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    Castle Island Beach

    4.4 (159 reviews)

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    View from the beach
    Jeff S.

    We noticed Castle Island in Google Maps and became intrigued with the idea of visiting. The weather was perfect for outdoor activities with temperatures in the low 70s and beautiful sunny skies, so we decided to take a 2 mile walk over from our hotel in the Seaport District. Upon arrival, we found Castle Island buzzing with activity. The island attracts a diverse crowd, including joggers, families out for a leisurely stroll, beach goers, picnickers, dog walkers enjoying the wide open spaces, fishermen and some simply relaxing on the benches watching the boats go by. It's definitely a bustling place. One of the main sights on Castle Island is Fort Independence, am imposing, historic fortress that serves as the island's centerpiece. Unfortunately, during our visit, we were disappointed to find that the fort was closed, preventing us from exploring its interiors and walking along the towering walls. It would have been amazing to learn more about the history and heritage of the site first hand, so we were a bit disappointed that we couldn't get in. Despite the missed opportunity to explore Fort Independence, Castle Island left a lasting impression on us. The scenic beauty of the surroundings, combined with the amazing level of activities that were available, made it an ideal destination for a family outing. I highly recommend Castle Island. It's a must visit attraction for anyone spending time in Boston, especially those seeking a scenic getaway with a touch of history. If I were a resident of the area I wouid come here all the time. It's really that great.

    Child's Bday Party @ Castle Island
    Jenny T.

    Not a big beach/summer gal honestly, but Castle Island is a relaxing weekend getaway spot for sure - STUNNING walk around the boardwalk (make sure to wear good running/walking shoes), lots of families & pets too. It's nice and breezy so good place to come during a nice summer day. Great spots for picnic, lots of trees/tables/benches if you want to eat out - lots of people gravitate towards Sullivan's but we brought our own food. Fort Independence also has free tours run by volunteers, if you're into that. It was a bit too long for me though. Main things that deducted the final star were it gets hectic at noon - STRONGLY suggest going in the morning, and also the bathrooms were NASTYYYYYY. But what can you expect at a public beach I guess?

    Tiff F.

    Nice place to walk through! Next to the sea to smell the salty breeze and fish. People jog around the whole circle. A children's playground is near the Sullivan's and a fort. The fort had tours on weekends from 12-3, but i guess I went there earlier than the tour guides to show up. There's multiple Beaches you can drive to and some lifeguards in specific areas. Quaint place to visit and get some exercise in!

    Guli K.

    Hidden gem right in the heart of Boston! So glad I found this beach. It is clean and not too crowded. Plenty of parking around.

    Eric D.

    Another great Boston park and a neat place to visit! I really enjoy the walking area around the bay and pleasure beach. It's a nice place to take a walk and get some exercise and fresh air. The park affords great views of the skyline and the surrounding waterfront and bay as well. There are plenty of benches, trash cans, and restrooms available near the castle itself if needed. Parking is available all over but is metered as expected.

    Candice C.

    Love the landscape! Nice to come here around sunset time! Amazing view! A lot of parking spaces

    Sergio F.

    The Castle Island beach / boardwalk gives me fun memories of my recent trip to Boston. For one, Sharon and I got to see the "AT-AT"'s by Logan Airport (insert reference between Bill Belichick and Emperor Palpatine) :), while taking in a beautiful early summer sunset of various colorful hues. Since we went close tondusk, we only saw the outisde of Fort Independence, with a statue honoring our veterans (appropriate for a July 4th weekend!) standing majestically over the bay. Castle Beach has a nice, long boardwalk that allows you to get your pedometer steps while admiring the view and being lulled by the lapping waves on the boardwalk. There are also plenty of opportunities for people and pup watching. (yes, Crazy Dog Parent us saw like 3 other families with furry children!) One of the more special parts of the people watching is that people sit and fish by one of the pier while listening to music. Salsa from someone's entertainment system gave Sharon and I the soundtrack to groove while enjoying the fireworks from across the bay! There's a nice amount of parking along the length of the boardwalk, though the staties close it by 10pm. We'll try Sully's next trip!

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    Great place for the summer holidays and kids playing with friends. The parking is always stress free.

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    3 years ago

    beautiful place went here as a kid with my dad a lot , i loved the park lol good times

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    Ask the Community - Castle Island Beach

    Is this place handicapped accessible?

    Yes, it has an easy paved walking path. In the good weather months, bathrooms are open with flush toilets. You will not find one here in the winter months. There are handicapped parking spaces.

    Do you have to leave at sunset?

    Yes, this area closes at sunset and is closed off from driving your car on the causeway to the island. I think you could walk in if you wanted to.

    Are there any public barbecues or fire pits, or do you have to bring your own?

    Update: there are Year round bathrooms the portable outhouse type.

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    Review Highlights - Castle Island Beach

    I highly recommended Sullivan's for a bite since it's right there and it truly is all about the experience.

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    Crane Beach - Ipswich - Lifeguard

    Crane Beach - Ipswich

    4.1(222 reviews)
    26.7 mi

    Love this beach in so many ways. With the sand dunes it is so charming and lots of opportunities to…read morewalk around the trails if you aren't looking to swim or sit on the sand. The water is clear and even in low tide, I didn't notice a ton of shells or a rocky bottom. It does get a little packed when you come right off the parking area into the beach area, but if you are willing to walk a little bit, it is obviously much quieter and super peaceful. With a little concession stand, showers and restrooms it's perfect for families. They also have a variety of memberships which makes it affordable to go during the peak months or even throughout the year. It is $40 per car to enter the beach and park which is quite hefty but they have various membership options which could make it more affordable again if you are going to be utilizing the beach and throughout the year. They also have various events for members. A local did tell me their favorite time to go is during the winter when everything is snow capped.

    Cranes Beach, which is owned and operated and protected by the trustees, is my favorite beach of…read moreall time. It has a large parking lot, although you need to make reservations to guarantee a spot. It is not cheap, but it is extremely clean and the bath house and the snack bar are top-notch as far as Massachusetts beaches go. The snack bar has real food items, not just junk food and ice cream. The one drawback and it really could be a dealbreaker for some people is that the parking lot is a mid distance to long walk over sand dunes to the beach. Yes there are paths and stairs, but for people with mobility problems, this really could be a deterrent. I still rate it a 10/10.

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    Dels ice lemonade Cherry, lemonade or both! $6

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    Castle Island Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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