What is the best nearby beach from Boston MA?

Since Boston is one of the most significant coastal cities in the United States, the inhabitants get easy access to the beautiful beaches on the Massachusetts coast. Close to the Atlantic Ocean, the distances are easily manageable by car or by train, thus there are many opportunities to enjoy sand and sea in summer. If one is in the mood for a beach day and is near the city, there are a few good possibilities that are anywhere from an hour up to two hours away. Below is a summary of some of the best nearby beaches in Boston and what one can find at each place.

Crane Beach (Ipswich, MA)

Crane Beach is one of the most lovely beaches in Massachusetts today owing to its white sand, presence of dunes, and natural setting; it is 45 minutes North of Boston. One of the parcels of land united under Crane Estate belonging to The Trustees organization, this beach has a very secluded look to it which makes one not realize that it is but an hour's drive from a city proper.

The beach is very long and is over 4 miles long and even during the summer you can always get a good place to lay down. The only possible drawback can be attributed to its crowds, which are comparatively smaller than other northern MA beaches, primarily because of the $35 per car admission on the weekends and a hike from the parking area to the actual shore area. Besides the scenic stroll which takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach the water's edge, the terrain passes through salt marsh and dunes, and in the distance, you can see the Crane mansion.

On arriving at the site known as Crane Beach, this beach looks almost Caribbean with a white sandy beach and clear water, and occasional rocky seashore birds in search of food in the shallow waters. Given the length, remoteness, and magnificent setting, one of the best for long strolls, picnicking, taking photos, sunbathing, and just spending leisure time watching the waves and breathing in the sea breeze. Just a word of advice there are no loos or breaks so if you planning on going pack your lunch.

Good Harbor Beach is a beautiful beach situated in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Overlooking the picturesque rocky shoreline of Cape Ann, around 45 miles northeast of Boston is Good Harbor Beach – a picturesque public beach that features good and easy access facilities without compromising the natural surroundings. Situated within the giant Stage Fort Park, Good Harbor better known for its soft white sands embracing a deep blue sea offers swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and seashell hunting.

Good Harbor is one of the city-run public beaches that are provided with lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, and concession facilities and may also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, making it possible for one to have a full day of full-service beach. It has a parking fee that is determined by the status of the person either as a resident or a visiting one, the time of visit, etc.

Being a popular beach during summer, Good Harbor is seldom too crowded despite its population density because there is ample space in the sandy beach area. It caters to lovers, families with kids, the elderly as well as any other category of people who might wish to access a beach. Adjacent saltwater marsh can be equally enjoyed for observing nature and taking pictures if you get bored with the water.

Upon leaving the beaches, do not forget to visit downtown Gloucester only 5 minute's drive to find a variety of seafood restaurants, shops, and a beautiful harbor.

Revere Beach (Revere, MA)

Of course, you can always have your beach vacation without having to drive a few hours from Boston. Visit Revere Beach, the nearest and a great opportunity for a swim beach only 10 miles from the city. After its opening in 1896, Revere Beach became one of the most famous public beaches in America which is situated near Boston.

Located along the Revere Beach Parkway – a part of the city’s earlier plans – this 3-mile-long stretch of a golden sandy beach affords all traditional and fun beach-related activities along an urban coastline. Families go flying kites, friends go for a volley, and couples go for a romantic walk. It is always fun on a fine day you can never get bored with lots of things going on! For children, there are playgrounds for them to play; there are food vendors who sell food that is unique to the area; there is free parking; and there are paths that are favorable for biking, running, or even skateboarding and all these while going through the view of the ocean.

Other outdoor activities take place in summer such as concerts, festivals, and fireworks which are always welcomed by massive turnout. What makes Revere Beach stand out from other ocean beaches is that it is easily accessible by subway from downtown Boston, with the Blue Line getting you there in no time at all; plus it eliminates the headache of traffic and parking that is most often experienced with other similar beaches.

If you do not wish sand to be in your shoes click on Revere Beach Reservation for it has areas for picnicking that are just a stone’s throw from the sand. But again, you don’t necessarily have the sit right on the beach if that is not your preference but you get to enjoy the views of water.

Nantasket Beach (Hull, MA)

If, however, the families are interested in the fun at the shore and other attractions in addition to the sand and the sea, there is Nantasket Beach, about 45 45-minute drive from Boston. While technically a barrier beach extension of Hull town, Nantasket has nature and the feel of the sea with a historic boardwalk, restaurants, an arcade, mini golf, and other attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages.

The sandy shore is not exposed to the protected water of bays but to the wild sea, thus good swimming and surfing are possible and the amenities such as bathhouses, changing rooms, and parking facilities are easily accessible. Luckily, the house is located just across the street from the Paragon Park boardwalk, so you’ll never have to worry about being bored! Some fun things that kids will enjoy are; playing games, riding the carousel which was one of the original rides in the park, and taking a break for snacks like salt water taffy.

Nantasket Beach is a community beach that is within easy traveling distance for local families or day-trippers from Boston City. Favors concerts and bonfires make it possible to spend night time enjoying the scenery since it takes a long to get dark at the beach. If you want to have a little more of the relaxation without having to do the amusements, then stroll down the distance from the Paragon Park shoreline.

Specifically, the wide sandy area, moderate water, availability of food and drinks, and other amusements make Nantasket Beach a wonderful place for recreation and fun for the entire family surrounded by nature's beauty.

Final Thoughts

Enduring the traffic from Boston or a lengthy subway ride can be extremely tiring, so beaches within an hour's drive or reachable by public transportation afford the best, least stressful days. Beaches marked near the place provide beautiful views of the coastline, good places to swim, and some features that can enhance the comfort of the beach experience.

With just two weekends, the Boston area offers one of the country’s best selections of beach options to experience from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends whether your choice is an active resort such as Revere Beach and Nantasket or a tranquil natural setting, Crane Beach or Good Harbor. So pack your sunblock and swim trunks, and head out to one of these great stretches of sand near the city!