Castle Island

Category: State park in Boston, Massachusetts

Address: 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127, USA

Phone: +16177275290

Opening hours

Sunday: 6:30AM–7PM

Monday: 6:30AM–7PM

Tuesday: 6:30AM–7PM

Wednesday: 6:30AM–7PM

Thursday: 6:30AM–7PM

Friday: 6:30AM–7PM

Saturday: 6:30AM–7PM

Reviews

Daniel Milbrandt

Aug 1, 2022

What a great park! Lots of bathrooms, and garbage cans so it's very clean. There is a beach with lifeguards and areas to grill, which I think you need a permit for? Unsure, the rules aren't posted very clearly and the DCR website was a little hard to navigate. Great views of the harbor, easy to access from the bus and a bit of a walk from the T and lots of free parking. We spent a lovely afternoon grilling and hanging out with many other families.

Karthik Kadappan

Jul 31, 2022

After having visited other forts in Florida I was disappointed to see how poorly this fort was maintained. And you can’t go in! But they’ve done an excellent job with the park and walking trails around the fort. Plenty of space to have picnics. Nice view of the water and the city. Great sunset views as well. I don’t remember seeing a public restroom.

Vinny Kashiv

Jun 16, 2022

It’s great places for family picnic , cookout and outing. The beautiful beach and castle is just amazing. We usually go there with kids and of course try to find seashells/snails/crabs etc. it keeps them busy and is very relaxing. There is a food place and lines are long. TIP: order online and pick up (much faster). Plenty of parking but kinda takes 2 round to find a spot. Overall, it’s a great place for family fun.

Sofia Ricciardi

Feb 28, 2022

A fun place to take a walk/bike ride. Very very windy so be prepared for that. Good people watching spot and also a popular place for people to wind surf. Nice place to take your dog as well with a cool view of the city

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Questions & Answers

Hi Is this place good for swimming?

Ana | Aug 27, 2018
Mark Adair | Aug 27, 2018

Yes, it is. The beaches are rather small, but they are on Pleasure Bay (known as "The Lagoon" by locals). Very calm and relatively warm.

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Are dogs allowed here ?

Jack Hurley | Aug 27, 2019
Wayne | Aug 27, 2019

Dogs are most welcome at Castle Island, it's pretty populated so dog's should be on a leash and owners must pick up after their dogs

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I never been there before but I will on Saturday with my husband and my two kids .any recommendations?? And it's okay if I take the stroller with us .? And what about the free tours?thank you guys

Fatima Choual | Aug 27, 2018
Jen R | Aug 27, 2018

Sullivan's is open, for awesome food. There are paved paths and walkways, great views, and a pretty awesome playground. The castle or Fort Independence is closed right now till Summer. But you can still walk all the way around it. And around the water. It's great for walking jogging rollerblading and biking

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Can I make a bbqu there?

Ulises Rodriguez | Aug 27, 2018
Eric Jones | Aug 27, 2018

Yes and there is a food place called Sullys at the entrance great food

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Can you bring dogs?

Stella Starr | Aug 27, 2018
Christine Mc Donagh | Aug 27, 2018

Bring your dogs they will love the walkways

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Are dogs allowed

Edward Miga | Aug 27, 2018
Jack Driscoll | Aug 27, 2018

Leashed dogs and Masters with doggie - do bags.

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Is there room for a school bus to park or drive in lot

Lisa Rullo | Aug 27, 2018
Evelyn Clark | Aug 27, 2018

Yes and the food is great

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Any admission fees?

Patsy Hawkins | Aug 27, 2018
Robert Power (Bob) | Aug 27, 2018

No admission fees.

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¿the minutemen are still in the castle?

Rodrigo Rivero | Aug 26, 2021
Fernanda Ramirez | Aug 26, 2021

You can just visit outside or around the castle. Not entrance allowed. But still can see the famous statues with the war veterans printed in them.

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Are the picnic tables bolted down or can guests move them around?

Connor Duffy | Aug 27, 2019
Meet Sanghvi | Aug 27, 2019

Bolted down

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Can you reserve an area for a wedding ceremony?

Melissa Guardia | Aug 27, 2019
Kenneth Rouse | Aug 27, 2019

No bikes on castle island..

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Can we still stay at Castle Island later than the time later than 7:00 PM ?

julia | Aug 27, 2019
wathsi w | Aug 27, 2019

Thank you.. good to know it's open till 10pm. Is it must that i buy a ticket to just roam around the island?

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can u bring a grill there or no ?

Neilysmarie Garcia | Aug 27, 2019
mrinalini upadhya | Aug 27, 2019

Yes

Does this place have a public grill area? Does it need prior reservation?

Sreejith Gopal | Aug 27, 2019
Ken Ross | Aug 27, 2019

Yes there is a grilling area and no reservation is needed

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Have to pay something there?

henry romero | Aug 27, 2019
pat lee | Aug 27, 2019

Everything is free except for some events and food

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Can you walk on the causeway?

Judy Fogelstrom | Aug 27, 2019
Stacy Lundquist | Aug 27, 2019

sure can! it's wonderful!

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Is it worth checking out when the fort itself is closed?

Jon “The Web Tech” McLaren | Aug 27, 2019
Charles Bellone | Aug 27, 2019

Nice Place to go for a walk take the family to the beach very clean

Parking is free here?

Zaid U | Aug 27, 2018
Sean Maguire | Aug 27, 2018

Yes

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What T stop is closest to this beach?

Elaine M. Lapomardo | Aug 27, 2018
Michael Ronca | Aug 27, 2018

U can catch the # 11 or #9 from Broadway station to Farragut rd1/2

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What strange animals seen at night

Paul m Mainey | Aug 27, 2018
Marie O'Donovan | Aug 27, 2018

I've never seen anything except plane's flying in at night.

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Can I go fishing here?????

Nathaniel Rijo | Aug 27, 2018
faustgirl | Aug 27, 2018

Yes, they even have a pier that's mainly just for that. Off season you don't have to deal with many people. We went a couple weeks ago and although there were a fair amount of people and Sullivan's was packed, we were the only ones on the fishing pier. I'll post a picture from the pier of what fish you are likely to catch.

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Are there any grills here?

All Things Backcountry | Aug 27, 2018
Farzana Hossain | Aug 27, 2018

Yes there are.. but better to bring your own.

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Castle island is the best place to see plane and get a burger form Sullivan's

Daniel Oconnell | Aug 27, 2018
Joan Charles | Aug 27, 2018

Best place to watch the planes coming into Logan airport and Sullivan's is noted for there seafood and onion rings as well. Actually all there food is fabulous!

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Are there any restrictions on bringing your own charcoal grill, and what is the best spot for grilling?

Red | May 28, 2022
Red | May 28, 2022

Thank you everyone! We went yesterday and grilled, no issues at all 😊

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As of March 2022, are there porta-potties available at Castle Island? Would be helpful to know since the summer restrooms are locked this time of year. Appreciate any info.

Lindsey Nichols | Mar 29, 2022
Karen Judd | Mar 29, 2022

Sullivan's opened the other day. I was there to enjoy the Ocean view once more before heading home to Kentucky. 🐎. Unfortunately, I did not notice if the Porta-Potties were there, or unlocked. Google Sullivan's phone number, call &.ask them.. An employee may know - is my best suggestion for you to get your answer 💡 Enjoy Carson Beach 🌞

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What things to see for children

Donna Paruszkiewicz | Aug 26, 2021
Linda R | Aug 26, 2021

There was a time you could go into Fort Independence so would Google if they have restarted since covid- Usually weekends! Also ice cream and food at Sullivans, never saw a bike rental there as they don't want you to ride the area that you walk out towards the harbor and around- it's about 2 miles all around. Used to have my kids roller blade and also a low key playground, areas by the water near the Castle but you can swim in Pleasure Bay which may be a mile from Fort Independence. Can see the planes coming and going from Logan which is very close so low flying..Good for picnics.

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Are the restrooms open?

Paula Fahey | Aug 26, 2021
Edison Griffin-Barth | Aug 26, 2021

Yes

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Is there a trail for walkers or runners all around Castle Island?

A Google User | Aug 26, 2021
Riaz Ahmed | Aug 26, 2021

Yes. The tail is accessible for walking, running and cycling. Though cycling is not allowed in all parts, only around the fort.

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Is there a bike path on castle island

James O'Brien | Aug 26, 2021
Dianna Wass | Aug 26, 2021

people do bring bikes ,but they are not suppose to Most people Just Like To walk,run ,bring thier families ,picnic swim , read books ,fish Just enjoy the tranquility of the space

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Can u fishing here after hours???

Tee Kay | Aug 26, 2021
PhunqueQueso | Aug 26, 2021

Off the fishing pier and the Sugar Bowl, yes. I've caught stripers and bluefish. Just make sure you have a license as the DCR rangers will check.

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Where to park the car?

Prajakta Dogmane | Aug 26, 2020
Julia Bruton | Aug 26, 2020

There is a decent sized parking lot right at the fort and near Sullivan's restsurant. For other parts of the park and the beaches, there is free parking along the street.

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Is there free parking here?

Prajakta Dogmane | Aug 26, 2020
Annadad71 | Aug 26, 2020

Yes there is

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Can we do cookouts and bring my own grill

Maribel Martinez | Aug 26, 2020
Stephanie Giraldo | Aug 26, 2020

Sure can!

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Do they have any eating places near by?

kitty cat beauty shop | Aug 26, 2020
Joshua Palmerino | Aug 26, 2020

Right on Castle Island is Sullivans (Sullys) and there are also a number of places not far away in Southie too.

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can we pitch a tent on castle island?

Sara Campbell | Aug 26, 2020
Michael “Openhrt&mnd” Barillot | Aug 26, 2020

Not that I'm aware of...no camping definitely.

Are there any inside picture

james hawk webber webber | Aug 26, 2020
Yamaris Vazquez | Aug 26, 2020

I don't have any personally but there are plenty if you Google it

I have a reference to this being a prison in 1794 for hard labor, run by the military. Where would I find more history of the early years of Castle Isle in Boston Harbor. Thanks

Edward McCall | Aug 26, 2020
queen boston | Aug 26, 2020

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Independence_(Massachusetts)

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Can you crab trap and fish here?

NIKKI S | Aug 26, 2020
Ron Chamberlin | Aug 26, 2020

Correct. Permits needed

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Is castle open today

Elizabeth Kelley | Aug 26, 2020
Michael | Aug 26, 2020

It's open always on Sundays

Camping one night, on the coast, in a tent, best place?

Tanya Dissell | Aug 26, 2020
Randy Haynes | Aug 26, 2020

No camping, but you can enjoy the grounds, walk around for great exercise, swim, good food (hot dogs are amazing!!).

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If there a campaign area around?

Joselyn Vuele | Aug 27, 2019
Aiden Ben | Aug 27, 2019

Unfortunately not

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Is there public transportation?

Deb Douglas | Aug 27, 2019
renee simmons | Aug 27, 2019

Unsure

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Is it salt water??

Pamela Byrnes | Aug 27, 2019
uz know | Aug 27, 2019

Yes its salt water. And very nice view over there.

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It says closes at 7pm does that mean we cant go down by the water after 7 or is that just the fort that closes?

Cliff S | Aug 27, 2019
Ms Sims | Aug 27, 2019

You can drive down and hang out by the water.

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Does anyone kayak in the lagoon and is there a public ramp? Or do we have to stay out of the lagoon even for unmotorized vessels?

Mellyssa Coutinho | Aug 27, 2019
Tom Metro | Aug 27, 2019

If you're referring to Pleasure Bay, I've seen kayakers there. I don't think there is a boat ramp with vehicle access, but if you can carry or dolly your kayak there is a ramp off the corner of the main parking lot, as seen in this satellite photo: https://www.google.com/maps/place/42.335905,+-71.019336/@42.3382544,-71.0130947,22z/data=!3m1!1e3 And the small parking lot at the other end of the bay has grade-level access to the beach, if I recall.

What days do they open and what hours do they have?

julia garcia | Aug 27, 2019
John Xavier Walsh 2nd | Aug 27, 2019

English!

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Is this place good for fishing?

Joseph Lebrun | Aug 27, 2019
Steven medeiros | Aug 26, 2020

Yeah it’s ok

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Can I go crabbing here

Love With Zani | Aug 27, 2019
Johnny Kennerly | Aug 27, 2019

No

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When is the best day to go ?

darrell moulding | Aug 27, 2019
Katrina Gottschlich | Aug 27, 2019

Mon-Thurs tend to be least crowded

how early should i be there on july 4 to get a nice spot for my bbq?thanks in advance!

Eric Roman | Aug 27, 2019
nikki lynn | Aug 27, 2019

Never been on the 4th but have on the weekends and it can get very busy also it's going to be a hot day and i assume people will be at the beach or getting ice cream at Sullivan's so I'd say pretty early in the morning.

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How much distance to. Walk around castle island

Stephen Brand | Aug 27, 2019
Gail | Aug 27, 2019

2 ml

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Q: why is it called castle island?

WYATT CORTEZ | Aug 27, 2019
Kimberley-Annah Kline | Aug 27, 2019

Fort indepemdence

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Are you allowed to be at the park after dark?

M P | Aug 27, 2019
Maureen Sullivan | Aug 27, 2019

You can there until 10pm

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It’s okay ride a bike 🚲 there??

Kathe Ortiz | Aug 27, 2018
Nnaemeka Nwachukwu | Aug 27, 2018

Yeah!

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Can I bring a dog to the beach

christine thai | Aug 27, 2018
William Diaz | Aug 27, 2018

Beach yes with. a leash

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How long is it mileage wise to

Brian scaffidi | Aug 27, 2018
Jill Stewart | Aug 27, 2018

From where?

Is the swim area dog friendly?

Zachary Zompetti | Aug 27, 2018
Herb Govan | Aug 27, 2018

Well I've seen dogs enjoying the water as also.

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Best Picnic areas?

Junior Bennett | Aug 27, 2018
Paul Tkaczuk | Aug 27, 2018

The whole area is great for picnics and pictures

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Do you have any event this weekend

Jose Vides | Aug 27, 2018
Herb Govan | Aug 27, 2018

I personally don't have any event's but there's always something going on there. So just go down there and enjoy yourself even if there's nothing going on you can still have a good time. I'll be going down there soon to do some fishing.

Where is the bathroom at castle island

Amintha Lamour | Aug 27, 2018
Heather Davis | Aug 27, 2018

Take rt at Sullivan's & walk 2 mins the porta pottys are on the rt & the real ones are on the left in the brick looking house!!!

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Is it handicap accessable

Tracey archer | Aug 27, 2018
John Cullinane | Aug 27, 2018

Yes it is handicapped accessible. Wide concrete walkways run along the harbor and around the fort. Enjoy!

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Cost to park and / or admission??

Rachel DeBoard | Aug 27, 2018
Sarah Heffernan | Aug 27, 2018

Free Parking. Free Park. Great pkace to bring a picnic, small beach, Sully's Take Out Restaurant, Site See! Playground

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Where can I buy a baseball cap with castle island on it?

Marie Desrosier | Aug 27, 2018
Rob Stan | Aug 27, 2018

The restaurant has some items for sale and if the fort is open they sell some items also.

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Can I have picnics up on the hill area near the fort or castle? I wanted it there because it has a nice view of the sea, but I have around 10 people and I’m not sure if I need a permit to have a picnic around there.

a person | Aug 27, 2018
Diana kaz | Aug 27, 2018

Yes you can. Some spots have little cement squares thaf you may use for a grill. Good luck have fun.

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I wanted 2 host a girls summertime pinic someone said if 20 or more need a permit how can I get one I am deaf try calling they hang up

rosanne serverius | Aug 27, 2018
Namrata C | Aug 27, 2018

See if you can get a hold of them thru their fb page or email provided on their website.

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Is there any restrooms on the boat to castle isĺand?

John Haley | Aug 27, 2018
Indira Saha | Aug 27, 2018

There is no boat to Castle Island. There are washrooms nearby.

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