Castle Island & Fort Independence Park

The most visited area of the Boston Harbor National Recreation Area is located in South Boston and includes Castle Island and Fort Independence Park. At the tip of a man-made peninsula in Boston Harbor, where the island was joined to the mainland in 1928, the park spans 22 acres. Fort Independence, a traditional pentagonal fortress, serves as its focal point.

The first fortification was constructed here in 1634, and the current structure was finished in 1851. On the weekends, Fort Independence offers free 30-minute tours to visitors. Two beaches can be found on Castle Island, and they both face Pleasure Bay, which is a region shielded from the open ocean by the Head Island Causeway. A playground is located immediately behind the larger of the two beaches, and the beaches share rest and bathing amenities, including showers.

The Harborwalk circles the area and offers breathtaking views of the water, the city, and the nearby islands; kids will especially enjoy seeing planes take off from Logan Airport, which is close by. On the other side of the island, just past the granite obelisk known as the Clipper Ship Monument to Donald McKay, there is a fishing pier where the Harry McDonough Sailing Program conducts its operations. While this is a well-liked location for picnics, there is a good takeout restaurant close to the parking area.

• Restrictions: Pets are not allowed May through September
• Website: None
• Google rating: 4.7/5.0
  
• Opening Hours: Mon to Sun ̉6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
• Address: 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127