Belle Isle Marsh Reservation protects the last significant salt marsh remaining in the city of Boston, a roughly 150-acre expanse of tidal wetlands at the edge of East Boston near the Winthrop and Revere lines. Managed by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, this coastal ecosystem is a haven for herons, egrets, ospreys, and migrating shorebirds, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the metro area.
Visitors can explore landscaped paths and boardwalks that wind through the grasses, rest on benches, and climb an observation tower for wide views across the marsh and toward the harbor. It is a peaceful, open contrast to the dense neighborhood around it. The reservation’s main gateway is a short walk from Suffolk Downs station on the Blue Line. Check the official DCR listing for current access and any seasonal notes.
Good to know
- Protects the largest remaining salt marsh in the city of Boston
- A DCR reservation prized for birdwatching, with trails and an observation tower
- Features boardwalks, benches, and accessible paths through the wetlands
- Main gateway is a short walk from Suffolk Downs station on the Blue Line
Getting there
- Address: 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA 02128
- Neighborhood: East Boston
- Nearest T: Suffolk Downs (MBTA Blue Line)