Many major cities have airports far from their center, but that’s not the case with Boston. Logan International Airport sprawls across East Boston, into Winthrop, and its proximity to the city means that there are numerous places to watch planes taking off and landing.

Of these spots, Castle Island probably has the most to offer. This state park is a little off the beaten tourist path but is appreciated by locals.
Flickr/Robert Linsdell
Right across the water from Logan, Castle Island juts out into Boston Harbor in a way that ensures fantastic views of planes approaching and departing.
Flickr/Bill Ilott
Castle Island used to live up to its — it was only linked to the mainland in 1928.
Facebook/Sullivan's Castle Island, South Boston
Before that, it was only accessible via boat, making it a good spot for a fort — this is actually the oldest fortified military site in British North America, with the first fort built here in 1643! The current version, called Fort Independence, dates back to the 19th century.
Since Castle Island was so prized for its qualities as a lookout spot, you know it affords excellent views — both of ships traveling across Boston Harbor and of planes overhead.
Flickr/Perpetual Madness Photography and Custom PC
Stroll along two great loop trails that lead through the park. The Castle Island Loop is a very manageable 0.79-miles long, while the Pleasure Bay Loop is 1.84-miles in length.
Flickr/Leslee_atFlickr
You can watch the planes as you walk.

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Other popular activities here include running, biking, fishing, and even swimming.
Flickr/Bill Ilott
Dig your toes into the sand at the park's beaches.
Into history? In the summer months, free tours of the fort run on the weekends, starting at noon.
Flickr/Bill Ilott
When you need to refuel, stop by Sullivan's, which first opened in 1951.
Flickr/Pruet Boonma
The line moves quickly and soon you'll be chowing down on whole belly clams or hot dogs…
Tripadvisor/Teacher_Mother
…or lobster rolls.
Tripadvisor/frank f
Sully's opens for the season on the last weekend in February and remains open through the last weekend in November. William J Day Boulevard weaves through the park and you'll find Sullivan's at 2080 Day Boulevard.
Castle Island itself is at 2010 Day Boulevard in Boston.
Flickr/NorthEndWaterfront.com

Have you been to Castle Island lately? Where’s your favorite spot for a little plane-spotting?

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