The extensive coastline of Massachusetts is home to a variety of breathtaking beaches, from the expansive sandy flats of Cape Cod Bay to the magnificent bluffs of Martha’s Vineyard. The best beaches in Massachusetts are ideal for swimming and are shielded from large waves, and there are beaches that are exciting for surfers. There are beaches surrounded by massive ancient dunes, beaches with miles of tide pools to explore, and beaches that are lined with bars and restaurants and are ideal for parties. The majority of beaches have wide expanses of soft, white packed sand, and on warm weekends or holidays, they all fill up with people seeking the sun and families spending the day by the water.
Best Beaches in Massachusetts
1- Mayflower Beach – Best Beaches in Massachusetts
The beautiful views at Mayflower Beach make it a favorite among Dennis visitors. Low tide at this Mid Cape beach allows visitors to walk for miles until they reach the water, making it the ideal location to watch the sun set. With lifeguards on duty, picnic areas, public restrooms, and lots of space for beach activities, the beach is perfect for families. Additionally, a boardwalk conveniently links the parking lot to the beach. The waves at Mayflower Beach are typically calmer than those at other Cape beaches because it is situated on the bay side.
2- Singing Beach, Massachusetts – Best Beaches in Massachusetts
Singing Beach, located not far from Manchester-by-the-Sea, got its name from the unique melody that can be heard there. It originates from the sand, which when dry and walked on makes specific noises due to its texture.
Despite being only a little over half a mile long, it never feels overly crowded. The waters are known to be incredibly clear and the sand is also very soft and clean.
There are showers, restrooms, a snack bar with delicious regional pizza, and parking available. Additionally, you can leave your car in town. Keep in mind that there is a small entrance fee for the beach during the summer. But it’s free in the winter.
3- Chatham Lighthouse Beach – Best Beaches in Massachusetts
The beach beneath the Chatham lighthouse is one of Cape Cod’s most picturesque and beautiful beaches, despite the challenging parking situation and the possibility that some of the beach may be inaccessible due to current changes. Nothing could be more picturesque than looking across Cape Cod Sound in one direction and toward the white lighthouse tower in the other.
The various swimming areas are marked with current information, and any dangerous areas will be closed. Any swimming is not allowed when there is a red flag. But there’s more to do here than just soak up the sun and go swimming; it’s a favorite spot for the area’s large population of seals to play, and you can get even closer on tours that depart from the beach.
4- Crane Beach
Crane Beach, a stunning gem, is located on the North Shore of Massachusetts and is encircled by exquisite conservation land. Crane is one of those picturesque beaches in Massachusetts with two miles of shoreline, a wide expanse of soft sand to lay on, and breathtaking views that you won’t want to miss.
The beach is a part of the Crane Estate, which is run by the Trustees of Reservations, along with the Great House, a mansion perched atop a hill. To find out what activities are taking place while you are in town, check the Trustees’ calendar, or go for a stroll through the saltmarsh or woods. After packing up for the day and rinsing off the sand, head to Appleton Farms for apple cider donuts straight from the fryer or the Ipswich Clambake for the finest seafood.
5- Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA
This serene Massachusetts beach is tucked away in the far northeast of the state. You’ll travel winding, pine-lined roads to get here, passing charming farms along the way. However, once you arrive at Wingaersheek, the views will steal your breath. So hold onto it. Even though the beach is only a half-mile wide, there is still a lot to see; this is undoubtedly one of the best North Shore beaches Massachusetts has to offer.
In addition to taking advantage of the sun, sand, and saltwater, spend some time exploring the tide pools. If it’s a windy day, watch the kitesurfers or try your hand at flying a kite. The harbor in downtown Gloucester is where you can go on a boat tour or watch whales if you want to get out on the water.
6- Joseph Sylvia State Beach, Massachusetts – Best Beaches in Massachusetts
Joseph Sylvia State Beach, which stretches along the Nantucket Sound shoreline, is very well-liked by families. There are miles of fine sand where kids can safely play Frisbee and build sandcastles, as well as small waves, warm water, and a gradual slope from the beach into deeper water.
There is a lifeguard and several concession stands at the Edgartown end of the beach, which connects Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Sengekontacket Pond, a 750-acre brackish tidal lagoon, has a beach that lines its seaward side. Between the beach and the pond, there is a lovely, scenic trail for walking and bicycling. Additionally, it serves as a haven for endangered bird species like the piping plover and least tern.
7- Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
Coast Guard Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the nation and must be visited while in Massachusetts. Its pristine sands are close to the tiny town of Eastham and are protected as a part of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Its broad, flat sands cover the ocean side of the Cape, surrounded by both vast marshes and sloping dunes. It is the ideal location to sunbathe, swim, and surf with others instead of choosing boogie-boarding and volleyball. It is very well-liked by both locals and tourists.
8- Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
Old Silver Beach, located on the western shores of Falmouth, has warm waters from Buzzards Bay. Dramatic views of the Cape Cod Canal are well known for this location. A jetty divides the beach into two sides. One side is for town residents with a sticker, and the other is open to everyone. Make sure to park in the designated spot for guests. The lot fills up quickly, just like the majority of the public beaches in Massachusetts.
Sunbathers are drawn in large numbers by the soft sand and calm waves. But the current can get quite strong as the tide comes in. Be cautious, especially if you are traveling with young children.
9- Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
One of the few sandy beaches among the Boston Harbor Islands, Spectacle Beach is conveniently located just offshore of Boston proper and about 20 minutes by ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf downtown.
The beach is accessible from May through Columbus Day. In the summer, lifeguards are on duty, and ferries frequently depart from Long Wharf. The environmentally friendly visitor center offers a timeline of the island’s development in addition to changing exhibits.
On clear days, views of the city skyline are breathtaking. A small marina draws boaters. Hikers will enjoy the island’s five-mile loop, which provides breathtaking views of Boston.
10- Madaket Beach, Nantucket – Best Beaches in Massachusetts
The stunning Madaket Beach, a treat for lazy afternoons, is located at the southwesterly tip of the remote and idyllic island of Nantucket. Its soft sands are accessible by bike, shuttle bus, or car and are particularly well-known for its mesmerizing sunsets.
The beach is great for sunbathing, strolling, and paddling, but swimming is difficult due to the choppy surf. However, summertime is when lifeguards are on duty. You can view breathtaking sunsets over the water and the nearby Tuckernuck Island from its fine sands and dunes.
Although there are no amenities at the beach, it is only a short stroll to the wildly popular Millie’s restaurant. Additionally, a lot of people bring chairs, beverages, and food and stay until dusk.
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