One of the greatest things about a Boston summer is the close proximity to nearly 200 miles of Massachusetts coastline. What does that mean, exactly? Get that sunscreen ready, because we’re going to the BEACH!
There are many fantastic places to get your toes in the sand that are just a hop, skip, jump — and splash! — from Beantown.
Boston Moms is excited to share a few of our favorite family-friendly beaches!
Pleasure Bay, M Street Beach, and Carson Beach
South Boston :: 2010 Day Blvd., Boston
If you’re looking for convenience, Carson Beach is the perfect beach for you! It is easily accessible from the Red Line via the JFK/UMass stop, and it has free parking if you choose to take the car. There’s also a bathhouse with restrooms, changing rooms, and showers, making it easy to clean up for the trip home! Make sure to take a beautiful walk around Castle Island while you’re there!
Constitution Beach
East Boston :: Main Parking Area, 0 Barnes Ave., Boston; Entrance via Anthony and Dee Dee Marmo pedestrian overpass, 799 Bennington St., Boston
If your little one loves planes, a trip to Constitution Beach in East Boston is a must! Watch the planes take off from Logan, right from your spot in the sand! There is a playground to visit as well as a basketball court to shoot some hoops. Lifeguards are on duty during the day, and guests are welcome to use the bathhouse, shade shelters, and picnic areas.
Wingaersheek Beach
Gloucester :: End of Atlantic St., off Route 133 and Concord St.
At low tide, the beach extends out for hundreds of yards, exposing a long sandbar that is perfect for walking. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other necessities are available at the concession stand, and restrooms and showers are available from 9-6 each day. Lifeguards are on duty from 9-5.
Salisbury Beach
Salisbury :: State Reservation Rd.
Overlooking the point at which the Merrimack River feeds into the Atlantic Ocean, Salisbury Beach is a great place to swim, boat, or camp. There is ample parking, restrooms, and changing rooms. After you enjoy your time at the beach, be sure to take a ride on the carousel and visit Joe’s Playland, a classic beach arcade and ice cream stand!
Singing Beach
Manchester-by-the-Sea :: 119 Beach St.
If you want your kids to get a kick out of the beach, visit Singing Beach and listen to the music made by the sand! (No, we aren’t kidding! The sand at Singing Beach is actually named “singing sand” because it produces sound. The sound emission may be caused by wind passing over dunes or by walking on the sand!). Parking may be a bit difficult to find, but the beach does feature accessible restrooms, a snack shack, and changing areas. There is a $7 walk-on fee for visitors over 12 years old to visit the beach during hours when it is staffed by lifeguards.
Crane Beach
Ipswich :: 310 Argilla Rd.
There is no shortage of things to do — or beauty to find — at Crane Beach. The property boasts more than 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes, and maritime forest for exploration, as well as a large parking lot, a snack bar, new restrooms, and a changing facility. It is also the perfect spot to see the piping plovers — beautiful endangered birds that nest along the shore.
Nantasket Beach
Hull :: 212 Nantasket Ave.
In addition to swimming, making sand castles, and basking in the sun, guests at Nantasket Beach can enjoy many other things that this classic beach town has to offer! Stroll the promenade, ride the carousel, and enjoy the many tasty dining options! Nantasket has ample parking, a bath house, and restrooms, and it’s staffed by lifeguards over the summer months.
Wollaston Beach
Quincy :: Quincy Shore Dr.
This 2.3-mile-long beach is just a hop, skip, and jump from the city! There is a wide paved path along the shoreline for walkers, roller bladers, and bikers to enjoy. There is plenty of on-street parking, and not one but two clam shacks! In addition, Caddy Park on the beach’s southern end has more than 15 acres of fields and marsh, as well as a play area, lookout tower, and picnic tables.
Onset Beach
Wareham :: 186 Onset Ave.
This peaceful town beach is perfect for families! It is located right in the middle of historic Onset Village. The calm water is perfect for younger beach goers. A kayak outfitter is located right at the beach if you would like to go for a paddle around Onset Bay, and Cape Cod Canal River Cruises depart right from the parking lot (kids ride for free on some days — be sure to check it out!).
Duxbury Beach
Duxbury :: Gurnet Rd.
Be sure to bring a bucket to collect rocks and shells at this beautiful handicap-accessible beach! Duxbury Beach is home to a beach wheelchair for those who wish to enjoy the ocean with a five-point safety strap. There are also mobility mats at the town resident lot and Duxbury Beach Park, in addition to bathhouses, restrooms, and a snack shack.
