Fortunately for locals and visitors alike, Boston is a coastal metropolis, blessed with a plethora of options for those seeking the sun, sand, and surf. Whether you’re a seasoned beach bum or a first-time visitor eager to experience the New England coastline, you’ll find a beach to suit your taste within or just outside the city limits. The following beaches are conveniently accessible, either via Boston’s efficient public transportation system (the MBTA or Commuter Rail) or by a scenic drive of approximately an hour (sometimes a little more) from the heart of the city. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and let’s dive into the best beaches Boston has to offer!
1. Revere Beach
Revere Beach, established in 1896, holds the esteemed title of America’s first public beach. A mere stone’s throw from downtown Boston, it’s a perpetually popular destination for city dwellers seeking a quick escape. The expansive sandy shoreline invites sunbathers to bask in the warmth, while the Revere Boulevard provides a picturesque promenade for leisurely strolls.
Throughout the year, Revere Beach hosts a variety of events, but its crown jewel is undoubtedly the annual International Sand Sculpting Festival, held every July. This spectacular event draws artists from around the globe who transform tons of sand into breathtaking, ephemeral masterpieces. Beyond the sand and surf, no visit to Revere Beach is complete without indulging in a classic New England meal. Kelly’s Roast Beef, a local institution, is renowned for its mouthwatering roast beef sandwiches and crispy fried clams.
Getting to Revere Beach couldn’t be easier. Simply hop on the MBTA Blue Line and disembark at Revere Beach Station. The beach is a short walk from the station.
- Address: Revere Beach, Revere, MA 02151, USA
- Accessibility: MBTA Blue Line (Revere Beach Station)
- Highlights: Historical significance, International Sand Sculpting Festival, Kelly’s Roast Beef
2. Singing Beach
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, about an hour north of Boston, lies Singing Beach, a captivating stretch of shoreline renowned for its unique characteristic: the sand "sings" when you walk upon it. This acoustic phenomenon is caused by the specific shape and silica content of the sand grains, creating a subtle, musical sound with each step.
Singing Beach boasts a picturesque landscape of sandy coves and rocky outcroppings. The beach is also easily accessible by public transit. Take the Commuter Rail train from North Station to the Manchester stop, and then enjoy a pleasant half-mile walk to the beach.
Parking at Singing Beach is limited and primarily reserved for Manchester-by-the-Sea residents. The nearby public parking lot tends to fill up quickly during the summer months. A walk-on fee is required per person each day.
- Address: Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, USA
- Accessibility: Commuter Rail (North Station to Manchester)
- Highlights: Unique "singing" sand, scenic coastal views, proximity to Manchester-by-the-Sea
3. Carson Beach
Located in South Boston, Carson Beach offers a convenient and accessible escape for city dwellers seeking a respite from the summer heat. While it may not be the most secluded or serene beach in New England, Carson Beach provides a refreshing break with its clean bathhouses, panoramic views of Boston Harbor, and well-maintained walkways for pedestrians and bikers.
The beach is a vibrant hub of activity, with locals gathering to play volleyball and enjoy the lively atmosphere. A beach hut offers a selection of lunch items and ice cream.
Carson Beach is easily accessible via the MBTA Red Line. Take the Red Line to the JFK/UMass station, and then walk across Morrissey Blvd. to the beach. A small parking lot is available, but it fills up quickly. Street parking can also be challenging during the summer months.
- Address: Carson Beach, Boston, MA, USA
- Accessibility: MBTA Red Line (JFK/UMass Station)
- Highlights: Convenient location, views of Boston Harbor, volleyball courts, food concessions
4. M Street Beach
Just a few blocks from Carson Beach, past the Curley Community Center, lies M Street Beach, a popular spot among the millennial crowd. M Street Beach offers a similar experience to Carson Beach, with its sandy shoreline and lively atmosphere.
To reach M Street Beach, take the Red Line to the JFK/UMass station, then take the 10 or 11 bus to get close to the beach or walk 1.6 miles to the beach. The 10 bus drops off at East Broadway and M Street, a 0.4-mile walk from the beach. The 11 bus stops at East 8th St at M Street, a two-minute walk from the beach. On-street parking is available, but it fills up quickly.
- Address: 1663 Columbia Rd, South Boston, MA 02127, USA
- Accessibility: MBTA Red Line (JFK/UMass Station), MBTA Bus 10 or 11
- Highlights: Popular with millennials, proximity to Carson Beach
5. Castle Island Beach
Castle Island, a historic landmark in South Boston, offers a unique blend of history, recreation, and stunning coastal views. After indulging in lobster rolls at Sullivan’s and exploring Fort Independence, the oldest continuously fortified site of English origin in the U.S., head to the beach at Castle Island.
With its unparalleled views of the downtown skyline and the historic Boston Harbor, Castle Island Beach is a favorite spot among locals, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Castle Island is located a bit past M Street Beach. Street parking is available, as well as a parking lot near Sullivan’s. Bus lines 5, 7, 9, 10, or 11 from the MBTA provide access to Castle Island.
- Address: Castle Island, Boston, MA 02127, USA
- Accessibility: MBTA Bus 5, 7, 9, 10, or 11
- Highlights: Historic Fort Independence, views of downtown Boston, Sullivan’s restaurant
6. Plum Island Beach
Just under an hour north of Boston on I-95 lies the coastal town of Newburyport, home to Plum Island, a barrier island offering pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and a charming waterfront downtown area. A visit to Plum Island Beach is a must-do for those seeking a natural escape.
To reach Plum Island Beach from Boston, take I-93 North to Exit 37A onto I-95 North. Then, take Exit 57 for Route 113 East, which leads through Newburyport and Newbury. Parking is available in several small lots within the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. A larger parking lot is located at the North Point of Plum Island, accessible via Northern Boulevard.
- Address: Plum Island Beach, N Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA
- Accessibility: Car (I-95 North)
- Highlights: Pristine beaches, Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport waterfront
7. Good Harbor Beach
Located in Gloucester, about an hour from Boston, Good Harbor Beach is renowned as one of the finest beaches in Massachusetts. This picturesque beach offers breathtaking views of the Twin Lighthouses on Thatcher Island and Salt Island. At low tide, visitors can even walk out to the islands.
Good Harbor Beach has a "Carry In-Carry Out" policy. Parking costs $30 during the week and $35 on weekends and holidays. Driving from Boston, take Route 128 North into Gloucester.
- Address: Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
- Accessibility: Car (Route 128 North)
- Highlights: Views of Thatcher Island, walk to Salt Island at low tide
8. Crane Beach
Crane Beach, situated on the 1,200-acre Crane Estate in Ipswich, is a family-friendly destination known for its clean water, expansive sand dunes, and salt marsh. As a nesting site for the threatened piping plover, the beach is committed to shorebird protection.
Crane Beach is accessible via Route 128 North, Exit 20A. Follow Route 1A for 8 miles to Ipswich, turn right on Route 133 East, and follow the road for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Northgate Road, then right on Argilla Road, and continue for 2.5 miles to the beach parking. Parking costs $40 on weekdays and $45 on weekends and holidays during the summer.
- Address: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA, USA
- Accessibility: Car (Route 128 North)
- Highlights: Clean water, sand dunes, piping plover nesting site, hiking trails
9. Hampton Beach
Continuing north on I-95, you’ll reach Hampton Beach in southern New Hampshire. Hampton Beach offers a vibrant boardwalk, numerous restaurants and bars, and a variety of activities, from arcade games and oceanarium visits to concerts at the Hampton Casino Ballroom. Further north, you’ll find less crowded beaches in North Hampton and Rye.
- Address: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH, USA
- Accessibility: Car (I-95 North)
- Highlights: Vibrant boardwalk, restaurants, Hampton Casino Ballroom
10. Wollaston Beach
South of the city, Wollaston Beach in Quincy is about 20 minutes from Boston. Wollaston Beach marks the beginning of the "South Shore." Parking is available along the beach. Take I-93 South to Quincy Shore Drive.
- Address: Wollaston Beach, Quincy, MA, USA
- Accessibility: Car (I-93 South)
- Highlights: Proximity to Boston, South Shore location
11. Duxbury Beach
Further south, Duxbury Beach is a popular choice, spanning 4 miles in Duxbury and allowing parking on the sand with a permit. Set "260 Gurnet Road" in Duxbury as your GPS destination. Take Route 3 to Exit 11 to MA-14 toward Duxbury/Pembroke. Parking costs $20 per car.
- Address: Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
- Accessibility: Car (Route 3 South)
- Highlights: Parking on the sand, part of a 7.5-mile coastline
Whether you seek a bustling boardwalk, a tranquil escape, or a historical landmark, the beaches in and around Boston offer something for everyone. So, explore the coastline and discover your perfect beach destination!
