I am most definitely the last person in Massachusetts to go to Castle Island. This is one of the most popular areas for a day of recreation, light tourism, sun, and family time. But prior to this weekend, it was foreign to me.
I’ve lived in Boston for almost 8 years now, and in Massachusetts all my life – how did I go so long without ever coming here?
We made sure to enjoy the beautiful weather by spending the day outdoors. We walked along the water and circled the fort before finally plopping down on a blanket with a big view of Pleasure Bay (or Boston Harbor, someone get me a map.)
One of the descriptions I read about this area is that it’s great for people-watching. I can agree with that, there were lots of families with babies and pets running around to keep our eyes moving.
And there’s a big ol’ fort in the background. There are tours open in June and July, but it’s basically a big polygon with a hollowed out center. It has cannons and grass on top. The end.
Some history buffs might know the importance (if any) of this establishment. It is totally lost on me.
I just came for the sunshine.
The grounds are really well maintained and there was lots of room to spread out on a blanket, throw around a frisbee, or have a picnic – plus a giant playground for the kids. I’d like to call this a hidden gem in South Boston, but everyone already knows about it. Better late than never.
Everyone also already knows that Sullivan’s makes amazing burgers and you have to have one if you come to Castle Island. Think basic burger stand/beach fare: burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, fried clams, and soft serve.
I had a hamburger and it was everything I anticipated. Sometimes gourmet burgers are unappealing to me – maybe I don’t want to have watercress and duck confit on my burger today. There is nothing better than a plain grilled hamburger patty with lettuce and tomato, slapped in between two buns.
After lunch, we digested a bit, soaked in some more rays, then headed home for a nap. It was a perfect spring day in Boston, the kind I’ll miss when I’m in foggy San Francisco.
What is the popular destination for family recreation in your area? Have you ever been?
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I think you’re the second to last person in Mass to go to Castle Island because I have never been! I definitely need to make that a priority this summer…
We have hot sunny days too. Just only a few a year. And only in September and October. And never at the beach sadly.
Oh I have such fond memories of Castle Island. We went all the time when I was little and we would go to Sullivan’s of course and the other place that used to be there (Kelly’s maybe). As far as the fort if I remember correctly it was established by the English when fighting the french, later on it was used by the British in the Revolutionary war, after the evacuation it was burned down, obviously it was rebuilt and it was also the first state prison.