A new picnic area along the boardwalk at Pleasure Bay

Pleasure Bay is one of the most popular and well-utilized swimming and sunning beaches in the City. Beachgoers will enjoy sinking their toes into the new sand at Pleasure Bay. Foot showers and water fountains are located on-site. Because the bay is fully enclosed by the man-made Head Island Causeway, water and sediment quality are consistently high. The causeway located behind the beach provides a great walk way for strolling around Pleasure Bay. Owned and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Castle Island, adjacent to Pleasure Bay, offers a wide range of recreational opportunities such as sailing, shaded picnic areas, and tot lots. Tours of the restored Fort Independence discuss the rich and fascinating history of one of Boston's earliest military installations. Concessions are available. Tours are offered through the Castle Island Association (617-268-5744).

Access: Castle Island has a large parking lot which fills up quickly on sunny summer days. The area is accessible by MBTA's City Point buses #9 or #11 which depart from the MBTA Red Line's Broadway Station.