Castle Island
Castle Island
4.5
About
The site of a fort erected in 1634, Castle Island is a great place to walk, jog or just unwind and enjoy the view.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Castle Island and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: South Boston
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,391 within 5 kms
Attractions
541 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
540 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
173
Average
28
Poor
10
Terrible
2
Renee D
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Free spot to stop and walk as well as take in some scenery. They also have a big playground for kids and a food stand which we didn't try. You can't enter the fort itself it just an exterior walk around.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Montgomery, TX18 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Spent a wonderful few hours in the beautiful setting of Castle Island. Took the roughly 2 mile hike around the Fort. Weather was perfect. Harbor was full of fisherman. Dog loved the water. Grabbed a couple of delicious burgers from Sully’s and enjoyed the midday sun on the grass. I highly recommend it for visitors to Boston. Our trip was made even better as we were hosted by a good friend and native Bostonian.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davoscjims
401 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Beautiful area to walk, jog, bike, dog walk, plane watch
You can’t enter the fort The large door was open so I entered Right inside is a makeshift barrier saying keep our In the center of the fort is stacks of constructions stuff and junk
Outside of the fort is in disrepair, fencing around some parts
Skip the fort, go for the exercise
You can’t enter the fort The large door was open so I entered Right inside is a makeshift barrier saying keep our In the center of the fort is stacks of constructions stuff and junk
Outside of the fort is in disrepair, fencing around some parts
Skip the fort, go for the exercise
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacy W
Sharon, CT2 contributions
Jun 2022
What a lovely day. We took the ferry over from Downtown Boston to the island. It was a beautiful quick trip. Then walk around this beautiful fort adjacent to the beach.
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam Rosen
1 contribution
Sep 2022
A stone's throw from the city and an Ocean Beach that's fully protected by land walkways that block ocean waves and sharks -- or even the IDEA of sharks. Ideal for getting a little one accustomed to the water and super easy to get to from the city. And grab some fresh mussels or crabs from Yankee Lobstah on the way back!!
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theresecallahan2002
Brookline, MA123 contributions
Aug 2022
It was nice to visit a historic landmark for the first time. Unfortunately, it will be my last.
The tour itself was nice. However, walking down steps with no hand railings was difficult due to my disabled knees. Luckily, there were people in the tour group who held on to me as I made my way down. I even said I'd sue if I had an accident. Thankfully, I didn't. But for my own safety, I won't be back.
The tour itself was nice. However, walking down steps with no hand railings was difficult due to my disabled knees. Luckily, there were people in the tour group who held on to me as I made my way down. I even said I'd sue if I had an accident. Thankfully, I didn't. But for my own safety, I won't be back.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
237 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Visited here on a Sunday afternoon.
Great views and lots of history. Great place to walk, bike and relax.
Unfortunately you can’t go inside the fortress unless your part of a tour.
Great views and lots of history. Great place to walk, bike and relax.
Unfortunately you can’t go inside the fortress unless your part of a tour.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure Diva
Manchester, CT2,134 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We walked the Castle Island loop around the historic Fort Independence and continued on to take the Pleasure Bay loop for a longer stroll. This was a great place to unwind and enjoy the view.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack L
East Syracuse, NY815 contributions
Sep 2021
The name 'Castle Island' is from a castle built in 1226, not sure which nation. There is NO castle, The main exhibit is Fort Independence which was closed, which is a five sided structure. There three memorials-Robert M. Green, Boston Fire-Fighter, South Boston Korean War Memorial & the Clipper Ship Monument to Donald McKay. On Harbor Walk-on the south side of the fort-are the Robert Green & Korean Memorials, with Clipper Ship Monument located on the north side facing the Lt. John McCork Fishing Pier. The pier has about 10 benches, however during my September afternoon there was no people fishing or using the benches because of a cold west wind.
There is an enclosed lagoon-called Pleasure Bay-with a walkway called Head Island Causeway. The causeway is about two miles around the bay. To the west of the fort is the children's Castle Island Playground with swings, craw through tunnels & slides.
The island's restaurant is called Sullivan's Castle Island which serves seafood, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sodas, coffee & tea. The island is located on the east side of Boston across from the Boston Logan International Airport with Boston Main Channel between the island & airport. I sat on a bench for about 15 minutes timing each airplane landing every 2 minutes & 15 seconds.
Parking.
On the west side side of the island is a large parking lot-FREE-with at least 150 angled spaces. On William J. Day Blvd. -headed toward the island- I estimate another 125 side by side spaces facing Pleasure Bay.
There is an enclosed lagoon-called Pleasure Bay-with a walkway called Head Island Causeway. The causeway is about two miles around the bay. To the west of the fort is the children's Castle Island Playground with swings, craw through tunnels & slides.
The island's restaurant is called Sullivan's Castle Island which serves seafood, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sodas, coffee & tea. The island is located on the east side of Boston across from the Boston Logan International Airport with Boston Main Channel between the island & airport. I sat on a bench for about 15 minutes timing each airplane landing every 2 minutes & 15 seconds.
Parking.
On the west side side of the island is a large parking lot-FREE-with at least 150 angled spaces. On William J. Day Blvd. -headed toward the island- I estimate another 125 side by side spaces facing Pleasure Bay.
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley
Fremont, NH10 contributions
Dec 2021
We got breakfast sandwiches from Tatte and went to Castle Island to eat it. Wonderful spot to relax.
Written 9 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah Marie
Orlando, FL14 contributions
Is there an admission fee to walk around castle island? Thank you.
Cecelia
Burlington, MA16 contributions
There is no admission fee to walk around.
sunmm
New York City, NY6 contributions
Is it open in winter?
Northern_Traveler00
California72,868 contributions
It's always open to walk there. The restaurant (Sullivan's) is seasonal, usually closed December to March or so. Sometimes they lock the close in parking gate at night, but there's plenty of places to park nearby.
Dan
New Jersey928 contributions
Are there guided tours? If so how long?
Northern_Traveler00
California72,868 contributions
No guided tours, but you can self-guide a tour of the fort on most weekends, and the other walking trails are open from very early each day to very late
MichiganTeri
Linden, MI4 contributions
Is there bus service from Marriott long wharf to castle island!
mcstephen66
Boston, MA156 contributions
I am not sure but a cab ride one way would be about 15-18 dollars, Uber would be about 12.
Front desk could help you arrange it
Good luck and enjoy,
Stephen
Is there parking
Anshul Jain
Woonsocket, RI123 contributions
there is plenty of parking .. on busy weekends you may need to wait like 5-10 min .
asedney
2 contributions
Are there shaded areas? The last time I was there, years ago, there didn't seem to be much protection from the sun.
ChanEvan
Memphis, TN12,835 contributions
Yes, there are. The weather was perfect last Thursday when I was there, a light crowd, & the trees have matured to provide dappled shade.
I remain irritated @ Trip Advisor for not fixing their glitch that will allow me to choose limited photos from my iphone. Those posted are not my best.
Boston is having a short hot spell, I heard. I'm on the Cape this week & it is ideal beach weather! Memphis has high humidity & no fresh seafood ~ so I'm enjoying this immensely!
I hope you can visit Castle Island again soon & that this is Helpful!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCASTLE ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Castle Island
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Castle Island:
- Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey (From ₱7,800.29)
- Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise (From ₱5,195.95)
- Boston Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey (From ₱5,990.81)
- Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruise (From ₱1,704.86)
- Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour (From ₱4,014.72)
- Hotels near Castle Island:
- (1.79 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District
- (1.80 km) Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District
- (1.87 km) Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
- (2.31 km) Seaport Hotel
- (2.29 km) Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
- Restaurants near Castle Island:
- (0.29 km) Sullivan's
- (1.32 km) Chickadee
- (0.62 km) Down At The Rink
- (1.84 km) Yankee Lobster
- (2.22 km) Morton's The Steakhouse
- Attractions near Castle Island:
- (4.26 km) Freedom Trail
- (2.31 km) Breve Spa
- (6.67 km) Fenway Park
- (1.68 km) Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
- (3.68 km) Boston Segway Tours