Find The Perfect Place To Sprawl Out On A Half Mile Of Sandy Shore At Singing Beach In Massachusetts
There’s something magnificent about the concept of a landscape that’s more interactive than expected. Typically, we don’t expect the ground we walk on to make noise at us, but there’s a singing beach in Massachusetts where the ground beneath your feet will actually squeak at you. The aptly-named Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea is one of the most fascinating places to spend a pleasant sunny day, and it’s one that belongs on your local bucket list. Check it out:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Manchester-by-the-Sea locals love Singing Beach, their own hometown oddity.
With bright waters and fascinating hues, this beach is one of the most stunning in Massachusetts... and perhaps New England. Since beach-going became vogue, visitors have been amazed by the beauty of this place.
This half-mile-wide stretch of sandy shore is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and dogs are even allowed on the beach during select seasons.
Old Neck Beach, as this site was once known, wasn't nicknamed for its singing sands until circa the 19th century. For years, these sands have mystified visitors... and left some unimpressed. According to the Manchester Historical Museum, a surprisingly unimpressed philosopher named Henry David Thoreau noted following his visit that the sand, "...was not at all musical nor was it loud."
The so-called "singing" is a phenomenon created by sand of a certain size, shape, and makeup when it is disturbed. It can actually make a rather loud squeaking sound!
Not sure if you've heard "singing" sand before? This phenomenon actually can happen at different beaches around the world, as this short clip from Michigan demonstrates:
Part of the reason the sand at this beach "sings" is because it is at the perfect moisture level to do so... not too saturated, but not too dry!
Don't let these bright and beautiful pictures fool you... in the colder months, this shoreline looks very different... and winter storms of yore have spent ages tearing out bathhouses and debris.
Once you get past the (somewhat annoying) squeaks of the sand, this beach in Manchester-by-the-sea is a very pretty place to spend a day. There is, however, a parking and walk-on fee.
With the current COVID-19 situation, this beach is only open to area residents. However, this is one beach you'll want to add to your bucket list, because it's truly amazingly quirky.
There's a lot of history at this beach, and locals love its sandy shores. Visitors are just amazed by its landscape, too, and its famous singing sands.
This magnificent landscape is one of the quirkiest places in all of Massachusetts.
Singing Beach in Massachusetts is a magnificent destination that delights local and tourists alike… and it’s one of a few places in the state that looks mundane but will leave you surprised. Have you ever visited this squeaky site? What did you think of the singing sands? Tell us in the comments!
Craving more wonderful and weird adventure in Massachusetts? Check out the state’s weirdest destinations for more!
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
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