With so many amazing things to do in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, the area has become a popular tourist attraction for families and friends who are looking for a truly great vacation. One stop that you must visit when you are here is the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area close to Quincy area.
People of all ages are sure to enjoy a visit to this breathtaking place. Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation and learning.
A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to the closest Harbor Island, located less than 4 miles from departure wharf in downtown Boston. All the Islands are 10 miles of Boston. The islands dot the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, and extend into Massachusetts Bay, where the tiny island Graves boasts the tallest lighthouse in Boston Harbor.
Close by to another favorite attraction, The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the islands are a must visit location for everyone for everything from ferry cruises to a whale watching. Explore more historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, hiking trails, and great spots for picnics, photographs, and bird-watching…plus guided tours conducted by Park Rangers.
Most of the 34 Harbor Islands as well as the peninsulas, except for Castle Island and Spinnaker Island, make up the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, which also includes two additional peninsulas, Web Memorial Park and World’s End. Nineteen of the Harbor Islands, including The Graves, are officially part of the City of Boston.
This beautiful recreation area is a truly unique urban wilderness and the largest recreation area in metro Boston, with plenty of lush hiking trails, nature watching and water sports. The islands are also rich in history, each with its very own unique story to tell. Come discover these “hidden” treasures today in your own backyard.