Boston Harbour Islands - paradise of the coast of Massachusetts
So you spend some time in Boston. You've walked the freedom trail, been to the frog pond, eaten seafood and gone to an Irish bar.
What, you might ask, is left?
The Boston Harbour island are a beautiful group of islands just off the coast of Boston. For $8 ($7 if you find a coupon at your hotel, around $4 for kids), you can get a ferry to George's Island.
George's Island is the ferry centre, and is mostly taken up by a large fort, which was used as a prison in the Civil War.
From George's Island you can take water ferries, which are free, to several other islands. Most feature old ruins, some are available for camping, some have swimming beaches, and all are great for picnics.
You should take water and pack your lunch - George's is the only island on which water and food are available. Also lots of sunscreen is advisable.
We travelled to Bumpkin island, which holds the ruins of a childrens hospital 'for the crippled and deformed', as well as parts of Navy buildings, and an old stone farmhouse.
It is a very peaceful place, with trails which wind in and out of the roads left by the navy in WWI. It is quite possible to get to a point where you cannot hear or see another person.
Also, there are wild raspberries, which are delicious, although you better make sure you know which ones are raspberries! There is a little ranger station at the dock, and they can give you information on the island. Solar powered toilets (I kid you not) are plentiful.
You have to time your visit carefully - the water taxi's are not at all frequent, and you cannot camp without a permit, available for free if you write.
It seemed very kid friendly - there were lots of families out there, especially at Georges, although you might want to watch them on the fort - there are several nasty drops marked only with yellow warning paint.
It made for a peaceful, relaxing, wonderful Sunday - well recommended.
