Top Things to do in Massachusetts
Top Hotels in Massachusetts
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10 Islands in Massachusetts That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Brown's Bank, Little Brewster Island and Lighthouse, Crowninshield Island, Misery Islands, Castle Island, George's Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Thompson Island, Bumpkin Island, Peddocks Island.
Restaurants in Massachusetts
1. Brown's Bank
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
2. Little Brewster Island and Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Voyage through maritime history with a special three-lighthouse tour featuring close-up views of Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light – America’s first light station. Delve into history as you travel to the edge of Boston Harbor on an exciting 2-hour cruise and encounter three iconic lighthouses, and enjoy onboard narration provided by Boston Harbor Islands park staff and volunteers from the United States Coast Guard. Learn about the maritime traditions of Boston Harbor, enjoy unforgettable views of the park and city, and experience one of the most unique and historically significant ports in the country.
3. Crowninshield Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
This intimate outcropping features a short loop trail and is ideal for families, who can reach the island by boat or, at low tide, on foot across the shallows.
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, United States
This is fun. Crowninshield Island is opposite Beacon St. and Crowninshield Rd. in Marblehead. These are easy to find on a map. You can walk out there at low tide. There is a little public beach at the beginning of Crowninshield Rd. which is the easiest access on public land. Just walk into the ocean off the beach and it's maybe 300 yards to the island. Not much out there, a few trails. Go on a sunny summer weekend day and you'll have plenty of company, young and old. If hungry or thirsty you're about 1/2 mile from The Barnicle.
4. Misery Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Take a boat to Great Misery and enjoy memorable views of Salem Sound and the North Shore.
5. Castle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
The site of a fort erected in 1634, Castle Island is a great place to walk, jog or just unwind and enjoy the view.
Reviewed By Northern_Traveler00 - Boston, United States
12 months a year you can find us at Castle Island, enjoying the breezes (and winter winds) taking the approx 2 mile walk around Pleasure Bay and the old fort. Lunch (or breakfast) at Sullivan's is a great and inexpensive stop to enjoy a meal watching the planes and boats and people
6. George's Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Georges Island is home to historic Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort known for its graceful granite archways and reputed ghost, the Lady in Black. The fort and its grassy parade ground are a popular place for a scenic, low-stress walk. Take a ranger-guided tour or visit the new museum with exhibits about the history of the fort. Enjoy a picnic under the shade of a tree. Get exceptional views of the surrounding islands and Boston Light from the ramparts and east sea wall. Georges Island is a frequent stop for the island ferries and provides a jumping-off point for other islands. Georges Island opens upon the first ferry arrival in May and closes in October each year.
Reviewed By cohoman - Sammamish, United States
The visitor center has interesting information and civil war artifacts on display. The fort itself is massive with lots of rooms to explore. Great piece of American history. The ride over to the island but ferry was very pleasant. The only negative thing, was all the mosquitos on the island. My family were bit several times by A LOT of big mosquitos on our exposed legs, arms, and neck. Made the visit not so enjoyable. We ended up buying bug repellent from the gift shop and liberally spraying it all over our bodies. This was in August, so I don't know if mosquitos are a problem during other times of the year.
7. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
This National Park consists of 34 small islands just off shore in Boston Harbor. The most popular, George's Island, is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War Landmark that housed Confederate prisoners. Visitors to the 12 islands open for exploration can camp, kayak, tour lighthouses, ride harbor ferries, hike and swim.
Reviewed By jenray1 - Boston, United States
Everything about this trip was perfect, from the friendly and informative park rangers, to the entertaining boat captain, to the lighthouse keeper in period costume and the helpful Coast Guard Auxiliary on the island. Make sure to get a climbing ticket if you can, the actual light is gorgeous and the view is stunning. I have sailed in and around Boston Harbor for 20 years and still found this trip to be informative and great fun.
8. Thompson Island
9. Bumpkin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Small and picturesque, Bumpkin Island was home to Native Americans, a fish-drying operation, tenant farmers, a naval training camp, polio patients, and more. Now it’s a quiet camping destination, with ten smaller campsites (max. capacity 4 each) and one group campsite (max. capacity 25). Its slate and shell beaches and open areas make Bumpkin a relaxing place to wander. Walk trails lined with wildflowers. Explore the remains of a stone farmhouse and children’s hospital. Watch the sun rise from your campsite.
10. Peddocks Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Close to the mainland, Peddocks Island is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the harbor—featuring historic structures, hiking trails, unique geologic features, and even solar energy installations. One area is also still home to active cottages that serve as private residences. Hike around an island that has been home to American Indians, militiamen, prisoners of war, farmers, summer vacationers, and others. Explore an island that was home to Fort Andrews from the early 1900s through World War II.
