Boston area beaches are a popular summer destination. The combination of sand, waves, and a fresh breeze in your face is invigorating and relaxing at the same time. Every beach here is unique and offers a special combination of terrain, sand, rocks, and water.
Saltwater beaches offer unlimited potential for sunbathing, swimming, beach combing, and exploration of tide pools for young and old. Make sure you time your visit well, as the tidal range in the Boston area is over 8 feet. This means that at low tide, you may find a wide band of mud and gravel separating you from the water. It is wise to wear waterproof beach shoes to prevent injury from sharp-edged rocks and shells. Be aware that dogs are not allowed on beaches from May 1 through September 15.
Freshwater beaches on lakes and ponds are a wonderful alternative for families with smaller children and seniors. There is more shade and fewer problems with wind and waves, and generally, the ground is easier to walk on. There are no tides to deal with, and you will not have to struggle through a mud field to get to the beach at low tide. Facilities are usually better with fire pits, grilling facilities, picnic tables, play areas, and restrooms.
Accessibility on Boston’s beaches varies from one beach to another. Many of the DCR-maintained beaches have beach wheelchairs free of charge. Make sure to bring your own help to transfer into the chairs and push the beach wheelchair with its balloon tires through the sand. Check here for more information.
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Best Saltwater Beaches in The Boston Area
Winthrop Shore Reservation Winthrop (25 minutes from Boston) Only 20 minutes from the city center, Winthrop Beach is a popular destination beach goers and fishermen alike. |
Horseneck Beach State Reservation Westport, Cape Cod (2 hours from Boston) Swim and camp at one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts. Stretches for 2 miles along the the Western end of Buzzard's Bay. |
Salisbury Beach State Reservation Salisbury (1.25 hours from Boston) Salisbury beach is a popular beach at the entrance of the Merrimack river. Known also for its expansive amusement park nearby. |
Scusset Beach State Reservation Sagamore Cape Cod (40 minutes from Boston) Beach located at the southwest corner of the cape cod bay. Stretches for 1.5 miles on the Cape Cod canal. You can take a walk along the jetty to watch ships pass through the cape canal. |
Revere Beach Reservation Revere (30 minutes from Boston) Popular and historic beach that stretches for 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, providing ample space for beachgoers as well as many entertainment and dining areas..Revere Beach hosts various events throughout the year, including the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival. |
Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation Nahant (25 minutes from Boston) The reservation is open year-round, but summer is the time to visit and escape the heat. enjoy swimming in the ocean, launch your boat, or sunbathe on the beach. |
South Cape Beach State Park Mashpee (1.4 hours from Boston) Scenic and popular beach with 2.5 miles of beautiful, sandy beach with calm, warm waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing.
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Nantasket Beach Reservation Hull (1.2 hours from Boston) Popular summer escape with 2.5 miles of broad beachknown for its clean and fine sand.
The beach is flanked by a scenic boardwalk that runs parallel to the shore, ideal for walking, jogging, or enjoying the ocean views. |
Fort Phoenix State Reservation Fairhaven Cape Cod(1.5 hours from Boston) Picturesque small beach with views of Buzzards Bay and a historic fort nearby to explore. |
Savin Hill and Malibu Beach Dorchester (15 minutes from Boston) Popular and accessible beach located in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Boston.The beach is relatively small, stretching along a short stretch of shoreline, but it provides a pleasan spot for sunbathing. |
Tenean Beach Dorchester (20 minutes from Boston) Small urban beach, it offers a convenient and accessible spot for local residents to enjoy some outdoor recreation along the waterfront. |
Demarest Lloyd State Park Dartmouth (1.25 hours from Boston) An 1800-foot saltwater beach backed by rambling hills of beach grass and shaded, grassy picnic sites. The beach is ideal for families with children. the buzzards bay surf is calm and shallow, meaning warm water temperatures through most of the summer. |
Constitution Beach Park Boston (20 minutes) Constitution beach is one of Boston's hidden waterfront gems. Take a swim or head over to the athletic fields. you can see planes flying from logan airport and ships sailing through boston harbor. |
Castle Island South Boston (20 minutes from Boston) Popular beach with sandy shores and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Home to Fort Independence, a historic fort dating back to the 17th century, which adds an educational aspect to the visit. |
Boston Harbor Islands Boston Harbor Explore 13 islands of Boston harbor, 3 of which are publicly accessible by ferry. There are many beaches and other historic sites p0n the islands. Access by public ferry from Rowe's Wharf, Long wharf or EDIC Wharf in South Boston |
Best Freshwater Beaches in The Boston Area
Watson Pond State Park Taunton (1.3 hours from Boston) Tranquil recreational area centered around Watson Pond, a picturesque body of water that offers a variety of outdoor activities. |
Breakheart Reservation Saugus (30 minutes from Boston) Scenic state park spanning over 640 acres with two freshwater lakes, Pearce Lake and Silver Lake. |
Harold Parker State Forest Andover (1 hour from Boston) Large state park covering over 3,000 acres and 11 ponds. Berry Pond is a designated swimming area within the forest, complete with a sandy beach |
Cochituate State Park Natick (54 minutes from Boston) Popular recreational area with over 800 acres,centered around Lake Cochituate.
The lake has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach.
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Houghton's Pond Recreation Area Milton (30 minutes from Boston) Popular reservation in the Blue Hills area in Milton. The pond has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, making it a great spot for families and swimmers. |
Hopkinton State Park Hopkinton (1 hour from Boston) Large and popular recreational area with over 1,500 acres offering a variety of outdoor activities, There are designated swimming areas with sandy beaches at Hopkinton Reservoir. |
Walden Pond State Reservation Concord (50 minutes from Boston) Historic and scenic destination renowned for its natural beauty and the place where David Thoreau lived. Part of a 335 acres State Reservation. The pond has clear, clean water and designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. |
Myles Standish State Forest Carver (1.1 hours from Boston) One of the largest state forests in Massachusetts, covering over 12,000 acres. Offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. |
Nickerson State Park Brewster (1.1 hours from Boston) A picturesque and popular state park with over 1,900 acres, featuring a mix of forests, ponds, and rolling terrain, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. |
Ashland State Park Ashland (45 minutes from Boston) Charming recreational area known for its scenic landscapes and variety of outdoor activities. Centered around the Ashland Reservoir, the park provides a peaceful escape and opportunities for adventure. |
