Spectacle Island Visitors Center

Spectacle Island Visitors Center

The Spectacle Island Visitor Center is open when the public ferry service to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is operating (usually mid-May through Columbus Day). The first ferry of the day arrives around 9:30 AM during the summer and at 11:30 AM the rest of the season. The Visitor Center remains open until 5 PM.

The history of Spectacle Island is presented on large information panels. Topics include Native American habitation of the island, the island’s ecology, living on the island in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the industries that once operated here, and how Spectacle Island was transformed from a landfill into the park it is today.

It now functions as a park for the public to explore. Enjoy a day of hiking, listen to the sweet sounds of a jazz concert, or take in the breathtaking views from the top of North Drumlin. Ferry Schedule Accessibility Information Coordinates 42°19’27.5″N 70°59’09.1″W Size 114 ACRES Location 4 MILES FROM BOSTON Park Amenities Visitor Center Restrooms. Harbor island with a seasonal ferry service, sandy beaches, marina, visitor center & city views.

Spectacle Island is a 114-acre island in Boston Harbor, 4 miles offshore of downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is part of the city of Boston. The island has a varied history, and today is a public park with a marina, visitor center, cafe, lifeguarded swimming beach, and five miles of walking trails, forming part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It is served all year by ferries from Boston, and on weekends and summer weekdays by a shuttle boat to and from nearby islands.