Castle Island Tours

Photo provided by Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo by David LaCivita


The ancient Fort Independence finds its home on this impressive harbor peninsula, a beautiful place to walk and relax along the waterfront.

With 22 acres of parkland and a rare stretch of sandy beach, Castle Island is both a monument to the defense of Boston Harbor and a remarkably peaceful place to unwind by the water. Explore the history of the great Fort Independence or simply lie back and enjoy the scenery. Either way, relish a moment of calm on Boston’s storied waterfront.

Castle Island was first fortified in 1632, and three cannons were later installed to defend Boston from sea attacks. The island was later home to a strong brick fort called “Castle William,” named after English King William III of Orange. When the 1773 Boston Tea Party took place, many British loyalists retreated to Castle William for safety. The victorious rebels eventually took over the island and dedicated a new fort which would be named, according to the spirit of the times, “Fort Independence.”

Admire the impressive granite complex that you see upon arrival on Castle Island. It was conceived in the 19th century, when the fortification was radically expanded and strengthened by use of local Cape Ann granite. View the structure from the outside or head inside to explore. Free tours are available on weekends during the year’s warmer months: Call ahead for details.

Castle Island is not actually an island. In the 1930s, it was connected to the mainland so that bathers could more easily get to the beach on Pleasure Bay. That charming beach is still in use, with surprisingly high water quality. Linger there for a fine afternoon of swimming, fishing or picnicking.

Walk the path leading around the bay from Fort Independence for sensational views of the city skyline, Boston’s iconic harbor and planes taking off at nearby Logan Airport. This lovely trail is a favorite for local joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers. Continue along the South Boston shore and you will pass popular Carson Beach before reaching the John F. Kennedy Library on Columbia Point.

Castle Island is accessible by bus or car. Bring a picnic or stop by the popular take-out restaurant, Sullivan’s. Conditions can be windy on the peninsula, so dress appropriately.

Plan a trip to see Castle Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Boston Lodge and Suites
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

Browse tours and tickets to explore Castle Island

Tours & day trips

See all 247 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 47 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 37 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 7 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Castle Island

Seaport Hotel Boston

Seaport Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Seaport Hotel Boston
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
The Westin Boston Seaport District

The Westin Boston Seaport District

4 out of 5
425 Summer St, Boston, MA
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District

Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District

3 out of 5
670 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District

3 out of 5
295 NORTHERN AVENUE, Boston, MA
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District

Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District

3 out of 5
670 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor

Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor

4 out of 5
101 Harborside Drive, Boston, MA
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Renaissance® Boston Seaport District

Renaissance® Boston Seaport District

4 out of 5
606 Congress St, Boston, MA
Renaissance® Boston Seaport District
YOTEL Boston

YOTEL Boston

4 out of 5
65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
YOTEL Boston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Castle Island

Castle Island in Boston offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Enjoy outdoor sports in the scenic surroundings, and explore the area’s rich history. For those planning corporate retreats, the picturesque views and recreational opportunities provide a perfect backdrop for team-building activities. Don't miss the chance to savor local cuisine at nearby restaurants, making your visit both fun and memorable.

Shopping

While visiting Castle Island, enjoy shopping at Boston Design Center, just 1 mile away, offering unique design items. Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Boston Public Market are both 3 miles away, featuring a mix of shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore larger malls beyond that distance.

Recreation

At MGM Music Hall at Fenway, experience exhilarating live music in a vibrant atmosphere, just 4 miles from Castle Island. Meanwhile, Agganis Arena offers thrilling sports events 5 miles away, while Granite Links Golf Club, located 7 miles away, provides a serene outdoor golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Irish Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking experience located 2 miles from Castle Island, perfect for adventure lovers. Enjoy the outdoor vibes at Deer Island HarborWalk, 3 miles away, or dive into water sports at Courageous Sailing Center, also 3 miles from Castle Island.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at the Wilbur Theatre, just 3 miles from Castle Island, where you can enjoy live performances and entertainment. For a family-friendly vibe, visit the Charles Hayden Planetarium, also 3 miles away, or take a spin on the Greenway Carousel, located 2 miles from the island.

Find the best attractions near Castle Island

Castle Island in Boston offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveler. Whether you're interested in exploring urban parks, visiting historic colleges, or attending events at conference venues, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the rich cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and the vibrant city atmosphere that Castle Island and its surroundings have to offer. It's the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in both history and nature.

  • Fenway Park: Step into the iconic Fenway Park, America's oldest ballpark, where the spirit of baseball thrives. Immerse yourself in its rich history, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and catch a Red Sox game for an unforgettable sports experience.
  • TD Garden: Experience the energy at TD Garden, a premier venue for concerts and sports events. This state-of-the-art arena hosts everything from Celtics and Bruins games to live performances, making it a hub of excitement and entertainment.
  • Boston Common: Explore Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. With sprawling lawns, beautiful gardens, and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or outdoor activities amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Best time to go to Castle Island

The best time to visit Castle Island is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Castle Island

To save money on your trip to Castle Island, visit during the off-peak season from December to February, when hotel prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare prices and find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider booking a package deal for added savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Enjoy the free entry to Castle Island and take advantage of walking to explore the area, keeping transportation costs low.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Castle Island are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Castle Island is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Castle Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving money by combining your hotel stay at Castle Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package. It's a smart way to maximize your travel budget!
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.