Fort Independence Boston, Ma

History of Fort Independence

FORT HISTORY

Castle Island State Park

Overview of Castle Island, Pleasure Bay, M Street Beach, and Carson Beach

A visit to Castle Island State Park will give a peek into history and recreation. Tour Fort Independence, take a walk around the Fort or take a longer walk by walking the walkway around Pleasure Bay. Sit on a park bench overlooking the harbor and watch the planes and ships passing by. Go to famous Sully’s and sit on the lawn, enjoy a hotdog or two, bring a cooler full of food, and sit at a shady picnic table with the family and friends. The island has a big new playground for kids to enjoy. Continue the day sunbathing or swimming in one of the nearby beaches. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) maintains these facilities by keeping them clean, safe for everyone, and in excellent condition.

A view of Pleasure Bay with JFK Library and Blue Hills in the background

There is ample free parking on weekdays, but on a beautiful sunny weekend, you might have to hunt for a spot. Bike Racks are also available on-site.

Walkway and benches on the East side Wall overlooking the Harbor

The monument pictured above is for Donald McCay, a master shipbuilder who constructed a shipyard in East Boston on Border Street. In the mid-1800s, he was a master of high-speed clipper ships, large three—or four-masted boats. His most famous ship was the Flying Clipper; here, you see a model of the Flying Clipper from MFA in Boston.

Check out my post on the USS Constitution Turnaround. A great place to  visit in Boston is the USS Constitution Museum.