Castle Island

Overview

Brochure InfoFort 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. 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, from sunrise to sunset. 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.Brochure Info - RecreationStroll along the pathways, play in the playground, sit on a bench and enjoy the view!Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsTwo designated picnic areas are reservable for your gathering. Each area offers 10 tables and holds a maximum of 75 people. Free parking is available in the lot near Fort Independence along with metered street parking along the beach. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsPleasure Bay, M Street Beach and Carson BeachKey Info IMPORTANT: This facility is very popular and you may need to walk a distance to the group picnic area. Please plan to arrive early to find parking. Alcohol is prohibited in all DCR Facilities. Please be advised, the rental of this facility is generally for a self-catered picnic or simple gathering. Should you be interested in having a caterer, amplified music, a bounce house, fundraising event, etc. you will need to secure permission via a special event permit. There is a $45 non-refundable application fee, a Certificate of Liability Insurance will be required and you will be need to submit a Covid-19 Compliance Plan stating how you will meet the Governor’s guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit Children must be attended at all times. Parking: There is a $35 parking fee for buses only. Park Hours: Dawn to Dusk. Pets must be attended and leashed at all times; are prohibited from swimming beaches and state buildings, including restrooms. Pick up after your pet and deposit waste in trash. Please clean up the area after use. Use available trash and recycling receptacles. Do not wash dishes in bathroom sinks or at public faucets. Bring paper goods for your outing or plan to transport and wash dishes at home. Remove all balloons and decorations. Reservations are rain or shine events. There are no refunds, unless cancelled with ReserveAmerica 1 day prior to reserved date.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionMBTA: 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.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation Desc Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies