Boston, known for its rich history and vibrant city life, is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the city or a relaxed day by the water, the beaches near Boston offer a perfect blend of sun, sand, and surf. Here’s an in-depth look at the best beaches near Boston, detailed for your summer adventures.
Northern Beaches
Crane Beach
Crane Beach in Ipswich is a serene destination featuring four miles of white sand and over five miles of trails through diverse ecosystems. It’s a haven for bird watchers, particularly for spotting piping plovers.
- Location: Ipswich, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset
- Parking Cost: $10 for residents, $30 for non-residents
- Nearby Attractions: Crane Wildlife Refuge, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Wingaersheek Beach
Gloucester’s Wingaersheek Beach is famous for its calm, clear waters and extensive tidal pools, making it ideal for families with young children. The beach stretches along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay, providing plenty of space for sunbathing and wading.
- Location: Gloucester, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Parking Cost: $20 on weekdays, $25 on weekends
- Nearby Attractions: Annisquam Lighthouse, Maritime Gloucester
Good Harbor Beach
Another gem in Gloucester, Good Harbor Beach offers soft, white sand and stunning views of Salt Island. It’s a popular spot for boogie boarding and body surfing. The beach is lifeguard-protected, and amenities include restrooms and a snack bar.
- Location: Gloucester, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Parking Cost: $20 on weekdays, $25 on weekends
- Nearby Attractions: Bass Rocks Golf Club, Rocky Neck Art Colony
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a sprawling area with more than 3.8 miles of oceanfront. It’s a great spot for camping, fishing, and swimming. The reservation also offers picnic areas, a boat ramp, and plenty of parking.
- Location: Salisbury, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset
- Parking Cost: $14 for MA residents, $40 for non-residents
- Nearby Attractions: Salisbury Beach Amusement Park, Blue Ocean Music Hall
Stage Fort Park Beaches
Stage Fort Park in Gloucester hosts two beaches: Half Moon Beach and Cressy’s Beach. Half Moon Beach is a small, sandy beach perfect for families, while Cressy’s Beach has a rocky shoreline, ideal for exploring tide pools. The park also features playgrounds, picnic areas, and historical sites.
- Location: Gloucester, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset
- Parking Cost: $15 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial, Hammond Castle Museum
Plum Island
Plum Island, part of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, is a pristine barrier island with sandy beaches, dunes, and salt marshes. It’s a favorite spot for bird watching and nature walks. The island’s beaches are less crowded, providing a peaceful retreat.
- Location: Newburyport, MA
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Parking Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Nearby Attractions: Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport Harbor
Halibut Point State Park
Halibut Point State Park in Rockport offers a unique coastal experience with rocky shores and stunning granite formations. While not a traditional sandy beach, it’s perfect for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying panoramic ocean views.
- Location: Rockport, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset
- Parking Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Nearby Attractions: Rockport Art Association & Museum, Bearskin Neck
Front Beach and Long Beach
Rockport’s Front Beach is located near the town center and offers calm waters, making it ideal for families. Long Beach, stretching between Rockport and Gloucester, is a beautiful sandy beach perfect for long walks and beachcombing.
- Location: Rockport, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $20 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Motif Number 1, Rockport Music – Shalin Liu Performance Center
Lake Gardner
Lake Gardner in Amesbury is a freshwater option for those looking to swim and kayak in a serene environment. The lake features a sandy beach area, picnic spots, and hiking trails.
- Location: Amesbury, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Amesbury Town Park, Cider Hill Farm
Singing Beach
Named for the unique sound the sand makes when walked upon, Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea is a picturesque spot with soft sand and clear waters. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $30 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Coolidge Reservation, Masconomo Park
Salem Willows Park
Salem Willows Park offers a blend of beach and park amenities. Visitors can enjoy sandy shores, picnic areas, and an amusement park with arcades and rides. It’s a great spot for family outings.
- Location: Salem, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Peabody Essex Museum
Odiorne Point State Park (New Hampshire)
Just over the border in New Hampshire, Odiorne Point State Park features rocky coastlines, tidal pools, and a small sandy beach area. The park is known for its scenic trails and historical sites.
- Location: Rye, NH
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset
- Parking Cost: $4 for adults, $2 for children
- Nearby Attractions: Seacoast Science Center, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Southern Beaches
Nantasket Beach
Located in Hull, Nantasket Beach is renowned for its long stretch of grey sand and shallow tide pools. It’s a lively beach with summer concerts, public dance lessons, and various recreational facilities, including volleyball courts and a playground.
- Location: Hull, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $15 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Paragon Carousel, Hull Lifesaving Museum
Duxbury Beach
Duxbury Beach is a barrier beach that offers a mix of sandy shores and dunes. It’s a quieter beach, ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy nature. The beach is also a popular spot for bird watching.
- Location: Duxbury, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Parking Cost: $20 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Duxbury Beach Park, Powder Point Bridge
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Horseneck Beach in Westport is a two-mile-long sandy beach known for its strong surf and scenic beauty. The reservation includes a campground, picnic areas, and facilities for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
- Location: Westport, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $13 for MA residents, $40 for non-residents
- Nearby Attractions: Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, Westport Point Historic District
Marconi Beach (Cape Cod)
Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Marconi Beach is famous for its high sand dunes and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
- Location: Wellfleet, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – Midnight
- Parking Cost: $25 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape Cod Rail Trail
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses several beaches along Cape Cod, including Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach. These beaches are known for their natural beauty, historic lighthouses, and recreational opportunities.
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – Midnight
- Parking Cost: $25 per day
- Nearby Attractions: Highland Light, Marconi Station Site
Eastern Beaches (Boston Area)
Revere Beach
Revere Beach, America’s first public beach, is a historic and lively spot just five miles north of Boston. The beach features a two-mile crescent of sand, Victorian pavilions, and numerous food vendors. It’s ideal for swimming and people-watching.
- Location: Revere, MA
- Hours: 24 hours
- Parking Cost: Free street parking
- Nearby Attractions: Revere Beach Parkway, Wonderland Marketplace
Constitution Beach
Located in East Boston, Constitution Beach offers calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s accessible by public transportation and has amenities like a playground, picnic areas, and sports courts.
- Location: East Boston, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, East Boston Greenway
Carson Beach
Carson Beach in South Boston is a popular urban beach with a long promenade perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. The beach offers stunning views of the Boston skyline and has several concession stands.
- Location: South Boston, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Dorchester Heights, Boston Harborwalk
M Street Beach
Adjacent to Carson Beach, M Street Beach is a favorite among young professionals and college students. It has a lively atmosphere with volleyball courts and plenty of space for sunbathing.
- Location: South Boston, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Castle Island, South Boston Maritime Park
Pleasure Bay
Connected to Castle Island, Pleasure Bay offers calm waters and scenic views. It’s a great spot for swimming, picnicking, and exploring the historic Fort Independence.
- Location: South Boston, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Independence, Boston Harbor Islands
Castle Island & Carson Beach
Castle Island, connected to Carson Beach, features scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and the historic Fort Independence. The combined area offers ample recreational opportunities and stunning harbor views.
- Location: South Boston, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Independence, Boston Harbor Islands
Nahant Beach Reservation
Nahant Beach lies on a peninsula north of Boston and offers a tranquil escape with its sandy shores and calm waters. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying scenic walks along the two-mile promenade.
- Location: Nahant, MA
- Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $10 for MA residents, $20 for non-residents
- Nearby Attractions: Nahant Marsh, Bailey’s Hill Park
Wollaston Beach
Located in Quincy, Wollaston Beach boasts a two-mile stretch of sand and a continuous walkway along Quincy Bay. It’s a family-friendly beach with several seafood shacks and beautiful views of the Boston skyline.
- Location: Quincy, MA
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Adams National Historical Park, Squantum Point Park
Western Beaches
Nara Park & Swim Area
Nara Park in Acton features a swim area within a large park that includes trails, picnic areas, and a pond. It’s a great spot for a family day out with various recreational activities available.
- Location: Acton, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Acton Arboretum, Discovery Museum
Wayland Town Beach
Wayland Town Beach on Lake Cochituate offers a freshwater swimming experience with sandy shores, picnic areas, and boat rentals. It’s a quiet and family-friendly spot.
- Location: Wayland, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Nearby Attractions: Lake Cochituate State Park, Wayland Historic District
Spring Brook Park Swim Area
Located in Bedford, Spring Brook Park offers a small swim area with a sandy beach, playground, and picnic facilities. It’s ideal for young children and families looking for a relaxed day out.
- Location: Bedford, MA
- Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Parking Cost: $3 per person
- Nearby Attractions: Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Job Lane House
Others
Lake Gardner
Mentioned earlier, Lake Gardner in Amesbury is a freshwater gem with a sandy beach, perfect for swimming and kayaking in a peaceful setting.
- Location: Amesbury, MA
- Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Parking Cost: Free
- Nearby Attractions: Amesbury Town Park, Cider Hill Farm
Boston and its surrounding areas provide an array of beach experiences, from bustling urban beaches to serene coastal retreats. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these beaches offer the perfect escape for a summer day filled with sun, sand, and surf.