Spectacle Island

Island with beaches & visitor center

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Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

What’s new? Updated today

Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes

What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.

Once a dumping ground for Boston’s waste, Spectacle Island has undergone a stunning transformation into a 5-mile-long green retreat in the heart of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown, the island now boasts the highest point in the harbor, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

Visitors can hike five miles of scenic trails, relax on a lifeguarded sandy beach, or search for sea glass along the shore. Originally a 19th-century resort and later a landfill, Spectacle Island was capped and restored in the 1990s as part of the Big Dig, turning it into one of the most successful environmental reclamation projects in the U.S.

With ferry access from May to October, a visitor center, and plenty of space to picnic and explore, Spectacle Island is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the city while staying close to it.

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