The Harbor Islands Hop

There's a ferry from Long Wharf that takes you to a national park in 20 minutes. Spectacle Island has beaches, hiking trails, and skyline views.

Starts at Long Wharf, ends at Long Wharf (return) · Directions

Unlock the Island Hopper badge

The route, stop by stop

Numbered pins are the stops; gold rings are optional detours.

Follow it with Shift, free

A map of the route, directions to each stop in your maps app, and automatic check-in when you arrive. Finish to unlock the Island Hopper badge.

Stop 1: Long Wharf
Start
Built from 1710 to 1721, Long Wharf is where ferries leave for the Boston Harbor Islands, next to the Aquarium Blue Line stop.
Bluebikes: Aquarium T Stop - 200 Atlantic Ave, 21 bikes there now, 2 min walk.
About this stop
Next: Ferry to Spectacle Island
4.1 mi · 20 min
Stop 2: Spectacle Island
This 114-acre island was an old landfill, capped with soil from the Big Dig. Five miles of trails climb to a 157-foot hill with city views.
About this stop
Next: Ferry to Long Wharf (return)
2.9 mi · 14 min
Stop 3: Long Wharf (return)
Finish
Back at Long Wharf, where the trip began. The Rose Kennedy Greenway and the Aquarium Blue Line stop are steps away.

Optional detours near the route, worth the extra few minutes.

Georges Island
Home of Fort Warren, a granite fort built from 1833 to 1861 that held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War. Explore its walls and dark passageways.
About this stop

Bluebikes near the start, right now: Aquarium T Stop - 200 Atlantic Ave2 min walk · 21 bikes · 1 dock
Harborwalk at Central Wharf2 min walk · 5 bikes · 18 docks

A roam is a self-guided route you follow at your own pace in the free Shift app.

Follow the route
Open this roam in the Shift app and follow it at your own pace.
Check in at each stop
The app checks you in when you arrive. No scanning, no codes. Visit all 3 stops and the roam is complete.
Unlock the Island Hopper badge
Finish the roam and the Island Hopper badge is yours.