Spent several days last week in Boston Harbor. Here's a Marylander's-eye report. First stop was in the southern B anchorage inside the Nantasket peninsula. Plenty of room on a Tuesday. Holding was excellent. Not much within walking distance. Took dinghy to Nantasket Beach at the head of Wier River. Public pier indicated an hourly charge after noon. We left it at 1230 and saw no evidence of a dock minder. I'm sure weekends would be different. There were plenty of restaurants and beach attractions here.
We moved to the indicated anchorage for Long Island which looked good, but information was that we were not be allowed on shore. This island houses homeless and other disadvantaged people as well as having some summer youth programs. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge with 51' clearance at high tide (9').
We then went to Constitution Marina for one night. This is a very good value at $3/ft. A first rate facility with fine bathroom/showers, clothes washer/dryers, WiFi, small pool, and helpful staff. Good grocery and a hardware store is 10 minute walk. It is on the Historic Walking Trail.
Next night was at anchor just off the SE tip of Spectacle Island. There were some moorings and slips on the West (main) side of the island. These are "managed" by Hingham Harbor. Theorectically slips are only available Thurs-Sunday. After "dock keeper" leaves at 1800 during the week, the Rangers do not invlove themselves in what happens to the moorings/slips. We chose to anchor to minimize wake action mostly from fast ferries on the west side of this island but also a factor throughout the harbor. Anchor stuck well and the chain came up clean.
Next came George's Island. There were two moorings, but we again chose to anchor between the dock being rebuilt and the swim beach. On a weekday it was a small area, On a weekend it would be very crowded. We stayed anchored only because conditions were very mild. There were also two moorings at Gallops Island, but again no one was allowed on shore. This time it had to do with asbestos. During the day several boats anchored on west side of Lovells Island.
All in all there are many pleasant "remote" anchorages in the harbor.
From Boston were motored in <5 kt winds to Beverly's Jubilee Yacht Club. They have the best value $20/night moorings on the East Coast. You're allowed full use of Club facilities.
