Location: Boston
Top Things to do in Boston
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What to do and see in Boston, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Islands
Walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston and you'll quickly get a sense of this coastal city's revolutionary spirit and history. But make sure you also explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Isabella Stewart Gardner, featuring masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighborhoods (like the North End, Boston's Little Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, until you've watched a Red Sox game from the bleachers.
Restaurants in Boston
1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Thompson Island
5. 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.
6. Spectacle Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Just 20 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island is ideal for hiking, swimming, boating, and learning. Stop in at a “green” visitor center with exhibits about the history and evolution of the island. Go swimming on a sandy beach (one of the few on the islands) supervised by trained lifeguards in the summer. Take in panoramic views of the harbor and city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. The marina makes it a popular destination for boaters. Spectacle Island opens upon arrival of the first ferry in May and closes in October each year.
Reviewed By gks5m - Cambridge, United States
This is a good way to spend a few hours in the Boston Harbor. The ranger tour is interesting and gives you an overview of the history, wildlife and vegetation there. For really young kids, they have an activity booklet that they can do as they go around the island and if they complete enough activities they can get a badge. The ferry ride is pleasant and the island offers unbeatable views of the city and harbor.
7. Lovell's Island
8. Gallops Island
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
