Address: 66 Long Wharf Pricing: Free on June 14 and July 16. Adults $14, kids $8 Phone: 617-223-8666 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended hours beginning June 19 How To Get There:
Near the Blue Line's Aquarium T stop and within walking distance from the Green Line's Government Center T stop and the Orange's Line's State Street stop.
Parking: arage parking is available near Long Wharf.
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Boston Harbor Islands: Free ferry service for day trippers
The heat is on but don't let the warmer temperatures burn a hole in your wallet.
The Boston Harbor Island Alliance kicks off its 2010 season of programs and activities this month and on Monday, June 14 and Friday, July 16 the group is offering “Free Ferry Days,” when ferry service to the Boston Harbor's Spectacle and Georges Islands is on the house.
Yep, it's a free ride for two-days only courtesy of the Solomon and Highland Street foundations.
“Free Ferry Day” on Monday, June 14 is just the beginning in a series of no-cost outdoor concerts, walking tours, educational programs and other events offered throughout the Boston Harbor Island national park area until October.
In addition to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming, fishing and boating, the program offers a slew of ways for Boston-area residents and tourists to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the perks that the Boston Harbor Islands have to offer.
“The City of Boston is fortunate to have this terrific natural resource in our backyard,” says Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino in a release. “Boston Harbor Island Alliance continues to do a remarkable job of bringing activities for children, families and tourists to explore the harbor islands. As we mark the opening of the 2010 season, I hope every Boston resident and visitor takes advantage of this amazing natural resource and visits the islands.”
Boston Harbor Islands national park area is a recreational park that includes 34 islands just minutes from Boston. The park offers families, individuals and groups unique island experiences of fun, adventure, or relaxation. Visitors enjoy boat rides to island destinations that offer hiking trails, beaches, camping, natural and historic sites, and activities and tours led by park rangers.
One of the most accessible islands from downtown, Georges Island is also one of the most visited. Spanning just over 39 acres in size, this island is home to Fort Warren, built in 1847 and utilized as a Confederate prison during WWII. George's is open to the public May through October and is a popular destination for school groups and tourists. Picnics and beach use are prevalent in this Boston Harbor haunt, although a strict carry-on and carry-off trash policy is enforced.
Spectacle Island is situated four miles offshore of downtown Boston. The island is now composed of two artificial earth mounds, terraced with retaining walls, roads and newly planted vegetation. With a height above sea level of 157 feet, Spectacle Island is now one of the Boston Harbor's highest points.
Sam Baltrusis has worked for WHDH.com, Spike-TV, VH1, Independent News, Seventeen, Newsweek, and as a regional stringer for The New York Times. He's currently a full-time freelance editor and writer in Boston, where he's an instructor for Mediabistro.com and contributes to various regional publications including Boston Spirit Magazine. Sam also publishes a successful pop culture site, LoadedGunBoston.com, and was recently featured on WCVB-TV's "Chronicle" and Boston's NPR affiliate WBUR.
On Monday, June 14 and Friday, July 16 the alliance is offering “Free Ferry Days,” when ferry service to the Boston Harbor's Spectacle and Georges Islands is on the house (photo courtesy Boston Harbor Island Alliance).
Situated four miles offshore from downtown, Spectacle Island is now one of the Boston Harbor's highest points (photo courtesy BHIA).
One of the most accessible islands from downtown, Georges Island is also one of the most visited (photo courtesy BHIA).
