Massachusetts is full of incredible beaches, but many of them can get a bit crowded during the summer months. The solution? Head to a seashore that doesn’t get as much press. We’ve assembled a list of little known beaches in Massachusetts that don’t usually show up in travel guides, so are likely to afford you a bit more breathing room.

A bit of a disclaimer: some of these beaches may be well-known to those who live in their vicinity, but totally new to people who live in another part of the state. If you already know about a certain gorgeous beach, count yourself as one of the lucky ones!

1. Wasque Beach, Chappaquiddick Island
Flickr/Waywuwei
Flickr/Peter Hugger
This beach is perfect for spreading a towel or taking a dip, but it's also a favorite among anglers. Some areas are decorated by trees that fall from the cliffs as the sea erodes the beach. To reach the beach, take the Edgartown-Chappaquiddick Ferry and head east. You can find parking at the end of Wasque Road. Learn more about Wasque Beach.
2. Houghton's Pond, Milton
Flickr/Robert Gray
There's no need to head to the coast in order to find a great beach spot. Just 12 miles from Boston is a great, family-friendly swimming hole with lifeguards, changing areas, and lots of parking. All for free! There's also a shallow, roped-off area that's perfect for kids or those who aren't strong swimmers. Houghton's Pond is located in the Blue Hills Reservation. Learn more about Houghton's Pond.
3. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
Yelp/Kaylee A.
Yelp/Steph J.
This spot has warm, incredibly clear water and lots of sunny rocks to sit with a book or just gaze out over the surf. The beach is normally pretty quiet, even during the summer months, so if you go on off-hours you're very likely to be one of only a few people on the sand. There isn't a public restroom, but there are port-a-potties available. Learn more about Wingaersheek Beach.
4. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
Flickr/pfly
Flickr/Lisa Donoghue
With beautiful white sands and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Good Harbor Beach definitely deserves a visit this summer. When the tide is low enough, visitors can even walk to Salt Island (pictured). Parking is available for a fee. There are free restrooms at the adjacent public park. Discover more about Good Harbor Beach.
5. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
Flickr/Drew Bryden
The warm waters and white sands of this Buzzards Bay beach earn this spot high marks. Since the beach faces west, you'll be treated to spectacular sunsets. There are outdoor showers, public restrooms, and a snack bar that is open during the summer months. There are two parking lots that cater to residents and paying visitors. Find more about Old Silver Beach.
6. Duxbury Beach, Duxbury
Flickr/MOTT

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Flickr/MOTT
This beach is six miles long and an important barrier against coastal erosion. There's a parking lot, a snack bar (they call it a "food pavilion") with restrooms, showers, and a full restaurant. As one of the most beautiful little known beaches in Massachusetts, it actually offers awesome sunrises AND sunsets. For the sunrise, head to the ocean side of the beach. For the sunset, scoot over to the Duxbury Bay side. Go here for more about Duxbury Beach.
7. Chapoquoit Beach, West Falmouth
Flickr/Dee & tula
Flickr/dee & tula monstah
This beach is definitely off the beaten path, and though it doesn't have a large sandy swathe of coast, the calm waters and warm rocks are perfectly lovely. The beach offers a large parking lot, lifeguards, and stairs down to the narrow sandy area. Click here for more information about Chapoquoit Beach.
8. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
Flickr/James Behnke
Flickr/James Behnke
Head to this beach for the best sunsets in New England. Interestingly, the sand actually fills up more during the evening hours in anticipation of the sunset, so if you're looking for a reasonably quiet place for a daytime beach trip, this could be the spot. Learn more about Madaket Beach.
9. Bound Brook Island Beach, Wellfleet
Flickr/Catherine Cronin
This beach is definitely one of the least crowded on this list. Because the journey to the beach requires a 25-minute hike through beautiful dunes and beach grass, you're very likely to find yourself alone on the sand. Even if there are a few other visitors, there's plenty of space to find your own private stretch of seaside.
10. Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet
Flickr/lookcatalog
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
You can't beat the view from the top of the Cahoon Hollow Beach cliffs. If you park at the Beachcomber restaurant and bar (located at the top of the cliffs), you'll receive a food voucher for the same amount. This spot is more well-known than others on this list, but might not be on the radar of those who live further inland.
11. Crowe's Beach, South Dennis
Flickr/MOTT
This beach is a local secret that you should definitely take advantage of. Though you will have to brave a dirt road (with some potholes) to reach this spot, your efforts will be rewarded by the sight of a beautiful, secluded beach that is often free of other visitors. To reach the beach, go to Main Street in East Dennis (6A) and then turn onto South Street.

What are your favorite little known beaches in Massachusetts? Let us know! For an absolutely breathtaking beach, plan a visit to Cahoon Hallow Beach on Cape Cod.

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More to Explore

Little Known Beaches in Massachusetts

Beth Price-Williams | July 19, 2020

What are the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts?

One of the less crowded beaches in Massachusetts, Mayflower Beach on Cape Cod is also one of the state’s most beautiful. With its soft white sand, the beach is perfect for a day of lounging in the sun then heading into the water to cool off. The clear water is even ideal for just dipping your feet in, if you don’t feel like swimming. It’s also the perfect spot to watch a beautiful Massachusetts sunset. Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet, Dane Street Beach in Beverly, and Chapin Memorial Beach in Dennis are also counted among the best beaches in Massachusetts.

Where can I find the bluest water in Massachusetts?

Summer in Massachusetts means countless days spent at the beach. Which do you prefer – crystal clear water or blue water? If you’re searching for the bluest water in Massachusetts, make your way to Brant Rock Beach in Marshfield. It’s perfect for a day of swimming and lounging in the sun. Lake Onota in Pittsfield is another lake that boasts spectacularly blue water. It’s an ideal spot for swimming or boating. You can even sit on a bench waterside and just enjoy the views.  If you’re up for a water adventure, consider going water skiing.

Which beach in Massachusetts has the most pristine sand?

For some of the whitest, most pristine sand in Massachusetts, plan a visit to Chatham Lighthouse Beach. Feel the silky sand between your toes as you stroll on the beach that leads to the cool water. Drop a beach towel on the sand, too, for a soft spot to relax under the golden sunshine.

Sandy Neck Beach, on Cape Cod, is another of the best beaches in Massachusetts to spend a summer day. It is, of course, an ideal spot for sunbathing or cooling off in the water, but you can also go horseback riding and camp right on the beach.

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Featured Addresses
11 Dike Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA
Houghton's Pond, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA 02556, USA
Duxbury Beach, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
104 Chapoquoit Rd, Falmouth, MA 02540, USA
Madaket Beach, Pensylvania Ave, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
Bound Brook Island Beach, 730 Bound Brook Island Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
Cahoon Hollow Beach, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
East Dennis, MA 02641, USA