With 34 islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands offer numerous
opportunities for visitors to explore, enjoy, and find respite. 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. Composed of eleven agencies, the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership
stewards the islands to ensure their open access and preservation for future
generations.

With 34 islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands offer numerous opportunities for visitors to explore, enjoy, and find respite. 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. Composed of eleven agencies, the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership stewards the islands to ensure their open access and preservation for future generations.

Enjoy beautiful summer sunsets during special evening programs on the islands.

Beach Dancing

The drumlin hills of Spectacle Island have some of the best views of Boston Harbor.

Spectacle Island

Watch the sunset from Boston Harbor Islands

Sunset Over Boston

Kayaking in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area

Kayaking Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Explore Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort, on Georges Island.

Fort Warren on Georges Island

Public ferries run to several of the islands, such as Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Islands.

Public Ferry on Boston Harbor

See Boston Light, the oldest light station in the country, during summer Lighthouse Cruises.

Boston Light

Boston Light's Fresnel lens still operates today, guiding ships into Boston Harbor.

Fresnel Lens of Boston Light

With public ferry access and campsites, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the nature and history of Peddocks Island.

Peddocks Island

Like many of the islands, Thompson Island (also known as Cathleen Stone Island) is home to many habitats, including salt marshes.

Salt Marshes on Thompson Island (Cathleen Stone Island)

One of the mainland parks, World's End provides easy walking paths and beautiful views of Hingham and Boston Harbor.

World's End

Harbor seals are just one of the many animals visitors might see while traversing Boston Harbor.

Seals in Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA). The islands provide an important site for long-term research, education, and bird conservation.

Common Eider

From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s
country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of
“heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned women” whose ideas and actions
helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation.

From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned women” whose ideas and actions helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation.

A large building with light gray siding, multiple windows with white trim and black shutters, and 3 chimneys. Blooming purple wisteria flowers grow on a vine up the side of the building. building covered with green vines and next to it a large home with gray siding, white trim, and black shutters. In the foreground is a garden with boxwoods.

The law office of John Adams inside the John Quincy Adams Birthplace.

A room with painted yellow floor, circular table in the middle with large broadside on top, standing 18th-century style desk and chair on the right, and bookcase and window on the left.

The Visitor Center, located at 1250 Hancock St., is a great place to start your day at Adams National Historical Park.

A sign that reads "Visitor Center" stands in front of a brick and glass office building with large windows. A National Park Service arrowhead hangs from the building.

The home where President John Adams was born in 1735.

A New England "saltbox" style home with brown wood siding.

The Stone Library at Peace field houses the books of John Quincy Adams and other family mementoes.

A dark room with tile floors, desks, and chairs. A long table sits at the center. Books on shelves line the walls.

The Birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams sit next to each other on Franklin Street.

Two New England "saltbox" style homes sit next to each other. Home on left has gray siding, white trim, and beige doors. Home on right has brown wooden siding and is surrounded by trees and shrubs. Between the buildings, a United States flag flies on a flagpole.

The Stone Library houses up to 14,000 books belonging to the Adams family.

Stone building with doorway on the right side, with vines covering it. There is a gold weathervane on the roof on the left side. Shrubs surround the building.

A view of Old House at Peace field and Stone Library from the formal garden.

A side view of two buildings. On the left, there is a small stone building covered with wisteria and next to it a large home with gray siding, white trim, and black shutters. In the foreground is a garden with boxwoods and a large yellowwood tree on the right.

The grounds of Peace field recall the rural character of the Adams family's farm and country estate.

A grassy field surrounded by trees with a horse chestnut tree and small pond on the right and a white greenhouse in the background.

The gardens at Peace field are constantly changing and always have something new to see.

A gravel path lined by small green leafy boxwood hedges, with blooming flowers to the sides of the path.

Adams National Historical Park

Explore Boston's revolutionary past as the "Cradle of Liberty." Discover how
this city birthed the American Revolution and stood at the forefront of later
social, political, and environmental revolutions. Boston National Historical
Park is a unique collaboration of federally, municipally, and privately owned
and operated historic sites associated with the colonial struggle for
independence and the birth and growth of the nation.

Explore Boston's revolutionary past as the "Cradle of Liberty." Discover how this city birthed the American Revolution and stood at the forefront of later social, political, and environmental revolutions. Boston National Historical Park is a unique collaboration of federally, municipally, and privately owned and operated historic sites associated with the colonial struggle for independence and the birth and growth of the nation.

During the summer, the park hosts Town Meeting programs in Faneuil Hall. These interactive programs allow visitors to participate in lively debate on a topic once debated in the Great Hall.

Town Meetings at Faneuil Hall

Commandant's House is the oldest structure in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Commandant's House

Rare image of rainbow was captured over Faneuil Hall

Rainbow over Faneuil Hall

Paul Revere House is a proud partner of Boston National Historical Park

Paul Revere House Sign

Established as one of the country's first naval shipyards, the Charlestown Navy Yard witnessed 174 years of shipbuilding. Today, it is home to USS CONSTITUTION and USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793).

Charlestown Navy Yard

The Bunker Hill Monument with a flag display for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Bunker Hill Monument 250

Opened in 1902, the Bunker Hill Lodge has served as a gateway to the Bunker Hill Monument.

Bunker Hill Lodge

As the historic town meeting space, Faneuil Hall has been home to celebrations and commemorations, as well as debates and protests.

Faneuil Hall

2.5 miles in length, the Freedom Trail weaves through downtown Boston and Charlestown, highlighting significant historical landmarks.

Freedom Trail Medallion

Learn about Paul Revere's midnight ride with historic sites in the North End of Boston.

Paul Revere and Old North Church

Dedicated on March 17, 1902, this Georgian Revival Style tower commemorates the fortification of Dorchester Heights during the Revolutionary War, which led to the British evacuation of the city.

Dorchester Heights Monument

USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793) served during World War II and the Cold War. Today, it lives at the Charlestown Navy Yard as a museum ship.

USS Cassin Young (DD-793)

The Old South Meeting House is home to the famous debates that lead to the destruction of the tea in 1773. Today, Revolutionary Spaces stewards this site and the Old State House down the street.

Old South Meeting House

Boston National Historical Park

Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community of
1800s Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and
injustice. These remarkable men and women, together with their allies, were
leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War,
and the early struggle for equal rights and education.

Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community of 1800s Boston led the city and the nation in the fight against slavery and injustice. These remarkable men and women, together with their allies, were leaders in the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the early struggle for equal rights and education.

This is the home of education activist, abolitionist, and historian William Cooper Nell.

The William Cooper Nell House

Many notable Black and White leaders spoke at the African Meeting House, including Maria Stewart, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison.

The African Meeting House

Flowers laid at the feet of the soldiers on the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial.

Flowers at the Shaw Memorial

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial honors Colonel Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th, the first African American regiment from the North to fight in the Civil War.

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

Lewis and Harriet Hayden used their home as an Underground Railroad safe house to shelter those running away from slavery.

The Lewis and Harriet Hayden House

For over 275 years, Bostonians have gathered in Faneuil Hall to assert their rights and to work for a better future.

Faneuil Hall in Spring

The Museum of African American History stewards the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School.

Museum of African American History

The African Meeting House served as the religious, educational, and political center of Boston's Black community in the 1800s.

African Meeting House

Bostonians commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create the memorial to the 54th Regiment and its colonel. Dedicated in 1897, the memorial has served as a powerful reminder of sacrifice for the cause of liberty.

Faces of the 54th Regiment

Built in 1787, this structure is one of the oldest standing homes on Beacon Hill. George Middleton (1735-1815) served in the American Revolution and became a Prince Hall Mason.

George Middleton House

Opened in 1835, the Abiel Smith School served as a segregated public school for Black American students in Boston.

Abiel Smith School

Boston African American National Historic Site

Once called, "Quinobequin" by native Indians, Captain John Smith renamed the
area for Charles I of England. The winding river rambles for 80 miles from its
headwaters, covers an area of over 300 square miles and is the most densely
populated river basin in New England. The area provides for wetlands and
wildlife and recreation activities. For up-to-date information, call (508)
278-2511.

Once called, "Quinobequin" by native Indians, Captain John Smith renamed the area for Charles I of England.  The winding river rambles for 80 miles from its headwaters, covers an area of over 300 square miles and is the most densely populated river basin in New England.  The area provides for wetlands and wildlife and recreation activities.  For up-to-date information, call (508) 278-2511.

Charles River

JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to be
president. Yet in his birthplace home he learned values that inspired a life
in public service. His mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated her family’s first home
to share her memories of those early years with visitors. We commemorate not
only his early life, but the ideas and principles he left behind.

JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to be president.  Yet in his birthplace home he learned values that inspired a life in public service. His mother, Rose Kennedy, recreated her family’s first home to share her memories of those early years with visitors. We commemorate not only his early life, but the ideas and principles he left behind.

Photograph of the birthplace of John F. Kennedy on Beals st. in Brookline, MA

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

The Kennedy christening gown on a stand next to the bassinet in which all the Kennedy children slept, at the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site.

Nursery

The dining table is set with the fine china and silver that Rose Kennedy received as a wedding present.

Kennedy Dining Room

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American
landscape architecture and the nation's foremost parkmaker. Olmsted moved his
home to suburban Boston in 1883 and established the world's first full-scale
professional office for the practice of landscape design. During the next
century, his sons and successors perpetuated Olmsted's design ideals,
philosophy, and influence.

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape architecture and the nation's foremost parkmaker. Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston in 1883 and established the world's first full-scale professional office for the practice of landscape design. During the next century, his sons and successors perpetuated Olmsted's design ideals, philosophy, and influence.

Fairsted, the home and office of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.

Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

Landscape Architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed the Hollow on his Brookline, MA property to be a peaceful, picturesque sunken garden.

The Hollow

A box of colored pencils and a draftsmen's handbook sit on a table in the drafting room. These materials reflect the period during which Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. was the senior partner in the Brookline, MA landscape architecture firm.

Drafting Table

Fairsted's Plant Room was the Olmsted family's favorite room in the house. With the rock walls and large windows to view the South Lawn, it was the perfect mix of interior and exterior.

Plant Room

Fairsted's South Lawn served as an apple orchard for the previous owners, but the Olmsted's turned it into a sprawling open lawn where they hosted gatherings.

South Lawn

The Vault at Fairsted houses over one million pieces of paper, dating from Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.'s time to 1979, when the firm closed.

Vault

The Drafting Department housed the most office employees, with drafting being a crucial stage in a landscape design project.

Drafting Department

In nearly one hundred years of active practice, the Olmsted office would produce sixty thousand images, all stored in wooden boxes along the walls

Photo Records Room

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves a
remarkable Georgian house whose occupants shaped our nation. It was a site of
colonial enslavement and community activism, George Washington’s first long-
term headquarters of the American Revolution, and the place where Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his canon of 19th-century American literature.

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves a remarkable Georgian house whose occupants shaped our nation. It was a site of colonial enslavement and community activism, George Washington’s first long-term headquarters of the American Revolution, and the place where Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his canon of 19th-century American literature.

The Longfellow study table is cluttered with books and writing implements. The black "Chestnut Tree Chair" was a gift to Henry Longfellow in honor of his poem, "The Village Blacksmith."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Study

Special events create fun for all ages.

Fun for All Ages

The Longfellows' iconic front entry features a bust of Washington at the turn of the stairs

Front Hall

The Longfellow Family Garden provides a peaceful getaway in the heart of Cambridge.

Longfellow Family Garden

Elm trees frame the front facade of the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House.

Front Facade

Each year is highlighted by the Summer Festival on the house's east lawn.

Summer Festival Concert

New fallen snow blankets the historic mansion.

Winter at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Vibrant colors abound throughout the year in the Longfellow Family Garden.

Thousands tour the historic headquarters of George Washington and home of Henry Longfellow each summer.

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Henry Longfellow's Study

Longfellow Summer Arts Festival

Guided tour of the Longfellow House

Guided tour in the Library

Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary
happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special
skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre
National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a
historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

A view of Saugus Iron Works from the Saugus River

Saugus Iron Works Landscape

The forge is where bars of pig iron created at the blast furnace were changed into a new kind of iron that a blacksmith was able to use.

Iron Forge

The blast furnace is where bog ore was smelted to create cast iron "pig" bars.

Blast Furnace

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a wild ocean place near an urban
world, sits east of Boston, Massachusetts between Cape Ann and Cape Cod.
Historically important as a fishing ground, the sanctuary now reigns as a
premier whale watching destination and continues to support commercial and
recreational fishing. Its shipwrecks serve as time capsules of our nation's
maritime history. Visitors can enjoy this wild ocean near an urban area by
whale watching, bird watching, diving, and fishing.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a wild ocean place near an urban world, sits east of Boston, Massachusetts between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Historically important as a fishing ground, the sanctuary now reigns as a premier whale watching destination and continues to support commercial and recreational fishing. Its shipwrecks serve as time capsules of our nation's maritime history. Visitors can enjoy this wild ocean near an urban area by whale watching, bird watching, diving, and fishing.

Gulls land on a humpback whale in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Humpback whale in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the
United States, Salem Maritime National Historical Park consists of nine acres
of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as
a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park
preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and
global stories.

Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historical Park consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global stories.

Park Waterfront & Vessel Friendship of Salem

Friendship of Salem

This Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices for the officers of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse, the Public Stores, used for the storage of bonded and impounded cargo.

Custom House

The Derby Wharf Light Station has aided navigation in Salem Harbor since it was first lit in 1871.

Derby Wharf Light

Built in 1762 as a wedding present, the Derby House was the home of Elias Hasket Derby (1739-1799) and Elizabeth Crowninshield Derby (1727-1799) for the first twenty years of their marriage.