10 Gorgeous Beaches In Massachusetts That You Must Check Out This Summer
Massachusetts brings a pretty strong beach game. From the Cape to the North Shore and all our beautiful islands, we have no shortage of stunning ocean views and beautiful seasides. Check out this mix of classic favorites and lesser-known gems for a great summer beach hit-list and soak up the sunshine all season long. Here are just 10 of the most gorgeous beaches in Massachusetts.
Do you wanna build a sandcastle? This is the place. The annual Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival brings together artists from all over the country, as well as local sculptors and amateurs, and provides the public with a chance to marvel at incredible works of art and whimsy. This is also the nation's first public beach; it was established 1896 and has been a local and state-wide attraction ever since. Visit the official website of Revere Beach.
This beach is HUGE. You'll have almost limitless space to fly kites, play some beach sports, or just stroll about. The sand is clean and white (almost powdery) and there are barely any rocks, seashells, or seaweed to get in your way. The water is quite warm in the summer and the snack bars serve a variety of food and beverages in case all that sun gets to your stomach. The one drawback might be the parking situation: prices can get steep during peak times. So bring friends and split the cost! Read more about Mayflower Beach.
This beach strikes the perfect balance between recreation and conservation. Crane Beach is among the world's most important nesting sites for piping plovers, an extremely endangered bird that was almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century. Besides an ecological conscience, this place offers gorgeous sands, beautiful vistas, and plenty of trails and boardwalks through a landscape of sand dunes and salt marshes. Learn more about Crane Beach.
This is probably the most dramatic seaside setting in Massachusetts. The sedimentary deposit of clay that form the cliffs are layered in bright streaks of yellow, red, green, and white. The colors become doubly striking as the sun sets; you won't be able to decide between looking out over the water or gazing at the brilliant rainbow behind you. The beach is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, so be prepared for a quick jaunt there and back.
This spot is perfect for grabbing a seafood platter and watching the waves roll in. Check out Mac's on the Pier for a local favorite that makes for an authentic Cape feast in an incredible setting.
6. Houghton’s Pond, Blue Hills Reservation in Milton (This place is beautiful in all seasons!)
Just 12 miles from Boston, this family-friendly kettle pond boasts sandy shores, lifeguards, and LOTS of free parking. They even have a roped-off shallow swimming area that's perfect for younger kids and less-confident swimmers of all ages. There are changing rooms too, so no need to stay in your soggy bathing suit after the fun is through. Read more about Blue Hills Reservation.
Catch the best sunset in New England at this stunning spot. A beach with tremendous natural beauty, Madaket is perfect for a romantic picnic, complete with wine and cheese. Find more about Madaket Beach.
You don't need to brave Cape traffic to get your beach fix this summer. This gorgeous island is just 20 minutes from downtown Boston! Set sail for Spectacle Island and have a beach day close to home (if home is the Boston area, of course). Take in panoramic views of the harbor and the city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. The marina makes it a popular destination for boaters and there is a nearby visitors center where you can learn about the local ecology and the best places to hike, fish, and catch some rays. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and the beach officially opens in May. Find more about Spectacle Island.
This is one of the top-rated beaches in Massachusetts, and with good reason. Besides spectacular views of the ocean, this beach has some of the most picturesque sandbars you'll find anywhere. Go at the right time and you may catch sight of hundreds of seals swimming towards Chatham Harbor or sunning themselves on the sand. Once you've had your fill of the sun and surf, you can head up the beach and check out Chatham Lighthouse. Go here for more information on Chatham Beach.
If you're looking for a quieter alternative to the busier beaches on Martha's Vineyard, the town beach of Menemsha is a real gem. Take in the fantastic island sunset without jostling for blanket space. Check out local Menemsha Fish Market. Learn more about the beaches on Martha's Vineyard.
We’re so lucky to have such incredible beaches right in our backyards! Which do you think are the most gorgeous beaches in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to one of these 12 little known beaches in Massachusetts this summer.
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Address: Revere Beach, Revere, MA 02151, USA
Address: Mayflower Beach, Massachusetts, USA
Address: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA, USA
Address: 53 Moshup Trail, Aquinnah, MA 02535, USA
Address: Mayo Beach, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
Address: Houghton's Pond, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Address: Madaket Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
Address: Harbor Islands- Long Island, Boston, MA, USA
Address: Lighthouse Ln, Chatham, MA 02633, USA
Address: Menemsha Public Beach, Chilmark, MA 02535, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Gorgeous Beaches In Massachusetts
July 31, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best waterparks in Massachusetts?
Can you go through a summer in Massachusetts without visiting one of the many waterparks? Pine Acres Resort in Oakham is the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer getaway. The entire campground offers a ton to do, but you’ll probably spend much of your time at the mini waterpark. The waterpark features a massive pool, waterfalls, a kiddie area, and a hot tub. Slip and slide all summer long at Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides in Douglas. In addition to the waterslides, the park also features a shimmering pool, and you can go swimming in the Whitins Reservoir.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts?
Some of the best beaches in Massachusetts are also some of the state’s most beautiful. Houghton’s Pond in Milton, for example, features soft sand and plenty of space. Just 12 miles from Boston, the beautiful beach has lifeguards and changing areas. If you’re bringing the little ones along, they can swim in the roped off area. Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester boasts gorgeous white sand, lifeguards, and plenty of cool water in which to swim. Don’t forget your beach towel or beach chair, so you can relax in the sun, too.
Are there any good swimming holes in Massachusetts?
Summer in Massachusetts can get really hot, and that means we have to find as many ways as we can to stay cool. One of the best ways to cool down is to spend a day at one of the many swimming holes in Massachusetts. Upper Goose Pond, in Lee, for example, is the perfect place to swim and to kayak. Just keep an eye out for the ducks. Walden Pond in Concord features a sandy beach and cool water in which to swim. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and a canoe along. North Pond in Florida and Benedict Pond in Monterey are also popular swimming holes.
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