10 Best Beaches in Boston

Revere Beach is a crescent-shaped stretch of coastline and it happens to be the very first public beach in the US. Located just five miles north of Boston, this spot is a perfect place to spend the day swimming and sunbathing. After a day of seaside fun, grab a bite to eat at Kelly’s, a popular beachfront eatery.

Take a stroll along Revere Boulevard, once home to music halls, cinemas, and hotels. The beach hosts plenty of exciting events throughout the year, from kite festivals to live art shows, but it’s best known for its world-famous Sand Sculpting Festival.

Crane Beach boasts pristine white sand beaches and trails that snake through lush salt marshes, seaside forests, and sand dunes. It offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the ocean. Soak up some sunshine, explore the immaculate gardens of Castle Hill, or sail across the placid waters on a kayak.

Crane Beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including the piping plover, an endangered coastal bird. See them up-close at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Note that advanced entry passes are required for Crane Beach on weekends and during peak seasons

Constitution Beach, locally known as “Shays Beach,” is just a stone’s throw from central Boston. Home to picnic areas and a playground, it’s a hit with families. The beach’s proximity to Logan Airport means you can spot planes taking off and landing as you’re taking a dip.

Swimming is not the only activity available here. You can go fishing or play tennis, basketball, or baseball. After a relaxing day at the beach, head to the nearby USS Constitution Museum to learn more about America’s naval history, or feast on clam chowder and freshly caught lobster at a waterfront eatery

For amazing views of the Boston Harbour and the city skyline, hop on a ferry and make your way to Spectacle Island. Once a dump, this island is now an urban oasis teeming with greenery. Explore five miles of trails, pick wild blackberries, or just relax by the sea.

The island has a long and fascinating history which you can learn more about at the eco-friendly visitor centre. There’s also a cafe where you can refuel with treats like ice cream, popcorn, and hot dogs. The island is open from late May to early October.

Set on the South Boston shoreline, Carson Beach offers mile after mile of seaside fun. This picturesque spot is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball. A promenade runs along the beach, offering great views of the Atlantic.

Carson Beach offers plenty of opportunities to get active. Try your hand at wind sailing, kayaking, and other marine sports. Landlubbers can make their way to the nearby Joe Moakley Park, a waterfront space where you can play baseball, football, and basketball.

This pristine white sand beach hems the curving Pleasure Bay, with Castle Island, a stunning waterfront park, sitting at the tip. A popular seaside getaway, Pleasure Bay has everything from kitesurfing and jet skiing to catamaran sailing.

Take the walking trail from Pleasure Bay to Castle Island to feast on fresh seafood at Sullivan’s, relish harbour views, and visit the 1851 Fort Independence. Free tours are conducted regularly. There are also plenty of benches and shaded areas if you’re planning to have a picnic after taking a cool dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Nantasket Beach is a stretch of pale grey sand that sits by the Atlantic. At low tide, you can see plenty of tide pools teeming with marine life. Swimming, fishing, and beach volleyball are just some of the activities you can do here.

When you visit the beach, stop by the historical Paragon Carousel with its vibrant and immaculately carved horses built around a century ago. It’s the last remaining attraction from the shuttered Paragon theme park. Keep your eyes on the events calendar as this beach hosts plenty of concerts and contests throughout the summer season.

Wollaston Beach is the largest beach around Boston Harbour and located in the historic area of Quincy. Expect beautiful seaside views and plenty of seafood shacks. There’s a long walkway that runs along the park, perfect for a refreshing morning run by the sea.

If you’re visiting with kids, head to Caddy Park on the southern side of the beach. It has a lookout tower, picnic tables, and a play area where children can learn more about the local environment. Kite-flying contests and ice cream socials are just some of the exciting events that take place in this family-friendly beach.

Wingaersheek Beach runs along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. The best time to visit is at low tide when a long sandbar, rock formations, and plenty of tide pools are revealed. Go up close to observe tiny marine creatures such as hermit crabs and sand dollars.

The shallow and placid waters of this beach make it great for families with small children. Be sure to check the tide charts prior to your visit. Note that non-residents must make beach parking reservations in advance. If you’re unable to snag a spot, you can instead opt to visit the nearby Good Harbour beach.

Plum Island Beach is packed with opportunities for recreation and relaxation: You can spend the day birdwatching, fishing, or boating. Located north of Boston, this barrier island gets its name from the beach plum shrubs that grow in its sand dunes. 

The island has three major beach spots: The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island Centre, and North Point. The Refuge encompasses over 3,000 acres of salt marsh and is home to a variety of wildlife. At Plum Island Centre, you’ll find plenty of eateries and ice cream stands. Head to the North Point to snap some photos of the historic Plum Island Lighthouse.