Why visit
Where South Boston meets the harbor mouth, Castle Island (a peninsula, despite the name) wraps a granite star fort in beaches, lawns, and the best free plane-spotting in the city - Logan's runways point straight at the walkway, and jets thunder overhead close enough to read the liveries, a guaranteed thrill for children. Fort Independence, garrisoned in various forms since 1634, opens for free guided tours on summer weekends (verify seasons with DCR); the rest of the year its ramparts frame the walk. The loop around Pleasure Bay runs a flat, stroller-perfect two miles over water on both sides. Sullivan's, the beloved 1951 snack stand, handles crowds - Muslim families should note its menu centers on hot dogs; the fried fish and fries make the safe order, or bring a picnic. Local, free, and beloved: Boston being itself.
