Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island
4.3
About
Just 20 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island is ideal for hiking, swimming, boating, and learning. Stop in at a “green” visitor center with exhibits about the history and evolution of the island. Go swimming on a sandy beach (one of the few on the islands) supervised by trained lifeguards in the summer. Take in panoramic views of the harbor and city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. The marina makes it a popular destination for boaters. Spectacle Island opens upon arrival of the first ferry in May and closes in October each year.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
122 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
41
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Caty T
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
Spectacle island was such a great relaxing adventure for me and my sons ages 7 and 4. We hiked, swam, combed the beach for treasure, had ice cream and they completed an activity book to become Jr rangers (a total highlight for my 7 yr old)
There is an Ice cream and snack person (finesse hospitality) named Dante who gave us some great tips about the island and even GAVE my boys his really nice mono scope which they are obsessed with.
Nice rangers too. You should go!
There is an Ice cream and snack person (finesse hospitality) named Dante who gave us some great tips about the island and even GAVE my boys his really nice mono scope which they are obsessed with.
Nice rangers too. You should go!
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Island139
Boston, MA69 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Due to Covid, the showers, snack bar etc are closed, but it's still worth visiting. Round trip ferry from Boston is $25. Great trails and a small beach area plus boat docks and moorings. Gorgeous views of Boston Harbor if you climb the trails. The beach area is rocky so if you have reef shoes wear them.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bostonirish
framingham,ma1 contribution
My family and I took advantage of the beautiful weather to take a day trip from Framingham to Boston,and took the ferry out to the Boston Harbor Islands Spectacle Island.It is so hard to imagine that this was a dumping ground!We spent a great day sunning, walking the shoreline,and enjoying the view from the veranda of the visitors center,and bemoaning the fact that we hadn't brought swimsuits. We met the island's caretaker,and his dog,Max,an amiable golden retriever who was more than happy to greet any and all visitors. We enjoyed it so much,we have planned a return trip this week.Next time,we hope to visit Georges Island as well.Bring sunscreen,cooler/snacks,hat,etc,
We were pleasantly surprised,the restrooms were very clean,island rangers friendly and informative,and the island beautiful with amazing views.It is not very busy midweek,so its a great time to go,bring the kids,your camera,and something to carry out any trash from snacks you may buy on-island,you need to carry out what you carry in.
We were pleasantly surprised,the restrooms were very clean,island rangers friendly and informative,and the island beautiful with amazing views.It is not very busy midweek,so its a great time to go,bring the kids,your camera,and something to carry out any trash from snacks you may buy on-island,you need to carry out what you carry in.
Written July 15, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BLM10
New Jersey36 contributions
Aug 2020
I thought this island would be nice to visit with the views of boston harbor, beach access and walking trails.
I didn't realize that this island was actually a garbage landfil turned "park". There isn't much shade on the island as most vegetation are low shrubs with lots of Blackberry bushes along the trials. The ride across the harbor would have been nice if it wasn't a cloudy and cool day . You had to wear masks at all times and socially distance. There are picnic tables throughout the island which was convenient but again, no shade. The island isn't very big and you can walk the whole island in about an hour. Beach areas on one side of island is ok and saw families with kids go into the water so I'm guessing it was warm enough and clean enough. On the positive side, it is close to boston and a nice outing if you are looking for more nature.
I didn't realize that this island was actually a garbage landfil turned "park". There isn't much shade on the island as most vegetation are low shrubs with lots of Blackberry bushes along the trials. The ride across the harbor would have been nice if it wasn't a cloudy and cool day . You had to wear masks at all times and socially distance. There are picnic tables throughout the island which was convenient but again, no shade. The island isn't very big and you can walk the whole island in about an hour. Beach areas on one side of island is ok and saw families with kids go into the water so I'm guessing it was warm enough and clean enough. On the positive side, it is close to boston and a nice outing if you are looking for more nature.
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruj
Watertown17 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
It's nice island for picnic with kids. Can spend here 2-3 hours.boston views are nice. The water was cold to swim in. There is only one cafe on the island and it was running short of everything tight from drinks to chips!I did find it a bit expensive to come to this island since there is not much we could do
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reservationfor2
Acton, MA173 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
We took friends from out of town on this Sunset Harbor Cruise/Summer Shack clambake because we wanted to squeeze in dinner and a harbor cruise. Perfect right? My review is "very good" but because of the overall experience, definitely not the food.
Some basic facts: It's 3 hours door to door (6:30 - 9:30) and we paid about $85 per person which includes full menu and 2 drink tickets. Some long standing blue law means you can only get two tickets for the entire time. If you buy the meal without alcohol price comes down to $80. Not much of a savings. Hmmm...hey kids...give Auntie your drink tickets.
The good news: this is a quick trip (15-20 minutes) and a nice little cruise out to the island. There's a bar on the boat and the receding Boston Skyline is always fun for out-of-towners and locals alike. While you are on a full boat that is bit cramped it's not unbearable given the short ride. Once you disembark you are free to roam about. The Summer Shack is set up right off the dock area so if you want to just find a seat and chill out you don't have to go gallivanting around. One tip, we got drinks as we were getting off the boat so we didn't have to deal with lines at the Shack. The island is really nice and when you turn back around you get to see a view of the city many of us are not accustomed to. Sunset over the skyline. It was really a treat. In terms of seating you have limited options. There is a large tented area with picnic tables abutting the building. We're not 'crowd' lovers so opted for one of the stand alone picnic tables along the walkway. The staff bring you your food so need to go back to the main area.
The bad news: the Summer Shack continued its reputation of being overpriced and mediocre. While I hate to say it...even bad. The whole meal, lobster, potatoes, chorizo, corn, mussels, steamers etc is all dropped in a sack of netting and cooked together. Rather ingenious when serving such multitudes. By the time it gets to you though it's no longer warm and the quality is just ok and I'm being kind.
The final assessment however is that we all had fun. While you could absolutely make a better clambake in your own back yard the experience of the island and the boat were worth it. Our friends had two teenage daughters who loved it and it was a very relaxed nice way to spend the evening. The ride back into the city with the skyline lit up was a perfect way to end the evening.
The views were incredible and the staff was excellent. I would definitely recommend this if you're ok with mediocre food but want to give out of town guests a fun night and some nice memories.
Some basic facts: It's 3 hours door to door (6:30 - 9:30) and we paid about $85 per person which includes full menu and 2 drink tickets. Some long standing blue law means you can only get two tickets for the entire time. If you buy the meal without alcohol price comes down to $80. Not much of a savings. Hmmm...hey kids...give Auntie your drink tickets.
The good news: this is a quick trip (15-20 minutes) and a nice little cruise out to the island. There's a bar on the boat and the receding Boston Skyline is always fun for out-of-towners and locals alike. While you are on a full boat that is bit cramped it's not unbearable given the short ride. Once you disembark you are free to roam about. The Summer Shack is set up right off the dock area so if you want to just find a seat and chill out you don't have to go gallivanting around. One tip, we got drinks as we were getting off the boat so we didn't have to deal with lines at the Shack. The island is really nice and when you turn back around you get to see a view of the city many of us are not accustomed to. Sunset over the skyline. It was really a treat. In terms of seating you have limited options. There is a large tented area with picnic tables abutting the building. We're not 'crowd' lovers so opted for one of the stand alone picnic tables along the walkway. The staff bring you your food so need to go back to the main area.
The bad news: the Summer Shack continued its reputation of being overpriced and mediocre. While I hate to say it...even bad. The whole meal, lobster, potatoes, chorizo, corn, mussels, steamers etc is all dropped in a sack of netting and cooked together. Rather ingenious when serving such multitudes. By the time it gets to you though it's no longer warm and the quality is just ok and I'm being kind.
The final assessment however is that we all had fun. While you could absolutely make a better clambake in your own back yard the experience of the island and the boat were worth it. Our friends had two teenage daughters who loved it and it was a very relaxed nice way to spend the evening. The ride back into the city with the skyline lit up was a perfect way to end the evening.
The views were incredible and the staff was excellent. I would definitely recommend this if you're ok with mediocre food but want to give out of town guests a fun night and some nice memories.
Written September 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
w81minute
Concord, NH246 contributions
Aug 2011 • Business
I visited the island for a work outing on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by how pretty the island was. I parked for $35 at the Boston Harbor Garage located @ 299 Milk Street. I could have found a cheaper place to park but this was located right next to the aquariam and warf so I opted to pay the high price for the convenience. The ferry was on-time, clean and comfortable. We arrived after a 10-15 minute ride which offered beautiful views of the harbor. The welcome center has island history, photo's, beach glass, restrooms and snack shack. There are a dozen or so picinic tables right near the welcome center and also scattered up the winding path to the top of the island. The views from the island were amazingly pretty on a perfect summer day! I think the island offers something for everone, a small beach area for swimming or exploring the shoreline, nature hiking trails with beatiful views, comfortable chairs located at the welcome center if you just want to enjoy the view in the shade and a snack shack for something to nibble on.
I would recommend bringing a bottle of water, towel or picininc blanket, sunblock, camera, binocculars, light jacket and if you are up for hiking sneakers because the paths are uphill/gravel. Enjoy!
I would recommend bringing a bottle of water, towel or picininc blanket, sunblock, camera, binocculars, light jacket and if you are up for hiking sneakers because the paths are uphill/gravel. Enjoy!
Written August 28, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rogersober
Clermont, FL39,464 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The NP system reclaiming a garbage dump that was a glue factory before? I am not sure this was well spent Resourses in the direct path of Logan takeoff launch way? The large sums of sea glass coming out of the dump or harbor that are not to be taken from a NP seem like the minimum souvenir you should get for $25 round trip to a dump? This was almost the worst NP experience I have paid for in over sixty years. If your thinking of a beach day here go to Salem instead for a better beach and shells you can take home!
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glm0rgan
Boston, MA14 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
For those of you from out of town, please note that the Boston Harbor Islands are magical, and loaded with history, for example, pirate lore and haunted places. (If you are truly interested, read Edward Rowe Snow's excellent book "The Islands of Boston Harbor.") I visited Spectacle Island on a yacht club sailing trip and found it enchanting. We stayed over-night, sleeping in the boat. There are a wide variety of trees and grasses, a paved walking trail and amazing views of Boston. They have dock-age, and a cafe during the summer. Definitely bring your walking shoes, as you will want to explore.
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldView2
Boston, MA118 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
My friends and family made this an afternoon trip and took the ferry out to the island. The dock is huge and the beach was beautiful with only a few people around. We went late in the season but it was a delightful day and felt like we were on vacation. Such an amazing resource to have for all of us residents.
Written January 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it known for good sea glass hunting?
Written October 29, 2016
They have a workshop on sea glass during the summer, but we did not walk the beach so we cannot confirm that there is sea glass. We walked on the trails on the island. I believe the ferry stops running to Spectacle Island by the end of October
Written October 30, 2016
Is it known for sea glass hunting?
Written October 29, 2016
Sea glass certainly washes up there, but collecting it is forbidden by the Park Service.
Written October 30, 2016
Can you drive there?? If you drive south from Boston, can you drive to closer location
Written August 27, 2016
Boston Harbor Now
Boston, Massachusetts
You can book a ferry on the websites: Boston Harbor Cruises or Boston Harbor Islands. Boarding is on Long Wharf North in the harbor.
Written May 17, 2019
There are a couple of ways.
1. Boston Harbor Ferry $17 RT
Tickets are available for purchase online or at the kiosk by the dock. The dock is near the aquarium, next to the Marriott Longwharf hotel. The ferry ride is a lovely 20 min ride
2. Take your own boat or kayak. Moorings are available, first come first served. I think the docking for private boats is under construction.
Written August 27, 2016
How do I get there from North Station? What is the subway stop?
Written July 26, 2016
Boston Harbor Now
Boston, Massachusetts
From North Station (green line), you can go to the Haymarket stop or the Government Center stop, both at 10 minutes by foot of Long Wharf North.
If you can't walk, the Aquarium stop (blue line) is just next to the boarding dock.
Written May 17, 2019
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