Best State Park Beaches in Massachusetts to Visit to Close Out Summer

The days are getting shorter, kids are heading back to school, and summer seems to be over. But is it really over? Not by a long shot! We still have time to soak up the last of the season's sunshine and splendor with an afternoon at one of the best state park beaches in Massachusetts. Close out the summer with some time on the sand... at least one more time before fall.

South Cape Beach State Park

Even with a mile-long white sand beach, South Cape Beach State Park is a hidden gem as far as Cape Cod beaches go. Offering accessibility to the sand with a boardwalk and beach mat, anyone can come and. enjoy the last days of summer here. And if you wait until after September 1, you won't have to pay for parking! Visit Mass.gov for parking, hours, and location information.

Nickerson State Park

The 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park is another park on the Cape, but instead of coastal beaches, it's home to several kettle ponds with sandy beaches. While the summer crowds thin out, you could possibly have one of the beaches here all to yourself! Camping is also available at Nickerson's 400-site campground, and hiking and biking trails are also abundant. See for yourself why this is one of my top places to visit on Cape Cod.

Scusset Beach State Reservation

Located on the other side of the Cape Cod Canal in Sagamore, Scusset Beach State Reservation offers 1.5 miles of beach along Cape Cod Bay. Lifeguards are on duty through Labor Day, but you can swim here any time at your own risk. This Massachusetts state park also has an accessible fishing pier, restroom, boardwalk, beach mat, picnic areas, trail, and camping. Beach wheelchairs are also available. Not only is it a wonderful beach in the high season of summer, but it is also one of the most peaceful beaches in Massachusetts during the off-season.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Located at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Merrimack River, Salisbury Beach State Reservation has 3.8 miles of beach. With so much space, it's easy to find a spot to sunbathe for the day. Lifeguards are available through Labor Day, and if you'd like to camp by the beach during the final days of summer, book one of 484 campsites. Visit Mass.gov for more.

Fort Phoenix State Reservation

Located along Buzzards Bay in Fairhaven, Fort Phoenix State Reservation is home to the Revolutionary War-era Fort Phoenix, and remnants of the historic fort remain here today. While it's one of the smallest Massachusetts state parks, there's quite a variety of recreation you can enjoy here, including ball courts, a playground, a picnic area, and a beach with a beach mat and beach wheelchairs available for accessibility. Visit Mass.gov for more on Fort Phoenix State Reservation.

Are you sad summer will be over soon? Don't worry, you can still have a few beach days before fall! Which of the above Massachusetts state park beaches will you visit before the leaves turn?

State parks are worth visiting at any time of the year. For a comprehensive list, see the Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Massachusetts.