Head to Castle Island

Castle Island is located in South Boston and is famous for the fort located on it, Fort Independence. Even on the hottest summer days, Castle Island provides breath-taking city views and a cool breeze. In spite of the fact that a spit of land now separates the island from the mainland, you will still be surrounded by water as you walk out to the famed Fort Independence.

The technically a peninsula but measuring 22 acres, the island extends into the harbor and is known for its excellent beaches and well-traveled running trails. In addition to the free access to the old fort, this location has a picnic area. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends during the summer and you can often see school groups exploring the fort during the spring.

The island also features several connected beaches where you can relax in season and splash in the Atlantic ocean, enjoy soft sand, and soak up some sun. The Castle Island Loop is a short walking path where you can circle the fortification to get your steps in. If you want a longer hike, the Pleasure Bay Loop offers potential for hiking or biking.