The Best Massachusetts Beaches
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16. Nauset Beach // Cape Cod
DC_Rebecca Great for:- Family
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Surfing
Running along the Atlantic east coast of Cape Cod, between Coast Guard Beach and Chatham Harbor for around 10 miles, Nauset Beach is the longest on the cape. This beautifully pristine stretch of fine, near-white sand is backed by low grassy dunes for much of its length giving it a wild feel.
Much of the year this part of the coast is pretty quiet. You can often go for long… read more »
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17. Sandy Neck Beach // Cape Cod
© M Z Set in the relative shelter of Cape Cod Bay, Sandy Neck Beach is a large, long beach with pebbly sand. In fact it is six miles long, and you can get an off-road permit for the 4x4 vehicle trails. Thse trails lead to the tip of the sandy spit and around the southside of the extensive sand dunes.
If you go for a walk on the beach, you will see… read more »
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18. Joseph Sylvia State Beach // Martha's Vineyard
MáVëRíC Great for:- Family
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Kitesurfing
This glorious Joseph Sylvia State Beach has soft white sand and shallow water and is one of the most popular public beaches on Martha's Vineyard (many of the beaches are privately owned or for residents only).
Stretching 5 miles between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this easterly facing beach is on a spit, accessed across a bridge. It's a local landmark and popular for jumping off into the Nantucket Sound waters below.… read more »
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19. Horseneck Beach
LEONARDO DASILVA Great for:- Surfing
Horseneck Beach, located in Westport, is a popular two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline at the mouth of Buzzards Bay.
The beach is part of the larger Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which features sand dunes, salt marshes, and walking trails teeming with wildlife. The waves here are typically gentle, making it a great spot for swimming, while the steady winds attract kite surfers and sailors. The adjacent marshlands provide excellent birdwatching,… read more »
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20. Duxbury Beach
John Phelan Great for:- Family
- Swimming
This impressive barrier beach stretches for over six miles along the Massachusetts coastline. Duxbury Beach is known for its mix of sand and pebbles, rolling dunes, and views of Cape Cod Bay. A classic New England seaside experience.
The beach is divided into a public section, accessible from Duxbury Beach Park, and a residents-only area further north, ensuring plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the natural… read more »
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21. Veterans Park Beach // Cape Cod
William DeSousa-Mauk One of Cape Cod's prettiest beaches near Hyannis, Veterans Park Beach has excellent facilities and delightful views across Lewis Bay.
Ideal for families, there's a playground, BBQ grills, disabled facilities, benches, bike racks, showers, lifeguards, restrooms…in fact everything you need for a full day's activities. There is also plenty of parking in the area for a fee.
The beach is moderately busy but rarely overcrowded. There's a volleyball court and the all-important… read more »
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22. Plymouth Beach // Cape Cod
Davies Great for:- Swimming
Located in iconic Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth Beach stretches for 3 sandy miles along a narrow barrier island with water on either side. The barrier island protects Plymouth Harbor from the open ocean waves.
It gets its name from the nearby town of Plymouth and Plymouth Rock. It was an early settler area for the Mayflower pilgrims who named it after their departure point in the UK - Plymouth.
Although parts of… read more »
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23. Niles Beach
Kristina Smith Great for:- Family
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… read more »
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24. Revere Beach
Magicpiano Great for:- Family
- Swimming
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… read more »
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25. Menemsha Beach // Martha's Vineyard
N. Friedler Great for:- Fishing
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… read more »
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26. Carson Beach
Nhatchimai8 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… read more »
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27. Constitution Beach
Kouign Amann Great for:- Family
- Swimming
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… read more »
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28. Half Moon Beach
At-Hand Guides 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… read more »
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29. Long Beach, Nahant
Kcboling Great for:- Family
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… read more »
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30. Surfside Beach // Nantucket
Bob P. B. Great for:- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
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… read more »
