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Posted or updated May 21, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a National Recreation Area in Massachusetts. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 0 campgrounds and 4 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.
Massachusetts National Recreation Area No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
About the park
“. . . where you can walk 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.”
Active alerts
1
Closures
0
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
4
Current alerts and closures
1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.
Entrance fees and passes
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Things to do
Art in the Park at the Boston Harbor Islands
Join our volunteers on the Boston Harbor Islands to create your very own piece of artwork!
15-30 Minutes Summer Pets allowed
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston African American National Historic Site by learning about the sites along the Black Heritage Trail Trail® here in Boston.
Year-round Pets allowed
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Become a Junior Ranger at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park!
Year-round
See all 17 things to do in Boston Harbor Islands →
Activities the NPS lists for Boston Harbor Islands.
Arts and CultureLive MusicBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingFishingSaltwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingLiving HistoryPaddlingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatching
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Operating hours
Boston Harbor Islands is a Partnership park. Operating hours and seasons vary. Visit bostonharborislands.org to plan your trip.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: The Boston Harbor Islands have a humid maritime climate characterized by slightly cooler temperatures than the mainland, so dress in layers.
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 6178193587
- [email protected]
- Address
- Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, Charlestown, MA 02129
- Coordinates
- 42.3091, -70.9394· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 9:30AM - 1:00PM · Fri 9:30AM - 1:00PM · Sat 9:30AM - 1:00PM · Sun 9:30AM - 1:00PM | 617-819-3587 | Yes |
| Georges Island Visitor Center | Daily: 10:30AM - 5:00PM | — | Yes |
| Peddocks Island Visitor Center | Mon 9:30AM - 5:30PM · Tue Closed · Wed 9:30AM - 5:30PM · Thu 9:30AM - 5:30PM · Fri 9:30AM - 5:30PM · Sat 9:30AM - 5:30PM · Sun 9:30AM - 5:30PM | — | Yes |
| Spectacle Island Visitor Center | Daily: 11:00AM - 5:30PM | — | Yes |
Campgrounds
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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More parks in Massachusetts
Adams National Historical ParkAppalachian National Scenic TrailBlackstone River Valley National Historical ParkBoston African American National Historic SiteBoston National Historical ParkCape Cod National SeashoreFrederick Law Olmsted National Historic SiteJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic SiteLongfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic SiteLowell National Historical ParkMinute Man National Historical ParkNew Bedford Whaling National Historical ParkAll in Massachusetts
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Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/boha/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.