Castle Island, home of Fort Independence, is the centerpiece of this 22-acre park. Fort Independence, a pentagonal five-bastioned, granite fort built between 1834 and 1851, is the dominating feature of Castle Island. Castle Island is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

A visit to Castle Island combines history and recreation. Tour Fort Independence or take a walk around it. Continue the day sunbathing or swimming at one of the nearby beaches.

For a light walk around historic Fort Independence, take the Castle Island Loop. For a longer stroll, try the Pleasure Bay Loop.