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.
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Neighbourhood: South Boston
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1,243 within 5 kms
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812 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
541 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
174
Average
28
Poor
10
Terrible
2
Brandon S
Carnation, WA18 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Lol. This place is a joke. The park itself is great. Nice grounds and beach when the weather is nice.
My problem is the Fort (or rather the folks that run the place). It’s supposed to be open for tours between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 12pm-3pm, on Saturday and Sunday.
I have now visited Boston 3 times and attempted to see the inside. Each time it has been closed. No signage, no website update, not a single piece of useful information that could help someone discern when to actually come. You have no way to know if it will be open or closed before arriving.
My problem is the Fort (or rather the folks that run the place). It’s supposed to be open for tours between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 12pm-3pm, on Saturday and Sunday.
I have now visited Boston 3 times and attempted to see the inside. Each time it has been closed. No signage, no website update, not a single piece of useful information that could help someone discern when to actually come. You have no way to know if it will be open or closed before arriving.
Written 8 June 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.
Northern_Traveler00
California77,938 contributions
Nov 2020
Great day for a walk today. Had skipped C.I. the past few months due to an extreme lack of mask-wearers. Got there around noon today and would say 75-80% of visitors were masked, which was better. Tons of parking and the paths have been well maintained. Even grabbed lunch at Sully's!
Written 14 November 2020
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.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,122 contributions
May 2021
Nice place for a walk along the beach and around the fort. The fort was closed when we were there, but the grounds were beautiful with the green grass and spring blossoms still on all the trees. Quite a few families were having a picnic. You can purchase fast food at Sullivan's Castle Restaurant, which is pretty good. Be sure to be prepared for a change in the weather. When we first started walking, the weather was rather pleasant, but after about 45 minutes, the wind picked up to the point that we just needed to leave. I'd like to go back and walk the entire path.
Written 13 June 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.
Big Red of Boston
Boston, MA1,999 contributions
Oct 2020
A long time Boston area resident FINALLY made it to see Castle Island on a beautiful last day of fall. Walked around the castle which was closed. Beautiful views. Well maintained. 96% of people following Covid rules and wearing masks. Lots of families. Couples having picnics with wine!
Written 24 October 2020
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.
Kamcro
New Hampshire88 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
The day I visited was super windy. It was a great place for a walk, and looked like a perfect day for kiteboarding. Many people & families out enjoying a mild fall day. Parking was easy & restrooms were open!
Written 16 October 2020
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.
kathyg812020
Boston, MA50 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The view from Sullivans across the island you can see the tall buildings of Boston, a beautiful view and the Airplanes coming in are so low wonderful for photos! The Hot Dogs at Sullivans are my best, I had a cheeseburger today and it was very good. My friend loves the clam chowder, I don’t like fish of any kind so I stay with the hot dog most of the time! In the summer beware of the seagulls, don’t leave your food unattended or you won’t have any when you get back…those darn seagulls!
Written 8 May 2024
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, MA116 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.
eja117
New England738 contributions
May 2021
My wife and kid liked it. A nice place. I'll try to go back. The fort wasn't open at all. I don't think it's open until Memorial Day. The line was crazy long to get food at the Castle Island thing. There was ok tree cover for when it rained.
Written 28 May 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.
luv4phood
Marietta, GA920 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
If you are looking for a spot in the city for a walk along the water, this is the place! Lots of free parking lines the road to Fort Independence. There are benches are all around Pleasure Bay. The grassy areas around the fort are perfect for a picnic. The walk around the bay is an easy 2 mile loop.
Written 17 June 2024
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, TX20 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.
Is there an admission fee to walk around castle island? Thank you.
Written 7 June 2020
There is no admission fee to walk around.
Written 18 April 2021
Are there grills there, or do I have to bring my own?
Written 10 June 2018
BDW
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
they do not have grills there - but, there is "Sullivans"
sullivanscastleisland
GREAT food there and super reasonable, nice variety-something for everyone
Written 11 June 2018
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.
Written 23 February 2018
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
Written 23 October 2017
Is there bus service from Marriott long wharf to castle island!
Written 4 August 2017
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
Written 5 August 2017
there is plenty of parking .. on busy weekends you may need to wait like 5-10 min .
Written 30 July 2017
Is there is a good fishing area for the kids there?
Written 10 July 2017
yes, you can fish over the bridge area. Many people fish there, you can throw your line over either side of the bridge area.
Written 11 July 2017
Are there shaded areas? The last time I was there, years ago, there didn't seem to be much protection from the sun.
Written 12 June 2017
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!
Written 13 June 2017
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