The Boston Harbor Islands make a great day-trip, especially for families: boat cruise, beach swim, walking, picnicking, even climbing on the walls of a great fortress.

Bonus: the special feeling of being on an island.

Bird's eye view of Boston Harbor & its Islands.
Lower right: Logan Airport.

Best destinations for an island cruise are two of the largest: George's Island and Spectacle Island, both part of Boston National Historical Park. You can visit them both in an easy day's cruising.

View of Boston from Fort Warren, George's Island...

Ferryboats to the islands depart from Boston's Long Wharf, on the east side of the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel (map). To avoid disappointment, reserve your tickets online. You will have to decide on a departure time for your trip to the islands, and also the time of your return voyage.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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