While Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is water-oriented, none of the islands or peninsula parks are true swimming destinations. The beaches are all gravel, so you need either tough feet or water shoes to have any chance of enjoying yourself. Unless you are already camping on one of the islands, why spend the time and money to travel out to an island to swim when you can swim on the mainland without hassle on similar or better beaches?
Only Spectacle Island has a designated swimming beach with a lifeguard (late June through Labor Day weekend), and the area is not very big. It consists of a gravel beach, lifeguard stand, changing rooms, and outdoor rinse-off showers. A modern restroom is located inside the Spectacle Island Visitor Center, which is just a stone’s throw away. If you get hungry, there is a food vendor as well.
Georges Island is the only island where swimming is not allowed. The rest of the islands within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area—aside from those closed to visitors—allow swimming at your own risk as long as you stay away from boat areas and keep within fifteen feet of the shore.
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Last updated on January 21, 2024