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Travel Information |
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston, MA
Description: Boston Harbor Islands include 34 islands situated within the Greater Boston shoreline, rich in natural and cultural resources. Explore tide pools, walk through a Civil War era fort, climb a lighthouse, hike lush trails and salt marshes, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking, or swimming...all within reach of downtown Boston. Dominated by Fort Warren, a National Historic Landmark, Georges Island is the center of transportation to the islands. The island is 53 acres at low tide. Seven miles from downtown Boston, Georges Island contains a large dock, picnic grounds, open fields, paved walkways, a parade ground, and a gravel beach. Guided tours of historic Fort Warren are offered. Georges also has the only food service on the islands—a snack bar. Transit Directions:  Ferries leave from Long Wharf in Boston, Quincy Shipyard in Quincy, and Pemberton Point in Hull. For up-to-date schedule information, visit http://www.bostonislands.org/trip_getthere.html or call 617-222-6999. Ranger Tips:  Did you know one of the largest waste-water treatment plants in the country is on Deer Island? The Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant treats waste that is pumped in from 43 communities in the Greater Boston Area. While sludge was dumped into the harbor in the past, today the harbor water is clean and 12 digesters 130 feet tall help turn the waste into a useable fertilizer product. Did you know Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor is the site of the oldest light station in America? The first lighthouse was built on the island in 1716, but that structure was destroyed by British soldiers on June 13, 1776. The present lighthouse was erected in 1783, and is still staffed year-round by the United States Coast Guard. Travel Tips: The islands can be reached by private craft or ferry, and a free water taxi runs between them. Ferries leave from Long Wharf in Boston, Quincy Shipyard in Quincy, and Pemberton Point in Hull. Ferries to Georges Island also stop at Logan Airport. Ferry destinations and schedules change seasonally. For up-to-date schedule information, visit http://www.bostonislands.org/trip_getthere.html or call 617-222-6999. Departing from Long Wharf, Boston
2 Long Wharf (foot of State St.)Boston, MA 02110-3602 Description: Ferries to Georges Island depart from the Harbor Express dock at Long Wharf. Transit Directions: Take the MBTA (Blue Line) to Aquarium Station. Follow the signs for the New England Aquarium exit, which will take you to Long Wharf. Look for the Harbor Express dock, where you can purchase tickets for the ferry to Georges Island. Driving Directions:  Although is it possible to reach Long Wharf by car, it is strongly suggested that visitors use public transit, due to the difficulties of driving and parking in Boston. From the South: 1. From I-93 northbound, take Exit #23: “Government Center/North End/Aquarium/Quincy Market.” The ramp joins the surface streets at North Street. 2. At the end of the ramp turn left, then take the next available left and follow to Atlantic Avenue. 3. Long Wharf is 3 blocks ahead on the left. From the West: 1. From I-90 (Mass. Turnpike) eastbound, take Exit #24A: “South Station.” 2. At the stoplight at the end of the ramp, go straight. This is Atlantic Avenue. 3, Long Wharf is 5 blocks ahead on right. From the North: 1. From I-93 southbound, take Exit #24A: “Government Center.” 2. Take the right fork, then the left fork (signposted “Aquarium”) to Atlantic Avenue. 3. Follow Atlantic Avenue to its intersection with Milk Street (3 blocks/3 traffic lights). 4. Long Wharf is on your left. From the Northeast: 1. Take MA-1A Southbound to the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90 West). 2. Take Exit #25-24 to I-93 North. 3. Take Exit #23: “Government Center, North End, Aquarium, Quincy Market.” 4. At end of ramp turn, then take the next available left and follow to Atlantic Avenue. 5. Long Wharf is 3 blocks ahead on the left. Parking is generally expensive in downtown Boston. Several commercial parking garages are located near Long Wharf: 75 State Street, Rowes Wharf, Harbor Garage, Dock Square Garage (Faneuil Hall). Rates vary among garages. Travel Tips: For up-to-date ferry schedule information, visit http://www.bostonislands.org/trip_getthere.html or call 617-222-6999. Back to Top Departing from Quincy Shipyard
703 Washington St.Quincy, MA 02169 Description: Ferries to Georges Island and Long Wharf, Boston depart from Quincy Shipyard. Transit Directions: Take the MBTA Red Line to Quincy Center Station. From Quincy Center, change to MBTA Bus 220 to Hingham Center. Get off at Quincy Shipyard. Driving Directions: From the North: 1. From I-93 southbound, take Exit #12 (“Route 3A/Neponset/Quincy”). 2. Pass under the highway. 3. Cross the Neponset River Bridge, staying to the left, onto Quincy Shore Drive. 4. Drive to the end of Quincy Shore Drive, to Sea Street. 5. Turn right onto Sea Street. 6. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Southern Artery. 7. Stay on Southern Artery until the intersection with Washington Street (MA-3A). 8. Turn left at the traffic lights onto MA-3A south. 9. Approx. one mile south, you will come to a rotary. Look to your right for “Harbor Express” and “USS Salem” signs. 10. Enter the rotary, take the first exit, and follow the access road to the parking lot in front of the Harbor Express office. From the South: 1. From MA-3 northbound, take Exit 16 toward Weymouth. 2. Merge onto Main Street (MA-18 N). 3. Merge left onto MA-53/Washington Street. Follow MA-53 for approx. 2 miles. 4. Turn right onto Howard Street (immediately after a railroad crossing). 5. Follow the perimeter of the shipyard, turning slightly right onto South Street. 6. Turn right onto Washington Street (MA-3A North). 7. Enter the rotary, take the first exit, and follow the access road to the parking lot in front of the Harbor Express office. There is a parking lot at the ferry terminal: daily parking is $2.00 and overnight parking is $6.00 Travel Tips: Adams National Historical Park visitor trolleys also stop at Quincy Shipyard. For up-to-date ferry schedule information, visit http://www.bostonislands.org/trip_getthere.html or call 617-222-6999. Back to Top Departing from Pemberton Point, Hull
Main StreetHull, MA 02045 Description: Ferries to Georges Island depart from Pemberton Point in Hull. Transit Directions: Pemberton Point, Hull is not easily accessible by transit. Driving Directions: The Harbor Express docks at Long Wharf and Quincy are closer to most locations; the drive to Hull can be very long if coming from the North or West. From the North or South, follow the directions to the Georges Island (via the Quincy Shipyard). When you reach the rotary where the Quincy Shipyard is located, follow these directions: 1. Enter the rotary from Washington Street, proceed 180 degrees, and continue on MA-3A North. 2. Cross over a large bridge and continue east on MA-3A for approx. 6 miles to a rotary beside Hingham Harbor. 3. Proceed 180 degrees around to Summer Street, leaving MA-3A (you will see a sign for the Second District Court). 4. From Summer Street, bear left onto Washington Boulevard, following the signs to Hull. 5. Washington merges with Nantasket Avenue, which in turn becomes Main Street. 6. Go to the very end and the Harbor Express dock is on the left. You will have driven approx. 7 miles from the turn for Summer Street. Free parking is available at Hull High School (180 Main Street) across the street from the ferry terminal. Travel Tips: For up-to-date ferry schedule information, visit http://www.bostonislands.org/trip_getthere.html or call 617-222-6999. Back to Top |