This place is dynamic. An artificially constructed bay is surrounded by a walkway. The tides move in and out vigorously through narrow channels. The fort itself offers visitation and is in good condition. Planes from the airport are visible taking off. I did not experience any difficulty finding a place to park in the fall anyway, and it filled my need for a morning walk well while offering opportunities to do a lot more. read more

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What a gorgeous day it was to be outside. We arrived mid morning and were able to get parking up close to the Fort. A gorgeous day to walk the beach area looking for shells. The Parks Dept is doing a great job on mowing and trash upkeep. We sat on the grass and ate from Sullivan's which located on the grounds. VERY much recommend the Sullivan's fried chicken sandwich. I have no pictures because I stuffed my face quickly. In the few years since I've been for a visit, the playground is AWESOME! First time bringing my granddaughter and we were surprised by the playground. A beautiful area to go for a walk or bike it's. Arrive early for easy parking read more

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Nice place for a walk overlooking Boston. We liked there was an abundance of parking and seats everywhere. We enjoyed watching all the planes coming in for a landing at Logan. You can bring your own chairs and have a nice picnic there on the grassy hill and have a delightful day. Great for kids, I think. I saw folks fishing at the pier. All of it was quite nice. read more

Fort Independence Park - Seagull watching planes land at Logan. - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Absolutely beautiful park with a great view. The park is beautiful for a jog as they have paved roads, beautiful view of the water, and plenty of grass for your fur baby to play on. There's free parking but definitely a struggle to find a spot during rush hours or during events. I went there on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't bad at all as I was able to find a parking spot without an hassle. Plenty of benches around the park for your convenience to sit and relax. I find this place even beautiful for a stroll with a date or simply to just do yoga. I have seen people do yoga and I totally wish to do the same next time I visit. Plenty of people walk their dogs and it is not an off leash park so make sure to keep your pet on leash at all times read more

Fort Independence Park - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is a lovely place to spend some time when the weather is nice! There were many, many families relaxing in the park. There's grassy areas for a picnic, a beach, paths for walking and jogging, and the fort. While the park does get pretty crowded on nice weekends, it was still a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours, and it's a great option for free family fun. Unlike the fort on George's Island, you can't just walk in and explore Fort Independence on your own...you can only visit the fort itself as part of a tour, which usually leaves on the hour. However, our tour guide was very informative and we learned quite a bit. Also, unlike the fort of George's Island, they have done a lot of work to reconstruct and furnish some of the rooms so it's more like a museum, and you can get a better sense of what each room was for. read more

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A great park to explore and walk around with pleasure bay there to enjoy a swim or to just wet your feet! The weather is always nice when I'm there! I gave a 4 star rating due to the fort being closed and no information regarding its updated closure or reopening. I had to really dig deep to find out the fort has been closed indefinitely due to COVID. If you plan an visiting to explore the fort just know it is closed, but the outside is free to roam and still has statues to see! read more

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A spooky place Fort Independence Park has also been known as Castle William and Fort Adams. Not to be confused with the Fort Adams in Newport Rhode Island. Most people just call the place Castle Island. I believe it was at one time a real island but now you can just drive over a causeway to get to it. Because of the strategic location a fort has been on this spot for centuries. Little wooden ones that gradually gave way to the huge granite fortress that is presently on the site. The granite came from Cape Ann and is indeed massive. You can take a tour of the inside of the fort during the weekends in the summer and can come and hang around on the grounds and beach outside the fort anytime. On certain days like the fourth of July they actually blow off a cannon and the noise can be heard for miles around. Stand in the right spot and you can actually feel the concussion of the blast. Pretty cool. I like to think of Castle Island as a little oasis in the chaos of Boston. The Black Falcon and ship terminals are located right across the water and the constant roar of Logan is ever present, but for some reason the park always seems relatively quiet with a nice sea breeze even on the hottest days. The public bathrooms never seem to get to disgusting and the little food place has some pretty damn good fried seafood. A dichotomy of pleasant water views and green grass one second and a thunder of jets and monstrous ships the next. Over the years, especially in the last century, this site has been known for some spooky stuff. The famous Edgar Allen Poe was once stationed here and many sightings of strange creatures have been reported over the years. Huge serpent things with long necks, bizarre horns and big, sharp, pointy teeth have been described in detail. I'm not sure what exactly people were seeing back then, perhaps they were whales, perhaps not. Mayhaps it was just to much grog. I have been here many times over the years and have looked hard but have never seen any monsters other than the gigantic ships. It doesn't really matter, sea serpents or not, this is still one of the the coolest, unspoiled places in Boston. read more

This is mostly a review on the Fort and the tour. This place is awesome. Well maintained piece of history. While a lot of the features inside are remakes and not original the overall structure and experience is amazing. For volunteers the tour guides are great and you can tell they take a lot of pride in what they do there. Parking in the area is easy and FREE, and not to mention the tour is free. Really a great way to get out and learn something fun and interesting with whoever. read more

Fort Independence Park - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

As I always say "If it is free, it is for me"! To add on to what Brian S has said in his review, the fort itself is a must see, Edgar Allan Poe was indeed stationed here and his "The Cask of Amontillado" is said to have been based on local legend, I believe at some point during renovations a body was found walled up inside the fort. Once weekly during the summer the fort is opened in the evening and you can walk around the top of the wall for some great views (weather permitting), bring a camera! Another awesome photo op is held every 4th of July when the USS Constitution does its yearlly turn around at the fort & they salute each other with cannon volleys. There are usually a couple of other opportunities to view Constitution each year during lessor known cruises when Navy personnel re-enlist and are rewarded with a sail about the outer harbor. Check the USS Constitution webpage for dates & times. Beyond that the park provides a great place to walk whether it is in the evening or first thing in the morning. I always enjoy seeing if the fishermen catch anything. read more

The skads of tourists make the place a bit hard to navigate on bike, but very colorful to watch. Perhaps I'm a history nerd, but I had a great time on the tour. The guides are volunteers and super-passionate about the fort. Hot tip: Want a cool stamp? Check out the blue, red and yellow box on the right wall as you go in the fort. The secret combination code is 810. read more

One of Boston's best keep secrets. I say that only because so many people I know don't even know about it, somehow. When I need a quick ocean fix, I drive over from the suburbs just for the fab waterside walk / run / bike trail and easy parking. Nothing beats it on a nice day. If you're an ocean person like me, even in bad weather it's good. My one complaint- bathrooms could use some attention. read more

Located on Castle Island, Fort Independence, built between 1834 & 1851, sits prominently on a hill looking out onto Boston Harbor. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1st fort was built on this site in 1634. The evolution to its present structure is quite interesting. Free tours of the Fort run every Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 noon to 3:30pm from May through Labor Day. read more

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Always a great walk, a great view... Never a problem with people... Most that you will deal with is the birds... The playground is often packed as people do like to bring their kids here & walk away & leave them unsupervised... I dont get it, but hey who am I to Judge (hahahah)!!!! read more

I ate at a local diner (Galley) and then came here to walk it off before watching 7 hours of live sports (Go Sox and Pats!) Anyway, it's a decent place to take a walk. Nice views of the container yard and Deer Island. OK, certain viewpoints aren't picturesque, but there are some nice view of Spectacle island and I like watching the planes overhead. I'll have to go back and get the guided tour and eat a hot dog at Sullivan's. read more

You know how everyone has that place? The place they go to when they need to think, spend time alone, maybe take a sketchbook to, or write in a journal. Castle Island is that place for me. It is the #1 place in Boston I can go to to clear my head and just feel *home*. It's also somewhere I love bringing friends to so I can share how awesome it is out there. I can spend hours parked on Day Blvd watching the airplanes line up over Quincy to fly into Logan. I can sit on the grass, staring out at the waterfront. Take a walk out to the Fish Bowl and back. Sit on a bench and people watch. Hang out with the totally people friendly squirrels and seagulls. And I love that its a favorite I share with my dad. Even though I haven't lived in Southie for over 2 years, when he comes down to visit and picks me up during the summer its always "Hey, how 'bout we head over to Sully's?" Yea, sure, during summer days, or hell now apparently even late September days of 80 degrees, you're going to have to wait in line at Sullivan's, but you're always moved through in a few minutes. And its worth it for the waterfront fare of soft serve, fried clams and fries. My favorite part of my last visit? The group of old people, probably all about in their 70s or 80s, all ganged up and loitering while one of the oldies played his accordion. I pointed them out to my friend and said "That's us in 50 years. I can't wait." read more

If I had a list of 10 things I love about Boston, Castle Island would rank up near the top. I've been coming here for 45 years (yeah, no misprint) and even though it's undergone some not-so-subtle improvements it's still a recreational oasis without peer in all of Massachusetts. Situated in South Boston close by Logan Airport and the entrance to Boston's inner harbor, Fort Independence Park (called Castle Island by the locals) is a former military installation that was once one of Boston's harbor islands. A road now connects it to South Boston, providing access for pedestrians and motorists, and while the area isn't large in square footage it can accommodate a huge number of visitors without seeming overcrowded. Years ago the city didn't spend a lot on its upkeep and maintenance but since the early 1980s it has been cared for quite well. The park is much more family friendly and is kept very clean. Police and park officials are in evidence, thus minimizing crime-related problems found at other parks. Regular landscaping and maintenance gives it a neat, though not artificially shiny, appearance. Incredibly, little formal planning went into its transformation from fort to an urban park. That is due to community leaders, residents and city officials who recognized that they didn't need to make drastic changes to the facility in order to make it a first class recreation area. Where do I start with the things I love about Castle Island? Well, let me list a few...it's the coolest outdoors place in Boston on brutally hot summer days...let's start with that. Hungry? Sullivan's serves lots of good food cheap and the soft serve drags 'em in till closing. Feel like a picnic? Plenty of room to spread out a blanket while enjoying the cool ocean breezes. There is always room to walk, stretch out, or sit around and watch people. Or, if you like watching planes and don't mind the noise, it's right under Logan's main approach from the south. Head over early to get good seats for the Constitution's annual turnaround...they go fast, but the show is worth it. It's right near Carson Beach too, if you'd like a dip in the ocean. Feel free to run, rollerblade, or ride the bike if you'd like, just be wary of people or dogs walking the paths. Parking can be a bit tricky in the heat of the summer but the wait for a space usually isn't too long. About the only negatives to Castle Island are a lack of trees, tight parking, and the fact that it's located far from other parts of the city. More than anything else, it's a true gem that we who live in the Boston area should never take for granted. read more

Besides having one of the most scenic, fun, and well-maintained playgrounds, around Halloween the fort is open to the public. Well worth wading through the throngs of small children in costume to see the haunted house (which is not really scary, unless you ignore the person in the freaky mask who suddenly screams at you because you're a grown-up). They also have storytellers, a magician, and snacks. The fort is also open for historical tours around the 4th of July. Another great reason to go here is Sullivan's. They could totally jack up the prices, but they don't. While it might look mobbed, the line moves fast. The French fries are classic crinkle cuts done just right. Whoever bagged my fish sandwich ($2.40) also drew a cute little fishie on the wax paper. November is $.75 hot dog month. read more

I just watched a fat man in a business suit deviate from his walk home to cross over some railings and go sniff a flower that was by the side of a building. It's clear that we all love a bit of nature. We always root for nature against urbanisation. Yeah, go nature! Perhaps that's why it's always tempting to give any park or green space either 4 or 5 stars on Yelp. Sure, it's better than a car park (although Yelpers would argue otherwise if it was a cupcake car park, even if it was also a Nazi war criminal) but let's have some perspective. Is this really a fantabulous park excellently managed and cared for? I don't think so. On one side, it has a great spot - with the South Bay and the harbor islands at near touching, but round the bend at the end and it's a polluted ugly scene with freight ships, the airport and pigeons and gulls pooing everywhere. I've been a few times for runs and cycles and even on the brightest midsummer evening it feels gloomy around the Fort with its dereliction, graffiti and Boeing 737s 300ft above. The beach isn't very inviting either with foamy wash and the occasional sanitary product floating by. It is a great spot for windsurfing though. If you want a better bay-side experience I'd head to the harbor islands or the JFK Library. Yeah, they're not as convenient I guess. Ok... well let's at least try and harass the City to try and clean up the Fort and open it up or turn it into something cool and useful like a miniature theme park for dogs with crazy doggie rollercoasters and stuff. I want to see dogs throwing up in real life and not just on Youtube. read more

I love coming here on a warm spring or summer day, just me, my blanket, my book....and every other person within a 10 mile radius.... Seriously, I love it here. There is always a piece of grass to stretch out on, a ton of people to watch, and some of the most interesting conversations I've ever had the pleasure of overhearing. And despite just how many people come here on a nice day, it always stays relatively clean. Plus, no matter how hot and stagnant the air is at your house (darn you no air conditioning), there always seems to be a nice breeze here. So pack a picnic lunch (unless you dig hanging out in a 40 min line for fried food, then try Sullivan's) and head on down to Castle Island, I'll be the girl reading the upside down book, pretending not to eavesdrop on your conversation (honey, he's a jerk, just dump him already!) read more

Also known as Castle Island to most Boston natives, Fort Independence is an old war fort that resides on a peninsula at the very end of South Boston, aka "Southie". 22 acres of land that includes biking/running/rollerblading paths, playgrounds, docks for fishing, and a little clam shack for fried bellies and french fries at the end of a day in the sun. Castle Island boasts unique views of the downtown skyline and is a great place for kids and adults alike. read more

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I love Castle Island. I gave the beach a low review 'cuz I don't think any of the urban beaches on Boston Harbor are very clean, but who uses the beach here anyway? Great place to walk or run in the spring/summer/fall. Close to downtown, plenty of parking, can grab a quick snack. I love the actual fort; the awesome water views all around; all the people walking, picnicking, fishing; the planes overhead. The kiddie play area is pretty nice. The grass is green and plentiful, unlike some other local parks. Go on the 4th of July for the U.S.S. Constitution turn-around and salute. They fire cannons!! read more

I love Castle Island but maybe I'm biased. I used to live in Southie years ago and this has remained one of my favorite locations to visit in Boston. It's where my fiance proposed to me and where we had our first kiss. It's the place to go to see fireworks on the the 4th and hang and get an ice cream cone on a hot summers day. Even if you don't go in the water- it provides a great place to walk, run, skate, fish, etc. You can see the planes take off and land at the airport, and the boats in the harbor. Families are always welcome and its just a really beautiful place. And its free to visit, free to park. read more

I don't want to give my little secret away of how cool castle island is in the summer. But it's a great place for a run/walk afterwork or weekend. So relaxing. It also have a park where you can bring kids to play there! Awesome!! read more

Also known as the Irish Riviera to some folks; but for me, it's always been Castle Island or City Point. If you want to know a part of me, this is the place. I've always loved being by the ocean though I don't like to swim. It's very relaxing here for a walk/jog or for blading/fishing or even just playing on the swing set. It's too bad that this closes at 11pm nowadays. It seems like the regular places that I used to hide at night is no longer open overnight. Perhaps, Boston is not as safe as 10 years ago. Aesthetically, it has improved over the years. read more

Castle Island is a great place. A "walk out the island" was a routine summer activity in the evening if you lived in Southie a few decades ago and had no air conditioning. Back then there were few tourists and the paths would be wide open for rollerskaters, strollers, big wheels, and bikes. Now there are TONS of tourists which means this place can get almost chaotic on nice weekend days. It is no longer the quiet spot it used to be! There is a fish pier, Sullivan's food stand, beach, playground area and the fort. For the person who wrote the bad review on the fort, consider this: for DECADES the fort was not even OPEN to tour! We kids would try our hardest to peek through the cracks intrigued by what could be inside. The fact that the Castle Island Association was able to clean it up, make it safe, and get volunteers to do summer tours was a great accomplishment! Was the tour boring? Perhaps the reviewer missed the part about Edgar Allen Poe being imprisoned at Castle Island in 1827. (It is said he may have based his short story, "The Cask of Amontillado," on a tale about a duel between two officers at the Fort.) I certainly never knew that fact until I went on the tour. And the tour guides ARE volunteers so show them some love!! Peace!! read more

This review is for all of Castle Island. Definitely one of my favorite places in Massachusetts, if not the world. The Fort is pretty cool and kind of adds to the ambiance of the place. I haven't been in since I was little, but the view from the top is something to remember. Castle Island is a little slice of Heaven in Southie. Since Southie is pretty much untapped by tourists, you'll find all locals here. It is very community and family-centric. Great space to walk, run, take the dog, lay out, tan, picnic, swing, maybe get your toes wet, fish, etc. etc. etc. It is a place to go with friends or to be alone and just clear your head. The views are beautiful and it's a great space for kids because of the beach, playground and proximity to the airport (what 5 year old doesn't love watching planes fly directly overhead?). I loce walking around the fort and then heading around the Sugarbowl. Gorgeous walk, morning, noon and night. Truly one of the things I miss most about living in MA and I make it a point to come as much as I can when I'm home. read more

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Yeah - public parks! I had never been to this park! Old friends brought me here on a visit to boston. It was after the big snow of 2015! We were able to walk around it, but not able to even get to the fort, but the view of the harbor and logan were fabulous! Parking was nice and accessible. read more

I miss Southie and this gem of a park! Taking a stroll around castle island is wonderful no matter the weather. Additional perk: free parking for those of you unfortunate enough to have a car in Boston read more

More popularly referred to as Castle Island, this is a great spot to get some fresh air, take a walk or run and if the wind is blowing right, watch the planes leaving or landing at Logan Airport come right over your head as they make their approaches. I've never been to Sullivans, but we are probably going to check it out the next time we visit. read more

I 've missed the beach for a long time.I am looking for something specia lwhich is like land's end or ocean beach in SF. I couldnt find it yet. this is not like that but we sometimes go during summer. if somebody who has young kid, this place,castle island can be his favorite because we can see airplane so close. read more

Very nice park in South Boston. Parking on site and nice water views

Fort Independence in South Boston is a must see spot in Boston. It provides a great view of Boston Harbor and the fort is truly breathtaking. It is very humbling to stand in the walls that soldiers once stood in when fighting for their independence. It is free and great food is far away! read more

Took a walk around The Head Island Causeway today. I don't know if it's new or if I've just never noticed it before. Park your car in the Castle Island lot, and head on up, keeping the fort on your left and the water on your right. Follow the path all the way around, pause to admire the view of the harbor islands or chat with some of the fishermen, head back to shore up near Dorchester Beach, and continue the walk around back to your car. It's a lovely walk and I think a little over a mile. read more

The fort steals the show. Built because of it's strategic location at the entrance to the inner harbor Fort Independence in 1634 the general site has been the location of a couple of different structures including Fort Adams during the Revolutionary War period. There were several different structures which they explain pretty well while there. It is now part of the park system in Boston with easy access from the "mainland" via a causeway. As part of a day trip walking tour of Boston it was enjoyable on a moderately warm summer day. Although interesting in history there is a good bit of walking involved so if you're bringing small kids bring water to keep them hydrated. I also imagine weekdays are the best time to go, Saturday it was crowded and parking was tough to find. read more

The park is nice but SULLIVANS is why you should go. The cheapest and best burgers in the city. The double cheesburger is $1.50 the onion rings are awesome and they give you about a pound of onion rings..thos were $1.50....and the milkshakes (Frappe's if your a local) are so smooth and very important to complete the heartattack triad. If you haven't been to Castle Island, you should go just to eat at this cheap summer shack. The park is okay....big for Boston parks...clean. I park is great place to just chill out and listen to the waves crash on the rocks. read more

I love this place for a run or a walk or for a great view of the Sunset. It's a little oasis away from the city. Sure, the beach isn't great, but it's a beach! We take the dog here and run with him. He gets so excited when we start to near Castle Island that he whimpers with excitement to the point that he nearly hyperventilates. It's hysterical. read more

There is absolutely no reason to bitch about never getting to go to the beach because you have no car and live in the city. The Pleasure Bay/Castle Island area is really easy to get to off the T and is really nice these days. First off, there are well maintained walking and jogging paths all the way around the area. Secondly for the most part the beach is clean and the water is perfectly fine for swimming in. You are not supposed to have your dog on the beach but we do it all the time at night during the summer. Third, Sullivans is there - home of cheap ass burgers and shakes. And my favorite, the nature. The breeze off the water on a hot night is worth the trip. Finally, if you are lazy like me and drive you are in luck there is tons of free parking year round. read more

I came here every time I had a day off during the summer. Great place to escape the stresses of city life. Nice views of the water and plenty of green space to lay down a blanket and relax. There are plenty of parks for kids or you can tour the fort for some history info. read more

We made our first visit to Castle Island and Fort Independence park after almost 4 years of living in Boston. It was such a wonderful discovery! It is so beautiful, peaceful and breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) in the middle of Boston. Enjoy a walk around the Island, get some lunch or a cone at Sullivan's, explore the fort, walk your dog, or watch planes land. There's something for everyone. We will definitely be returning soon. read more

If you're carless in Boston like me, you're always looking for ways to get out of the city that don't require renting a car. Castle Island serves this purpose for me though you really don't leave the city. You can take the number 9 bus from Copley all the way to the end and walk over to Castle Island. It's far enough removed that there isn't much noise (except airplanes) and you have a great view of the harbor. It's a nice place for a picnic or to sit and read on a warm day. read more