The 12 Best Beaches Near Boston

While Boston is a city rife with exciting entertainment opportunities, a wide range of fun-filled activities and history oozing out of every corner, the surrounding area is one of the most picturesque and pristine landscapes imaginable. Quintessentially New England, Boston’s scenic backdrop is filled with captivating coastal communities and incredible beaches as far as the eye can see.

The perfect place to enjoy some quality time in the sand, the best beaches near Boston are a great way to escape the everyday hustle and bustle that comes with city life. Take a look at these AAA-recommended shorelines where you can enjoy a quick dip or a stroll along the sand.

1. Nantasket

• Location: 212 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk
• Parking Cost: Daily Parking Fees from May 14th through Labor Day MA Residents- $15 Non-MA Residents- $40
• Nearby Attractions: Hull Lifesaving Museum, Fort Revere Park, Gallery Nantasket, Nantasket Beach Resort

One of the most popular beaches for families in the Boston area, this beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach offers soft sandy shorelines, awesome athletic fields and numerous tide pools where children can spend their time searching for sea creatures in the safe and shallow waters.

As one of the most easily accessible beaches in the area, Nantasket often plays host to numerous music events and live dance parties throughout the summer, making it a great place to spend an early evening with the entire family.

2. Wollaston Beach

• Location: Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk
• Parking Cost: Free On-Site Parking
• Nearby Attractions: Adams National Historical Park, USS Salem and United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, Quincy Quarries Reservation

A short 30-minute drive outside of Boston, the captivating community of Quincy is known for its incredible historic sites, charming village and Wollaston Beach. Especially popular for its biking and jogging trail, this two-mile continuous shoreline is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll.

With the beach located right along Quincy Shore Drives, visitors can easily make the most of the wide array of exceptional eateries and concession stands serving up mouthwatering morsels and fantastic seafood bites all throughout the area.

3. Spectacle Island

• Location: 191 West Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: Ferry General Admission: $25
• Nearby Attractions: Fort Warren, Boston Light, Fort Andrews, Deer Island

Part of the Boston Harbor Islands, Spectacle Island is one of the 34 unique and irresistible islands found in the harbor. One of the largest recreational preservation areas in the state, this delightful destination is one of the most popular near the city. Teeming with fascinating historical sites, wildlife habitats and beautiful beaches to spend a relaxing day in the sun, it’s easy to see why this is such a local favorite.

Spectacle Island is only accessible by Ferry, making it an ideal destination for families hoping to enjoy fantastic outdoor adventures or a refreshing day in the sea.

4. Crane Beach

• Location: 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA
• Hours: 8 am to Sunset Daily
• Parking Cost: Crane Beach Day Pass Vehicle Entry and Parking: $40 Crane Beach Motorcycle Pass: $10 Crane Beach Bike/Pedestrian Entry: $5
• Nearby Attractions: Wolf Hollow, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 1634 Meadery

Once part of the enchanting private Crane Estate, this absolutely incredible public beach is a paradise for Boston locals and visitors alike. With over 1,200 acres of beachfront, dunes and maritime forest, this wonderful destination is an outdoor adventure dream come true. However, make sure you keep in mind that this beach is a protected nesting place for piping plovers and there are several designated areas meant to help keep these precious birds safe.

5. Revere Beach

• Location: Revere Beach, Revere, MA
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk
• Parking Cost: Free 4-hour Parking
• Nearby Attractions: New England Kite School, Spring Hill Suites By Marriott, USS Constitution

Just about five miles north of Downtown Boston, Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. The two-mile shoreline offers gentle waves and soft sandy shores, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a bit of swimming and sunbathing. However, there are also several athletic fields, live music bandstands and delicious food vendors throughout the area to help make this an all-day stop.

6. Walden Pond

• Location: 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA
• Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 5 am to 7:30 pm
• Parking Cost: MA Resident Parking Fee- $8 Non-MA Resident Parking Fee- $30
• Nearby Attractions: Minute Man National Historic Park, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Ralph Waldo Emmerson House

Bibliophiles from around the world know all about Walden Pond. Best known for Henry David Thoreau’s beautiful book Walden, this charming community has been the inspiration for several well-known authors and poets. Luckily, it’s also home to one of the state’s most alluring waterfronts.

Walden Pond is an enchanting destination for swimming, hiking and connecting with nature in a way that can sometimes seem impossible in a large city. However, here visitors will be surrounded by towering trees that will leave you feeling like you’ve wandered into a world all your own.

7. Nahant Beach

• Location: 1 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: MA Resident Parking Fee- $10 Non-MA Resident Parking Fee- $40
• Nearby Attractions: Henry Cabot Lodge Park, Kelley Greens Golf Course

Found just 15 miles north of Boston, this 67-acre protected beachfront destination is an idyllic option for visitors looking for a secluded and serene day in the sand. This protected preserve offers an on-site restaurant and snack bar, but its true claim to fame is the stunning scenic ocean views and natural landscape making up the park.

There are several bike paths to enjoy, as well as a beautiful 2-mile walking and jogging path taking you through some of the most magnificent scenery imaginable.

8. Pleasure Bay

• Location: 2010 Day Boulevard, Boston, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: Free Parking in Lot Near Fort Independence Metered Street Parking
• Nearby Attractions: Fort Independence, John F. Kennedy Library, Franklin Park Zoo

Once considered Boston’s center of all things entertainment, Pleasure Bay is now one of the most beloved beaches around. Spectacular white sands, waterside walking trails and a variety of renowned restaurants and eateries with mouthwatering dishes help make this a world-class destination right in the heart of the city.

9. Constitution Beach

• Location: 0 Barnes Avenue, Boston, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: Free Parking in Lot
• Nearby Attractions: Museum of Science Boston, New England Aquarium

While it might seem strange to find a secluded sandy shoreline in the middle of one of Boston’s busiest neighborhoods, that’s exactly what Constitution Beach offers. Just across the inlet to Logan Airport, this one-of-a-kind beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and even fishing. Spend your day watching countless ships sail through the harbor as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sand.

10. Good Harbor Beach

• Location: 99 Thatcher Road, Gloucester, MA
• Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
• Parking Cost: Weekday Parking- $30 Weekend Parking- $35
• Nearby Attractions: Hammond Castle Museum, Whale Watching Tour, Cape Ann Museum

Lying 40 miles northeast of Boston, the charming fishing community of Gloucester is known for its captivating New England charm, outstanding seafood and pristine beaches. Good Harbor Beach is the perfect place to enjoy unbeatable sunsets as you squish sugar-white sand beneath your feet.

Plan around low tide if you can, as this is when an unbelievable landbridge connecting the beach to Salt Island will appear, allowing you and your loved ones to explore even more beach adventures.

11. Devereux Beach

• Location: 99 Ocean Avenue, Marblehead, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: Monday to Thursday- $15 Friday to Sunday- $20
• Nearby Attractions: Fort Sewell, Private Half-Day Tour to Salem and Marblehead

45 minutes outside of Boston, this remarkable shoreline is more than worth the trip. Widely considered one of the best beaches in New England, Devereux Beach rewards visitors with stunning scenic views, sweet coastal communities and sandy shores stretching as far as the eye can see. There is an on-site concession stand to enjoy throughout the summer. However, if you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal, Marblehead is filled with exceptional local restaurants you’re sure to love.

12. Carson Beach

• Location: William J Day Boulevard, Boston, MA
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
• Parking Cost: Free Parking in Lot near Fort Independence
• Nearby Attractions: South Boston Korean War Memorial, Institute of Contemporary Art

If you’re someone who could walk mile after mile along some of New England’s most picturesque landscapes, then Carson Beach is the place for you. Connected to L and M Street Beaches, this delightful destination stretches for over three miles along the beautiful Dorchester Bay. The beach’s calm waters, kayaking activities and soft sands are just one of the many reasons why this Boston Beach has become a top choice for families in the area.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Boston today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.