Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park — Attraction in Boston

Historic waterfront National Park system consisting of inner and outer harbor islands. Much to see on this system of islands from forts with gun fortifications to unimproved rugged outcroppings of granite accessible by small boat or kayak relatively unspoiled and teaming with wildlife. From seals to deer swimming in the harbor. Yes I said deer. Was cruising behind long Island heading towards Rainsford Island and seen somethings swimming in the distance. Thought seals, birds, people though unlikely in that area. We swung in closer for a look and sure enough it was two deer. Guessing 6 to 8 months old swimming towards Rainsford. Turned away as we did not want to interrupt their apparent long swim from Long Island. I wonder what could have chased them from Long Island. We moved back in closer when we were sure they were going to make it to land. They were tired, but both made it up out of the water at Rainsford. Fresh fish for dinner easily obtained while sightseeing. Some areas are pretty rugged and wise to do your homework on access to some of these places but will send you back in time hundreds if not thousands of years. Very easy to imagine that on these untouched areas. Some hidden swimming beaches in some ice cold deep...

We took advantage of the free ferry weekend to visit Spectacle Island. Tickets were distributed at 8 am. We didn't make it in time but we're able to get a spot by waiting in the stand by line. We were around number 30-40 in line and made it to the ferry. This of course varries, so try to get there early for your free ferry ticket next year! Spectacle Island was kind of boring in my experience. The view of Boston is nice, but the trails are not that exciting. You can potentially walk the entire island in less than 2 hours. It's probably a good destination if you have kids. They have plenty of space for a picnic. They also had a live band playing at the visitor center. There was no shop for souvenirs, but you can get your National Parks Passport stamped there. There was a little shop selling snacks. The Island didn't have garbage bins, so be prepared to pack out everything that you bring. I'd like to visit one of the other islands in the future to check out their historic buildings. The best part of the visit was talking to a ranger and learning about the history of Spectacle Island. Definitely look for a ranger and...

So much natural beauty, so close to the city. I try to get out to the Islands at least once a summer. $15 round trip for the boat ride out and back. Once you get on the Islands most things are free and you can Island hop as much as you like. Last summer I took Island Yoga (free) on Spectacle Island. We got lunch at the cafe and walked a 5k on the trail paths. A short hike up the north drumlin reveals a marvelous view of the city skyline. Recently we rented a camp site on Lovells Island ($9 online) and experienced a gorgeous sunset over the city and brilliant sunrise over the Boston Light. On our way back we stopped at Georges Island and checked out Fort Warren which had some Civil War dress-up and a Berklee Music Fest going on complete with a beer garden. The Islands really have something...