When living in Boston, it should be a crime to go through an entire summer without paying one of the nearby Boston Harbor Islands a well-deserved visit. It’s like a nautical adventure to an oceanic getaway, but it’s affordable, can be done in one day, and close to home. Best of all worlds? We think so.
However, a trip to the islands can seem daunting. What do you do out there? How do you get there? Why should you go? Other than all of the obvious answers like sunshine, happiness and islands, we have a few good reasons for you to pay a visit this summer. From clambakes to lighthouse tours, here’s what’s happening on the Boston Harbor Islands while it’s still warm enough to make the trip. Bon Voyage!
Looking for more summer event series happening in Boston? Look no further.
Sunset Clambakes on Spectacle Island – Hosted by Rita’s Catering, these sunset clambakes take place every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. on Spectacle Island through September 4. The ferries will leave Long Wharf at 6 p.m. to head to the island, where you can enjoy lobster, steamers and mussels, chicken, fresh salads, s’mores and more. There will be fire pits and lawn games on the island, and the ferry will head back at 9 p.m. Tickets are $85 (includes everything but beer and wine; drink tickets can be purchase at two for $10). A vegetarian option is available for $65.
After Hours Barbecue – Can’t make it to Rita’s Thursday night clambakes? The catering company is hosting a similar dining series on Friday evenings through September 5. The After Hours Barbecues will take place every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. on Georges Island. This time, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken and baked beans are on the menu, and tickets, $65, include ferry rides, lawn games, fire pits, dinner and soft drinks. Alcohol tickets can be purchased at two for $10. A vegetarian menu is available at the same price.
Lighthouse Tours – Join the Friends of Boston Harbor Islands and the UMass Boston Marine Operations for several different lighthouse tours this summer. The tours will be held on Friday, July 18, August 8 and September 12, and will all leave from Fox Point Pavilion at the UMass Boston Campus. The tours will last from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and explore Boston Light, Graves Light and Fog Station, Long Island Light and Nixes Mate while traveling on the MV Columbia Point.
Island Yoga – Grab your mat or towel and hop on the Long Wharf ferry for 10 a.m. yoga every Saturday on Spectacle Island through August 30. Taught by South Boston yoga instructors, these hour and a half long waterfront classes provide an awesome view as you perfect your Downward Dog. Classes are free and available on a first come, first served basis.
Berklee Summer Concerts – Berklee College of Music is taking their talented artists to Spectacle Island for outdoor jazz concerts every other Sunday this summer until August 31. Featured artists include Elena Bonomo Trio (July 20), Brian D. Plautz (August 3) and more. The concerts are free to attend; ferry fees apply. For more Berklee music on the Boston Harbor Islands, check out the
Berklee Music Fest on Georges Island – For more waterfront concerts, head to the first part of the Berklee Music Fest taking place this Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. The three hour concert will feature Meredith Snyder, Cat and the Moon and Nikolas Metexas. The fest will return every other Saturday on Georges Island throughout the month of August with more artists. The concerts are free to attend; ferry fees apply.
Digital Photo Walk – Want to capture the perfect picture of the Boston Harbor? These guided tours take place every other Sunday at 1 p.m. on Spectacle Island, with the next tour coming up on Sunday, July 13. The free tours include photography instruction and a study of the island’s landscape.
Field Day Games – Head to Spectacle Island for some classic outdoor games every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. through August 30. Activities include bocce, cornhole, frisbee and Giant Jenga, as well as three-legged and potato sack races for the more adventurous types. Free to attend; ferry fees apply.
Thompson Island Highlights – Explore the lesser visited Thompson Island for a guided ranger tour of the southern half of the island. The 45-minute tours will take place every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. through August 31.
Sea Kayaking – Ever wanted to kayak on the Boston Harbor, but didn’t want to go it alone? Head to Spectacle Island on Mondays and Wednesdays through August 27 for free beginner lessons led by experienced rangers. Weather permitting; first come, first served.
For the complete event listing, click here.
Image: Georges Island/Shutterstock
