16 Best Beaches in Massachusetts
Want to travel somewhere close to the Atlantic Ocean?
Stay in Massachusetts for a time.
Despite being a small state, it is home to several breathtaking beach locations.
Every beach has something unique to offer, whether you’re on a family vacation or having a good time with pals.
So get your beach gear and enjoy Bay State to the fullest.
Here is a list of the top beaches in Massachusetts that you should visit to get started.
- Carson Beach — South Boston
A public beach part of the South Boston coastline is called Carson Beach, also referred to as L Street Beach.
One of the beaches in Massachusetts that is well-liked by locals.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Spend a few hours in this beachside location to experience what it’s like to be a true Southie and mingle with the locals.
Another must-do activity is to take a plunge close to the lifeguard stands.
Expert Tip
Want to avoid getting wet?
You can run, bike, or stroll along the public path alongside the shore.
The route begins on Castle Island and ends at Kennedy Library.
- Constitution Beach — East Boston
A waterfront with a crescent form may be seen in the Harbor View – Orient Heights area.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The best swimming beach in Massachusetts on this list is this stretch of coastline in East Boston.
This protected inlet has very calm waves, making it ideal for inexperienced swimmers.
Additionally, there are on-duty lifeguards and nearby convenient showers and locker rooms.
Expert Tip
Here, swimming isn’t the only activity available.
Additionally, this shoreline is a great place to observe Logan Airport’s takeoffs and landings.
- Lovells Island — Boston Harbor Islands
Within the Boston Harbor Islands Recreation Area is Lovells Island, a 62-acre island.
The distance from Boston’s city center to it is around 7 kilometers.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Include this tiny island gem on your bucket list of Massachusetts beach destinations.
Whether you want to get wet or stay dry, there are plenty of things to do here.
Visit the tidepools or swim in the Atlantic from the sandy beaches.
Additionally, you can go camping or take in breathtaking sunrises over the ocean or sunsets over the city of Boston.
Expert Tip
Visit the remains of the former Fort Standish while exploring the island.
Bunkers and artillery batteries are still accessible for exploration.
- Savin Hill Beach — Dorchester
A public beach in Dorchester, Massachusetts, called Savin Hill Beach is a section of the Dorchester Shores Reservation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A visit to this tranquil shorefront is a fantastic choice if you want to stay in the city.
In the summer, lifeguards are on duty, allowing you to swim to your heart’s content.
Wheelchairs can also access the beach.
Expert Tip
The surrounding baseball fields are a great place to play ball after you’ve had your fill of swimming, or you can tire out the kids on the playground.
- M Street Beach — South Boston
M Street Beach, often known as Southie Beach by locals, is a section of the Dorchester Bay shoreline in South Boston.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Vacationers who are calm and stylish have now discovered a great beach.
Young residents frequent this place, so if you want to mingle, listen to top tunes, or relax, this is the place to be.
Expert Tip
Parking can be challenging because this beachfront is a street beach.
It might be necessary to leave your car parked a short distance away and then walk to the shore.
- Spectacle Island — Boston Harbor Islands
A roughly 105-acre island in Boston Harbor is called Spectacle Island.
About 4 miles separate it from Boston’s city center.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Exploring this island is a fascinating and rewarding excursion away from (but close to) the city.
You can wade in the water on the approved swimming beach.
There are seasonal lifeguards on duty.
Expert Tip
After spending some time along the water’s edge, take a stroll via the nearby walking trails and ascend to North Drumlins’ top for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Pleasure Bay/Castle Island — South Boston
You can find a peninsula called Castle Island close to Boston Harbor.
It provides a view of Pleasure Bay’s seas.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This shorefront boasts a wide swath of sandy coasts for relaxing and relatively calm waters for wading, making it one of the best beaches in the vicinity.
Expert Tip
Go to Fort Independence if you wish to use the free parking.
But metered street parking is accessible if you want to remain close to the beach.
- 40 Steps — Nahant
Near Castle Rock in Nahant lies a little 100-yard beach known as Forty Steps.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Given that you can see the ocean floor beneath its sea-green seas, this waterfront is one of Massachusetts’ best beaches for pure water.
As you can see, the soft corals and sea anemones next to Castle Rock also make for an excellent diving location.
Expert Tip
This tiny coastline has no parking.
However, if you visit the police station and politely request, the cops might let you park at the neighborhood lot close to Canoe Beach.
- Tenean Beach — Dorchester
The Neponset River’s sandy shoreline is known as Tenean Beach.
The Dorchester Shores Reservation is nearby.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Due to its calm waves, this little beach is a strong contender for children’s title of safest beach in the state.
Here, which is protected by a cove, there are hardly any waves, making it ideal for children to dip their toes in.
Expert Tip
The neighboring playground and tennis courts are additional benefits that make this oceanfront a fantastic area to bring children.
After wading in the lake, older children can enjoy playing tennis and basketball.
- Crane Beach — Ipswich
Crane Beach is a 4-mile stretch of sandy shoreline inside the same-named conservation and recreation area.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beachfront shoreline is ideal for sunbathing due to its wide-open dunes and lack of cover.
Expert Tip
In addition to soaking up some Vitamin Sea, this region is renowned for its excellent trails and varied animals.
Spend some time exploring the maritime forest and dunes as well.
- Wingaersheek Beach — Gloucester
A little more than half a mile long, Wingaersheek Beach is located on the Annisquam River in West Gloucester.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This tiny coastline is ideal for quiet days by the lake.
You can swim in the frequently calm waters or relax and take in the gentle wind.
Expert Tip
If you enjoy exploring tidepools, wait until high tide, when the waves will have filled in the smaller tidal pools near the beach.
- Singing Beach — Manchester by the Sea
Singing Beach is a public shoreline about half a mile long and is situated in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This public beach is one of the well-liked beaches in Massachusetts, and when the sand grains are dry, they make singing noises.
You can enjoy wading in the approved swimming area and strolling along the shore.
Expert Tip
Get here early if you want a place because there isn’t a lot of visitor parking available near this waterfront.
If not, you can store your vehicle in Manchester’s downtown area or at Masconomo Park.
- Head of the Meadow — Truro
You’ll find Head of the Meadow Beach inside the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beachfront is one of the best for taking in the natural world because of the beautiful natural lakes and magnificent dunes.
While swimming, keep looking for the variety of aquatic life there.
Expert Tip
Because of the numerous shipwrecks discovered nearby, this location is described as an “ocean graveyard.”
When the water is low, one can see the wreckage of the Frances, which sank in 1872, from the shore.
- Joseph Sylvia State Beach — Edgartown & Oak Bluffs
A 2-mile stretch of sandy shoreline known as Joseph Sylvia State Beach served as the primary shooting location for the iconic movie “Jaws.”
Why We Recommend This Beach
Swimming is delightful in this seaside location due to the shallow waters and gentle slope.
Bruce, the Great White Shark, won’t be visiting while you’re here, so don’t be concerned.
Expert Tip
Make sure to arrive before 10 AM if you want a spot in the paved parking lot.
In the summer especially, it fills up quickly.
- Madaket Beach — Nantucket
The long, sandy section of Nantucket’s west coast is Madaket Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit at a time when it is late in the day.
Because of the magnificent views of the setting sun, the soothing sea breeze, and the fine sand, this coastal region has some of Massachusetts’ best beaches.
Expert Tip
Utilize the Madaket Road Path when cycling to the beach to get the most out of your trip.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Nantucket scenery as you get to the shore.
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach — Chatham
A lengthy stretch of sandy shoreline known as Chatham Lighthouse Beach can be found just beneath the Coast Guard-operated Chatham Light.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach is one of Massachusetts’ most attractive due to its vast expanse of white sand.
Even better, you can swim to a nearby sandbar for a quick yet enjoyable trip.
Expert Tip
Particularly during the busy season, parking might be a hassle.
Biking at the beach is a pleasant and healthy activity.
