Spectacle Island An Underutilized Beach

BOSTON - JULY 29: A man buries his nephew in the sand while playing on the beach at Spectacle Island, Boston on July 29, 2020. While many local beaches are overcrowded, Spectacle Island remains an underutilized gem during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Just a 30 minute trip on a Boston Harbor Cruises boat from Long Wharf, the uncrowded beach with Boston skyline views awaits. Although the visitor center and concession stand remain closed during the pandemic, changing rooms, restrooms, and outdoor showers are still available. Visitors must bring their own food and water, and carry out all trash. Food and water are still sold on the boat. Thirty-four islands comprise the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, but only Spectacle Island is accessible by BHC ferry during the pandemic. After remaining closed for the first part of the season, Spectacle Island opened on July 1. The island's proximity to Boston meant it was always in use, but it wasn't until 2006 that it became a park. Dirt excavated during the Big Dig was used to cover parts of the island, which had been used as a garbage dump for decades. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)