happyly approved

Spectacle Island

Spectacle Island, Boston, MA

Dawn-Dusk

$$

swim, water-activities, hikes

Just a quick 30 minute ferry ride from Boston, Spectacle Island provides a nice, active day trip from the city.

The Visitors' Center features a bathroom, picnic tables, park rangers, exhibits about the island, Adirondack chairs on the covered front porch, and a snack bar.

Kayaks can be rented and the beach – complete with lifeguards – does allow swimming. The island's perimeter (just over 1.5 miles) makes for the perfect hike for little legs, and we love to plan scavenger hunts for bugs and flowers along the way, not to mention the wonderful views of Boston.

Keep in mind the park requires that you carry off what you carried on so that visitors practice Leave No Trace, so if you have garbage you will need to pack it out with you. 

Features

Restrooms Good for All Ages Has Food Seasonal
Thoughtfully captured by:
Jennifer de Merode
The Head of Accounting and Boston Ambassador, Jenny has been living in Boston for almost 10 years. Before Boston, she lived in Washington, DC for 8 years, and previous to that grew up on Long Island, NY. Along the way, she spent a few months in Amsterdam with her family biking all around and exploring that beautiful city! Jenny has always enjoyed being active - from organized sports to jogging, and of course, being in the garden as much as possible when the weather is cooperative. She tries to include her children in all of her active hobbies. With two toddler boys, ages 3 and 5, she and her husband spend their time discovering new places and things to do in the New England area. Spending time outdoors in all types of weather and encouraging her children to love all seasons is very important to her - and so is helping and encouraging others to do the same. Jenny and her family love spending time at the beach, traveling, taking walks and hikes, and of course, finding new playgrounds!
More activities by Jennifer
Part of the Mass Audubon Society, this truly special spot has plenty of hiking, and birds who will eat right out of your hand.
A pizza place and bowling alley!
Three stories of fun!

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