Once a strategic military outpost, now a beloved Boston landmark, Castle Island blends over 350 years of history with stunning harbor views. Originally a true island, land reclamation projects connected it to South Boston in 1928, creating a 22-acre waterfront destination with walking paths, beaches, and one of the city’s best seafood stands.

At its heart stands Fort Independence, a granite fortress with roots dating back to 1634, making it one of the oldest continuously fortified sites in North America. During the American Revolution, British forces occupied the fort—then called Castle William—before destroying it during their evacuation of Boston in 1776. Rebuilt under the direction of Paul Revere, it was officially renamed Fort Independence in 1797. The fort also served as a state prison in the late 1700s, protected the harbor during the War of 1812, and inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling tale The Cask of Amontillado.

Today, visitors can tour Fort Independence in the summer, walk the scenic Pleasure Bay Loop, or relax on the beach. Castle Island is also home to Sullivan’s, a South Boston institution famous for lobster rolls, fried seafood, and classic New England fare. Whether you’re exploring Revolutionary history, enjoying a seaside picnic, or grabbing a bite with unbeatable harbor views, Castle Island is a must-visit destination.