Boston is known for its storied history and the part it played in the founding of our nation. On Memorial Day in Boston, the number of activities available for one to properly celebrate are endless. Whether partaking in Boston’s legacy or observing the holiday in more of a contemporary fashion – beer(s) in hand, grill chock full of meat and veggies – you can’t go wrong. One of the best ways to enjoy the sunset on Memorial Day, though, is a stroll around Castle Island.

South Boston’s Fort Independence, known colloquially as Castle Island, is the oldest continuously fortified fort in North America. There’s no better way to cap off Memorial Day by taking in the sunset while contemplating the sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces.

According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Castle Island is a pentagonal five-bastioned, granite fort built between 1834 and 1851. The site had been designated as a place of fortification for hundreds of years prior, though. A battery was constructed as early as 1632.

The three mile stretch from Castle Island down Pleasure Bay, the M Street Beach and Carson Beach comprise some of the most scenic areas in Boston. Though it’s too late to formally tour Fort Independence, the grounds are open for taking in the air and working off a few of those Memorial Day calories until dusk.

Sunset in Boston is at 8:09 p.m. so there’s still plenty of time to make your way over to Castle Island. Despite the plethora of local artifacts, buildings and historical tidbits in Boston, few places offer the kind of Memorial Day and evening summertime experience than Castle Island. Be sure to take a couple of snapshots of the panorama and upload them to social media as well.

Happy Memorial Day, Boston.