Top Beaches in New England

• Menemsha Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the exclusive island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha Beach is northeast of Menemsha Pond between Aquinnah and Chilmark. It is home to the local US Coastguard Station and featured in the filming of Spielberg's epic movie, Jaws.

  This public beach is one of the white sandy beaches that the island is known for. It overlooks the channel of ocean known as Vineyard Sound with views to Gay Head Lighthouse and the Elizabeth Islands including Nashawena Island. The quaint fishing village of Menemsha provides a scenic location with fishing boats unloading… read more »

• Long Beach, Nahant // Massachusetts

  

  Long Beach in Nahant is a good-sized stretch of sand offering a quiet coastal escape just to the north of Boston. This mile-long barrier beach, also known as just Nahant Beach, is part of Nahant Beach Reservation and is popular for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. Its proximity to the city makes it an accessible getaway while still feeling fairly remote and unspoiled.

  The beach features soft, light-coloured sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for families and swimmers. During low tide, the shoreline expands, revealing tidal pools and sandbars perfect… read more »

• Revere Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Just north of Boston, Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. Established in 1896, this historic shoreline stretches for nearly three miles along Broad Sound, offering a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a rich heritage. The beach's easy accessibility by public transport makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the city.

  The beach itself is comprised of a long, flat expanse of sand, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or even just sunbathing. Swimming is possible during the… read more »

• Half Moon Beach // Massachusetts

  

  This small, crescent-shaped cove is located within Gloucester’s historic Stage Fort Park. Tucked away between rocky outcrops and shaded by trees, this sheltered beach offers a quiet and scenic escape with calm waters and soft golden sand. Its natural curve creates an enclosed setting, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

  Half Moon Beach is a great choice for families with young children. The water is calm and shallow and the surrounding rocks provide opportunities for tide pooling. Nearby walking trails lead through Stage Fort Park, with… read more »

• Niles Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Niles Beach is a small but charming spot located on the shores of Gloucester Harbor. This quiet, sandy beach is primarily used by local residents, offering a peaceful escape with calm waters and scenic views over the harbor and nearby Ten Pound Island. Unlike some of the busier beaches in the area, Niles Beach provides a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the water.

  The gentle waves and shallow waters make it an excellent spot for swimming, especially for families with young children.… read more »

• Carson Beach // Massachusetts

  

  South Boston's Carson Beach is one of the city’s most popular waterfront spots, with its wide sandy shoreline and views of Boston Harbor. Combined with its easy access from downtown and well-maintained facilities, it provides a convenient escape to the coast.

  The beach is ideal for swimming, thanks to ongoing water quality improvements, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The long, paved boardwalk stretches from Castle Island to the Kennedy Library, making it popular for walking, jogging, or cycling while taking in the fresh sea breeze. Beachgoers… read more »

• Cliff Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the north-facing coast of Nantucket Island overlooking Nantucket Sound, Cliff Beach is north of Town Pasture and close to Nantucket Cliffs which stand about 11 metres high.

  The white sandy beach is edged by dunes with tracks providing access to the sand. The easiest public access is from Nantucket Beach Club and then walk west.

  You can still see the remaining two conical white towers known as the Nantucket Cliff Range Lights which are 1 km east of Nantucket Cliffs. Originally built in 1908, they helped ships safely find the… read more »

• Jetties Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Jetties Beach is a large sandy on the north shore of Nantucket, facing the Cape Cod coastline and protected by Nantucket Sound. It is on the outskirts of the town and takes its name from the large jetty that protrudes from the point of land at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor.

  There is ample parking near the beach including disabled parking spots. You can also take the NRTA shuttle bus which stops right at the beach. Mats extend over the dunes to protect them and run about 380 feet along… read more »

• Sconset Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the eastern tip of the island, Sconset Beach faces the rolling Atlantic waves and has strong currents. It is near the Siasconset Old Historic District and is accessed along a boardwalk and foot bridge from Gully Road. The area has changed little since it began as an 18h century fishing village. The wide beach is quiet and uncrowded with easy access to the ocean.

  Children can have fun at the play ground or playing on the sand. There are no restrooms or beach facilities apart from lifeguards on duty… read more »

• Surfside Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Situated on Nantucket South Shore and 3 miles from downtown, Surfside Beach lives up to its name with powerful Atlantic waves, strong currents and cooler water.

  It's a great beach for families with plenty of space for picnics, sandcastles and ball games as well as fishing. There are food concessions, a taco truck, showers and restrooms - no wonder it's one of the most popular beaches with locals and tourists of all ages.

  The waves may be too rough for youngsters but those looking for some fun watersports will definitely enjoy Surfside… read more »

• Nantasket Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Nantasket Beach lines the coast of Hull town in the greater Boston area. At high tide, it takes the form of a relatively narrow but long stretch of fine greyish sand running for around four kilometres. The low tide reveals an expansive area of rock pools. When walking along the water line, visitors should watch out for large pebbles, which can be washed up by the incoming tide, especially towards the beach’s southern end.

  Because of its proximity to Boston, Nantasket Beach is one of the busiest beaches in this… read more »

• Constitution Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Constitution Beach, located in East Boston, is a family-friendly urban beach known for soft sand, calm waters, and views over Boston Harbor. Unlike the more exposed coastal beaches of Massachusetts, this crescent-shaped shoreline is very well-protected, making it an ideal spot for swimming and wading. The gentle waves and lifeguard presence in the summer months make it a top pick for families with young children.

  One of the beach's most unique features is its close proximity to Logan International Airport. Visitors can watch planes take off and land just across… read more »

• Jenness State Beach // New Hampshire

  

  Jenness Beach is a popular spot with surfers and is one of the most easily reached surf spots from Boston. Generally speaking this is a beginner-friendly beach with a gently sloping sand bottom but on its day the waves here can be awesome.

  The beach is also a good family friendly choice with cheap parking and good amenities. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months meaning swimming is fairly safe and there is a picnic area.

  The modern bathhouse by the car park has changing stalls, showers and restrooms.

  With New Hampshire… read more »

• Goddard Memorial State Park Beach // Rhode Island

  

  Goddard Memorial State Park Beach sits on the northern side of the club-shaped peninsula pushing into Greenwich Bay from the south. This sand beach is widest at its midpoint, where there's parking and public access, before narrowing to either side.

  Backed by dense woodland, Goddard Memorial State Park Beach has a total length of a little over half a mile. Well-known as a swimming beach, facilities range from restrooms to public grills and over 350 picnic tables. The surrounding state park has a golf course, horse riding, and several miles of… read more »

• Narragansett Town Beach // Rhode Island

  

  Narragansett Town Beach sits on the eastern side of Narragansett, and is split between a section of public beach and a privately-owned section. The public beach stretches for around half a mile at the southern end of Narragansett Town Beach. This is known as the rockiest area of the beach, although there is still ample sand.

  A relatively undeveloped stretch of sand, Narragansett Beach is primarily visited for its swimming and surfing. A dedicated surfing area keeps swimmers and boarders safe from the risk of collision.

  Open from the start of June… read more »

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