Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or wildlife, the bountiful beaches of Massachusetts offer a stunning slice of coastline for you to enjoy. From Cape Cod to the North Shore and Boston Harbor to Nantucket, these seaside escapes invite you to spend a day in the surf and sand. With over 200 miles of coastline, the Bay State features an endless array of options for beachgoers; however, we believe these are the 10 absolute best attractions.
Crane Beach
Leave civilization behind at Crane Beach. This Ipswich-area gem is the crown jewel of the Crane Estate nature reserve, accessed via winding trails through powdery dunes. Enjoy some of the finest sunbathing in New England while cooling off in the chilly waters of Cape Cod Bay. Make your visit a fuller experience by touring the Crane Mansion, which also sits on the grounds.
Rock Harbor
A majestic beach to spread out and explore, the sands of Rock Harbor near Orleans are perfect for adventure at low tide. When conditions are just right, sunset casts a mirror-like visage over the slick sand flats, allowing visitors to stroll beneath partially submerged pine trees.
The beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and attracts a crowd during summer months; nevertheless, adventurous travelers can escape the throng by exploring Rock Island’s lesser-used east side. To reach this area, take Dyer Prince Road to find a parking lot and then walk down the sandy pathway leading to the beach.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach
New England views don’t get much more idyllic than at Chatham Lighthouse Beach. It’s an ideal location for photographers to enjoy the fluffy sands abutting Cape Cod Sound while observing the local population of harbor seals. Local businesses capitalize on this unique feature by offering tours directly from the beach.
Chatham Light is actively manned by the U.S. Coast Guard, and tours of the lighthouse are occasionally available.
Singing Beach
Experience the unique phenomenon of sand at Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, where the mingling grains of silica create a distinctive squeaking, or “singing” sound. This intriguing natural orchestra draws many curious visitors from Boston, who come to appreciate the charming town’s historic architecture and vintage bathhouse. The beach extends for over half a mile and is accessible via public transportation from Boston.
Spectacle Island
Search for seashells and sea glass while enjoying skyline views of Boston at Spectacle Island. This small stretch of sand hosts a marina, a five-mile hiking loop, and offers some of the best views in Massachusetts. Spanning 114 acres, Spectacle Island has a rich history stretching back over a millennium, once used as a trash dump by both Indigenous people and Bostonians. In 1993, restoration efforts transformed it into one of the Bay State’s most beautiful public parks.
Madaket Beach
A trip to Madaket Beach is sure to be an adventure, as four-wheel drive, a bus ride via the NRTA WAVE, or a bike rental are preferred ways to access this serene alternative to Nantucket. The expansive sands here offer dramatic sunset views and powerful waves, ideal for beachgoers looking for secluded barrels beneath distant dunes and beachside cottages.
Marconi Beach
Experience colorful geology at Marconi Beach, near Wellfleet. This beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, features sands beneath pint-sized grassy cliffs that appear to change color over time, resembling hues more typical of the desert southwest than of New England.
The best access may be by bicycle, as Marconi Beach serves as a worthy stop along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which is a 25-mile bike path winding through dunes and woodlands on the route of a former railway. Bike rentals are available in South Wellfleet.
Cahoon Hollow Beach
A thrilling journey leads to Cahoon Hollow Beach. Visitors must descend a 75-foot dune while securely holding onto a rope, followed by a sandy trek towards the Atlantic. This dramatic descent offers an exhilarating way to access the beach, with the added allure of the legendary nightlife at The Beachcomber seafood restaurant, situated back at the top of the dunes.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach resembles a pirate’s paradise, surrounded by cliff faces. At low tide, the cliffs reveal a collection of nooks covered in sea grass, mussels, sea stars, and other marine life ready for exploration. The rocks also feature paths that lead up and over the beach, offering commanding views of Gloucester. Nearby parking is available, with a maximum fee of $15 on weekends, making this hidden gem an affordable escape.
The Spit
Locals in Scituate often recommend visiting The Spit by boat. This remote barrier beach is rich in seashells and hermit crabs, dotted with tide pools and stretches of uninterrupted sand. Thanks to a large breeding population of terns, The Spit also serves as an ideal location for bird-watching.
During peak months, finding a place to anchor can be challenging due to the influx of boaters; however, renting a boat during the shoulder season offers an intimate opportunity for travelers to engage with this local favorite. If boating isn’t your forte, The Spit is also accessible via a foot trail from Third Cliff.
