The ultimate guide to Massachusetts beaches

Travel

Going to a Mass. seashore? We have now the lowdown on the very best seashores, facilities, and extra.

Massachusetts has loads of lovely seashores, and a few even rank among the many greatest within the nation — we’re you, Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, and Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Searching for the fitting sandy spot on your crew this season? The next information is designed to assist beachgoers get probably the most out of a Massachusetts seashore day. Whether or not you’re searching for seashores with lighthouses, snack shacks, mountaineering trails, or attractive sunsets, we’ve received you lined.

Better Boston Seashores

Carson Beach in South Boston

Take within the metropolis’s skyline from this Carson Seashore, which is accessible by the MBTA’s Purple Line. The sandy spot is a part of a three-mile string of parks alongside the Southie shoreline.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is free, however restricted

Castle Island in Boston

Seashore goers can tour historic Fort Independence and revel in views of Boston Harbor. There are additionally shaded areas of grass excellent for a picnic lunch — and the well-known Sullivan’s in the event you forgot to pack one.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is free in so much close to Fort Independence; metered avenue parking strains the seashore

Constitution Beach in East Boston

Company can see ships crusing via Boston Harbor and planes from Logan Airport whereas visiting Structure Seashore in Eastie. Seashore goers also can benefit from athletic fields, basketball courts, and a playground.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is free

Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands in Boston

Take the ferry to Lovells Island, a part of the Boston Harbor Islands, which gives tenting, mountaineering, and secluded seashores. Company also can try Fort Standish, a coastal fort relationship again to 1907.

M Street Beach in Boston

M Avenue Seashore is a three-mile-long seashore on William J. Day Boulevard, known as a “popular summertime oasis” by The Boston Globe, is the place metropolis dwellers flock to the sand on warm-weather days. There are grassy picnic spots beside the sand.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Car parking zone is out there

Spectacle Island in Boston

Take the ferry to Spectacle Island, a part of the Boston Harbor Islands, the place company get pleasure from panoramic views of Boston Harbor and town. The 114-acre island additionally has a customer heart with displays and 5 miles of strolling trails.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms

Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester

Savin Hill Seashore makes it doable to get pleasure from a day on the seashore with out leaving town. Youngsters also can spend time on the playground and ball fields.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking is free

Tenean Beach in Dorchester

Cool off with household and mates throughout a swim within the calm waters of the Neponset River. Tenean Seashore is greater than only a swimming vacation spot, because it additionally features a playground and tennis courts.

Facilities:

Seashores North of Boston

Crane Beach in Ipswich

Voted the best beach in Massachusetts by Boston.com readers, Crane Seashore has greater than 1,200 acres of beachfront, maritime forest, and dunes. Miles upon miles of mountaineering trails are positioned right here, too. 

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25 per automotive for Trustees members and $40 for nonmembers through the week, and $30 for members and $45 for nonmembers on the weekend. Advance passes are required and could be bought here.

Dane Street Beach in Beverly

Seashore goers at Dane Avenue Seashore also can get pleasure from acres of open, grassy fields. Youngsters will enjoyment of one of many metropolis’s hottest play buildings.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is free however restricted; on-street parking additionally out there

Devereux Beach in Marblehead

Devereux Seashore was as soon as the positioning of the house of John Devereux (1615-1695), which the seashore is called after, and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “The Fireplace of Driftwood” about his go to there. There are benches for resting and pavilions and picnic tables for gathering.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $15 (Mon.-Thu.) and $20 (Fri.-Solar.)

Fisherman’s Beach in Swampscott

There are many sailing classes to select from at Fisherman’s Seashore, the place the city holds its crusing packages. Or simply stretch out on the sand earlier than having fun with a swim.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking is out there on the road

Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester

Named among the many 25 best beaches in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Good Harbor Seashore contains a scenic stroll out to Salt Island throughout low tide. It’s a large, flat seashore that’s nice for strolling.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $30 through the week and $35 on weekends

Half Moon Beach in Gloucester

Situated in historic Stage Fort Park, this small, quiet seashore’s title comes from its crescent form. There are grassy areas to get pleasure from a picnic or a cookout.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms within the close by Customer Heart
• Parking is $20 through the week and $25 on weekends

Independence Park in Beverly

Independence Park has a beautiful sandy seashore the place people can chill out and swim. Or guests can get pleasure from a picnic lunch on the grassy space whereas gazing out at Beverly Harbor.

Facilities:

Long Beach in Gloucester and Rockport

Lighthouse followers, take word: Lengthy Seashore is understood for the spectacular dawn views of the dual lighthouses on Thatcher’s Island.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards on the Rockport facet
• Restricted avenue parking is out there

Lynch Beach in Beverly

Lynch Seashore, with its unencumbered views of the Atlantic, is certainly one of two seashores in Lynch Park. The opposite is Woodbury Seashore, which is the bigger of the 2 seashores.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Free parking for residents; parking is $15 for non residents on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays.

Nahant Beach Reservation in Nahant

Nahant Seashore gives a paved promenade nice for strolling, jogging, and biking. There’s a playground close to park headquarters and Tides restaurant gives beachside eating, full with an out of doors deck.

Facilities:

• Lifeguard
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking: Free on-street parking alongside Lynn Shore Drive; DCR lot is $10 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents

Obear Park in Beverly

On the Obear Park seashore, guests can take breaks from the sand by taking part in baseball, basketball, or tennis. There’s additionally a playground for youths.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Restricted free parking

Pleasant View Beach in Beverly

Seashore goers looking for privateness can head to this quaint seashore, positioned behind a cliffside park. Nice View Seashore lacks facilities however has serenity in spades.

Facilities:

• Restricted on-street parking

Plum Island Beach, Newbury and Newburyport

Plum Island stretches via Newbury and Newburyport, with the northernmost facet in Newburyport. Plum Island additionally boasts the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a favourite of birders.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking for non-residents is $15 on weekdays and $20 on holidays and weekends

Revere Beach in Revere

America’s first public seashore has three miles of shoreline and options the favored Revere Seashore Worldwide Sand Sculpting Competition each July. This seashore is accessible from the MBTA Blue Line at Wonderland and Revere Seashore stops.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Free four-hour parking alongside Revere Boulevard

Salisbury Beach in Salisbury

Overlooking the place the Merrimack River feeds the Atlantic Ocean, this widespread park gives swimming, boating, and a 484-site campground. Salisbury Seashore Heart is an amusement space with arcades, eating places, and rides.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $14 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents

Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea

This half-mile-wide seashore is legendary for its singing sand, which makes a noise when guests stroll on it. It was named one of many best beaches in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Non-resident parking is out there weekdays for $30, and there’s a $10 walk-on seashore price per individual. Company 65 and older don’t pay a walk-on price.

Winthrop Shore Reservation in Winthrop

The most important seashore on the town, Winthrop Shore Reservation’s sand stretches nearly a mile. The jetties are nice for fishing and exploring, and quite a few eating places are inside strolling distance.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is free alongside the seashore

Woodbury Beach in Beverly

Backyard lovers will get pleasure from Woodbury Seashore on the 16-acre Lynch Park, as they’ll additionally go to the beautiful Lynch Park Rose Garden. That is the bigger of the 2 seashores in Lynch Park (the opposite is Lynch Seashore).

Facilities:

• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Free parking for residents; parking is $15 for non-residents on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays.

Yirrell Beach in Winthrop

The shallow space on the base of Watertower Hill makes Yirrell Hill a preferred seashore for households with young children. The seashore additionally hosts an old school Household Day each July.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking is free alongside the road and on the city’s Public Touchdown, a brief stroll away

Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester

Wingaersheek Seashore, which hugs the shore of the Annisquam River and extends out towards Ipswich Bay, has loads of tidal swimming pools and huge rocks for exploring. Low tide brings a protracted sandbar that’s best for a seashore stroll.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $30 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to three p.m. or $20 from 3 to five p.m.; and $35 on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to three p.m. or $25 from 3 to five p.m.

Seashores South of Boston

Duxbury Beach in Duxbury

This lengthy barrier seashore in Duxbury has an informal restaurant plus a bathhouse with showers and restrooms. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association not too long ago named Duxbury one of many nation’s greatest restored seashores.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $20 per day

Ellisville Harbor State Park in Plymouth

Guests can hit the paths Ellisville Harbor Stake Park and discover the crimson pine forest and rolling meadows. Or, seashore goers can merely lounge on the sand, watching the fishing boats and harbor seals.

Facilities:

• Parking is free within the on-site lot

Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven

After spending a while on the seashore at Fort Phoenix State Reservation, guests can stroll alongside the hurricane barrier for spectacular views of the Atlantic. Guests also can see the historic stays of Fort Phoenix, a former American Revolutionary Struggle-era fort.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is free within the on-site lot

Humarock Beach in Scituate

The sand is okay and hard-packed at this Humarock Seashore, which gives nice views of Cape Cod Bay. Take word: The seashore is in Scituate, however guests should entry it through Ferry Avenue in North Marshfield.

Facilities:

• Lifeguard
• Restrooms
• Restricted free public parking is out there

Minot Beach in Scituate

Sit back on this Minot Seashore and benefit from the views of Massachusetts Bay and the 1855 Minot Ledge Mild. The lighthouse was named after 18th century Boston businessman George Minot, whose ship wrecked there.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Two parking tons, however a beach sticker is required

Nantasket Beach Reservation in Hull

Seashore goers will uncover positive, mild grey sand on this peninsula seashore, which stretches for a mile on the Atlantic shoreline. Throughout the summer time, there are live shows and public dance classes.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $15 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-Massachusetts residents.

Nickerson Beach in Quincy

Nickerson Seashore is a small neighborhood spot with huge views. Company get pleasure from breathtaking views of the Boston Harbor Islands and strolls alongside the strolling path to Squaw Rock.

Facilities:

• Restricted on-street parking is out there

Onset Beach in Wareham

Onset Seashore’s calm waters and central location in historic Onset Village makes it widespread with households. There’s additionally a kayak clothes shop proper on the seashore.

Facilities:

• Lifeguard
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking prices $1-$2 per hour at meters in pay-to-park tons

Peggoty Beach in Scituate

Peggoty Seashore gives a half-mile of coarse, hard-packed sand and pretty heat water. It’s inside strolling distance of outlets and eating places in downtown Scituate.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is $20

Plymouth Long Beach in Plymouth

Situated on a sandy three-mile peninsula, Plymouth Lengthy Seashore gives ample room to stretch out and splash in Plymouth Bay. Sandy’s seafood shack serves informal eats proper on the seashore.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking within the lot is $20

Cape Cod Seashores

Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet

Sure Brook Island Seashore is an remoted location down a sandy again highway with towering dunes. It was named among the many 20 best secret beaches in the U.S. by Southern Residing journal. There are not any facilities at this secluded spot, however the peaceable retreat is value it.

Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet

Cahoon Hole Seashore is a scorching spot for younger adults due “The Beachcomber,” a preferred restaurant and bar. Guests ought to word that the pathway to and from the seashore is on an incline.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $20

Coast Guard Beach in Eastham

A part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, Coast Guard Seashore is residence to the outdated Coast Guard Station and gives beautiful views of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. It was named one of the top 10 beaches in America by “Dr. Beach.”

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Chapoquoit Beach in Falmouth

The locals name this Chapoquoit Seashore, positioned on a small peninsula between Buzzards Bay and West Falmouth Harbor, “Chappy.” The view of Buzzards Bay is spectacular, and on a transparent day, beachgoers can see Cleveland Ledge Mild, West Island, and the Elizabeth Islands.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Free avenue parking is out there

Chatham Lighthouse Beach in Chatham

Chatham’s largest seashore options Chatham Mild, and seashore goers can get pleasure from nature walks out to southern Monomoy Island. It’s “magical” in the winter, according to Fodor’s Travel.

Facilities:

Corporation Beach in Dennis

Dennis has probably the most seashores of any Cape Cod city. Company Seashore is nice for strolling at low tide, and it’s a scorching spot for watching the sundown.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Day by day parking stickers are $30 and have to be bought at Dennis City Corridor

Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth

Recognized by locals as Bass Gap, this seashore options an 800-foot boardwalk that extends out over the salt marsh into Cape Cod Bay. There’s additionally a picnic space, strolling trails, a playground, and tide swimming pools excellent for the littlest beachgoers.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Day by day parking stickers are $20 and have to be bought at Yarmouth City Corridor

Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro

There’s a lot to see at Head of the Meadow Seashore, a part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore. At low tide, guests can spy the wreck of the Frances, which sank in 1872, in keeping with the Nationwide Park Service, in addition to lounging seals.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown

A part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, Herring Cove Seashore gives night live shows in July and August. Seashore goers also can try close by Provincetown city heart, Pilgrim Monument, and Provincetown Museum.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Old Silver Beach in Falmouth

Considered one of Buzzards Bay’s hottest seashores, on a transparent day guests at Outdated Silver Seashore can get pleasure from views of Marion, Mattapoisett, and West Island. One other landmark to search for: Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $30

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet

Marconi Seashore gives beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and “wild pristine nature in all instructions,” in keeping with the Nationwide Park Service. A part of the Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore, Huge 7 Journey known as this seashore “a gorgeous slice of heaven.”

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Monument Beach in Bourne

Monument Seashore, a scenic city seashore on Phinneys Harbor, has calm water and volleyball nets for individuals who get pleasure from working up a sweat on the sand. The boat-filled harbor is an ideal place to soak up a summer time day.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Free parking is out there on Shore Highway

Nauset Light Beach in Eastham

A part of the Cape Cod Nationwide seashore, Nauset Mild Seashore is called after the 1838 Nauset Mild. Lighthouse-loving company can tour the construction from late spring to early fall.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Race Point Beach in Provincetown

Race Level Seashore, named among the best beaches in New England by AAA, options the Outdated Harbor Life-Saving Station, inbuilt Chatham in 1897. Throughout the summer time, rescue re-enactments are performed on the grounds.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Parking is $25

Scusset Beach in Sagamore

Bordering the Cape Cod Canal, the state-operated Scusset Seashore has 1.5 miles of sandy beachfront. Go for the day, or keep and camp on the campsite.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is $14 for MA residents, $40 for non-residents

Martha’s Winery &
Nantucket Seashores

Children’s Beach on Nantucket

Households love this seashore for its calm water, playground, picnic areas, and free summertime live shows, in keeping with U.S. Information & World Report, which lauded the sandy spot when it named Nantucket one of many 15 best family beach vacations in the U.S.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Off-beach parking is out there

Cisco Beach on Nantucket

Surfers flock to Cisco Seashore on account of its heavy surf. Households with younger kids ought to word that the undertow and rip currents could be sturdy.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Off-beach parking is out there

Jetties Beach on Nantucket

This widespread marriage ceremony location is understood for its calm, heat water. Windsurfing, kayak, and sailboat classes and leases can be found for these looking for extra of an journey.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Off-beach parking out there

Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Martha’s Winery

Scenes from the 1975 film “Jaws” had been filmed right here. This seashore hugs the Nantucket Sound shoreline and Sengekontacket Pond, and the previous is widespread with households on account of its gradual slope and small waves.

Facilities:

• Free parking is out there alongside the paved parking lane adjoining to the highway 

Menemsha Public Beach on Martha’s Winery

Menemsha Seashore in Chilmark, as soon as named the best beach on the East Coast by Tough Guides, is nice for youths on account of its clear, mild water. New York Occasions greatest promoting writer E. Lockhart told Boston.com: “The solar simply units straight into the ocean there. It’s very magical.”

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is restricted

Moshup Beach on Martha’s Winery

Moshup Seashore, additionally known as Aquinnah Public Seashore, will get seashore goers up near what AAA calls one of the most stunning scenic locations in the Northeast: the Aquinnah Cliffs. Nude sunbathing is allowed on the far finish of the seashore.

Facilities:

• Restrooms
• Parking is $20 per day

Siasconset Beach on Nantucket

Sconset Seashore, positioned on the easternmost tip of the island, was named one of many best beaches in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler. It options the 1850 Sankaty Head Mild. Try the Sconset Bluff Stroll, a public footpath with views of the water.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Off-beach parking is out there

South Beach on Martha’s Winery

South Seashore, additionally known as Katama Seashore, is a pristine seashore within the Katama part of Edgartown. There’s a paved bike route from Edgartown to the sandy spot, which can also be simply accessible by bus.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Restrooms
• Restricted free parking on website

Surfside Beach on Nantucket

Some of the widespread seashores on Nantucket, this seashore is nice for strolling within the morning and surfcasting within the night. It’s also simply accessible by bike path.

Facilities:

• Lifeguards
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking is free on an on-site lot

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Is your favourite seashore lacking from our record? Tell us through the shape under or by emailing [email protected].