Description: A perfect variety of things to do here from beach to wildlife to amazing views. It’s well worth the trip. Off-season it’s really quiet… if you enjoy that sort of thing like me. Good history abounds. Read up on Pleasure Bay and Fort Independence before you go.

Castle Island Website

Description: “It is a great place to bring your dog for a walk, jog (or swim).  Legally they have to be on leash, but they do have a lot of great stuff going on down there during the summertime i.e. concerts, movies on Friday nights, festivals.  And dogs can attend!” – Julianna

Directions: A common way to access the Esplanade is from the north end of Arlington Street at David G. Mugar Way, and walking across the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge over Storrow Drive.  The famous Hatch Shell is to the right.