Overview

Jutting out into Boston Harbor like a long finger, the fort of Castle Island (which is now connected to the mainland) watches over the approach to the inner harbor. During Boston's early years, this fort provided necessary protection to the shipping trade. Walk the fort's periphery and enjoy great views of the harbor and islands, or sit back and watch the planes taking off from the nearby airport. The "sugar bowl" trail, roughly one mile around, is popular with rollerbladers. Local shops and bakeries in South Boston offer a pleasant diversion.