Best Family Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts

• Good Harbor Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 and marshes, Good Harbor Beach has excellent swimming conditions, while bodyboarding is another popular way of enjoying the waves.

  Formed of… read more »

• Skaket Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Skaket Beach lies on the west coast of Cape Cod facing into the sheltered waters of Cape Cod Bay. This makes it a very different proposition to the Atlantic facing beaches on the east coast.

  Just a stone's throw cross-country from Nauset Beach on the opposite coast, Skaket Beach is different in nearly every way imaginable. Instead of being pounded by some of the biggest waves on the Cape, Skaket is always calm. Another positive if you are thinking of taking a dip is the water here is considerably warmer -… read more »

• Coast Guard Beach // Massachusetts

  

  When you arrive at Coast Guard Beach, you will be met with an stunning view over marshlands, sand dunes to the wide sandy beach and ocean beyond. The boardwalk runs right up to the beach, and provides disabled access.

  People love the soft sand, and they come from far and wide to enjoy this pristine stretch of coast. It does get crowded in the summer, but if you walk in either direction away from the center, you will find a spot. There is limited parking unless you are a resident,… read more »

• Singing Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 actually more of a squeak than some sort of choral performance! It is only the dry sand that emits this… read more »

• Wingaersheek Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 around on them as the tide goes out.

  The tides are big here and the water remains shallow for long… read more »

• Crane Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 piping plover. The center piece of the estate is Castle Hill, an imposing early 20th century mansion.

  The sand at Crane… read more »

• Mayflower Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located in the mid-Cape, Mayflower beach is off of Dunes Road in Dennis. The views from the tidal flats during low tide allow for some great photos, and the sunsets can be pretty amazing. The beach is large with lifeguards and plenty of room for games. You will find public restrooms, a boardwalk, a picnic area, and parking as well.

  You can stay in a variety of accommodations from little shanties to large mansions along the beach. You will find mini golf and golf nearby, and there is a shopping… read more »

• Duxbury Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 surroundings.

  The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for swimming and paddleboarding, whilst the wide low-tide shoreline is… read more »

• Joseph Sylvia State Beach // Massachusetts

  

  This glorious Joseph Sylvia State Beach has soft white sand and shallow water and is one of the most popular public beaches on Martha's Vineyard (many of the beaches are privately owned or for residents only).

  Stretching 5 miles between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this easterly facing beach is on a spit, accessed across a bridge. It's a local landmark and popular for jumping off into the Nantucket Sound waters below. You may get a sense of déjà vu at Joseph Sylvia State Beach as it is best known as the… read more »

• Nauset Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Running along the Atlantic east coast of Cape Cod, between Coast Guard Beach and Chatham Harbor for around 10 miles, Nauset Beach is the longest on the cape. This beautifully pristine stretch of fine, near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes for much of its length giving it a wild feel.

  Much of the year this part of the coast is pretty quiet. You can often go for long bracing walks along the shoreline and barely see another soul. Whilst you may not see many people at Nauset outside… read more »

• Long Beach, Nahant // Massachusetts

  

  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 waves, making it ideal for families and swimmers. During low tide, the shoreline expands, revealing tidal pools and sandbars perfect… read more »

• Revere Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 long, flat expanse of sand, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or even just sunbathing. Swimming is possible during the… read more »

• Niles Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 water.

  The gentle waves and shallow waters make it an excellent spot for swimming, especially for families with young children.… read more »

• Nantasket Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 the beach’s southern end.

  Because of its proximity to Boston, Nantasket Beach is one of the busiest beaches in this… read more »

• Constitution Beach // Massachusetts

  

  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 unique features is its close proximity to Logan International Airport. Visitors can watch planes take off and land just across… read more »

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