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Day Boulevard
South Boston
617-727-5290
Open year-round
Fort Independence, a pentagonal five-bastioned,
granite fort built between 1834 and 1851, is the dominating feature
of Castle Island. This 22-acre urban park is connected to the mainland
by both pedestrian and vehicular causeways. Pleasure Bay, the M
Street Beach and Carson Beach form a three mile segment of parkland
and beach along the South Boston shoreline of Dorchester Bay. Carson
Beach offers some beautiful views and great public amenities: a
rehabilitated Mothers' Rest, public restrooms, exhibit space, first
aid and lifeguard functions, while the outdoor courtyards allow
space for passive recreation. Carson Beach also features a walkway
which allows one to walk, bike, or run along the water's edge from
Castle Island to the Kennedy Library.
Fort Independence and Castle Island are on the
State and National Registers of Historic Places. Fort Independence is open from Memorial
Day to Columbus Day, hours vary. Fort tours are conducted by the
Castle Island Association in the summer months and there is interpretive
signage for self-guided tours. The principal program theme, the
History of Castle Island, stresses the role of the fort in harbor
defense. Please call the Harbor Region Office at (617) 727-5290
for information and school programming.
Trail Map
Healthy Heart View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
Directions
MBTA:
Castle Island, M St. Beach - Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park to the beach to the entrance of the fort. Carson Beach - Red Line to JFK/UMass.
By Car:
Castle Island - Rte. 3 to JFK Exit, follow beach along William J. Day Boulevard, Castle Island is at the end of the Causeway. |
