Daytrip to Georges Island
Ferry rides to Boston Harbor Islands
Looking to head out and explore the outdoors? You can take a ferry to Georges Island to spend some time on the beach, hike the North Drumlin hill, and enjoy panoramic views of Boston on your trip.
Home to the historic Civil War-era Fort Warren, Georges Island is the ideal destination for any history enthusiast.
Georges Island is one of the 34 islands in the Boston Harbor, situated just over 7 miles from downtown Boston. The island is approximately 39 acres, and rises to a height of 50 feet above sea level. Historic Fort Warren is on the island, where you can enjoy both ranger-led guided tours, and self-guided tours.
Georges island is owned, maintained an staffed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The ferry trip takes about 45 minutes dock to dock, and departs from Long Wharf. (The departure dock from Boston is on the opposite side of the Marriott Hotel from where Codzilla, and the Aquarium are. Just cut through the lobby of the hotel and take a right to get to the proper departure dock.
A visitors center awaits you as you disembark from your ferry. Here you will find a small museum, a small climbing structure with slide, small snack bar (hot dogs, Italian ice) and tables to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch (that you'll need to bring with you. Grab some subs or lobster rolls before you board).
The island does has a strict carry on–carry off policy for trash, so keep a bag handy for carrying it out.
Upon arrival, visitors can follow the paths to the left or the right to explore the island. We like to pack sandwiches and treats and head over to one of a number of picnic tables. Many are protected by pavilions which is a nice feature on hot days.
You'll appreciate the views and the ample sea breezes as you relax on Georges Island.
Speaking of breezes - both Georges Island and Spectacle Island are great places to bring a kite to fly. Most days, there is no shortage of breeze, so you are almost sure to get your kite aloft at once.
Lots of wide open spaces are available for running and playing. There are often a large flock of Canadian Geese waddling around or lazing in the sunshine.
The island has fields for recreational use, occasionally used to feature Vintage Base Ball games, and twenty one mooring balls available to the public by reservation. Georges Island is served throughout the summer and early fall by ferries to and from Boston and by an MBTA ferry shuttle to and from Hingham.
The fort itself is really interesting to explore. You can opt to take a guided tour (usually at around 1:00pm) or you can meander on your own and discover the fort as you go. Helpful signs feature information about the different areas of the fort.
Fort Warren is a historic fort on the 28-acre Georges Island at the entrance to Boston Harbor. The fort is named for Revolutionary War hero Dr. Joseph Warren, who sent Paul Revere on his famous ride, and was later killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Built more than 150 years ago on Georges island, the fort was key to the coastal defense of a new nation. It was transformed into a prison during the Civil War, housing hundreds of Confederates within its granite walls, ordinary soldiers and high level politicians alike.
These loophole windows were between six to eight feet high, two to three feet wide on the inside, and six to seven inches wide from the outside.
Georges Island is similar in ways to Spectacle Island - the primary differences are the distance from Long Wharf (45 minute ferry ride vs. 30 minute ferry ride), and Fort Warren.
The beach area on Georges Island is small, and more of a suggestion than a beach.
AS you walk along the ramparts, you can see views of the Boston skyline across the harbor. It's easy to imagine the fort back in it's working days.
Below is a part of the former kitchen & bakery.
You can see how the fort has multiple levels.
Protective shelters for lookouts can be found on the corners of the fort.
During the summer, the ferry schedule hosts 2 morning rides to Georges Island (10am - 10:45am & 12:00pm - 12:45pm) and 2 afternoon rides back to Boston (1pm - 1:45pm & 3pm - 3:45pm). Visitors start lining up to board the ferry about 10 minutes prior to departure.
The island is open to the public May through October. Georges Island is a transportation hub, as inter-island ferries run from Georges to other islands in the park.
Fort Warren served our nation for more than 85 year as a vigilant sentinel in the harbor. It is now a public park located on an extraordinary island setting in Boston Harbor. Welcome to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
Check out our photo essay of a Daytrip to Spectacle Island for great ideas on what to see and do there. Visit the Boston Harbor Islands website for more info on the parks & ferries.
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area with the family.