Old Harbor Reservation / Castle Island

Old Harbor is protected coastline running from Castle Island and Fort Independence to the JFK Library. It's 5 miles that hugs the coast along South Boston and Dorchester. The views of the Boston Harbor Islands, boats in Dorchester bay, Massport, and the Boston skyline are fantastic. The USS Constituion makes annual sailings from its berth to Fort Independence.

The current Fort was finished in 1851 but it's origins date to 1634 as an English fort. It was abandoned by the British during the 1775 Siege of Boston when George Washington and Co. setup in nearby Dorchester with cannon stolen from Fort Ticonderoga. It protected Boston during the War of 1812 and again during the Civil War when approaching navies were reluctant to approach the inner harbor due to Independence's famous cannons. At its peak, the Fort had close to 100 cannon of 8", 10", and 15" sizes. Many were 15-inch Rodman guns capable of firing a 450 pound shot more than 3 miles. Two 20" guns were built and tested. At the time they were the heaviest guns in the world at 36,000 lbs apiece and capable of firing a 1,000lb shot 8,000 yards.

Sadly - and lamely - it's closed to the public except on select official days. Shame. The grounds around the fort are excellent with public parks, beaches, playgrounds, and free parking. There's also a famous lunch spot called Sullivan's. But getting rudely turned away at the gate was a huge letdown.