Skip the Crowds at Revere Beach and Visit This Beach Instead

Often, the most popular beach in a state depends on the location and accessibility above anything else. This is the case with the historic Revere Beach, a National Historical Landmark situated just outside of the city of Boston. But, for those who want the best hidden beach in Massachusetts, or at least one not bordering a major city, why not try out Horseneck Beach State Reservation?

What Makes This Underrated Beach in Massachusetts Better

One reason this underrated beach in Massachusetts is better to visit than Revere Beach is that it’s cleaner. In fact, Horseneck Beach State Reservation includes two miles of pristine beach, dunes, and marshes, with a large campground directly attached. The views are what one would expect from a classic New England-style beach, in direct contrast to Revere Beach, which has more city life. 

Horseneck Beach is located in southern Massachusetts, near the Rhode Island border. As such, it’s farther from the larger cities in this historic state. This means far fewer crowds, although it is a noted favorite of locals and not exactly a secret beach in Massachusetts. Plus, during the busy seasons that draw in many locals because of the area’s surprisingly warm water, the wide and long stretch of sand ensures enough space for all.

What to Expect When You Visit Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Besides the aforementioned warmer water coming in from the Gulf Stream and the large, uncrowded expanse of land for use, Horseneck Beach is also a fantastic place for birding and watersports. Its exceptional birding potential comes from the mixed landscapes, with salt marshes and estuaries bordering the beach. This allows for ospreys, sandpipers, loons, sea ducks, piping plovers, and even rarer birds to be viewed. 

For watersports, the area is naturally great for swimming (although visitors recommend water shoes due to the rockier stretch of sand just near the tides), but it’s also a favorite spot for surfing and windsurfing. Additionally, it is also loved for being a highly accessible area, with paved paths and decent amenities such as playgrounds, bathrooms, changing rooms, a seasonal concession stand, and more.

Is It Worth Skipping Revere Beach?

Revere Beach holds historical significance as the oldest public beach in the United States and offers convenience to Boston residents (especially college students), making it worthwhile to visit for some. But some factors have made the beach unappealing for others, including crowds, parking issues, litter on the sand and in the water at times, too much noise, and pop-up chain shops and restaurants around the area that feel out of place with the historical nature of the beach. 

For Boston locals or college students who want a little bit of a beach experience slotted in with their day, Revere Beach is one of the best options they can find. This, however, doesn’t mean it’s one of the best beaches in Massachusetts. There are many alternatives to this often-crowded beach, one of which is Horseneck Beach, with its miles of pristine sand, cool breeze, warm water, and sightings of rare birds flying overhead. So, why wait to visit? Horseneck Beach no longer needs to be a local haunt; instead, it can be a spot for outside visitors as well!