12 best beaches in Boston area: a selection of places to visit

New England has many beautiful beaches to visit while in and around Boston. From picturesque resort towns to secluded oases with sparsely populated beaches.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the ocean and visit one of the beautiful beaches around Boston!
1. Revere Beach
Revere Beach, is one of the best beaches near Boston and is located on the north shore of the city. It is almost 5 km long, of which 1.5 km is for pedestrians and the rest is for beach recreation.
Here you can see a monument to the city's residents who stood in defense of North America in World War II, and enjoy views of Boston Harbor and Logan Airport.
Despite the fact that the waterfront is in an urban area, it is quite comfortable and cozy. There are cafes and restaurants, festivals (such as the Festival of Sand and Sea), a farmers' market, and concerts held annually.
Revere Beach can be reached by the Blue Line subway, getting off at the Revere Beach station. Parking is also available.
If you want to visit nice beaches near Boston, Revere Beach should be at the top of the list.

2. Beaches on Nantucket Island
These are beaches on a beautiful island about 30 miles from Boston. The island is quite large, and its coastline is known for its beautiful ocean views and excellent surfing conditions.
Nantucket Island is located southwest of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and is a popular resort destination in the United States. You can find many great beaches near Boston. Here are some of them:
- Madaket Beach - located in the southwest of the island and is famous for a truly unique sunset. Popular with surfers and kitesurfers.
- Surfside Beach - One of the longest shores on Nantucket Island, equally popular with surfers and beach gurus.
- Jetties Beach is one of the most accessible shores on Nantucket Island. It is located in the historic district and is known for its clean sand and clear water.
- Dionis Beach - Located on the north shore of the island, Dionis Beach differs from other beaches on Nantucket literally for its wild beauty. It is located on a natural square, has no cafes or restaurants and is the perfect spot for a beach picnic.
- Sankaty Head Beach is a cove near the historic Sankaty Head Lighthouse on the east end of the island. The slightly remote and tranquil shoreline is perfect for a romantic getaway.
To get to Nantucket Island, you must take a ferry from the port of Hyannis on Cape Cod.

3. Good Harbor
This is one of the nicest beaches near Boston. It is located within the city of Gloucester, 40 miles north of Boston.
Here you can enjoy snow-white sand, crystal-clear water and gentle waves, and scenic views of the slopes of Cape Ann.
There are sun loungers and umbrellas on the coast, as well as showers and toilets. For beach volleyball fans, there is a special court. There is also a parking lot where you can leave your car.
Good Harbor Beach is very popular with tourists, so it is often crowded, especially on weekends and during the holidays. However, due to its length, there is always room for everyone on the sand.
There are restaurants and stores near the beach where you can buy beach supplies and treats.
You can get to Good Harbor Beach by car and by public transportation such as buses and trains.
If you want to enjoy a great view of the ocean, surf or just relax on the sand, Good Harbor, the best beaches outside of Boston, is a great choice.
4. Salisbury Beach
This large beach on the North Shore, adjacent to the New Hampshire state line, is known for its picturesque dunes, miles of length, and many visitor services.
Salisbury Beach is located in Salisbury, 50 km north of Boston, and is one of the most popular closest beaches to Boston on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Here you will find many amenities for recreation: umbrellas and sun loungers, the possibility of renting beach gear, volleyball courts and other entertainment on the water. Nearby there are cafes where you can eat, as well as restaurants and stores.
Salisbury Beach is popular for surfing, kitesurfing, and fishing. It also hosts annual festivals, concerts, and shows.
Salisbury Beach can be reached by car or public transportation.
Salisbury Beach is one of the perfect beaches outside of Boston.
5. Crane Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in New England, located 30 miles north of Boston. Crane Beach is famous for its scenic views and variety of wildlife. There are many trails, tours, and a variety of birds, animals, and plants to see.
Crane Beach is characterized by its unique sand, colored in different shades of yellow and beige, extensive beach dunes and crystal clear water.
There are guarded bathing areas as well as cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy American cuisine and ocean views. The beach is family-friendly, with umbrella and sun lounger rentals and beach activities such as volleyball, Frisbee, and surfing.
Crane Beach is also famous for its convenient parking lot, where you can always find a place for your car, and on-site services such as restrooms, showers, kayak and other equipment rentals.
Crane Beach can be reached by car, by public transportation such as buses and trains, or by ferry from Boston to the port at Cape Ann.
If you want to spend a day with your family at the best beaches close to Boston, Crane Beach would be a great choice.
6. Nahant Beach
Nahant Beach is one of the best beaches in Boston area, located only 30 minutes from the city. This sandy shore with crystal clear water, attracts tourists with its beauty and cozy atmosphere. Nearby there are many restaurants, cafes and stores where you can taste local delicacies.
You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and play beach volleyball or take a boat ride in the area. There are parks and picnic areas where you can relax with family or friends.
You can get to Nahant Beach by car (parking is chargeable) or by public transportation. The most convenient way is to take bus #441 from Lynn or take the train to Swampscott Station and then walk to the beach.
If you are looking for a great beach around Boston, Nahant Beach is a great choice for relaxation and recreation in a pleasant atmosphere.
7. Wollaston Beach
A short drive from Boston, you can sunbathe, swim in the ocean and enjoy a beautiful view of Boston Bay at Wollaston Beach.
It's a beautiful beach, with soft sand and crystal clear water, for a wonderful weekend getaway.
The sandy shore has many amenities, including showers, locker rooms, restrooms, restaurants and stores where you can buy food and drinks. There are also frequent events, concerts and festivals for both adults and children to participate in.
Also on the beach you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, play volleyball in the sand or ride a bike along the promenade.
You can get to Wollaston Beach by car (free parking is available for visitors) and by public transportation. The most convenient way is to take the train to Wollaston Station on the red metro line and then walk to the beach.
Overall, if you're looking for nice beaches near Boston with lots of amenities and activities, then Wollaston Beach is an ideal choice.
8. Castle Island Beach
Castle Island Beach is a South Boston beach with a beautiful view of Boston Harbor, where you can swim, stroll along the waterfront, and visit the historic fortress in the same park.
Castle Island Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the Boston coast. Located on Castle Island, this beach is the perfect place for families.
Castle Island is 22 acres, where you'll find playgrounds for the kids, barbecue areas, bike paths, and plenty of picnic areas.
Castle Island is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean, take a walk along the shore, or ride your bike along the nearby paths.
Castle Island is also home to the famous Sullivans Castle Island Restaurant, where you can sample fine local cuisine to the sound of the waves.
If you want to spend a day at the nicest beaches near Boston, Castle Island is a great choice for relaxing, picnicking and spending time with family and friends.
9. Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island is a great place for those who love outdoor activities. Here you can swim in the sea, sunbathe, play beach volleyball or walk around the island on special trails. There are also picnic and camping spots on the island, and catamarans and canoes for rent.
You can get to Spectacle Island Beach only by water transport. You can use charter companies to get to Spectacle Island by private boat, or take a sightseeing tour to see the most beautiful places in Boston Bay.
This is a terrific vacation spot for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors on beaches outside of Boston. However, please note that there are some restrictions on Spectacle Island, so it is important to find out the information before you visit.
10. Saugus River
Saugus River is a great beach near Boston, located in the municipality of Lynn. It is a cozy beach with soft sand and clear water that attracts many tourists and locals.
There are plenty of facilities, including showers, toilets, changing rooms and a cafe where you can buy drinks and light snacks. There are also plenty of picnic and barbecue areas on the shore, as well as areas for sports and entertainment.
Even though Saugus River is very close to the hustle and bustle of Boston, it offers a full range of amenities to make your time as comfortable as possible. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are great facilities for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
You can reach Saugus River by car, using the free parking located near the coast. You can also take public transportation: a bus of various routes from the Wonderland stop on the Metro Blue line directly to the beach.
Overall, Saugus River is a great choice for an outdoor getaway while being close to Boston.
11. Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the best beaches near Boston, USA located in Nahant Massachusetts. It has excellent cafes, restaurants and stores where you can buy everything you need for a beach vacation. Excellent infrastructure, a large sandy shore, lots of areas for recreation, tents, umbrellas, sun loungers and showers on the beach will make your vacation as comfortable as possible.
On the coast you can play active sports such as beach volleyball, basketball, Frisbee. Long Beach also has excellent playgrounds and fields for games of croquet and badminton. On the weekends there are seafood festivals, beach parties, concerts and other activities.
Long Beach is accessible by car or public transportation. From downtown Boston, it will take you about 35 minutes by car. Public transportation stops are close to the beach.
If you love beach vacations and are looking for the best beaches near Boston, Long Beach is a must visit.
12. Horseneck Beach
Horseneck Beach is located in Buzzaratown Bay, Bristol County, Massachusetts, and is one of the best beaches outside of Boston. It is a favorite destination for many locals and tourists.
Horseneck Beach offers everything you need for a comfortable vacation. Its features include a wide sandy shore, big waves, clear sea, picnic areas, charming scenery and various sports.
There are many places along the coast where you can enjoy the sunset and view the beautiful nature. You can go surfing, swimming, boating or fishing here. Outside, the beach is mesmerizing, clean, well-maintained and very diverse. It may feel like you are not in the United States, but directly on one of the islands of the Caribbean Sea.
To get to Horseneck Beach, you'll need about an hour by car from Boston. You can also take a bus or train, but it will take a little longer.
If you want to visit one of the best beaches in Boston, make sure to visit Horseneck Beach. It is suitable for lovers of active and relaxing holidays, as well as for those who want to spend time in a quiet and beautiful environment.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a place to stay at the best beaches near Boston, then you should check out the 12 most popular places presented above. Here you'll find everything you need for a comfortable and exciting vacation - picturesque sandy shores, cozy waterfronts, plenty of entertainment for visitors, wildlife, easy access, and most importantly, the best experiences.