Best Beaches In & Near Boston

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Map featuring Boston beaches. Click on pins to view beach details
  • 1. Carson Beach

    Carson Beach
    Nhatchimai8

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    South Boston's Carson Beach is one of the city’s most popular waterfront spots, with its wide sandy shoreline and views of Boston Harbor. Combined with its easy access from downtown and well-maintained facilities, it provides a convenient escape to the coast.

    The beach is ideal for swimming, thanks to ongoing water quality improvements, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The long, paved boardwalk stretches from Castle Island… read more »

  • 2. Constitution Beach

    Constitution Beach
    Kouign Amann

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Constitution Beach, located in East Boston, is a family-friendly urban beach known for soft sand, calm waters, and views over Boston Harbor. Unlike the more exposed coastal beaches of Massachusetts, this crescent-shaped shoreline is very well-protected, making it an ideal spot for swimming and wading. The gentle waves and lifeguard presence in the summer months make it a top pick for families with young children.

    One of the beach's most… read more »

  • 3. Revere Beach

    Revere Beach
    Magicpiano

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Just north of Boston, Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. Established in 1896, this historic shoreline stretches for nearly three miles along Broad Sound, offering a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a rich heritage. The beach's easy accessibility by public transport makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the city.

    The beach itself is comprised of a… read more »

  • 4. Long Beach, Nahant

    Long Beach, Nahant
    Kcboling

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Long Beach in Nahant is a good-sized stretch of sand offering a quiet coastal escape just to the north of Boston. This mile-long barrier beach, also known as just Nahant Beach, is part of Nahant Beach Reservation and is popular for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. Its proximity to the city makes it an accessible getaway while still feeling fairly remote and unspoiled.

    The beach features soft, light-coloured sand and gentle… read more »

  • 5. Nantasket Beach

    Nantasket Beach
    Rob McCready

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Nantasket Beach lines the coast of Hull town in the greater Boston area. At high tide, it takes the form of a relatively narrow but long stretch of fine greyish sand running for around four kilometres. The low tide reveals an expansive area of rock pools. When walking along the water line, visitors should watch out for large pebbles, which can be washed up by the incoming tide, especially towards… read more »

  • 6. Singing Beach

    Singing Beach
    © Vitor Pamplona

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    A picturesque crescent of soft golden sand between rocky headland is what makes Singing Beach one of the most popular on the North Shore. At around half a mile in length the beach here is backed by grassy slopes and woodland giving it a somewhat sechluded and peaceful feel.

    Singing Beach is one of a select few beaches globally where the sand "sings". We put that in quotes because it is… read more »

  • 7. Good Harbor Beach

    Good Harbor Beach
    pfly

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Good Harbour Beach is a public beach which sits at the mouth of a river, opposite Salt Island just east of the city of Gloucester. During low tide, visitors can even walk to Salt Island. Access to Good Harbor Beach is via its dedicated car park off Thatcher Road, or via the footbridge which crosses the river mouth at the beach's western end, close to its volleyball courts.

    Surrounded by dunes… read more »

  • 8. Crane Beach

    Crane Beach
    Vitor Pamplona

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Crane Beach is one of the finest beaches on the U.S. East Coast. It has clean water and miles of golden sand backed by beautiful countryside. Part of the Crane Estate, the beach is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and is known for conservation as well. It has more than five miles of marked trails through the coastal sand dunes, and it is an important nesting site for the… read more »

  • 9. North Scituate Beach

    North Scituate Beach
    Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

    Travel time from Boston: approx 0.5 hrs

    read more »
  • 10. Wingaersheek Beach

    Wingaersheek Beach
    liz west

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Wingaersheek Beach is located in the western part of Gloucester county at the mouth of the Annisquam River on Ipswich Bay. It is possibly the best beach in the area with its white sands and clear waters. Wingaersheek is recognizable by the huge rocks that jutt out from the center of the beach and into the river. At high tide the rocks are surrounded by water but you can climb… read more »

  • 11. Half Moon Beach

    Half Moon Beach
    At-Hand Guides

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    This small, crescent-shaped cove is located within Gloucester’s historic Stage Fort Park. Tucked away between rocky outcrops and shaded by trees, this sheltered beach offers a quiet and scenic escape with calm waters and soft golden sand. Its natural curve creates an enclosed setting, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

    Half Moon Beach is a great choice for families with young children. The water is calm… read more »

  • 12. Niles Beach

    Niles Beach
    Kristina Smith

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Niles Beach is a small but charming spot located on the shores of Gloucester Harbor. This quiet, sandy beach is primarily used by local residents, offering a peaceful escape with calm waters and scenic views over the harbor and nearby Ten Pound Island. Unlike some of the busier beaches in the area, Niles Beach provides a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the… read more »

  • 13. Duxbury Beach

    Duxbury Beach
    John Phelan

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    This impressive barrier beach stretches for over six miles along the Massachusetts coastline. Duxbury Beach is known for its mix of sand and pebbles, rolling dunes, and views of Cape Cod Bay. A classic New England seaside experience.

    The beach is divided into a public section, accessible from Duxbury Beach Park, and a residents-only area further north, ensuring plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the natural… read more »

  • 14. Plymouth Beach

    Plymouth Beach
    Davies

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Located in iconic Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth Beach stretches for 3 sandy miles along a narrow barrier island with water on either side. The barrier island protects Plymouth Harbor from the open ocean waves.

    It gets its name from the nearby town of Plymouth and Plymouth Rock. It was an early settler area for the Mayflower pilgrims who named it after their departure point in the UK - Plymouth.

    Although parts of… read more »

  • 15. Frank Moody State Beach

    Frank Moody State Beach
    Swampyank

    Travel time from Boston: approx 1 hr

    Set within the Lincoln Wood's State Park, just to the north of Providence, this lakeside beach is actually one of the most popular in Rhode Island.

    Great for swimming, sunbathing and fishing,the beach has plenty of sand and is equipped with showers, restrooms, and a concession stand.

    Frank Moody beach is named after a local lifeguard and water safety instructor in recognition for his 60+ years of dedication to his job and… read more »

More beaches near Boston