Castle Island is not actually an island, but a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, and offers a historic 17th-century fortification and recreational grounds. The island is also known as Fort Hill, and the original fortification that was created to defend the town still stands today. It's open to the public all year long, and offers a wealth of hands-on, interactive, and educational programs to teach about the history of this all-important site.
You can take a guided tour where a seasoned guide will show you around and point out important and interesting facts about the site. It's a family-friendly spot where history buffs and those in awe of how our country was colonized and founded can learn all about it. It's also a great spot for scenic photos, and to make memories that your family will carry with them for years.
Castle Island in Boston - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do with Your Family in Boston and 10 Best Historic Things to See in Boston (Read all about Boston here)
What are the highlights of Castle Island in Boston?
The highlights of Castle Island in Boston include the chance to visit Fort Independence, the original fortification built in 1632 to defend the then-town of Boston. 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.
The site offers educational programs from tour guides and speakers, some of which are interactive. You can also go fishing here if that's your thing. The recreational options on Castle Island are near endless. It's a fun and educational place to bring the entire family where you'll learn something without even realizing you're learning.
A brief history of Castle Island in Boston
The history of Castle Island began with the site of a 1632 fortification that was built on Fort Hill to defend the town. By 1634, the city moved out into the numerous islands that protected the fort, one of which was Castle Island, and it was decided to build a second fort here. The fort became known as Castle William and defended the town through King Phillip's War, after which it was used to inter captured Native Americans. By the end of the century, it was expanded to crossfire with the Fort Hill fortress.
The Fort served as a British military base during the Siege of Boston in the Revolutionary War and was destroyed and rebuilt as Fort Independence after the Revolution under the supervision of Paul Revere. It has been updated and rebuilt several times over the years, and by 1970 was on the National Register of Historic Places.
What else is good to know about Castle Island in Boston?
Castle Island offers many amenities and facilities for visitors. These include a boardwalk, a first aid station, a lifeguard station, and picnic areas where grilling is allowed. Playgrounds are on site to keep the kids occupied, and you can enjoy restrooms and rinsing showers after you take a swim in the ocean. The site is also accessible for picnicking and offers accessible trails and restrooms for people with disabilities.
Castle Island offers trails for biking, running, and walking. Swimming and fishing sites are available. The park is dog friendly overall, but dogs are not permitted on the beach during the busy season in the summer, from May 1 to September 15. It's also easily accessible by public transportation via bus. Since it's technically a peninsula and not an island, you don't even need a boat to visit.
Castle Island in Boston
Location: Boston, MA, USA
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Where to stay in Boston
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Revolution Hotel
The Dagny Boston
Omni Parker House
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Meco Hotel
citizenM Boston Back Bay
Harborside Inn Of Boston
