldest lighthouse station in the U.S., or explore sites once home to Native American settlements, colonial forts, and even 19th-century quarantine hospitals. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak through quiet coves, hike scenic trails, or relax on sandy beaches like those on Lovells and Gallops Islands.

With ferry access from Boston and Hingham, plus some islands reachable by car, the Boston Harbor Islands offer an unforgettable escape—right in the city’s backyard.