Spectacle Island

Set within Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, the island carries a remarkable past: former incarnations as a quarantine station, refuse dump, and reduction plant gave way to a massive 1990s reclamation that capped the grounds using earth from the Big Dig. Today, miles of walking paths cross grassy hills to high viewpoints over the water. Along the shore, the grounds include a supervised sandy swimming beach, clear waters, a visitor center built with green materials, and a public marina bookable via Dockwa, offering a quiet day trip just a short boat ride from the city.