A 22-acre former island, now joined to the mainland by landfill, wrapped by a paved harbor-view walking loop and anchored by a granite fort built 1834-1851, the eighth fort on this site since the 1600s. Edgar Allan Poe is said to have drawn on a local duel story here for The Cask of Amontillado; today it's mostly known for the loop walk and the line at Sullivan's clam shack.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Trails
Paved Castle Island Loop encircling the fort, plus the longer Pleasure Bay Loop
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), South Region
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Restroom
On-site, near the fort/loop path
Picnic area
Picnic tables and grill areas on the grounds
Common questions
Where do I park at Castle Island?
The free lot near Sullivan's is the main option and fills by roughly 10am on summer weekends; street parking along Day Boulevard is the backup.
Where do I park at Castle Island / Fort Independence Park?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Castle Island / Fort Independence Park?
Yes, Free
What rules should I know at Castle Island / Fort Independence Park?
Dogs are prohibited on DCR coastal beaches May 1 through September 15 unless otherwise posted; the walking loop itself is not a designated swim beach so leash rules there specifically remain unconfirmed.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.